Time for bird #2

[Codil7]

(My apologies if there is a more appropriate section for this.)

I knew from the beginning I was going to end up with more than one bird, I just didn’t exactly know when number two would come along. Little did I know, that feeling was going to hit almost immediately after bringing home my first haha. I currently own my male Eclectus Ekko and I’m in search of finding the right “wingman” for the both of us. Now when I say that I don’t mean cage mate or another bird that is going to be forced upon him. The new guy (or girl) will be housed separately.

Ekko has been a fantastic parrot but there’s some personality traits he doesn’t express as much as some other species. Specifically the playful and outgoing demeanor. He’s more content with quietly relaxing on my shoulder and watching tv all day than anything (and that’s ok!).

So my quest is to find a bird that is a complete 180 of Ekko that would still fit right with us. I’d like to rule out full size Macaws and Cockatoos but still consider their smaller counterparts like Severes and Goffins. Amazons, Conures, Ringnecks, and Senegal’s have always been a thought as well. What do you guys think would be a good match? I would like to adopt if at all possible so I’m not in any rush to make a decision.

 

[ChristaNL]

Dont worry... make you wishlist and your parrot will find you!

Whoops now I sound like some oracle or crazy new-age-lady, but you know what I mean -> decide what qualities you want AND more important ones you do not: continous screaming, extreme destructive behaviours etc.etc.

I love you are open for adoption, I am all for rehomers and giving parrots a chance at a great life after being not being treated right by humans the first (several) time(s) around.

 

[Scott]

I'll vote for a Goffins seven days a week!

That said, cockatoos in general are quite different with many needs and demands. My experience with two ekkies is they don't tend to socialize out of the cage with other species. I realize you intend to house them separately, but there is always the chance for a friendship on the neutral territory of a playstand or other structure. Neither were ever aggressive against my cockatoos, amazon, or greys.

 

[EllenD]

What exactly are the traits that you're looking for? You've got an Ekkie that apparently loves interaction, snuggling, and just sitting with you watching TV...That's what most people are actually looking for and wish that their birds were like, lol...So what exactly is it that you are thinking of? That will help use guide you a little, though you seem to know that there are no guarantees because every bird is an individual...So if I tell you that "Conures are known for being "Velcro-Birds" that want to be with you all the time, and love nothing more than to snuggle with you, get scritches, and be stuck to you 24/7", that would true in-general, but you could still go out and bring home a Conure who wants none of that...

Also, I'm glad that you seem to be aware that there is a great possibility that whatever bird you bring home may not get along with your Ekkie at all, or vice versa, and they may not even be able to be out together at all, even with supervision, due to aggression/fighting...Or they may absolutely bond very closely with one another to the point that they would rather be with each other than with you...You just have no way of knowing what type of relationship they will have, if any...Now since you're planning on getting a different species of parrot and not another Ekkie, then chances are that they won't bond so closely that they ignore you...But there is a great chance that they may be extremely aggressive with each other, and especially jealous and territorial over you and the house...So as long as you're aware of that going into it, you'll be fine...

 

[Codil7]

Well Ekko’s personality is rather independent. Does his own thing, isn’t much for close interaction, and has his fun sitting completely still. In no way is that an issue at all, I love him to death! We have been on more adventures than me and my dogs have had as of late haha. I guess what I’m looking for is more of an “extroverted” bird vs my current introvert. I LOVE the personalities of cockatoos and the playfulness of conures. They remind me of little puppies or even children.

I’m definitely aware of potential issues that could come with adding another bird to the flock. Everything will be taken slowly. I’ve had plenty of experience with introducing other animals to one another but I’ll admit this will be my first with birds. But I’m confident I can make it turn out ok if done patiently and done right.

 

[Sandy19]

They're all individuals with different personalities, but I can tell you that my Senegal is very boring. Her idea of fun is also sitting on my shoulder and watching TV. While she loves to be with me, she is not a needy bird and can keep herself content when needed, she's not destructive, she's not a big screamer, she doesn't bite and she's a quick learner. Overall she's an excellent bird, just a bit of a stick-in-the-mud lol. She doesn't dance, she doesn't sing and she doesn't talk that much.

 

[Laurasea]

A quaker might fit. Very into playing, abd into everything, but also very social and want to be with you and like head scritchs and snuggling, at least mine do. Can be loud for long periods of time happily talking, and squaking. You can find the in Craigslist every day of the week around here, because they aren't expensive or large, people get them and aren't prepared for the noise and need for a little of attention , which if not met can lead to screaming and feather plucking, and they are known to be very cage agressive. But you get them out of the cage and they are love bugs. My rescue is slightly cage agressive, my baby not at all yet...but I've heard can develop at a couple of years. Anyway there are a lot in need of homes, a Lot, but because you understand parrot behavior and ate a committed owner who spend the time with that they need I think you could really enjoy these very smart and social, talkers.

 

[Codil7]

Sandy I feel like you just described my boy perfectly haha. Definitely a stick in the mud type personality. I do realize every bird is different but some species have a better chance of having a “type” than others. Just trying to play my odds. Quakers are one thing I have researched very little so I’ll definitely look into those. I’m in southern Kentucky and don’t see too many of them around these parts.

