Addition to the flock

[Joshuwaaa]

Hi,

I just wanted to ask some advice really regarding the male eclectus.

I currently have a male green cheek conure who I love to bits, an I really would like to add a male eclectus to our crew ! I live in a very nice apartment an even when Cricket, my GCC, screeches I get no complaints.

Iv done lots of research regarding their dietary requirements which I can meet and also their social needs.

I was just wondering if anyone had some pros and cons to owning an eclectus? Is it a good idea for me to get one? Would he fit in well with my current surroundings? An current bird? As bigger birds go are they nice to have?

I'm desperate to live with one, any help would be appreciated as some sites have mixed information? Any real owners shed some light? I would be really grateful.

 

[Aims]

I have an Ecky Jax, he's 17 months old and I have had him since he was 8 weeks and still hand feeding. he is a lovely bird, has his noisy moments but usually when he wants something, most of the other time he just chatters away to himself with the words he can say. He talks really clearly, started around 1yr. He likes to sit on my chest right I front of my face, which can be awkward ..Lol... He isn't a real cuddly bird that wants scratches, he won't let me stroke his head. He gives kisses though. Hope some of that helps.

 

[Pedro]

I think you will find that everyone here is very bias regarding their eclectus, I know i am.

Look if your getting a young one reinforce positive behavior from the beginning. Read as much as you can on Parrot Behaviors & why they do what they do. Understand what their body language is telling you. Treat him with respect & don't have any expectations. It all comes down to educating yourself, be prepared for unacceptable behavior & deal with it immediately.

Do's and Don'ts of Parrot Ownership

DOOLITTLE PARROTS - MACAWSAFRICAN GREYSAMAZONS - parrots bill of rights

 

[Chikoo]

I don't believe there are any cons specific to owning a male ekkie. Since you already have a parrot, you know the pros and cons of caring for one. Male ekkies make incredible pets, and if I were you, I wouldn't hesitate at all in acquiring one.

 

[lene1949]

Sometimes they can be a be loud, but I reckon if small kids were allowed in your apartment, you should be fine...

 

[Joshuwaaa]

Thank you all so much for getting back to me!

Eclectus has been the bird I've been craving so I just want to swat up as much as possible. I spoke to the bird friends I have an one lady said I should definetly look into the female? In the long run they can be more suitable to my lifestyle.


I always want to put Cricket first, but getting him a pal I don't think is a bad idea. Me and my partner are sold on Eclectus too.


Girl or boy? Hmmmm


Boys get randy, girls get hormonal. Need to read up some more, il post again to update.


Thanks again everyone,

 

[CRYROLFE]

Well we chose a male since we didn't want to worry about the hormonal nesting issues. We just love our little 4 month old male to bits but I can't say much more since he is so young. Night and day different from a GC....you learn to be calmer and slower around them. Hubby says he is like holding a really tame owl.

 

[Joshuwaaa]

I was wondering if anyone knows how well the green cheek and eclectus would do together? Would it be nice for them to have someone else around? or would it just cause a choir of horrible noise. Their both named as "generally" quite birds as birds go, but would they calm each other or just stress each other out.

I know to introduce them properly and make sure everything is nice and easy. An I'm prepared to do that, I was hoping the eclectus and green cheek would just keep each other company but also be calming to one another as neither are known for screaming.

Thank you for your help.

 

[kc_y0]

Some birds could be best of friends, others not like each other at all. There is no way to be able to tell if they will bond together or not. You just have to be prepared for the worst and if you can make time for them both separately, then you'll be right. I have an eclectus in an apartment, and my neighbours haven't said anything yet hahaha.. She can be loud at times, but mainly just when she hears other birds outside.

 

[Boysmom]

Best wishes, I adore my Ekkie she gets along well with all my birds.

 

[lpolliard]

Don't be misled. Their natural flocking call is LOUD! Their alarm call is even worst. On the scale of 747 engine loud. That being said, I have heard that it is possible to train them to use a different flocking call. I have been unsuccessful at this but to be fair I have not invested much time in modifying this behavior. Even if you are not successful with this behavior modification there are ways to manage the noise. Chico only uses his alarm when he sees a stranger out his window, usually the gardener. Not everyone sets him off. To me, in my environment, the alarm call is not a negative characteristic. He is my little green guard parrot. If it became a nuisance I could easily relocate his day cage or adjust the blinds. While on outings, Chico has startled a number of unsuspecting walkers by cutting loose into my ear, lol. The only other time he makes noise is when he calls me with his flocking call and this can be managed. Although Ekkies are known for their talking abilities, Chico chooses not to partake. I would guess Chico lets out about a dozen or less loud calls each day and I would classify him as a quiet parrot. So as the previous poster implied it really depends on you, your training and/or management :41: