Thinking of getting an eclectus

[Birdlover47]

Hi guys

My name is Ashleigh and I'm 15 years old and an absolute bird lover. I had a galah a about 4 years ago. His name was Ban-Jo and he was the cutest little boy you'd ever met. When ever you passed his cage he would whistle for you, even my dog ruby didn't mind him. But he became very sick one day and dad and I not knowing an avian vet at the time had to go to our local one, eventually Ban-jo had to be put down because he could barely breath, he wouldn't have made it to the avian vet by then and it would have been to late.
I still miss him very much but years have passed now and I'm ready to get another bird.

About 2 years ago I started researching lots of birds, I started off with galahs and cockatoos but they just made me sad, and I was worried that the cockatoo would become attention deprived while I'm at school.
I then looked at conures and macaws but their noise level would irritate my neighbors and I knew that it just wouldn't work.

A year ago I came across the eclectus parrot. I've researched so much about this parrot that if I try and research more, I'm just looking at the same websites because I can't find any new ones!
I know of their strict dieting requirements and I have spoken to many breeders. While I'm at school, I would have many foraging toys and other toys, with the radio on and my Gran is usually home as well.*
I know that this is a very long and hard commitment as a bird is like a child but with the help from, Dad and My Gran I think I'll be able to look after this gorgeous feathered friend

Also I probably won't be getting one for about 6 months to a year as I will need to save up for the cage, get toys and prepare myself but I thought I would ask and talk about it and get information from owners first

Any information, advice and experiences would be much appreciated.*

Thanks for your time!

Ashleigh.

 

[Birdlover11]

Just to remind you if you already know that you have to make sure that their Water doesn't have to much chlorine in it. I reccomend bottled water.

 

[Birdlover47]

Just to remind you if you already know that you have to make sure that their Water doesn't have to much chlorine in it. I reccomend bottled water.

Thank you I will have to check!

 

[MikeyTN]

Eclectus can be loud to some people from other posters that have posted here before. BUT I don't think they are, I think they're very quiet compared to other types of birds. Mine rather talk and whistle more then anything else. I never hear them just plain scream. One major thing you need to understand with Eclectus is that you can not add vitamins to their water or food period, they get it naturally through eating lots of fruits and veggies. They need beta carotine. Cook for them stuffs like sweet potatoes, brown rice, chicken breast meat, egg with shell, etc. once every so many days. Need to give them fresh fruits and veggies plus water as pellets is not very good for them at all. I give mine minimal seeds at night, like a Table spoon between both of mine with mainly millets. As long as you get the essentials that they need, you'll do fine!

 

[Birdlover47]

Eclectus can be loud to some people from other posters that have posted here before. BUT I don't think they are, I think they're very quiet compared to other types of birds. Mine rather talk and whistle more then anything else. I never hear them just plain scream. One major thing you need to understand with Eclectus is that you can not add vitamins to their water or food period, they get it naturally through eating lots of fruits and veggies. They need beta carotine. Cook for them stuffs like sweet potatoes, brown rice, chicken breast meat, egg with shell, etc. once every so many days. Need to give them fresh fruits and veggies plus water as pellets is not very good for them at all. I give mine minimal seeds at night, like a Table spoon between both of mine with mainly millets. As long as you get the essentials that they need, you'll do fine!

Thank you very much! I'll defiantly remember that!

 

[wenz2712]

Welcome to the forum

 

[pacoparrot]

From my experience with eclectus, they are MUCH better at amusing themselves than birds of similar size. I can second that I've never heard Echo all out scream. She makes grumbles, growls, whistles, talks, and constantly beeps. She isn't quiet by any means but much more so than a similar sized bird. Also keep in mind your decision on male or female. They can both make good pets but females tend to be a little difficult upon maturity. Echo has yet to give me any trouble and she's 2 1/2 but I've heard from quiet a few people that females can be a hassle. If you're wondering about talking; I'd say they have the potential to have a medium-large vocabulary. Echo says around 14 different things but will pick something new up if you repeat it enough, however she sometimes stops saying things. It's important to start talking to them as babies. Also consider clicker training has this cleared up most of her behavioral issues and it taught her like a 100 ways to amuse herself when I'm not around, so screaming for attention is not an issue here, so I'd recommend that also. Good Luck!!

