Why do I HAVE to Talk to EVERY Bird???

[Amanda_Bennett]

Zilla needed food, so I was just gonna run into the Bird Hut and gab what she needed and run out...That was the plan...I told myself on the way there "NO hanging out chatting with all the birds"...

So as soon as I walked in the door I started saying "HI" to all of them! Going from cage to cage giving head scratches and having "mini conversations" with everyone... I know when I do this I end up spending hours there playing and chatting...

About the 5th or 6th cage in is beautiful sulfur crested too who always wants a head scratch and to hand me peanuts, so I was chatting with her and from behind me I hear this super cute little voice say "HI" "what cha doin" "HI" Of course I had to turn around and see who was talking to me...

It was a stunning little boy ekkie! He is so bright he almost glows, and his voice is so darn cute! When I got to him he was still saying HI and looking at me with those little eyes of his... Then he handed me his sunflower seed through the cage bars! I held it and talked to him a bit then handed it back and he ate it, dug around for another one and handed it to me... He did this a few times and I started walking away saying "bye bye" "I gotta go now" he said "HI" "HI" So of course I came back and played his game with him a few more times...

I did finally have to go though and he looked so sad...it was all I could do to walk away. The whole time I was talking to the other birds and getting Zilla's food he was saying "HI" and trying to get me to come back and play with him.

He is over and above my "comfort" price zone, plus cage and supplies, but I can't get him out of my head!

Could I provide a good home for him? I don't know anything about ekkies except what I have read on this forum...

Opinions? Suggestions? Tell me if I'm crazy to even consider an ekkie?

 

[Ann333]

Sounds like this bird chose you! Isnt that the way it is supposed to work?! Just curious, do you work at a pet store or a rescue?

 

[RavensGryf]

Amanda, YOU are someone who I think would be fine with most ANY species. Your dedication and lifestyle I think would lend itself well to the more sensitive needs of an Ekkie, or really any species of your choosing. I think you are experienced enough at this point too, and with your continued eagerness to learn I have no doubt you can take on whatever bird you click with regardless of species.

 

[Delfin]

Go for it if you delay you could miss the chance for a really excellent companion bird.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

No I don't. I'm an apartment manager. The Bird Hut is only a couple miles from me and it's where I get Zilla's food and have her groomed, so I'm there at least weekly.

Been "stalking" the place for years and years knowing I would get another bird at some point, then Zilla fell into my arms and I've had to concentrate on her health issues.

Now it's almost time for her follow up vet visit to make sure she is healthy and it would be safe to get another bird.

The last bird that chose me there found another home earlier this week, so I've been a bit down knowing she wouldn't be coming home with me.

Now this little green ekkie throws me a curve ball...

 

[DoodlesMom]

Amanda..like I said before, you are an AMAZING Parront. Your dedication & love of birds will guide ya
through the different species needs.

The birdie picked you...just think long and hard of whats good for the rest of the flock and you're financial comfort zone. I think you'd do great!

 

[Sunset_Chaser]

Amanda, I totally agree with everyone's comments. I've been following Zilla's story and think you are an excellent parront! Eclectus are amazing birds and although they require a special diet I have no doubt in my mind that you can handle it. It sounds like that little guy picked you!

 

[labell]

YOU would be a GREAT home for an eclectus!!!

My advise YES YES YES!!:jumping40

They do have the SWEETEST voices! don't they!

 

[Psittaciformes]

I think you'd be alright with it
It's been stated before but you are a great parront. So yeah, I'm sure you could handle it.

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

Well, not the reaction I was expecting! I thought you all would tell me ekkies are too sensitive or I'm not experienced enough to take on that responsibility!

I've been reading past ekkie posts about diets and such and I think Zilla's diet is close to an ekkie diet, so maybe with a bit of fine tuning I could make it work for both a zon and an ekkie.

I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high. I still have to get through Zilla's vet appointment on Feb. 12th and get the all clear from the vet.

If only he will stop being so cute and sweet to everyone he might still be there in a month!

 

[labell]

Well, not the reaction I was expecting! I thought you all would tell me ekkies are too sensitive or I'm not experienced enough to take on that responsibility!

I've been reading past ekkie posts about diets and such and I think Zilla's diet is close to an ekkie diet, so maybe with a bit of fine tuning I could make it work for both a zon and an ekkie.

I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high. I still have to get through Zilla's vet appointment on Feb. 12th and get the all clear from the vet.

If only he will stop being so cute and sweet to everyone he might still be there in a month!

