FoxersArtist
03-28-2009, 01:19 AM
Eclectus Peter has been worrying me. When he first arrived here, he was doing very well - not stressed, and friendly toward just about everyone. I have known Peter for years and was amazed by how his family was able to transform him from a biting, fit throwing monster into a very calm and peaceful little fellow. Eclectus parrots are very hard to understand and I think you have to have a special touch to soothe them. Peter did well here for a little while but I think the number of visitors we have regularly became grating to him. Several weeks ago he finally snapped while someone was holding him and he punched a hole through their lip (I told them not to let him up on their shoulder). From that time on, Peter was a biting machine. He has not seemed defensive or aggressive really but rather his biting has seemed to be a form of acting out - a way of saying "I'm just not happy with this life arrangement." I really began to worry for Peter because I know that he will not just go home with anyone. His needs are so special and who will care for him and nurture him the way his family did? I think his family was very busy with the too many birds they had and they became overwhelemed by all the creatures around them. Still, Peter was their extra special guy and I think he got special treatment. They seemed the most sad to see him go.
Today I expressed my concern with Peters former owner whose health condition has greatly improved with medication, a total home makeover, high grade air purifiers, a lack of parrot dander, and some other fancy stuff. I told her that I was worried about Peter. He had a potential new home but my heart just didn't feel right about it. She was sorry to hear that Peter was acting out. This evening she called me back and was so excited I could hardly understand her. As it turns out (and this is something I didn't know) eclectus parrots have a very low amount of dander due to their special feathering which requires more oil and are approved as hypoallergenic pets. WoW! Mom expressed that she could not get Peter off her mind after I exoressed my concern and begged me to let them take their baby back home. For the first time, my heart swelled for Peter and I felt peace. I knew he needed to stay with those folks.
I got Peters things loaded into the car and took him over tonight. His dad was so happy to see his bird that he kissed me!!! Peter lit up like I have never seen before - giving kisses and hugs to his mommy and daddy and expressing his glee. I have never seen a more happy parrot or a more happy couple. They are going to try it for a while and see but are feeling confident that their baby will not bother her condition. I am really thrilled that Peter found his way back home and do not think he could have found a happier place on earth.
-Anna
Today I expressed my concern with Peters former owner whose health condition has greatly improved with medication, a total home makeover, high grade air purifiers, a lack of parrot dander, and some other fancy stuff. I told her that I was worried about Peter. He had a potential new home but my heart just didn't feel right about it. She was sorry to hear that Peter was acting out. This evening she called me back and was so excited I could hardly understand her. As it turns out (and this is something I didn't know) eclectus parrots have a very low amount of dander due to their special feathering which requires more oil and are approved as hypoallergenic pets. WoW! Mom expressed that she could not get Peter off her mind after I exoressed my concern and begged me to let them take their baby back home. For the first time, my heart swelled for Peter and I felt peace. I knew he needed to stay with those folks.
I got Peters things loaded into the car and took him over tonight. His dad was so happy to see his bird that he kissed me!!! Peter lit up like I have never seen before - giving kisses and hugs to his mommy and daddy and expressing his glee. I have never seen a more happy parrot or a more happy couple. They are going to try it for a while and see but are feeling confident that their baby will not bother her condition. I am really thrilled that Peter found his way back home and do not think he could have found a happier place on earth.
-Anna