keeping the bond

[Moogie]

i was just thinking about when Meeko meets Elf and how to keep the bond going/improving it with Meeko...
Its funny as we have only had Meeko for 2 weeks now and the bond already is so much more than what i have with little Elf...
Elf is very timid and alot scares him...he will hop on my finger to be brought out of his cage and to be put back in (if he hasnt already taken him self back in) sometimes he will gladly sit on my finger for 15 mins whilst i gently talk to him and we both get all tierd together but apart from this he doent seem intrested in any thing else...He doesnt really fly around alot and isnt really intrested in what i am doing...he prefers to be in the comfort and safety of his cage....i am and will continue to try and get him to feel more confident though...
Meeko on the other hand just wants to be with me all the time (due to Sarahs fantastic work with him) he is a happy confident cheeky little bird that wants to know every thing i am doing...Only today when in the bedroom with him,i was knitting (as you do) and he couldnt help but fly down on to my arm to see what on earth i was doing,once he had investorgated this he continued up to my shoulder to play with my hair as i had them in plaits...Again a short while after he flew down on to my knee and ran to take a look and nibble of my toes ha ha rather him than me...
ANYWAY what im getting at is-when Meeko and Elf are finally together how can i keep and improve on this bond with Meeko as im a little worried that he may start to copy and feel like Elfie-all scared and timid,like us humans are something to fear...I really dont want this to happen to him as it wont be a nice feeling for him....do you think this will happen or can i prevent it in some way.....sorry im going on a bit,ill shut up now and await your answers and advice xx

[mizloco]

Meeko might bring Elf out of his shell a bit more and get him doing what he's doing.

[Nicola]

I agree with Mizloco There are 2 ways this could go. There's a very good chance that if you continue bonding with both regularly when they're together that Meeko will teach Elf that your not scary and you only want to make him feel safe. For example, none of my 9 budgies are tame, but when I do go in the aviary, Poppi (one of my youngest) will sometimes hop onto my arm, climb up to my shoulder and nibble my face and hair. And then because 1 is getting my attention, Daisy (my newest) will want to be part of the fun as well and try to pluck the courage to hop on me as well. But when Poppi isn't on me, I'm suddenly all scary to Daisy and she won't go anywhere near me! So as long as you bond regularly with Meeko (make sure Elf is out at the same time and bond with him too) hopefully Elf will want to have some attention as well. When Elf is a bit more confident with you, try and give them the same amount of attention to build up your trust with Elf ( not that you don't now of course). But in my opinion, I personally think that most of the time you should try to have both Meeko and Elf out at the same time, just so Elf can see that your not so scary after all. Budgies are such jealous birdies and will do what ever it takes to get attention Just make sure that you have plenty of millet on hand! The other way it could go, is Meeko becomes shy like Elf. I doubt this would happen though unless you forgot about them both completely ( not that you would ever do that of course) Just bond regularly with them as I said before and little Elf should soon follow in Meekos footsteps

Nicola

[Moogie]

Thank you Guys
Thats fab advice,i was hoping Elf may follow Meeko and feel like 'OH shes not that bad after all'....got 2 more weeks of quarantine to go and then they meet YAAAAY cant wait now,feels like a life time

[Hezz]

To be honest, Moogie, I don't really think Meeko's being so quiet is going to help much with Elfie. Sorry! But I really do feel that you have done the very best with Elfie so far that you can ........ you have tried and tried and are at the place you are. Meeko may give Elfie a small and short respite from his fear, but after all this time, I think you need to appreciate Elfie for the pro's he already brings to your life. Elfie may thaw to a certain extent but don't go looking for him to become another Meeko.

As I have mentioned, Elfie is so very lucky to have you, and not so many others, to look out for him, as his timid nature could have found him in a situation of being stuck in a corner and forgotten. You will never do that. I am sure both Meeko and Elfie will be fine ....... as will be your bond with Meeko. TC xxx

[Moogie]

Apr 24, 2013 12:10:09 GMT Hezz said:

To be honest, Moogie, I don't really think Meeko's being so quiet is going to help much with Elfie. Sorry! But I really do feel that you have done the very best with Elfie so far that you can ........ you have tried and tried and are at the place you are. Meeko may give Elfie a small and short respite from his fear, but after all this time, I think you need to appreciate Elfie for the pro's he already brings to your life. Elfie may thaw to a certain extent but don't go looking for him to become another Meeko.

As I have mentioned, Elfie is so very lucky to have you, and not so many others, to look out for him, as his timid nature could have found him in a situation of being stuck in a corner and forgotten. You will never do that. I am sure both Meeko and Elfie will be fine ....... as will be your bond with Meeko. TC xxx

Thank you Bgm-i love little Elfie,he is a little sweet heart and strangley over the past 2 weeks has become a little less timid-maybe he knows what is in store for him...you are so right he would never be left in a corner,he is as much as the family as Ned,danny and meeko-hes my little sweet baby

[Hezz]

Can't wait to find out Elfie's reaction to another bird in the house! I am sure he will love Meeko, but softly, softly will be the way to go. I may well be wrong and Elfie will come out of his shell to the extent he is like another bird, but if not ....... we all love him regardless.