Eclectus Owners, Could use your input.

[GizmoAndGadgetsDad]

Hello all. My wife and I are considering adding a new bird to the flock. We currently have a 1 year old green Quaker Parrot, and a 6 month old Senegal Parrot. We love them both and love the differences in both of them. The Quaker is a great!! talker but not very snuggly, he likes to do all the affection giving. The Senegal is a little angel, loves to snuggle and play but isn't the best talker in the world(She Tries real hard though). We have 3 birds in mind right now. A Blue Quaker, Hahn's Macaw, and a Eclectus(Maybe a SIE). That all being said any input on Eclectus's as pets, things to look for, pro+cons, or any other input you have would be very much appreciated.

[Sashagirl]

Things to consider if do get an Eclectus make sure it's from a reliable source.I am owned by 7 Eclectus.There are pro and cons I haven't really experienced too many negative things. 3 have joined us within the last 3 months.But one thing I can say is seeing you have a Quaker,Senegal I would be careful about allowing the Eclectus interacting with then if you should get the Eclectus.All my Eclectus can be wicked at times.I am also owned by many other birds but will only allow my Eclectus to interact with certain birds.I hope this answers your question?

Marcia

[GizmoAndGadgetsDad]

Originally Posted by Sashagirl

Things to consider if do get an Eclectus make sure it's from a reliable source.I am owned by 7 Eclectus.There are pro and cons I haven't really experienced too many negative things. 3 have joined us within the last 3 months.But one thing I can say is seeing you have a Quaker,Senegal I would be careful about allowing the Eclectus interacting with then if you should get the Eclectus.All my Eclectus can be wicked at times.I am also owned by many other birds but will only allow my Eclectus to interact with certain birds.I hope this answers your question?

Marcia

So should I be very concerned about getting an Eclectus if I have a child? I have a 7 year old boy. He is great with both the Senegal and the Quaker. I currently don't allow my 2 birds to interact, they don't get along so well. I should really say my Quaker doesn't get along so well. My Senegal adores him, but he hates her.LOL Well that is something to consider about the birds although it doesn't seem to be much of an issue.

[jimpierce7]

being owned by an Eclectus hen, Senegal hen, and my two boys, a Lovebird and a Parrotlet, it keeps me on my toes when they are out of the cage. Benji (Lovebird) wants to be every bodies buddy. Sophie (Eclectus) has been trying to woo Benji. They get along fine but due to the size difference it is kind of scary.
Zoey (Senegal) likes no other bird. Period. Likes no other person besides me either. She has even gone after my wife with out being provoked. lol
Benji and Cricket are the best of buds.

[phonelady61]

We are just trying to help you and yes you should be very carefull about allowing the interaction of some birds due to size . An ekkie will definately will keep you on your toes . and yes i would be very carefull around a 7 yr old with an ekkie cause they can be aggresive at times and they have been known to lunge at ppl . and as we all know who have kids they can be mischeivious and stick their fingers in the cage . all I am saying is be carefull because ekkies are not for everyone . good luck .

[loyallyroyal]

Well I can only talk about my baby boy, so I made a list of pros and cons

pros:
no screaming yet (knock on wood)
cutest baby garble
loves showers
loves his toys
loves being held
gives the sweetest birdy kisses
comes when I call (when I have a pine nut hehe)
when I tell him goodnight be blows me a kiss
no birdy dander/dust
doesnt bite immediate family
doesnt mind family dogs
such pretty blue flight feathers
does good with my little brother
Sings to the sound of music (so funny)
loves baby food, will eat any veggie in babyfood form

Cons:
learned to squeak like my dogs large squeaky ball (LOUD!)
grumpy (since he is molting) or when woken up
when I move him, or take something away from him he gives me his angry sound
if he flys on top of something taller than me I have to get a stepstool since he will shimmy away from me or beak bonk me
likes to land on top of my head
throws food (especially veggies)
picky veggie eater (likes sweets, fruits, nuts ect)
doesnt like people outside of immediate family in the house (will bite everyone involved)
tries to eat the dog food
potty trained himself (only wants to go on the curtains and he will hold it) refuses to go on his playstand
not big on being petted, doesnt like scritches (Doesnt like his feathers all messed up, he will move your hand away with his beak and fly off to preen himself lol)
when he has something is isnt supposed to have he will start running across the floor away from me

[Sashagirl]

I can't say how an Eclectus will react with a child because I don't have children.But I can say that the 13 years of dealing with Eclectus I wouldn't trust them with smaller birds.The ones I am owned by have showed me what they are capable of doing whether hormonal or just aggressive.I'm not trying to discourage you from getting an Eclectus because they are one of my favorite species but I have seen both sides to them too.Some may paint a pretty picture of them.Some of mine I have nothing bad to say about them.Some are rehomed and I have seen their good and bad sides come out.

Marcia

Originally Posted by GizmoAndGadgetsDad

So should I be very concerned about getting an Eclectus if I have a child? I have a 7 year old boy. He is great with both the Senegal and the Quaker. I currently don't allow my 2 birds to interact, they don't get along so well. I should really say my Quaker doesn't get along so well. My Senegal adores him, but he hates her.LOL Well that is something to consider about the birds although it doesn't seem to be much of an issue.

[loyallyroyal]

I would worry about any larger bird with a kid, from and ekkie to a hahns to a blue and gold since when they bite they can do some damage

mine personally does wonderfully with my little brother (10) but he only holds Dewey when I am there to supervise

plus larger birds are going to be considerably more work than say another quaker and I would worry about if a birdy fight was to ensue the smaller bird getting hurt

plus ekkies need a lot of exercise, you can tell the days Dewey didnt get his morning flight in (around 20min) where he flies all around the house (good thing I have high ceiling hehe) because he is cranky and irratible the rest of the day, not to mention HYPER

so are they a lot of work, hell yes! but my baby Dewster is worth it in my opinion!

[lavender]

We have a male SI ekkie. He does great with everyone. As for kids we have teenagers and he's great with them. I think a kiddo with any bird at any size needs to be monitored and taught how to handle the birds. Sounds like you've already done a good job with that.

Our Ekkie is a clown and needs lots of play area. He's also very loud at times. They also have a specific diet. So take that into consideration. I would definately recommend an ekkie. Our boy does not like to be cuddled. But he loves to hang out with you.

Are you able to visit with each of the three types you listed and see which clicks with your family?
Good luck with your search.

[GizmoAndGadgetsDad]

Originally Posted by lavender

Are you able to visit with each of the three types you listed and see which clicks with your family?
Good luck with your search.

So far the only one I have not spent any time with is an Eclectus. There just doesn't seem to be any Breeders in my area.