Pionus, galah, or eclectus

[eat.sleep.laugh]

Just a little info about me, I am a full time pre-veterinary student with technical experience with monkeys, birds, lizard, dogs, livestock and of course cats. I have never owned a bird but have been around them from work and friends who own birds. I have always wanted one but due to time away from home (classes and work) and the fact that I live in an apartment left me with little options.

I have read on the basic needs of the eclectus and honestly, money is not an issue... I can provide all of her needs (I would like a female) including proper dieting, frequent veterinary visits, toys and proper caging. What drew me to the female eclectus was their calm personality and their overall quiet nature. But I have read that they are very hormonal and become nippy. Also that they are prone to feather plucking and toe tapping.

I never thought a cockatoo would ever be on the list of birds to consider but the galah cockatoo has peaked my interest as well. They have a fun loving personality and are relatively quite compared to white cockatoos. But my main concern is that I do live in an apartment and their noises in the morning and evening can drive my neighbors nutts! Also the fact that they are so needy when it comes to attention concerns me. I can be able to spend about 4-6 hours a day with the bird, but half the time I'll probably be studying while the bird entertains his/her self. Oh yes, and lastly the DUST!!! I don't know if I'm too fond of all the dust cockatoos have.

Lastly there is the blue headed poinus. These birds are also beautiful, quiet and calm in personality. However, I just don't have the same excitement towards these birds compared to the eclectus. They are smaller and more manageable and have less issues with biting and being hormonal. So they should be at the top of the list, however I am just not as interested in them as the other two...

Overall, the female eclectus is the bird that I would like the most, but I would love to hear from female Ekkie owners how living with them really is like. I want the most amount of information possible before getting a life long companion and commitment. I understand what it means to own a pet, so when I get one I want to make the right decision. Thanks, and sorry for the long post.

 

[wenz2712]

Welcome to the forum

There are lots of Ekkie Owners on here that will be able to give you some great advice

 

[cdog]

Welcome to the forum, there are many people on here that will gladly help you out choosing a parrot.
Good luck finding your future companion!

 

[brianlinkles]

It is my understanding that a male ekkie would be the calmer, less nippy of the two. I looked at this bird before deciding on my current birds. I know that some people are drawn to the coloring of the female ekkie (I love the males coloration as well so that wasn't an issue) What I did love about the males is that they are calmer and less nippy. They like somewhat of a calmer atmosphere, which it sounds like you have.

 

[eat.sleep.laugh]

I was considering a male Ekkie at first, but people have said that they can be very vocal (different personalities), and although I don't mind a "screech" here and there I would rather not be in a situation where neighbors complain, if I were to get a bird with a little more boisterous personality. If I had to go by color, I personally love green birds and would would go for a male eclectus or even a Hahns macaw, but I would like a companion that fits my lifestyle the best. The best fix in life is prevention and that's what I'm trying to do. I understand that all birds can be nippy and vocal. Maybe I just have pre-parrot owner jidders.

 

[mtdoramike]

That's an easy question, Eclectus hands down.

 

[mtdoramike]

Eclectus are great first birds for first time bird owners, especially the males.

 

[Thekatsmeow]

@mtdoramike, do you really consider them to be good birds for the beginner? I just got done reading another post on here that said they are more for the medium/experienced bird owner. I only ask because I have always loved both male and female eclectus but was afraid they would be more bird than I can handle. I would say that the largest tame bird that I have been comfortable with has been a zon. I had a chance to hold a hyacinth macaw but shortly after I had him on my arm I gave him back! He was sooooo heavy let alone the fact that he was well over my head in height even with my forearm lowered as much as possible. Amazing bird but macaws are way too much bird for me.

 

[ann]

male ekkies tend to be less nippy and calmer than the females, so if you get an eclectus, i would get a male. however, eclectus can be very loud when they want to be. more so for a few minutes in the morning and before they go to sleep. they also have a complicated diet. their digestive tract is much longer than that of other parrots, so is a diet high in fiber and more fruits, veggies, and legumes. i have also heard that pionus can be pretty hormonal during the breeding season, much like their possible cousins the amazons. RBC are very high energy birds who need alot of mental stimulation and training. all in all, i give my vote to the male eclectus

 

[Pookamama]

My hubby had a Blue headed pionus when he was a teen, and she was a very sweet bird. She could be noisy at times, when she wanted him and he wasn't in the room. But she loved to be involved in his life, very friendly, loved scritches, and everyone who was nice to her. They are really a swell bird and they are on my 'maybe someday' list. They usually aren't big talkers, but I've heard maximillian pionus are a bit chattier. I personally think the blue heads are a lot prettier. Or the bronze-wings, you get a natural photo in sunlight though, there's a lot of pics of bronzewing with a flash that don't show all the gorgeous depth of colors to them.

If I recall lately I think there's been a few threads on male eclectus screaming but I haven't read through them so i don't know what the problem or solution was. Female eclectus are also on my 'maybe someday' list and so are Galah cockatoos.

