Buying an Eclectus - advice?

[Feu]

I'm looking to get a bird around mid- to late-August, have done a lot of research on the topic, and the Eclectus seems like the right fit. However, I've only seen one Eclectus up close and he does nothing but scream. I have two cats, so I'm looking for a bird big enough that they won't bother it, but I'd like a calmer bird because my boyfriend has never had one. If you have an Eclectus, can you tell me what yours is like and how it effects your daily routine? How loud are they and are they affectionate?

 

[MikeyTN]

Mine are quiet most of the time but my boy talks like no tomorrow at times. They are affectionate, at least mine are... they want to be where ever we're at. I taught both to give kisses. I have heard some people have a problem with their scream, but I think the bird had the owners trained....lol... since they are diet specific birds so you need to make sure you guys understand the responsibility they require as they are not like other parrots. We feed mainly fruits and veggies we cut them up in the morning and give it to them. We feed two table spoons of seeds at night and additional treats that we make for them. Mine are pretty calm so I couldn't tell you about others. We love them lots, talked about them for 6 years before we got a pair. Now we wonder why we didn't get a pair sooner cause theyre such a joy to have around....

 

[Feu]

And do you have an idea of how much you spend on an eclectus's diet? There's a bird specific store near me that sells bags of food for eclectus parrots, but most people I hear from seem to buy fresh fruit. I'm just curious how much they eat and how much fruit they go through in a day. The seeds and such are easier, and I know they don't eat too much of them.

 

[Crackers]

MikeyTN has some excellent advise.

While I am not an eclectus expert, I do have some experience feeding parrots. I have been using a sprouted diet along with veggies and fruit for all my parrots. I know that it is like making another meal, but I feel parrot nutrition is very important. Your birds will be happier, they have less health issues and their feathers will have a beautiful sheen to them.

You can feed grains,beans, assorted fruits and particularly root veggies like slightly cooked carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, yams, broccoli, kale, chard, etc.
I also chop up arugula salad mix and add that to their food. I give quinoa and quinoa pasta. Everything that I feed is organic and comes from my local farmers market. I also mix it up each day so they are not eating the same thing each day. The sprouted diet is given everyday but I add a different mix of fruits and veggies each day so they dont get bored of the same thing. Variety is important.

My understanding is that eclectus are very sensitive to their diet and if fed a processed diet tend to lead to toe tapping. Here is an article about toe tapping:
"toe-tapping" in Eclectus Parrot

I have see other health issues which was directly related to diet. About 12 years ago, I had to take my parrot to vet for an eye infection. It was linked back to a poor diet and nutrition. Every since then, I have done alot of research and I have completely stopped feeding processed diets altogether. I do use safflower seeds for training but that is in limited quantities.

I know some people feed pellets and do fine with it. However, I would stay away from any processed packaged diets for an electus or any parrot for that matter. Again, this my opinion based on research and experience as well as seeking professional advise.

Please do not let this scare you from getting a parrot. Prepare everything in batches to last you a few days. I make the sprouts in batches to last me a week at a time. It will become second nature and it really is not that much more work. Below is a picture of what I feed in the morning. When I get home, I do training in which my parrot gets safflower seeds as a reward. I also give fruit or veggies and/or some nuts for him to snack on as well. the seeds and nuts are given in small quantities. This all sounds like alot but trust me, it is easy! I have been feeding like this for about 12 years.

I really can't give you total cost for everything but the sprouts cost me around $50 which includes shipping and 10lbs of dried sprouts. It lasts me roughly 5-6 months for a hahns macaw. Veggies and fruits are not a big deal because I eat them anyhow so I always have them on hand. I keep a large bag of organic Quinoa in the fridge and I keep a couple of boxes of pasta on hand. I wish I had a better cost estimate for you but I don't really keep track of it because most of the fresh stuff is part of my grocery expenditure.

This is a sample of what my parrot food looks like (which is probably the right amount for an eclectus. This is a bit much for a Hahns but I did this as an example so people could see what it looks like when prepared):

And do you have an idea of how much you spend on an eclectus's diet? There's a bird specific store near me that sells bags of food for eclectus parrots, but most people I hear from seem to buy fresh fruit. I'm just curious how much they eat and how much fruit they go through in a day. The seeds and such are easier, and I know they don't eat too much of them.