 

[Birdlover47]

From my experience with eclectus, they are MUCH better at amusing themselves than birds of similar size. I can second that I've never heard Echo all out scream. She makes grumbles, growls, whistles, talks, and constantly beeps. She isn't quiet by any means but much more so than a similar sized bird. Also keep in mind your decision on male or female. They can both make good pets but females tend to be a little difficult upon maturity. Echo has yet to give me any trouble and she's 2 1/2 but I've heard from quiet a few people that females can be a hassle. If you're wondering about talking; I'd say they have the potential to have a medium-large vocabulary. Echo says around 14 different things but will pick something new up if you repeat it enough, however she sometimes stops saying things. It's important to start talking to them as babies. Also consider clicker training has this cleared up most of her behavioral issues and it taught her like a 100 ways to amuse herself when I'm not around, so screaming for attention is not an issue here, so I'd recommend that also. Good Luck!!

Yes, that's why I think they are a good bird for me as they can amuse themselves for part of the day
And yes I'm planning on clicker training!

Again I'm on the border line for male or female, as I like both but females are less noisy but males are less bossy. So it's hard choice!

Thanks a ton

 

[caliopi]

Welcome to the forum, this is a wonderful group of people with an abundance of experience to help you. Naturally I am biased but Puffin has changed our lives in so many ways and all for the better.

I have no problem with Puffin being loud, he certainly makes himself heard with his chatter and happily amuses himself by tormenting our cats LOL but I think they are wonderful birds. Best advice I can give is buy from a good breeder not a pet shop. Aside from paying a heap more at a pet shop breeders can give you a lot more support once you have your bird home.

 

[mtdoramike]

Well, Eclectus like ALL birds have their noisy periods. My male Ekkie Mac, is usually noisy in the morning with flock calls and when he is walking about the house looking for me. He isn't as noisy as my little Senegal is. But can be louder. Eclectus has a high pitched scream that can pearce and ear drum or almost break crystal. Now they don't use that particular call all day long, but they do tend to vocalize it certain times of the day.

A lot of people don't really realize how noisy their birds are because they are gone most of the day working or so on. I'm retired and home with my birds 24-7 unless I step out for a few hours. So, if folks tell you their birds aren't noisy, I would take it with a grain of salt. You also have to bare in mind that all birds are different even within the same species. You can have one eclectus that is quiet as a church mouse while the very next one you meet is rebel rouser.

You also need to keep in mind that if you have a busy or expect to have a busy household when you get older, male eclectus don't fair well in this environment. They prefer calm quiet surroundings, where as females thrive on activity. Eclectus are also notorious for over-preening and plucking, once they start it's almost impossible to stop it.

 

[njgray21]

Hi Ashleigh. I can't personally give you any information since I'm pretty much in the same situation you're in, but I noticed you were located in Australia. When doing my own research I found a breeder that I wanted to get my bird from until I realized she was located in Australia (I'm in US). Her website is very informative and she offers a LOT of support to the people that purchase her birds and even to those that don't.

She would be a great resource for you. Her website is:

Creature Comforts Parrot Haven - Eclectus Parrot Breeders, Companion Parrot Specialists, Parrot Articles and Extensive Information

Hope that helps and good luck!

 

[Birdlover47]

Thanks so much for the advice!

And to Caliopi, Yes, i've found a very good breeder already who has had great feed back and has already helped me with a lot of questions

And to mtdoramike, I can handle loudness but not such as a macaw or cockatoo who is constantly screaming! But thank you for the warning!

