Originally Posted by Big Blues

Leigh, how old is Occy? I don't have an Ekkie, but from what I am reading on the internet the onset of Eclectus hormones, if indeed that is the issue, is probably the most difficult time for both owner and bird but fortunately, it is only temporary and usually does not last longer than six months. Just as human teenagers go through a trying time (known as puberty) that can last for several years as they adjust to the transition from childhood to adulthood, birds go through a similar but shorter period of adjustment. By giving our birds loving guidance during their transition to adulthood, we help them to live successfully in our homes. We might feel that we do a lot of adjusting and compromising to live with our birds, but just imagine how much flexibility is required of our birds! To live in our homes, they must switch gears on their energy levels from that of a creature who would fly many miles a day and be active for most of their waking hours, to a caged bird who probably NEVER flies and only gets mild physical exercise for an hour a day -- if they're lucky. This compromise causes untold frustration as evidenced by feather destruction, screaming, biting, and other problems. In all these situations, we greatly underestimate the value of increased exercise for our birds. As hard as it is for us to endure (especially when screaming is part of the way our birds release pent up hormonal energy), it is equally difficult for the birds. A little understanding and extra TLC will help to preserve the trusting bond that we have carefully developed with our Eclectus.

Many times, unacceptable behaviors are temporary and can be stopped by making a few simple changes. It is only natural to feel disappointed and frustrated, but keep in mind that it is only temporary. Try to keep your eye on the goal of successfully weathering the temporary hormonal storm and still being friends when all is calm again. Unconditional love and consistent guidance can see us through this trying time.

and Leigh....hang in there!

Originally Posted by leighrivera

I can handle anything but the screaming. Please tell me it will stop soon!

Originally Posted by Maplebird

I can soooo relate Leigh! I can take all the nipping and biting and crankiness in general. But the SCREAMING!! OMG..Maple is really driving me crazy with that. I get so flustered when she does it. It's so LOUD!!! Even Harley tries to get away from her and the dog buries her head and whines! I always have a headache lately. The only thing that seems to work is giving her a "time out" in her room, all alone, and she quiets down for a LITTLE while. I sure hope it doesn't last too much longer either. I sooooo feel your pain. Poor babies must be totally out of sorts...gotta be hard on them too.

Just sometimes makes you wanna



Hang in there...I will for you!!!

Originally Posted by jun

I am noticing unusual behavior too , with my almost 1 year old female african grey and my 8 month old male caique. My grey and caique are getting loud and I mean loud. I notice my caique rubbing his bottom on my grey whenever he can. Both of them are biting a little harder but not enough to draw blood, just harder than usual. Do I need to do something about this or just let it go and let it pass.. Arent they a little too young for this behavior?

Originally Posted by leighrivera

All I want to do is leave right now. He's in there screaming now. I find myself retreating to my bedroom quite often now. If he doesnt stop by the time the weather warms up I wont be able to open windows. Last year I could hear them a block away when we went for walks. And he didnt scream then to the levels he does now. I can see why so many people rehome their birds. This is NOT easy. I just keep looking forward to my aviary for peace. They can fly, scream, destroy wood, I dont care what they do in there. I just hope it all happens soon. Im not a patient person.

Originally Posted by tamaran2

Leigh, 2 is a little early for ekkie hormonal screaming. It sounds like something else. It sounds like a boredom scream that ekkies like to do. I would tell you to find enrichment toys for him. I don't know what part of the country you are in but outside time helps. They LOVE, LOVE, LOVE - did I say LOVE- to go outside. This will help in more ways than you know. When we first built our aviary it was spring time. I worked from then on to acclimate
them to lower and lower temps., so that even in the winter time they go outside, even if it for a short period. If you could put even a small cage outside to give your ekkie some outside time, I think you will see a huge drop in the screaming.