New member with ECLECTUS questions

[Beakgeek]

We are newish bird owners who came unexpectedly into the world of owning birds when friends of our family asked us to "babysit" their two canaries long term, eventually asking us to keep them. Although canaries are not the "perfect" bird for our household (we like hands-on and social birds!), we loved the canaries and really grew to love the routine of feeding them, providing their baths, watching them play and sing and problem-solving when they were moody at breeding time (both males!)

We have since brought a green-cheek conure into our family who has become a darling of our little flock and lost one of the canaries who died unexpectedly just a few weeks ago.

Having gained some experience in bird care (birds and our family flow together wonderfully) we are ready to expand a little and take on a bigger parrot. My husband and I have both agreed, after much exploration, that an eclectus would be a great next bird for our family.

Our local bird store has a male eclectus baby either being hand-fed or available for $1599.00. This seems high to me, after doing some first glance looking around online. So my first question is how much the eclectus runs costwise?

My second question is: Male or Female? our conure is female. Does that matter?

Any other advice to give on the eclectus would be great.
Thanks!

 

[RockysMom]

I have a deposit on a female Eclectus right now she is only 6 weeks so I have a long wait , my breeder is in Michigan not sure what state you are in because she won't ship out of state , you can go to Bird Breeders.com and find a breeder in your area and yes 1599.00 is high you should be able to get a cheaper price from a good breeder my little girl is costing me $1100.00 I just put a $300.00 deposit on her so $800.00 when she is fully weaned and fledged and ready to come home

 

[MikeyTN]

Near by breeders sell their Eclectus for $900 and I know you can adopt them at pretty decent price as well, why don't you guys think about a older one over a baby?

 

[khaiqha]

The price is high but you shoud look at the quality of care the store provides the bird. There are two stores in my area, one has greys for 1200, the other has them for 1600. Store A keeps them on a seed diet, doesn't allow them to fledge, and half their birds are skittish. Store B has full spectrum lighting, a flight room, weans them on pellets/veg/fruit, and their birds run over to you to be picked up.

Secondly, from what I read about eclectus the sexes do seem to have more differences in personalities than other species. Males tend to be calmer, want a calm environment, and bond to one person more. Females tend to be nippier/assertive, especially during mating season, do better in active/loud households, and like multiple people.

These are just stereotypes though, the bird's individual personality + upbringing matter way more. FYI you should hear an ekkie scream before getting one. They don't scream often but the pitch is soul shattering to many people.

 

[Brodie]

Where do you live? prices range, im in Melboure, Australia and i got my Eclectus for $800 and she is perfect, was fed on a great diet aswell.
And i agree with khaiqha, Hear the scream before you get one lol, scarlet can be VERY loud. But it doesnt bother me so much, she doesnt do it that often, but when she does, its ear piercing. haha.
I also think you should consider a breeder instead of a petshop, or adopt one, there are plenty that need homes!