Should I get a Electus, B&G Macaw or TAG?

[Matt]

I am trying to narrow down my selection of which bird to choose. I am trying to narrow down my selection from these 3 species, TAG, B&G Macaw or a Male SI Electus. Here are my criteria in choosing a bird.

1.a) Health
b) Temperament
c)Generally doesn't develop behaviour issues such as plucking easily. Preferably a peace loving disposition.

2.a) Not terribly territorial over its cage like some Amazons.
b) Independent( by this I mean can entertain themselves while we are at work) yet loves the occasional petting.

3.) Not very agressive during breeding seasons such as some Amazons.

4.) Not very flighty or scared around children or dogs (highly supervised contact only).

5.) Talking ability

[greencinacheeks]

well i personally would go with the grey...but it's..in the long run up to you and what is best for you.

~N

[parrotntn]

Matt,
You've described an Ekkie down to a T, except the plucking thing. I'm sure you know, but if a stringent diet and routine is not followed, they pluck easily.
Like us, ain't no bird perfect.
It's good to see a level head do his research before bringing a bird home for LIFE.

Good luck and keep us posted.
Mark,,Going thru similar dilemma myself.

[4HAND]

I'm not voting because only you can decide what's best for you.I would just like to let you know that Greys as well as tiels and toos are powderdown birds,so you should make sure that no one in your household has an allergy to it before you bring one into your heart and home.
Tena

[Matt]

I know, just hoping that based on some of the things mentioned above that some people might give some insight such as : (example only) "I have owned 3 tags and never had one pluck and they love the kids." I probably should have mentioned that I would like some feedback from people voting if they have the time.

[papaya]

Hi,

my TAGs are a pleasure to have. They get along great with my kids, dog and cat. I would not consider them being cuddle bugs but they do like to be close to you and socialize. AGs are known to be good talkers, but you never know. Mine do not talk yet, but that is fine. They love to play with their toys and do not have a problem being in their cage. I personally enjoy watching two together and the way they interact with each other. That is why I got two at the same time. On the other hand I might run into the problem that they will not accept me in their flock and I lose them as pets. You never know. I know they are happy and are a wonderful addition to our family.

[Nazir's]

How about this...

1.a) Health: That depends a lot on the care provided. Any one of those birds can be a healthy one.

b) Temperament: From what I've heard and my own personal experiences, the Eclectus would have the best temperament of the three.

c)Generally doesn't develop behavior issues such as plucking easily. Preferably a peace loving disposition: Sounds more like the B&G Macaw to me.

2.a) Not terribly territorial over its cage like some Amazons: Hmmm.. That's a tuff one. Both my African Grey and Eclectus are territorial over their cage but just not to me. Again, I would lean more towards the B&G Macaw on this one.

b) Independent (by this I mean can entertain themselves while we are at work) yet loves the occasional petting: This all depends on their upbringing. Both my Eclectus and CAG are content while interacting alone. However, I imagine that it would be the same if I had a B&G Macaw because that is a very important aspect to me. I am sure to add this as an aspect of training/settling in, not overly crowding the bird with my affection or attention, initially but being sure to provide many other interactive stimulants.

3.) Not very aggressive during breeding seasons such as some Amazons: In this case, I certainly would not recommend the female Eclectus or Grey. Again, leaning more towards the B&G Macaw but I honestly don't know of this aspect of them.

4.) Not very flighty or scared around children or dogs (highly supervised contact only): Again, this has a lot to do with how the bird is raised and what it is allowed to become accustom to. I'll say this though, Eclectus usually don't like fast movements which children will most often children display. The African Grey tends to be a one person's bird. Therefore, if it's you that the bird takes to it will be only you that the bird wishes to socialize with.

5.) Talking ability: I believe that both the Eclectus and the Grey has the best talking abilities of the three. I find the Grey to have the largest vocabulary capabilities but the Eclectus is no slacker and is more clearly spoken (IMO). However, it's never a guarantee that any species of bird will talk. While many Greys, Eclectus, and B&G Macaws do talk--many of them won’t ever. Also for those that may, sometimes it may be years before they'll even utter a word.

Many of your concerns can affect any species of bird. Also, you are comparing three total different "types" of birds. You'd just have to be willing to do whatever it takes in either case. The eclectus requires a very special diet and most are sensitive to pellets, artificial color and flavoring. They don't usually adapt well to loud noises and fast movements. They tend to be most susceptible to plucking, wing flapping and toe tapping. The Greys tends to be a one person's bird and is very up front about letting the less preferred person know about it. They are also dusting birds and too intelligent for their own good. The B&G, I honestly don't know much about but when comparing Macaws, it's the GreenWing that is most likely to be recommended to the novice for whatever reason. Also, they are much bigger birds than the other two. That means to me, (i.e. bigger messes, bigger cages, more expensive, etc,). Personally, I wouldn't recommend either of those species to a beginner but it most certainly can be done.


Good Luck with whatever you decide.

[my-africangrey-echo]

I voted for the TAG but I am biased to say the least. I don't have anyway of comparing. Echo is very much a family bird and is content with any of the 3 of us when it comes to attention. He is still a baby, however is very vocal and quick to pick up a new word (and noise). I had thought my husband was his chosen person but once I had paid attention to his reaction to all 3 of us at the same time I think me the Mama is the flock member he wants to climb up on. He is very cuddly and will stay on my chest for scratching as long as I want to have him there. What ever you decide is right for you I applaud you for doing research first.

Chris

[Matt]

I think I am leaning toward a Tag at the moment. I am ofcourse going to have months to keep doing my research. I think I will start visiting the random places that have these birds and talk to more people who have them. I will keep you guys posted.

[birdsnreps]

of course i would pick a blue and gold. i had one, she was extremely loving but perfectly happy to entertain herself while i was away or busy. a blue and gold can be great with kids if the kids are taught to handle the bird properly, and blue and golds love to be included in all the family activities. as far as breeding behavior, i think its really how YOU choose to deal with it. EVERY bird will grow up and want to breed, its how you deal with the new behaviors that will make or break the relationship between you and the bird. read up, talk to others who have breeding-age birds, its all about research, research, research. be prepared, cause no matter what, your bird is gonna eventually go into breeding mode.

also, a very important thing that you need to know how to do is read the bird's body language. you can avoid MOST bites if you know what to look for. its rare that i get bitten by any of our birds, even the breeders. i can tell when they do NOT wanna be handled, and i leave them alone until they are ready for me. it works great and i dont get bitten

any of the three birds you listed can be wonderful family companions, but you have to decide which will make the best fit in your home. i personally love the macaws more than any other bird, i guess you could say im biased they are the right bird for us, but only you can decide which bird will be right for you. all i can say is take your time, do your research, keep an open mind, and the right bird will come along, and you will know it in your heart when you find the right one :)