 

[Crackers]

Someone just posted asking a question about diet. I added a few more links and information about feeding if you are interested. I am trying not to cross post but you had a feeding question and then I saw the other question! Yours is a little more specific to you because it is my understanding that eclectus are super sensitive to their diet.

Anyhow, here is the link to the diet information:

http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/9604-diet.html#post74026

 

[mtdoramike]

I'm looking to get a bird around mid- to late-August, have done a lot of research on the topic, and the Eclectus seems like the right fit. However, I've only seen one Eclectus up close and he does nothing but scream. I have two cats, so I'm looking for a bird big enough that they won't bother it, but I'd like a calmer bird because my boyfriend has never had one. If you have an Eclectus, can you tell me what yours is like and how it effects your daily routine? How loud are they and are they affectionate?

Eclectus parrots have specific diets from what I have read. Why not look for an easier bird, like an Amazon, Cockatoo. I've read that African parrots like the African Grey are quieter birds than most. You also have the smaller Hanhs Macaw or the bigger macaws like the Blue & Gold which make great pets. But you have to realize, NO BIRD IS QUIET ALL THE TIME. Birds make noise like squawk, scream, screech, squeal, chatter whistle and all kinds of other stuff throughout the day. Some are worse than others. But it mainly depends on the bird.

If your cats are that aggressive, a bird may not be for you!


Mike

 

[Crackers]

I also want to add that I do not work for any of these companies nor am I a representative. They are just good resources that I have used over the years of feeding my parrots.

 

[Chris Winkler]

My Tobi is 8 months old. MY African Grey is by far louder then Tobi. Actually my cockatiel is the loudest of all my birds.

Tobi is such a sweet heart but I have to have constant supervision with him. He has done quite abit of damage to my house plants. So glad I never buy unsafe or poisonous plants..

Their diet needs to be majority fruits and veggies.. I buy the frozen mixed veggies and I add fresh veggies to his bowl. He gets only veggies in the morning and I give him fruits for dinner that I cut up and freeze so they will last alot longer then if kept in the fridge. I also give him the ekkie pellets from pretty bird.

I would guesstimate that I spend about $40.00 a month on his diet alone. For they need a very high in nutrition diet.

You will also need the biggest cage that will work in your home. The bigger the better. They need toys and can and will destroy just about any toy you put in his cage. They need to chew or their beaks will get to long.. So you have to add a toy budget also. You can find many toys on line both on eBay and stores that have web sites. But watch the shipping fees esp on eBay. One seller in particular will only combine shipping if you buy 3 items or more. (I myself think thats a sneaky way of adding to their profit margin) So I don't buy from them ever.

Hope this helps

 

[MikeyTN]

And do you have an idea of how much you spend on an eclectus's diet? There's a bird specific store near me that sells bags of food for eclectus parrots, but most people I hear from seem to buy fresh fruit. I'm just curious how much they eat and how much fruit they go through in a day. The seeds and such are easier, and I know they don't eat too much of them.

I don't keep track of the spending as it is part of our grocery too. But some fruits I buy are $10 for 3, apple sized guava. So some of the exotic fruits I buy for them are very expensive...

 

[Pedro]

index

A very good site for almost all eclectus related information. Hope it helps.

 

[Feu]

The reason I'm looking at an Eclectus is a combination of my cats and the noise. My cats aren't particularly violent, but one gets curious and the other gets jealous, and I used to have lovebirds but I worry that if my Isabel (the curious one) gets playful, she could hurt it. Other birds I was looking at include the Hahns Macaw and the GCC, but I don't want to go any smaller than that. Since my boyfriend is a first time bird owner, I want to find a bird that is both gently and affectionate, but not too loud as our apartment is very quiet. He fell in love with a cockatoo at the bird store, and it's very calm and loving - just what we want, but I'm so afraid it would become spoiled. What do you all think?

 

[HRH Di]

You're going to get as many recommendations as there are members ... I can tell you that, of our 3 birdies, our smallest - the Alexandrine - is the loudest and least affectionate. Our red-front macaw and CAG are almost opposites in personality, but both are very loving - especially to "their" people. I would highly recommend either species in your situation. Maybe the RFM a little more as they tend to have a bit more attitude than CAGs.

Cockatoos are amazing birds - just like all parrots - but my personal experience with them is that they require A LOT of attention - even for a parrot. The 'too we fostered for a few months last year, was very jealous of anyone I spent time with. Some of the members with 'toos will have better info about them.

