A little about Eclectus?

[son of eevil]

My partener and I are considering an Eclectus as our next bird in a month or so (when we're ready to move on from Alex)

For for now we're investigating different species and Eclectus is at the top of our list at the moment and we're wanting to know as much about them as we can.

If anyone can help I'd love to hear everything you can offer us.

Thank you,
Mitch

 

[Renae]

I don't have an Ekkie, but I would highly suggest reading through this website which has a lot of info on Ekkies: Land of Vos Eclectus - Main Page

 

[son of eevil]

Read everything I can find any website articles behaviorals, I went and saw/handled one today.

Guess I'm after testimonials and little things people think are important.

I love research!

 

[Birdiemarie]

I would suggest reading all the threads and stickies here in the ekkie forum (if you haven't already). It will help give you a good observation into their personality.

 

[jeb]

Hi Mitch,

My wife and I love our two ekkies, a 3 year old female and a 2 year old male. Everyday I continue to be amazed by their beauty. They are great companions ( as I am sure many other parrot species are). [btw, our ekkies do not like one another. ]

Since I have not owned (or been owned more properly I think) other species, I am not sure what to tell you. A couple observations. They both love human interaction, although our male enjoys it more than our female, whom is experiencing a hormonal desire to find a nest. Our male is much more vocal than our female. They can be very quiet, and quite loud, and both quite spontaneously. Our male has a fuller vocabulary than our female, which I understand is common.

They love being out of their cages, and want to be out of their cages for a significant part of the day.

They love routines, and love to be a part of your routine.

Both can be skittish at times, and fly when spooked, our female more than our male, and often associated with new things bringing carried into a room where she is, especially if the things are brightly colored.

I would say that they prefer quieter households, and that loud noises make them nervous. We had some minor home remodeling a year ago, and they did not like the construction noises, even though we muffled it pretty well. Any neighbors' nearby construction sounds will put them on alert.

I am very much a novice owner here compared to so many other members here.

Good luck.

Jeb

 

[son of eevil]

Went to see one in an avian specialising pet store today, I had met the particular bird before she's about 4 months old.

I wasn't allowed to have her out of the cage. Apparently she had a small psychic episode the day before after a man stuck his finger in the cage she went not to bite but inspect his finger with her beak (as young birds do) and he thought she was going to bite him so he pulled his finger out and wacked the side of the cage she had her beak infront of.

They were reluctant to get her out without the main lady there, she deals mostly with the larger birds and is the main keeper.

So heading back in tomorrow to see her again.

But the bird seemed a lot more active and climby then usual, typically ekkies are slow and cautious bit she was as fast getting around as an Alexandrine or cockatiel.

I'm a bit worried now... She tried to strike me from inside the cage when I put mt finger too close.any insight?

Thanks,
Mitch

 

[Renae]

Treats can do wonders, so if she has any treats that she really likes, you could take some along with you. She is probably not completely comfortable with people she isn’t used to being around, I think that can play a big part, especially if you have only seen her once or twice. Try stay calm around her, they can sense it well and don't react to any lunging.

 

[son of eevil]

Hmm treats are a good idea, I don't know that she has a favourite food though, I actually asked the lady when I saw her today she said she seems to like green vegetables and corn.

I'm just a little worried that she may become perpetually afraid of hands/fingers or strangers. I mean I'm ok if a bird doesn't instantly take to strangers but it would be a nice trait, should she ever escape I'd like her to be comfortable finding a total stranger to say hello at least I have a chance of getting her back or someone else having a new pet.

 

[TheBeesKnees]

We really looked into an Ekkie before adding our macaw, and for us, I thought that their emotional tendencies might not work for our family, since we have a small child, etc. But, I will say, in all of them I've had the pleasure of meeting, the males seem much sweeter and seem to desire a human's companionship much more than a female. Although a female's colors are just so stunning, those ladies seem a bit nippy for me....so those are my thoughts. Good luck in your search....and as always, I will always try and persuade someone to look at mini macaws and macaws in general.....our Sozzie is just such a joy!....

 

[son of eevil]

We brought an Alexandrine today, his personality was perfect for us! I have a thread in the Ringneck and Other section if anyone is interested!

 

[Birdiemarie]

Big congrats! (going to read all about him).