And although my house hold isn't very busy at the moment but who knows what it will be like in 20 years so i'm planning on getting a female at the moment

 

[caliopi]

Well, Eclectus like ALL birds have their noisy periods. My male Ekkie Mac, is usually noisy in the morning with flock calls and when he is walking about the house looking for me. He isn't as noisy as my little Senegal is. But can be louder. Eclectus has a high pitched scream that can pearce and ear drum or almost break crystal. Now they don't use that particular call all day long, but they do tend to vocalize it certain times of the day.

A lot of people don't really realize how noisy their birds are because they are gone most of the day working or so on. I'm retired and home with my birds 24-7 unless I step out for a few hours. So, if folks tell you their birds aren't noisy, I would take it with a grain of salt. You also have to bare in mind that all birds are different even within the same species. You can have one eclectus that is quiet as a church mouse while the very next one you meet is rebel rouser.

You also need to keep in mind that if you have a busy or expect to have a busy household when you get older, male eclectus don't fair well in this environment. They prefer calm quiet surroundings, where as females thrive on activity. Eclectus are also notorious for over-preening and plucking, once they start it's almost impossible to stop it.

I have the exception to the rule then LOL Puffin makes a few squawks in the morning and aside from that he spends most of the time chattering away or calling our cats or kids. When we got him I had two teens living at home who on average had at least two or three friends here each day and up to ten or more on weekends and nothing is louder than a bunch of teenage girls getting ready for a big night out with laughing and music blaring and Puffin is right in there with them telling them to "dance" or saying " Party Time". He even learnt to laugh and when they are laughing he joins in. He knows her best friends by name and calls out to them.

My daughter is in her early 20's now and still at home and while it's not so hectic during the week weekends are still the same and Puffin loves it. I don't know if the fact I take him to work and he is used to being around lots of people from a very early age has made a difference or if he is an exception but he certainly loves having people around and is certainly not stressed by noise.

 

[Birdlover47]

Well, Eclectus like ALL birds have their noisy periods. My male Ekkie Mac, is usually noisy in the morning with flock calls and when he is walking about the house looking for me. He isn't as noisy as my little Senegal is. But can be louder. Eclectus has a high pitched scream that can pearce and ear drum or almost break crystal. Now they don't use that particular call all day long, but they do tend to vocalize it certain times of the day.

A lot of people don't really realize how noisy their birds are because they are gone most of the day working or so on. I'm retired and home with my birds 24-7 unless I step out for a few hours. So, if folks tell you their birds aren't noisy, I would take it with a grain of salt. You also have to bare in mind that all birds are different even within the same species. You can have one eclectus that is quiet as a church mouse while the very next one you meet is rebel rouser.

You also need to keep in mind that if you have a busy or expect to have a busy household when you get older, male eclectus don't fair well in this environment. They prefer calm quiet surroundings, where as females thrive on activity. Eclectus are also notorious for over-preening and plucking, once they start it's almost impossible to stop it.

I have the exception to the rule then LOL Puffin makes a few squawks in the morning and aside from that he spends most of the time chattering away or calling our cats or kids. When we got him I had two teens living at home who on average had at least two or three friends here each day and up to ten or more on weekends and nothing is louder than a bunch of teenage girls getting ready for a big night out with laughing and music blaring and Puffin is right in there with them telling them to "dance" or saying " Party Time". He even learnt to laugh and when they are laughing he joins in. He knows her best friends by name and calls out to them.

My daughter is in her early 20's now and still at home and while it's not so hectic during the week weekends are still the same and Puffin loves it. I don't know if the fact I take him to work and he is used to being around lots of people from a very early age has made a difference or if he is an exception but he certainly loves having people around and is certainly not stressed by noise.

Oh wow, he sounds like a bundle of fun!

It goes to show that every bird for themselves! There all different

 

[Boysmom]

As you are 15, have you considered if you will be going to college in a few years ? If you do plan to further your education would you still live at home or in a dorm or apartment ? Would your Dad and Grams be willing to keep her during that time if necessary ? Just wanted to give you food for thought as to what your babies living arrangements would be in the future.

 

[Birdlover47]

As you are 15, have you considered if you will be going to college in a few years ? If you do plan to further your education would you still live at home or in a dorm or apartment ? Would your Dad and Grams be willing to keep her during that time if necessary ? Just wanted to give you food for thought as to what your babies living arrangements would be in the future.

