Retraining?

[lwilson]

Thinking of adopting a female Eclectus. 12years old. She hasn’t been interacted with enough. She’s beautiful and doesn’t seem to be stressed out. Evidently she has some bad behaviors like screaming when her person leaves “a lot”! She has not been potty trained or socialized. Is there hope for retraining and integration?

 

[Violet_Diva]

That's a very good question. Unfortunately I only have young birds and lack the experience of rehoming older birds.

In theory my gut says any bird has the potential for retraining, but equally, every bird is an individual.

I think you could only really take this bird on if you would be willing to accept she might not change her ways. Would you be able to tolerate her screams if she continues the behaviour regardless? Would you be happy to care for her for years and years even if you can't have the type of relationship with her you would ideally like to?

I know some people have taken on older 'problem' birds and have managed to build relationships with them, but others have had to simply accept the bird for who they are.

I wouldn't recommend you obtaining a bird on the premise that you could 'fix' them or 'change' them. This could leave you disappointed and mean the bird would need the upset of being rehomed yet again if things 'didnt work out'.

Hopefully someone with a bit more experience will chime in and offer some insight for you that will be more helpful....

 

[SailBoat]

Start by reading the Eclectus Forum in depth and detail!

Can in be done? Yes, is it easy, No!

'Near' every Parrot can be retrained. As stated above, you really need to leave any and all expectations at the door and accept that whatever your relationship builds too, that's just wonderful and be happy with it.

If your Parrot response to 'Starting from Zero' and you begin to develop a relationship, it will still take years.

Is it worth it? For me, YES!
For most people, NO!

Its more a question of who you are? Are you self-centered or other-centered?