Do you have a way you could visit these birds in person? That's the best way to get a feel if you'd be attracted to them or not.

 

[eat.sleep.laugh]

I have met the rose breasted cockatoo at a bird store and she was so sweet. Had just been weened and was very playful. I liked the bird and the breeder recommended that bird for my situation. Although the research stated otherwise. They are so active and I am shooting for a calmer bird that would be happy hanging out on a play stand while I study. As for the poinus parrot, I have never met one in person, but have also research on them as well. Finally, I have met a female and male eclectus at my previous job at an avian veterinary clinic. They were tame and very well taken care of. The male was a bit stand offish (probably the situation he was in at the moment) but the female was so sweet and I didn't hear a peep from either one of them. I loved their calm personalities and definitely their beautiful looks and feathers. When I decided I wanted to gt a bird, the eclectus was the top of my list. But I guess I'm just nervous after reading and hearing some horror stories about these birds. They are infamous for being very nippy and moody. The saying at my clinic was green is sweet and red is bitter. Haha, very stereotypical but it has left an impression in my head that hasn't easily been put to rest.

 

[Chikoo]

Don't buy into all the stereotypes surrounding female eclectus parrots. It is just that -- stereotypes. The males will be more vocal, and the female will be quieter. Females will become hormonal, but this is easily managed by keeping her cage covered for 12hrs at night, to mimick winter light conditions, and by not providing her with a nestbox (i.e., snuggle huts and the like). I have a female eclectus and she is the sweetest bird, who has so much love to give. It is all in how you care for the bird, and if you really cater to the bird's needs.

Read this article too: Parrot Mythbusting - Eclectus Parrot Breeders, Companion Parrot Specialists : Are Eclectus Males Better Pets Than Hens?

 

[eat.sleep.laugh]

Thank you soo much Chikoo for the link, it was so helpful. I read the whole page twice haha, just to let the information soak in. I feel like my decisions are definitely narrowing down and I thank everyone for posting their thoughts and opinions. I have felt nothing but love and support from you guys and I really appreciate it. Thanks again! and I will let you guys know about my final decision and hopefully I can post pictures of my new, future family member soon! :smile015:

 

[mtdoramike]

@mtdoramike, do you really consider them to be good birds for the beginner? I just got done reading another post on here that said they are more for the medium/experienced bird owner. I only ask because I have always loved both male and female eclectus but was afraid they would be more bird than I can handle. I would say that the largest tame bird that I have been comfortable with has been a zon. I had a chance to hold a hyacinth macaw but shortly after I had him on my arm I gave him back! He was sooooo heavy let alone the fact that he was well over my head in height even with my forearm lowered as much as possible. Amazing bird but macaws are way too much bird for me.

Yes I do. The few Eclectus that I have been around have been dream birds. My Eclectus Mac is a dream bird. He's 10 times quieter that my apartment touted Senegal who could make a preacher cuss. I find the Eclectus diet not really all that more complicated than any other bird diet. They just don't need much seed or pellets such as with other bird species. Mac is a real sweet heart and has began to like to be cuddled and hasn't ever met a stranger and will go to anyone.

BUT, I have also met a female eclectus that would want to rip your arm off and beat you with it if you got around her. So when I say and eclectus is a good first bird for those that want a large bird, I mean a well socialized bird preferrably from a breeder or if buying a second hand bird, the owners would have to demonstrate how tame the bird is. I have found that most of the birds found on Craigslist are desocialized from being cage bound and when asked to show how tame the bird is, the owners are leary to interact with the birds and fall back on the old saying "the bird needs to get to know you before handling it". Which is a crock if the owners did their job and properly socialized the bird.

 

[BarkleyLoves]

I have both a male Eclectus and a undetermined-gender white capped Pionus. My pi was not raised properly by the breeder and has become a one-person bird. Though this is starting to change a little bit...finally. My Pi is very quite. My male ekkie, Barkley, is also quite and very loving. He's such a charming young bird...lol. He's fairly quite, he'll chat with you and likes to try new words. The only loud noises that come out of him, is a screech on occassion. Apparently when I went out of town, everytime he made that high-pitched screech he let barkley out or fed him. So we're trying to break him of that habit. I don't know much about females and their nippiness during hormonal periods, but I just love my male ekkie. (And my pi, Pepper)

 

[Oedipussrex]

(note pickle has pbfd, so he has always been smaller than he should be, and this probably affects him in other ways that wouldnt make him an example of a population of male eclectus)

but ill add my 2 cents anyway

Firstly Pickle is not 'vocal' at all
he simply makes little cooing talking noises every day after lunch while he practices his vocabulary, and is quite shy. if he says something and you reply he will stop till he thinks you aren't listening anymore. lol
It MAY have to do with his weakened state and the whole not really wanting a predators attention, but i have only heard what could be described as a 'natural' sound or scream from him - twice. (in 2 years) While i was vaccuming, and the house was full of other noise to hide him anyway.

