considering getting a (female) eclectus in the future, have some Qs

[Parrotlover418]

I've heard that Ekkies are good pet parrots in general, but I have some concerns. I've also heard that they are inactive, not very playful, and are talentless at learning tricks. Is this true? Could I take my eclectus outside on a flight harness, or would going outside scare/stress out the bird?

 

[Bandespresso]

All birds are individuals with their own personality. A well socialized bird of any species (heck...I'm looking into adding a pigeon to my flock and socializing him) can be a wonderful family member. It is all about patience and trust!

Most importantly: eclectus have a very sensitive system and extremely complicated and expensive dietary needs! They do best on a diet of strictly fresh foods. If you're willing to invest the time and money, they can be great! Please make sure you research research research before purchasing any bird as it is a huge responsibility!

 

[Dopey]

My ekkies don't do tricks but they sure do love to be around me and on me and out of their cage. Mine also love to talk...just not to me.

They are such sweet birds...at least mine are. Everyone who meets my ekkies loves them too and my ekkies go to just about anyone. Even when nesting my female is nice to people but she guards her nest from the male ekkie.

Each bird is different.

Food - mine get fresh food everyday veggies and fruit. But all of my birds get fresh food.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Welcome to the forums.

I'd recommend you start here: http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/52737-so-you-think-you-want-eclectus.html

Ekkis are SUPER smart birds, and healthy ones certainly are not inactive. As for tricks, they are just as capable of learning tricks like any other bird.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clu4tlLqysM"]AMAZING BASKETBALL BIRDS - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXTxQLRmopw"]Toby 5 year old eclectus parrot - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z8FwGhT2GM"]Rubina, the Eclectus Parrot doing more tricks. Part 2 - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Dopey]

Those were fun to watch.

 

[Birdman666]

I've heard that Ekkies are good pet parrots in general, but I have some concerns. I've also heard that they are inactive, not very playful, and are talentless at learning tricks. Is this true? Could I take my eclectus outside on a flight harness, or would going outside scare/stress out the bird?

Problem is people get them, and then perch potato them...

If you want an interactive bird, you have to interact with them.

If you want a trick bird, then they have to be trained.

People don't do the work.

I've never yet had a bird that was stressed by simply going outside.

Going out and about, and being around new situations, and new people, usually takes a little training and conditioning... no matter the species.

If you're considering an Eckie, STUDY ECKIE DIETS PLEASE! These are diet sensitive birds... they must be fed properly, and that is a critical factor with them.

 

[Dopey]

If you're considering an Eckie, STUDY ECKIE DIETS PLEASE! These are diet sensitive birds... they must be fed properly, and that is a critical factor with them.

But it can be done AND it isn't that hard...it's just different.

I have fibromyalgia and when I first heard that the Ekkies required a different diet I stayed away from them. I'm so glad that someone assured me that I could do their diet. You won't regret getting an Ekkie.

 

[plumsmum2005]

@Parrotlover418 Just to add a word of warning if you have other smaller birds and want them to be all out together. A friend recently lost a dearly loved bird in this way. She probably rushed things and then the ekkie had to be re-homed again. Extremely sad story in every way.

 

[Anansi]

I've heard that Ekkies are good pet parrots in general, but I have some concerns. I've also heard that they are inactive, not very playful, and are talentless at learning tricks. Is this true? Could I take my eclectus outside on a flight harness, or would going outside scare/stress out the bird?

Inactive?
http://vid1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag450/smchayle/Mobile Uploads/Mayan Acrobatics_zpsw7reiq1s.mp4

[ame="https://youtu.be/_kR9S47I8e0"]Jolly Flight and Recall Training - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="https://youtu.be/qsk6nNVofZ4"]Aidan's training session with Jolly - YouTube[/ame]

Not very playful?






Harness training?


As for tricks, while I have no pics or videos of those, they do pick them up easily enough. Both Jolly and Maya can fall backward and hang like bats, kiss on request (complete with kiss noises in Jolly's case), lift wings on request, turn in place, and Jolly can shake hands. I'm not big onto tricks, but I'm sure they could learn many more if I were.

And they have the capacity for speaking very clearly. Maya can imitate my wife's voice well enough to fool me! (And has on at least one occasion. Lol!)

 

[Birdman666]

Exactly. The people who make those sorts of statements are the same people who can't even be bothered to open a cage door. Then complain that they just sit there all day doing nothing...

That isn't their nature if they get stimulation...

And I fostered a female eckie that was wicked smart, and absolutely had a sense of humor. She was a funny bird...

People don't understand the goofball factor, which is really what I love most about having them around.

 

[Taw5106]

Venus never slows down, she loves being with me so much I call her Velcro Venus. She has a massive play area, is a pig, eats her fruits and veggies now. I keep her separated from Buddy because she tries to be THE BOSS. She's rarely moody and loves to go outside!

Diet is important. Venus was very sick, vitamin A deficiency so she gets lots of vitamin A rich foods, fresh every day. I do not have any regrets getting her. Here's her play area. I keep adding toys as she rips them off, lol.

 

[Dopey]

She rides on your shoulder? Yes - right? I'm comfortable with my female doing that but not my male...yet. He is getting better but I want to control what pierces my ear.

 

[Taw5106]

Yes she's a rider and very well behaved.

 

[Dopey]

I'm so glad that I got the Ekkies.

 

[lizard]

Those videos made me want to teach Jack a new trick. He got it down after just 6 repetitions. Smart boy, eager to learn (please).

 

[Parrotlover418]

@Parrotlover418 Just to add a word of warning if you have other smaller birds and want them to be all out together. A friend recently lost a dearly loved bird in this way. She probably rushed things and then the ekkie had to be re-homed again. Extremely sad story in every way.

I'm aware that birds may not get along. I can supervise them when they're out of their cages to make sure they don't fight

 

[Parrotlover418]

Thanks for the info, everyone.

 

[Anansi]

Those videos made me want to teach Jack a new trick. He got it down after just 6 repetitions. Smart boy, eager to learn (please).

Which trick would that be? You can't just drop a bit of info like that and leave the room, lady! Haha!

 

[lizard]

Those videos made me want to teach Jack a new trick. He got it down after just 6 repetitions. Smart boy, eager to learn (please).

Which trick would that be? You can't just drop a bit of info like that and leave the room, lady! Haha!

Ok, ok. He's not shooting hoops with greys, but he can do a 360 turn on command like no other! Haha. Baby steps.

 

[Anansi]

Sweet! I think it may be about that time for an update thread complete with video of Sir Jack's latest accomplishment. You know, just throwing that out there. Lol!