Everyone,

I have been researching birds for months now. I originally was drawn to parrots by a female eclectus that my uncle owned. I want to purchase a male directly from a breeder, not a pet store (I am well aware of the horror stories). I understand they are harder to keep then most birds, and I tossed around the idea of a different bird for awhile. I have come to the conclusion that I simply do not want to settle, I would rather commit and get what I want. That being said I have every intention of being responsible and doing all my due diligence. So I want some input from people who actually own one of these beautiful creatures.

1) What is a good size cage for this species? I do not want a bare bones minimum here, I want to know what size cage I need for the bird to really thrive during the day while I'm at work.

2) What is the best diet? I know all about the long digestive system, no fortified diets, pellets, etc. So what exactly IS best for them?

3) What type of mannerisms you have experienced? Does your bird seem to bond to one individual, or is it more adept around all members of the family? What did you do to socialize your bird?

4) What have you seen from your ecletus as it concerns biting? This is not so much for me, but I have a small child. While I have no intentions of him handling the bird immediately, eventually that time will come. I wouldn't imagine they pack the punch of a macaw, but how bad of a bite do they possess?

Sorry to ask so much, but I am truly wanting to learn as much as I can BEFORE I purchase a bird.

I don't have an ekkie but here's what I've heard about them, I'm fairly certain you know much more than I do.

First thing always makes me laugh... when they REALLY like you... they puke on you... I've heard stories of projectile vomit XD I'm not sure if this is just ekkies or all birds because I know parrots regurgitate for their mates... but I've heard it more about ekkies, especially with their "ranged attack" haha

I tried to help an ekkie pair a few years ago, the male was severely plucked, only feathers on his head and tush... and the female was VERY mean. HOWEVER, they were not treated like they should have been. Both gorgeous birds... I just wish I could have saved them.. I just don't have the experience or space let alone money for them... (pet store horror story to the max) I know that they can be temperamental and I think once they've gone through something like that, it's hard to bring them back so I assume they're rather emotional birds.

The only other ekkie thing is they are LOUDDDD! Oh my word they are LOUD.

I hope someone with more experience can help you! There's a few ekkie mommies and daddies on this forum so you should get some good info on them!

I too have heard the stories of noise and general messiness, I am prepared to deal with it. lol

Thank you so much for the input, how do you like your black cap conure?

She's fantastic but very very.. VERY loud. Louder than I expected. I'm working on getting her to quiet down but it's not going very well! haha for the most part she's a very good little parrot. Smart and snuggley and very silly. Her only pitfall is the violent screeching. It's not constant but it's starting to grate on my nerves with final projects for the semester in the works.
She's a bit of a messy bird too, flinging seed shrapnel everywhere haha nothing a broom can't handle though

Rofl, I can't imagine dealing with that noise while trying to study for school. I am fortunate enough to have a work schedule which gives me plenty of time at home, and the only thing I study is saltwater aquarium forums which really isn't all that important. I don't think I've heard of a bird that doesn't fling seed around everywhere. Gotta love it. haha

I don't know very much about them except they are GORGEOUS! My breeder is looking for a home for a female right now. The owner became very, very ill and had to give his birds to the breeder for some help with finding good homes. She is very sweet, will step up to everyone! She is gorgeous, she has the most vivid beautiful pefect feathers! I live in Ohio, if you are anywhere close you should take a look! Good luck, I can never decide which color I like better the male or the female. They are both so beautiful!

Haha both of my birds fling food.. paper... toys... feathers... whatever they can find to get my attention haha. Generally if I'm working I'll bring Lucy out to the living room with me and put her on her perch and she'll stay there and play and entertain herself lol I wanted to get an ekkie when I was first deciding on birds... but I played with an ekkie baby girl and she was SO vocal... louder than lucy haha but a deeper pitch. i think i can handle the louder, deeper calls than lucys high pitched shreik. She's my little baby though and I took the responsibility to take care of her for life and that's what I'm gonna do I love animals so I'll just have to work a little harder to figure out how to keep her quiet lol

Unfortunately Brian I live just outside Tampa, FL so Ohio is a no go. I was torn between the male and female for awhile, especially since my uncle's female was such a sweet bird. I just love the greens and blues on the males. Adrea, good for you taking responsibility. I get so tired of people that have a slight bump in the road with an animal that they procured then decide it isn't convenient to keep. Actually having problems with that on a fish forum right now....

Have you considered adopting? There are lots of birds out there that need homes. If you take your time and look around you will probably find an eclectus up for adoption. I found Puck on Craigslist.

About 10 years ago I decided I wanted a male eclectus, but that I wasn't ready for the commitment. I have Puck now, and he's amazing and wonderful, but I'd still like an eclectus. :-D

If this is your first LARGE bird and you have a SMALL child, DO NOT ADOPT a bird or buy a adult bird from Craigslist. Buy one from a breeder, who has a good reputation and has socialized the bird while hand feeding and weaning. The bird throws up on you if he wants to mate with you. Mine adores me and will walk right by my wife to get to me. But he has thrown up on her and not me.

Eclectus's are one of the smartest birds that I have ever seen and not as tempermental as others like Greys. They are a more laid back bird. But they can be loud. Mine will let out a scream every now and then that I think could break crystal. But it's not often thank god.

Cage size should be 40" wide by 30" deep by 5 foot tall. This is the standard cage that I see being used for an eclectus and is the same size cage that I have for mine. But make sure and get a cage with a play top. My Eclectus spend quite a bit of time on the top of his cage, but it doesn't have a play top on it. I wished it did.

Eclectus diets aren't to drastically different than other species if you want a healthy bird. They do require more fresh fruits, veggies and such. foodpyramid this is a link to a good dietary chart and suggestions for an Eclectus.

Now, as far as biting, Eclectus's have softer beaks than say a Macaw, but they can still give a good bite when they want to. But that is all part of owning a parrot. I would rather get bitten by my Eclectus than my little Senegal. Mac has never drawn blood, but Tiki will draw blood faster than a blood bank when she is in one of those moods. Fortunately it's not very often.