What about sizes? Would going smaller or the same size bird be more effective? Or is that all up to chance? I’m sure there’s plenty of households out there where a smaller bird owns the roost over the larger though.

 

[noodles123]

Don't let cockatoo size fool you....I know Scott has a flock of Goffins who do well, but DO consider that all of the crazy warnings you hear about cockatoos still apply to smaller cockatoos....

 

[Laurasea]

Don't forget the whole quarantine and testing! But I think quakers are very social live in huge flocks, I think the two could get along. Individual varance exceptions of course.

 

[Sandy19]

Whenever I read about cockatoos I think of blondes. They might be more fun, but at the expense of your sanity. I work from home so have plenty of time to keep a parrot out of the cage and happy, but I cant handle a lot of screaming . I know they all have their loud moments, but If I were to ever get another parrot I'd probably lean towards an african grey as they are known to be one of the quieter ones like the senegals.

 

[Codil7]

Yeah cockatoos have always been a dream but how demanding they are has always been a question. I see more pluckers out of them than any other species. My Ekkie gets 5-6 hours of out of cage time every day and lives in a mansion full of toys so I feel like I could easily duplicate that for a second bird. But is that enough? What drives them to such “depression”? The screaming is always something to think about as well.

I’ve yet to see a Goffin or Quaker in person. Are they roughly the same size as my Solomon Island or a little smaller? From what I’ve seen online they look about the same.

My years of owning snakes definitely taught me about quarantine. A must for sure lol. I’ve already been planning locations. How long of a period do you recommend? I’ve seen anywhere from 1-6 months.

 

[Codil7]

Whenever I read about cockatoos I think of blondes. They might be more fun, but at the expense of your sanity. I work from home so have plenty of time to keep a parrot out of the cage and happy, but I cant handle a lot of screaming . I know they all have their loud moments, but If I were to ever get another parrot I'd probably lean towards an african grey as they are known to be one of the quieter ones like the senegals.

Casually hinting at my dating life too . Maybe I can finally learn something with birds to help my own life. I would love an African Grey and honestly wanted one in the beginning but decided for my first I didn’t want to drop $2500 on one. It’ll happen, just with time.

Screaming I can tolerate but for how long is definitely a question to consider. I could always handle more vocalization than what I currently get from Ekko. But I’m sure his will increase with time. I don’t mind the silence either. God love him for allowing me to sleep in on the weekends without calling out at sunrise.

 

[noodles123]

As the owner of a "happy"/"healthy"cockatoo, I can assure you that "blonde" is farther from the truth than anything...Think self-mutilating emo-kid mixed with a gifted (but non-verbal) toddler. THERE IS NO BIRD HARDER TO CARE FOR....
This is not to say that other birds are easy, but Toos are the most re-homed OF ALL BIRDS...They wake up and demand attention..you don't even know clingy until you have had one. Human "crazy" stops at "mildly needy" cockatoo..Cockatoo "needy" is worse than the craziest of crazy exes.

 

[noodles123]

read: http://www.parrotforums.com/cockatoos/78349-what-do-you-wish-you-knew.html
whole thread, mind you..



COMB THROUGH: mytoos.com


read:http://www.parrotforums.com/cockatoos/78350-any-ideas-quelling-miss-rosetta.html

 

[Laurasea]

Quakers are smaller than ekkies, come in about 100-120 grams. I wouldn't go for any type if Cockatoos. Though they are lovely. I know I can't handle that kind of bird and am thankful of the information Noodles supplies to educate us!!! One on my wish list might be a queen bovarin Conure they seem great but I've never met one

 

[Codil7]

Well Noodles I believe that settles that debate. I think I’m better off leaving that dream in my head for a while. I’m glad you voiced your opinion and brought those links to light. Have to make sure I hear the good and bad with every species.

 

[noodles123]

There is much good, but my Umbrella is harder than any toddler. Scott has Goffins in a flock, but that is expensive..soo....I as much as I love my cockatoo, if you are looking for a larger bird, I wouldn't go that route unless you want to deal with the things mentioned in the links. I hate to be a kill-joy, but it is so much harder than I ever anticipated.

 

[Codil7]

Yeah I can only imagine. There’s an older couple that owns a 4 year old goffins and they have been asking me to take him for about 2 months now. I’ve held off due to what you’ve stated on the larger ones. It’s just the risk is as high as the reward and that chance of things going south has me really questioning it. With more research and actually interacting with them, I may change my mind though. Just trying not to rush it and seek other opportunities.

 

[noodles123]

I will say that Goffins are still as risky as the others unless things pan out just perfectly (Scott's situation is somewhat unique). The key with Scott is that he has more than 1 (potentially, anyway).

One cockatoo of any kind is going to be EXTREMELY crazy. At the same time, I would NEVER say to get 2 right off the bat, because that this SUPER complicated as well (as they may not bond etc etc). Plus, they are still the most re-homed bird variety and they all are super-needy and HIGH maintenance. All of the risks I mentioned still apply. Their size will not change the fact that they are cockatoos and cockatoos are so much different from other parrots.