Our New Feathered Child

[karenbird]

Well the day is finally drawing closer, we have waited quite a while to meet our latest family member.

Buddy is a 17wk old Ecelectus (at present time)...we pick him up on Tuesday next week.

The breeder was in my eyes great, allowing us to pop over and feed him, give him cuddles and talk to him for the last few weeks prior to him moving to his forever home.

Although we have read books and spent many months researching in preparation, we are still very nervous........Can anyone re-assure us or offer any advice?.......Many thanks

 

[labell]

Congrats on your new baby boy. I would be considered bias but I think eclectus are one of the best parrots out there!
The key is to keep their diet varied and mostly fresh. Give lots of baths, at least 4 a week.

Teach him to step up onto a stick as well as your hand, that avoids many issues later on. Make him part of the family and expose him to new people and situations. Provide toys that are softer wood more shred-able. Foraging toys are great as well they are smart and figure them out pretty quickly!

Post pictures once Buddy is home we would love to see him.

 

[Kiwibird]

Congrats on your new addition Labell has given some great advice. Just want to add, let your new buddy set the pace and never force him. Some birds take to you right away and learn very quickly, others take more time, and you just never know until you get them home. If you are patient with him and allow him to learn and bond at his own pace, you will have a wonderful friend for life. Best of luck!

 

[antoinette]

Congrats
Looking forward to seeing many pic's

 

[karenbird]

Hi guys, well Buddy has had a name change, once my daughter met with him she decided he looked more like a Harley. I have noticed he has a little lump on his chest and some bald spots around the area, also around one ankle....Is the normal for an 18 week old????.....Could it be mite/Lice?...Sorry so many questions I will try and get a close up pic of him. Many thanks in advance.

 

[MonicaMc]

The lump on his chest might be his crop full of food, or it might even be the top of his keel bone (aka "sternum").


Being that he's hand raised, it's probably "normal", in the sense that hand raised chicks may appear to have less feathers than most parent raised chicks. The "baldness" should go away as he matures some, although parrots are naturally "bald" in some areas.