Pre-Bird Purchases

[ProbablyHarrison]

Hey, everyone, me again. I'm sorry I ask so many questions! Haha

I've been reading the Birdtricks blog for quite some time now, long before I thought to look for a forum, and I've been pretty captivated by some of their stuff. I'm wondering if you guys trust their products? I feel like they're pretty trustworthy, but they also charge a decent amount for some of their things.

Anyway, I was considering buying some of their training DVDs and also subscribing to their organic, safe toy program which sends 3 toys to your door a month for a flat monthly rate.

I was wondering if I should a) get the DVDs now and watch them and get familiar with their advice BEFORE getting my eclectus, b) subscribing to the toy program NOW and stock up on some good toys before I get my little guy, c) not get either because you don't think I need them/think I should wait?

Also, just as a general while I'm making my "To Do" and "To Get" lists, are there any absolute MUST HAVES you'd recommend for owning a parrot/eclectus that you didn't think of before you needed it, or just think every eclectus owner should have? I wanna make sure I'm really prepared!

 

[mtdoramike]

When are you planning to get your Eclectus and from whom, are breeder or a second hand bird? I think most all of your thoughts are good ones as far as being prepared. But I wouldn't be as concerned with trick training as I would be about bonding. To me, the first 6 months should be about creating a close bond with your bird, then once a good bond is formed, you will have a much easier time training your bird.

 

[Pookamama]

Don't give Birdtricks.com your money! I've heard terrible things about them and how they just spam you to death! Their videos are helpful, but you can get more helpful things for free. So don't waste your money!
If you want useful training videos and don't want to pay out your rear for them, try here!
Trained Parrot - Blog Articles About Training Parrots Tricks
Then, for safe bird toys go to My Safe Bird Store. Awesome customer service, great selection, and you know it's safe. She sells the whole caboodle minus the bird, cages, perches, toys, food, etc. Kathie is a stellar woman who will help you with any questions!
http://www.mysafebirdstore.com/
Another place I've bought supplies at is Blu's Bird Toys. Great prices to make your own toys!

 

[ProbablyHarrison]

@Pookamama Thank you so much! I felt like Birdtricks had some quality information but at the same time their marketing and pushy sales made me feel a bit uncomfortable. I hadn't heard any critiques or anything. Thank you for the resources! I will definitely be looking through those sites thoroughly.

@mtdoramike I'm planning to get my eclectus late February/early March next year, from a good breeder. And I agree with your thinking, but at the same time I've heard that trick training is really helpful in the bonding process and helping your bird overcome some bad habits that a lot of birds deal with. Is that just more propaganda?