He was also my first 'official' parrot. I had owned aviary budgies, lovebirds and quails, and my sister had a cockatiel. but he was really my first official 'companion' bird. And once you get past the initial stage of learning to get into the right mentality of their diet and training, you barely notice doing it anymore. Pickle needs a little extra care, but honestly he is absolutely the perfect bird (apart from being picky with his food lol ;D )

I am currently doing a bachelor of science in ecology and animal behaviour, and considering starting veterinary after this degree, and i think once you get into a routine, time shouldn't be that much of an issue either.
This is perhaps the main reason i would agree with you on your preference for a female ekkie, they are supposedly (never met one) more independent, and would probably be less needy and stressed if you had an extra long day - when compared to the males, who can 'bond' to individual people in a stronger, more dependant way. The females rule the roost in the wild, which is probably why this happens.

As for playing-by-themselves time, if you do end up picking an ekkie, in my experience they arent really that destructive, and wood toys are wasted on pickle. the true vice for most eclectus is FOOD so foraging toys are a big yes! (as long as it doesnt mean too many fun unhealthy things in one day - its just easier to clean, but a lot of nuts and dry things seem to go in foraging toys. fresh food can be foraged too, it just requires a kitchen knife and imagination) XD

 

[RescueMe]

I think that the first thing you should consider is that as a vet student, you are unlikely to have time or energy in the future to have a pet parrot. Every vet I have ever worked with has been unable to have pets of their own, especially in the first few years after school. They have had to move, travel, and work very long hours. I am glad that you are thinking things out, but would strongly suggest you wait. If you are dead set, consider hinding a rescue and volunteering as a foster parent to gain more knowledge of day yo day life with different species. The fosters that I have had have given me more insight into the birds than any reading, brief meetings, or stories that I have experienced. Each of the species you are interested in have a lot of great qualities and some less desirable ones as well. Please don't take this as anything but well thought out advice from someone who has a tons of experience with both birds and veterinarians. Good luck.

 

[eat.sleep.laugh]

Rescueme, on the contrary there are many veterinary students with pets including birds. It is a wonderful alternative to getting a dog. They are wonderful companions and don't require as much attention as having a dog. I have friends that are currently attending vet school and are so glad they have a bird as a companion because they can give the attention and love they need when otherwise they wouldn't be able to cater to a high energy dog. Because my schedule allows me to spend at least 4 hours a day with the bird and I am allowed to bring her to work with me as well, I thought this was an good fit. But you are also correct in the fact that I am inexperienced in handling and caring for a bird and I will definitely look into a rescue where I can get a bit more experience with parrots. Thank you for the suggestion, haven't put much thought into volunteering for experience before. I just felt that since I knew how to properly restrain, hand feed and administer meds to birds was enough knowledge. But there is always room to grow and more experience and knowledge results in a happier owner and parrot.

 

[Chikoo]

Eatsleeplaugh, I initially did not realize how much attention my bird would really require until I got her! But Eclectus do fairly well at amusing themselves compared to other parrots. I work from home, so it works out well for me and my bird. If you can take your bird to work, then that is great. I think it will work out for you as long as you understand that birds live in a flock, and don't really like being solitary. It makes them anxious and insecure, but this is not to imply that birds freak out when they are alone for a few hours. My bird does fine when I leave her for a few hours, she is just happy to see me when I come back! Even just giving your bird "ambient attention" is good, meaning just having her where you are even if you are doing other things.

 

[brianlinkles]

Rescueme, on the contrary there are many veterinary students with pets including birds. It is a wonderful alternative to getting a dog. They are wonderful companions and don't require as much attention as having a dog. I have friends that are currently attending vet school and are so glad they have a bird as a companion because they can give the attention and love they need when otherwise they wouldn't be able to cater to a high energy dog. Because my schedule allows me to spend at least 4 hours a day with the bird and I am allowed to bring her to work with me as well, I thought this was an good fit. But you are also correct in the fact that I am inexperienced in handling and caring for a bird and I will definitely look into a rescue where I can get a bit more experience with parrots. Thank you for the suggestion, haven't put much thought into volunteering for experience before. I just felt that since I knew how to properly restrain, hand feed and administer meds to birds was enough knowledge. But there is always room to grow and more experience and knowledge results in a happier owner and parrot.

I am going to have to disagree here. I think parrots take way more attention than a dog! I have dogs and I cannot even compare the amount of work, attention, thought that is involved in keeping parrots. I am constantly, cleaning, talking with, moving my parrots around so they don't get bored. I find myself busy thinking of ways to enrich their lives, I am always afraid that they will become bored and start to pluck. I love my dogs but the work involved with them is very little compared to the birds. Remember the parrots are wild animals, it takes alot to keep their lives enriched, fufilling. It's a big responsibility to do well. It is great that you are thinking this through, however I want you to realize what is involved in properly caring for them. My vote is still for the male ekkie!