 

[MikeyTN]

Cockatoos can be very loud!!!! If I don't pay attention to mine she screams. We love her dearly though cause she's so cute and sweet. She does some silly dance that makes us laugh, she loves the attention. In my house the quietest birds are the ekkies.

 

[Pedro]

All parrots have the capacity to be very LOUD. My cocktoo i would say is the quitest out of the lot but he could be very loud if he wanted to, but i have trained him that noise is not acceptable. The eclectus on the other hand drive me nuts at breeding time. While they are still young they are well behaved but when matured their alarm call can pierce the eardrums. My beautiful little Hahn's are the cutest little things but do they pack a punch with their noise. Same as my Suns & Quakers.

I have adopted the Too & a matured male eclectus due to screaming 24/7. They are both 10 years olds now. Out of the 2 birds i would say cocky is the better behaved. The eclectus has his moments but i'd say it's more of a seasonal thing as he has a female for company. As most know eclectus can breed all year round so i would estimate about every 3 to 4 months he gets loud for a week or so. I think both these birds were bored stupid at home all day on their own at least here they live outside, cocky in his large cage & the eclectus in his aviary. They also get to see all my other birds. Think that would make a big difference as well. But i do know that isn't possible in some countries.

But IMHO i think if trained properly from the first day home you should be able to have the bird you choose.

Read some of Barbara Heindereich's goodbird.inc or Sally Blanchard's companion parrots. They both have some very good info on training.

 

[mygirl]

our eclectus parrot Mylah doesn't use the Eclectus call ever!! she barks like a dog though...lol i found that they are a bird if you want them to talk and be friendly it takes a lot of time and patience but once they get your trust you will have a friend for life.
we have had a lot of problems with our bird. we got her from a person that should not have been breeding birds, her wings were hacked and this caused her stress, and set off a sinus infection. and she had a deformed beak from mal-nutrition.
just make sure you find a good breeder.

 

[Feu]

I saw an adult female eclectus yesterday, and she was so beautiful! I figured I'd get a boy because everyone seems to say they're easier going, but now I'm wondering how true that is. I'm also worried about how both males and females act come breeding season.

 

[Keno]

Hello all I am a new member as of today and also have added my first bird to the family a couple weeks ago. He is a 5 mnth old male eclectus. I am posting here because I don't know how to start a new forum to ask my question I need advice for. Ok we have been reasearching eclectus's for a while now and we went ahead and got one and from everything we have read it says that pellets should not be your birds main source of food. We know we are suppose to feed fruits and veggies but the breader gave him alot of pellets and seeds and that is all he really want to eat since we brought him home. He like the crunchy food he can break up. We have tried every fruit and veggie combo and cinamon on top and all he like is chick peas, corn, and kidney bean. But if you get him pellets or drie food he goes nuts. So is there a way to get him off the pellets or a food I may have missed? And also how much of the pellets is ok? We just bought some Kaytee Natures Bennefits and have been giving him a little at a time. We thought it might be better than the pellets cause it all natural. Also the breeder had him water bottle trained and it doesn't seem like he drinks alot. Sorry this is long but I want to make sure I'm getting him the best possible treatment and food.

 

[Keno]

Oh and also he is just now became comfy with stepping up without biteing but he does have cage aggression. Anyway to make him ok with us putting our hands in the cage. He does like to kinda preen your arm( don't know if thats spelled right) and he pinches the crap out of me when he does it. We have a 2yr old son and a dog if any of thats helps with why he might have takin so long to warm up. We got him a play gym and he won't sit on it, he doesn't seem to like being away from his play top on his cage for too long and he flys off and climbs back up.

 

[MikeyTN]

I saw an adult female eclectus yesterday, and she was so beautiful! I figured I'd get a boy because everyone seems to say they're easier going, but now I'm wondering how true that is. I'm also worried about how both males and females act come breeding season.

We've had ours over a month now. Gracie is very sassy, she does what she wants. If she wants on your hand, she grabs your hand to pull close to her and she just hops up. Or she flies on you. When she's hungry, she flies back to her cage. JoJo on the otherhand was not trained when we got him. I had him trained to step up in less then a week. I did it every day, in the morning before work and at night when I get home from work. He was very shy, now he gives me kisses, head scratch, under wing scratch, I pet him, hug him, he begs to come out, etc. He's a great talker!!!

 

[mygirl]

i don't think it really matters if there male or female its how much time you spend with them same as any pet