i have read this thread for the first time,and there is SO much valuable info in it,but i do have a pos solution to people who are wanting a Ekie but are afraid of what they will grow up to be....ADOPT....i have FANTASTIC adult Ekies that come in(5 to 8 yrs old)i KNOW all about their personalitys before they leave..i have placed some of the sweetest Ekies ever..and some not so sweet but the adopters KNEW what the personality was of each bird and it has stayed that way,so in this way adoption is a HUGE plus..just wanted to add another angle