Getting an Eclectus with Goffin's Cockatoo???

[theleroys]

We currently hav a G2, and love her very much. We are considering
getting a pair of Eclectus to add to our house. We also have 2 dogs
(germans Shephard and Akita). Neither bother with or pay attention to
the birds that we already have. We understand that Eclectus LOVE
attention like the G2s do. However they don't like to "cuddle" as
much. Does this mean they like to be held and pet, but don't like to
rub or "preen" you? What is meant by this? Should we anticipate the
G2 and Eclectus to get along? We dont' like Grey's as they are one
person birds. We like our animals to be social with everyone and
attention seekers. The diet of the 2 birds seems to be opposite. Why
is that? Is adding these 2 birds into the same house (different
cages) recommened? Also we like all of our birds to enjoy plenty of
out of cage time. Will they get along? And enjoy socializng
together? Or are we creating a problem? Our G2 doesnt like our
cockateils, but I think that is because they are SO much smaller.

[reann]

Hello. I saw you had no replies thought I would offer something..lol..I have a friend with a eclectus and they are different. She likes to be patted and toughed. She also preens her hair. They have a good bond and she likes to be loved. My friends ekkie had a cage aggression problem that started after a week and a food aggression but after a little time of work that ended. The are not or should not be feed a seed diet. Mostly Pellets and veggies tofu is good. Non salty foods and be carefull on the fruits stay away from too much with alot of acids or sugars. No eggs. try to stick with all organic foods. We took hers to the vet last week due to a change in feather plucking and a weird smell. She had a yeast infection and this is the diet he reccomended. I hope this helps. As for getting alon with eachother, that is all up to the birds.. Never push the issue let the birds adjust to eachother. In time you will know. Just watch the body laungage with eachother and always be safe. Good luck

[Monica]

Feeding eggs is a good source of calcium.... :?:

[reann]

Yes it is but as explained by the avairy vet is that if you notice they eat more of the yolk of the egg and it is the salty part which is no good. If givven a organic cood diet of pellets and veggies it should be getting enough calcium. Like I said I don't have a ekkie but my friend does and I went to the vet with her and listned. But every one has their own opinions and ideas.. Some things work better with some than others. Good luck

[Monica]

Oh, I see your point there... Though I don't think giving eggs to the bird 1-3 times a week would be a bad idea either, or atleast 2-3 times a month... Certain foods of course in moderation are fine, and I can very much see your point if a bird is given fruits, veggies, pellets, and cooked eggs daily, the bird may get too much calcium... I've heard of that atleast once... And yes, everyone has their opinions and different views on subjects...

[The Outlaw]

OK, I've sat back long enough. I hate to dominate this board, but you need some sound advice. DO NOT FEED ECLECTUS PARROTS PELLETS. Feed a good fresh fruit and veggie diet and add some seed, nuts and protein.Also, sprouting is wonderful if your birds like sprouts. You must sprout yourself, however, for the sprouts purchased in grocery stores are much too high in bacteria.

I think that Eclectus parrots and African greys are among the most well behaved, smart and least destructive of the bigger birds. And, they can be amazing talkers. Much like the greys, however, you have to stimulate them daily with interesting toys and interaction. Most don't like to be petted, but do like perching on a shoulder and being involved in everything. My Ekkie, Mai Tai, is the perennial favorite around here by little kids and women.

As for getting along with your Goffins, don't count on it. They may live happily side by side, but its unlikely an Eclectus will tolerate direct interaction with a smaller Goffins. However, my Eclectus is a larger one. She is a hybrid Grand/Redsided. The only bird I can safely have her interact with is my Severe macaw. He's quick enough to escape her advances when she's moody or territorial.

The males are said to be easier to live with. My female is very cage protective and will not tolerate hands in her cage. She is gentle as a lamb outside of her cage and will step up anytime I ask, but usually tries to bite if I forget and go in for any other reason. That's just their nature. You should also know that the females can be lethal to inexperienced younger males. If they are paired with young novices, they can kill them if frustrated enough, and that's NOT an old wives tale.

THE OUTLAW

[Joel]

Reanne, I am curious as to why you or whomever was told that Ekkies should not eat any eggs???? I disagree and I also am wondering where the salt comes from that is in the yolk of eggs according to your statement?????

Ekkies do require a high amount of vitamin A etc. and as far as I know, it is fine to feed them veggies, fruits, pellets & even seeds, etc.......You may want to limit the amount of seeds but I would not cut them out altogether.

One other comment I would like to make is that I don't think the proper diet of an Ekkie has anything to do with ideas or opinions. I think there has been enough research/experience with them and observation of them in their natural environment for we humans to know exactly what they need to be heathy and prosper. It only takes some time on the part of each Ekkie keeper to study up and then provide that diet to their species specfic birds.....JMHO

[reann]

It is amazing how no one posted a word on here till I stated my oppinion now look at all the people responding to dissagree with me....LOL... How fun. I got all this information if you read from a AVIAN VET but I have never done the research on the breed my self due to the fact that i DO NOT own a EKKIE Good luck

[The Outlaw]

Reann:

I'm just curious who your vet is.

THE OUTLAW

[Joel]

Me too.........I am curious also as to who this vet is (not that I would know him) and how long has he been in practice and does he keep any Eclectus?......Not to be argumentive now but not every word that comes out of an Avian Vet's mouth should be taken as Gospel IMO & IME.

Hey Nancy, you said do not feed your EKKIE pellets :?: .....Does that mean none at all or limit them??? I never had heard none at all before and if that is true, could you please explain to me WHY :? ??? Thanks.......

And quit dominating the board with sound advice, will ya . We can only take so much good information in one day....... :)