Are Eclectus parrots difficult to keep as pets?

[MomtoPercy]

I am not looking to buy one but I noticed that 3 of the 4 petshops in my area each have a male Eclectus for sale - right now, at the same time.

I am just curious as to why this should be? I've never even seen Eclectus parrots to buy before and now there is one in 3 different stores.

 

[Kinny]

Perhaps the owners of the Pet Shops know each other and bought 3 male Eclectus and split them up? Who knows. But no, they aren't difficult to keep AT ALL if you know what you're doing. ^^ Males are easier than females, in the sense that they are more 'docile' and 'even tempered'..females tend to have a LOT of attitude.

 

[drlisaort]

I wouldn't says the Eclectus parrot is difficult to "keep as a pet" but I would say you must be attentive, understanding, and acknowledge the needs of this species. If a person wants a parrot as an ornament to look at and not interact with problems will surface. Our Oliver is part of the family as is our dog Sage and both are a total blast.

 

[Maria_Metropolis]

I wouldn't says the Eclectus parrot is difficult to "keep as a pet" but I would say you must be attentive, understanding, and acknowledge the needs of this species. If a person wants a parrot as an ornament to look at and not interact with problems will surface. Our Oliver is part of the family as is our dog Sage and both are a total blast.

Good response. I've seen some miserable Ekkies and some happy Ekkies that give their owners lots of joy and happiness. It's all about how much you give them in love, care, kindness, healthy food, mental stimulation, room to enjoy life, etc. . .

 

[Caesar]

Look I was waned off getting a ekkie buy everyone I knew just about. So it took me a couple of months to get one. Honestly once your in a routine with food prep etc they r easy to look after . They enjoy time by themselves as well as with you. Un like my Lorikeet who wants to be on me 24 7.
I have a male and yes it is true they SEEM docile but they r very calculating and suspicious birds. Males have a warm nurturing temperate.

So basically if (like Most birds) if you put the time in they do become xlent pets. In saying that I wouldn't recommend them as starter birds as they can be demanding.

hope this makes your decision easier

 

[MikeyTN]

They're easy to care for once you meet their diet requirements. They can be quite messy when they eat and will toss it all over the place, especially when they dislike something. I don't find them to be demanding but I find them to be super intelligent birds to have around.

 

[Mayden]

I don't own an ekkie, but the thing that puts me off having one is their diet requirements. It's so easy for me to just toss pellets in a bowl in the morning and know that they're getting most of what they need from that, to be preparing fresh fruit+veggies, etc, every morning is just daunting to me.

But I don't have energy to spare for most things, so maybe for healthy normal people, it's not as daunting as it seems

 

[Maria_Metropolis]

I think if you find a bird that will eat healthy foods, it's kind of motivating to prepare them, although I know a lot of people just do not have the time.

@Mayden, I instantly knew you were British when I saw you use the word, "daunting." LOL! My British friend uses that word a lot, but you never hear it from Americans.

 

[Freespin]

I have recently acquired an eckie and at first I worried a little about the whole diet thing but I am finding it easy to set some time aside once every couple of weeks to prepare a big bowl of food and freeze it in little bags of daily portions. Easy! I actually really enjoy doing it and it's satisfying knowing your bird is eating better than you are =)

 

[Nathan1]

I believe females are VERY protective of their nesting area which can lead to some problems. They also need to have a varied diet and will not do well on pellets or seeds.

There's LOTS of info on Eclectus on this site Eclectus Parrots

Definitely worth checking out.

 

[thekarens]

In reality their diet in general should be what all our birds should be getting. It's common sense to know that fresh fruits vegetables etc are better for our birds than pellets. Just like with humans, it's better to get your nutrition from whole foods than a vitamin.

I am not judging at all because I do feed pellets during the day, but I'd be a better parront if I fed my guys fresh.

 

[MomtoPercy]

Thanks for all the input. Like I said, I am not looking to buy an ackie, I was just stunned to discover one in three different shops and shop assistants never give one the true story behind why they have an older/adult bird for sale.

The fresh food prep doesn't phase me, I do that for Percy anyway, every day, twice a day.