so, anybody who has weaned and raised a baby, please let me know your experiences with personality and bonding development. My baby amazon, she was born on may 8th, I dont think she likes me too much. I'm getting her to eat, but she puts up a hell of a fight, and I've figured out the best ways to do it with the less fight and mess, but she doesnt seem to be happy eating from me. She also runs away everytime I try to pet her and when I hold her, she squirms when I try to pet her. My other fids were all rescues and I had to earn their trust, but I dont know, I just dont want the new baby to hate me. Shes only been here since sunday, but I'm taking it personally. Somebody please tell me I'm an indiot and that its too oung for her to love me and she will eventually love me.

I didn't get Ollie until she was 8.5 weeks of age, so you're already ahead of where I was! Ollie didn't really develop a personality until she was about 13 weeks old or so. It wasn't until closer to that time that I fell head over heels for her, and her with me. Once her little personality starts to develop you'll see a different bird.

You haven't had her for that long. Give her more time. She's in a completely new environment and is probably just getting her bearings.

Give her time Josh she is just a wee baby now, and don't take it personalily. You two have a life time ahead of you to grow and bond to each other. I am sure she will show you how much she loves you being her parront when she is old enough.

Josh,

I'm going to tell you not to take it personally, eventhough I know from personal experience that it's hard not to. Things will change, but in the meantime, amuse yourself with my tale.

Okay, so picture this...
First bird, (researched species forever, knew to buy weaned, so not an impulse) baby Eclectus, pet store, pressure to get the bird outta there, sweet talked into handfeeding.

Kira was down to 2ish handfeedings a day and kinda getting bored/full part way thru. When I'd come home from work, I'd race to see my baby. The second she saw me, she would scream at me. I assumed she was hungry, mixed up formula, got ready to feed and she'd refuse me.

Well, if she wasn't hungry and she only screamed when I was around, that could only mean one thing......She HATED me...I bawled my eyes out. I wouldn't even tell my chat list that my new baby, my first bird, hated my guts. Even my Mom said, "Geez, she never screams at me."

Somebody on the list described the exact same thing and a breeder spoke up and said not to take it personally. The bird didn't hate her, she was testing her. So, my Kira didn't hate me. She was finding her way thru weaning and the scream was a test to see if I WOULD offer formula just in case she changed her mind, lol. It was how she made herself feel secure as she attempted to leave the feedings behind.

The best way I can put it is think of a human kid who begs and whines to have the training wheels off his bike, but then keeps looking behind him saying, "Dad, you're holding the seat right? You're not gonna let go right?" They kinda want it both ways.

BTW Kira is affectionately known as First Bird, and yes, I do show a little partiality. Kira is the bird who reduces me to tears when I hear her whisper, "I love you Kira. I love you Kira-Kira. I love ya Ra." She is my very best teacher and while we may not always agree, we do have a very special bond. Not so much from the feeding days but because we've grown with each other. It will happen with your little Zon...you'll see!

Oops! I just read my post and I wanted to add that I have no idea when Amazons wean so I didn't want to imply that your baby was weaning. Just wanted to express that I took things personally too!

Josh - I truly believe that your baby is just going through a very stressful time right now. A new environment, new hand feeder, no "flock" so to speak to hang out with - and where are all your feathers? She's used to her birdy buddies and now there's this guy without feathers hanging out with her! (Hope this is coming across with some humor).

Give her time. If you don't feel she is getting enough nutrition, though, you may want to let the bird store wean her out.

Poor Josh, I wish I could help, but I don't know anything about taking your fids actions personally .....do I guys?......................

Josh like everyone said, she's probably just adjusting to this new place she's in. She'll come around.

Yes, like Kathie said she's totally stressed and has alot to adjust to. Also, are you confident in your handfeeding? Sure about the temp and how they used to feed her before? And is she eating in between? Are you sure about the foods you're giving, like, are they the foods she knows and recognizes? Sometimes babies don't even know food is food. I'd also be weighing her daily.

Also, I'd watch that she has a good predictable daily routine meaning enough quiet dark uninterrupted sleep minimally following a strict natural daylight schedule including dawn and dusk with no artificial lighting after 3 pm. And that her cage placement is in an area she feels safe in, against a wall preferably in a corner.