Brady (YNA) eats very much like the eclectus same fresh foods and it has done wonders for her. She cleans her bowl as good and some days better than the ekkies and that's saying a lot. In fact I have started giving her the Volkman's eclectus seed (small amount like the eclectus in the evening) because it is a better seed mix imo and the Goldn'obles are a great pellet and I don't give many of those to the eclectus so really they eat the same things.

Can you put a deposit on the ekkie boy so you don't miss out again? I thought anything that was contagious had been ruled out with Zilla right? What test result is coming back?

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

Well, not the reaction I was expecting! I thought you all would tell me ekkies are too sensitive or I'm not experienced enough to take on that responsibility!

I've been reading past ekkie posts about diets and such and I think Zilla's diet is close to an ekkie diet, so maybe with a bit of fine tuning I could make it work for both a zon and an ekkie.

I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high. I still have to get through Zilla's vet appointment on Feb. 12th and get the all clear from the vet.

If only he will stop being so cute and sweet to everyone he might still be there in a month!

Brady (YNA) eats very much like the eclectus same fresh foods and it has done wonders for her. She cleans her bowl as good and some days better than the ekkies and that's saying a lot. In fact I have started giving her the Volkman's eclectus seed (small amount like the eclectus in the evening) because it is a better seed mix imo and the Goldn'obles are a great pellet and I don't give many of those to the eclectus so really they eat the same things.

Can you put a deposit on the ekkie boy so you don't miss out again? I thought anything that was contagious had been ruled out with Zilla right? What test result is coming back?

Zilla eats mostly fresh foods, whole wheat pasta, brown & wild rice, 15 bean mix, veggies, fruits, about 1/8 cup seeds a day and she doesn't even eat all of them, golden obles as treats (she thinks they are cheerios) and various nuts, dried fruits, peppers both dried and fresh.

I could put a deposit down, but Zilla has to go in and be checked to make sure the asper is gone. She finished her meds on 1/4 but vet wants to wait until 2/12 to check and see if we got it all or if she will need another round of meds. She says that will give it time enough for spores to hatch & grow if they are still there. I could maybe push up that appointment, but I want to do whats best. I think we got it all, just by how Zilla is acting, and she hasn't had an issue with her breathing in weeks now, so I'm pretty confident it worked. I made sure she always got all the meds and didn't spit any out.

I'm just terrified of putting another birds life at risk, so I think I really need to wait for the vet to give the all clear. Maybe I will call her and ask if we can move up Zilla's appointment. My gut says she is fine now, but I would hate for my gut to be wrong!

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

Just talked to Dr. L's receptionist and we have decided to move Zilla's vet check up to this coming Friday Jan. 23rd!

I'm excited but nervous!

 

[Sunset_Chaser]

Yay! Hard to wait though.... I'll be sending good thoughts your way!

 

[Taw5106]

Um I am not a good person to give advice since I got one today not planned. She is so sweet, nervous but she will adjust. Husband is in love with her. See no great advice. I DO AGREE with everyone you are an awesome parront because you are. So I'll be watching to see what you decide good luck!

 

[kq_fan]

You should totally do it! I think it would break his little heart if you didn't! I know you would be able to take care of an ekkie!

 

[Allee]

Amanda, you would be an excellent parront to an ekkie, or any other parrot. I spent eight months with an ekkie, and even more than other species, the ekkies are magical creatures, too beautiful to believe.

I don't think you would have any problem adapting Zilla's diet to an Ekkie's special needs.

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

Um I am not a good person to give advice since I got one today not planned. She is so sweet, nervous but she will adjust. Husband is in love with her. See no great advice. I DO AGREE with everyone you are an awesome parront because you are. So I'll be watching to see what you decide good luck!

If I didn't have to make sure Zilla is all well and not contagious anymore I would have brought him home yesterday! I'm good at not planning, Zilla wasn't planned, she just happened. I got a phone call and within a few hours she was here! I will definitely keep everyone posted about how Zilla's vet visit goes Friday and if I get him.

You should totally do it! I think it would break his little heart if you didn't! I know you would be able to take care of an ekkie!

I will know what I can or can't do as soon as Zilla sees the vet Friday. It might break my little heart if I can't get him!

 

[Kalidasa]

Amanda if anyone can do it you can! Follow your gut, if it's a no, go with no..but if it's a yes, then WOOHOO! . Any way you could get zilla over there and she how she reacts to this eckkie?
Personally, I think you're an awesome parront and any bird would be lucky to have you!

 

[miloslave]

Friday is so far away! While we wait, please go back and fetch us some photos! I cant wait for this little one to be home safe with you!