Yes I understand your concern but I have thoroughly thought about this. As I'm in Australia we don't usually have dorms and I don't like apartments as I like space I do plan on furthering my education and I'm positive my birdy will be in all my arrangements! I'm will be studying to be a vet so they may even let me bring my bird in sometimes. And if circumstances changed, I know my Dad and even my Grandpa (as he adores birds) would look after them!

I defiantly understand where you are coming from and I've thought about it a lot! Am planning on waiting 6 months to a year before finalizing getting a parrot!

Thank you

 

[Boysmom]

Well im sure the two of you will be forever friends then. You seem to have really thought this through and I commend you for that. Most teens dont put that much forethought into decisions, you will make a great Vet ! I wish you much success !

 

[Birdlover47]

Well im sure the two of you will be forever friends then. You seem to have really thought this through and I commend you for that. Most teens dont put that much forethought into decisions, you will make a great Vet ! I wish you much success !

Thank you very much, it means a lot

 

[BarkleyLoves]

Well, Eclectus like ALL birds have their noisy periods. My male Ekkie Mac, is usually noisy in the morning with flock calls and when he is walking about the house looking for me. He isn't as noisy as my little Senegal is. But can be louder. Eclectus has a high pitched scream that can pearce and ear drum or almost break crystal. Now they don't use that particular call all day long, but they do tend to vocalize it certain times of the day.

A lot of people don't really realize how noisy their birds are because they are gone most of the day working or so on. I'm retired and home with my birds 24-7 unless I step out for a few hours. So, if folks tell you their birds aren't noisy, I would take it with a grain of salt. You also have to bare in mind that all birds are different even within the same species. You can have one eclectus that is quiet as a church mouse while the very next one you meet is rebel rouser.

You also need to keep in mind that if you have a busy or expect to have a busy household when you get older, male eclectus don't fair well in this environment. They prefer calm quiet surroundings, where as females thrive on activity. Eclectus are also notorious for over-preening and plucking, once they start it's almost impossible to stop it.

I agree. My male will let out this ear piercing shriek at times. We are learning to ignore him so he will not associate screaming with getting food or out of cage time. He only does it when he gets tired of the food in his dish and he wants something special. But I will say he's a loving boy and loves the ladies, he's quite hormonal now actually lol.

 

[Oedipussrex]

Just to remind you if you already know that you have to make sure that their Water doesn't have to much chlorine in it. I reccomend bottled water.

Thank you I will have to check!

*or rain water as long as its filtered for house use and such of course

I love eclectuses and if you do your research and can maintain your care (and their diet) for their whole life commitment there is no reason for me to tell you not to get one. I assume you are still at home, so it is important your whole family is as excited as you seem to be about getting a parrot. Even if they will technically and officially be yours, parrots have a way of taking over the whole household, and whether they like it or not your family members will have to play a part in that.

another thing of note is that you'll have to be prepared to wake up early in the mornings to give any parrot brekkie. for the rest of its life. even on weekends when you wouldn't have woken up anyway. Ekkies have a specific diet, and birds in general have times of the day they just seem to eat more. It is also good to keep a parrot healthy if it gets a routine sleeping pattern as well, waking up on time as well as going to bed on time is important for this.
(some parrots are known to scream for you if you're late for their brekkie, -although pickle sits there quiet as a mouse until you take his cover off, no matter what the time is. and then greets you with a "peek-a-boo") ^-^

Also, with eclectuses in Australia, (i dont know what state you are in) but you should check if you require a licence to keep one.
I know that in NSW you do, no matter what subspecies you get, but here in SA you dont need a licence unless you have the specifically Australian subspecies (which generally isnt the domestically bred one anyway), and if you own another animal on the list of liscenced animals..

Generally liscences aren't hard to get really, you just need to find the right website for your state to get the application, give them details, a little money, and say that you don't have any criminal or animal abuse history.