Is the eclectus a quiet breed?

Liverpoolwalrus

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Nov 8, 2013
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Hi all,

I live alone in an apartment and am considering getting a parrot. My first concern, after maintaining the bird's health of course, is noise. I've read that the eclectus is relatively quiet and not so needy like other parrots. TV-volume chirps, calls or words are okay, but I need to make sure I'm not getting a screamer (or even a loud "caller") that vocalizes in an unacceptable way whenever I leave the bird's sight (or when I'm within sight, for that matter).

I know about the eclectus' specialized diet and their tendency to pluck when stressed, and I'm okay with those as I think I can satisfy the bird's needs in those areas. I also work at home and am willing and able to give a bird a lot of attention. But is it safe to say that, generally speaking, the eclectus is not needy, clingy and loud?
 

Boysmom

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Nov 17, 2011
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Ruby- Solomans Island Grand Eclectus ***
Flora- Panama Amazon
My Ruby can be quite loud when she wants to be. 98% of the time she is quiet, except for talking, but if she wants my attention she will let out a very loud flock call. Also you have to consider that during their hormonal phase they are louder, as they are calling to a mate. Ruby thinks my son's turtle is her mate, and she will loudly call to him while in a mating stance when she is hormonal.

It really all depends on the birds personality, and your training.
 

thekarens

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Sep 29, 2013
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The problem is even if you get a parrot that's known to be quiet you might still get a loud one. Sennies are known to be quiet and mine is, but I've seen videos of others that are very loud. There are no guarantees.
 

MikeyTN

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Like it was said above, I've seen posts in here with people owning a screaming ekkie. Even though mine are quiet 98% of the time as well, but I know they can be loud especially when I have visitors. JoJo does not like strangers and he will scream none stop on top of his lungs until strangers are out of his sight.
 

GaryBV

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I'm sorry I just had to laugh at this one, a quiet parrot????? Is there such a thing? lol Even my lovebirds and parrotlets can get loud on occasion.
 

MikeyTN

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I consider parrolets and lovebirds noisier then a ekkie though anyday....
 

Maria_Metropolis

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Hatch Date: October 4th, 2013
RIP July 4, 2014
Ruby thinks my son's turtle is her mate, and she will loudly call to him while in a mating stance when she is hormonal.

That is one of the funniest things I ever heard in my life. LOL!

Very cute.
 
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Liverpoolwalrus

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Re: Is the eclectus a relatively quiet parrot?

Thanks for all the input so far. I guess it's the luck of the draw. Yes, I know no parrot is "quiet," per se. Just like no dog is quiet. I'm looking for confirmation that the eclectus is relatively quiet, generally speaking, compared to other parrots.

"98% quiet" as two respondents have said, seems pretty encouraging. From what I know and have read, I'm thinking not many other parrot species are quiet 98% of the time :).
 

mtdoramike

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Jan 18, 2011
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11 month old Senegal Parrot - 3 year old SI Eclectus
The problem is even if you get a parrot that's known to be quiet you might still get a loud one. Sennies are known to be quiet and mine is, but I've seen videos of others that are very loud. There are no guarantees.

hahahahahahahaha, yep that's Tiki my Senegal alright. She has a squawk that can wake the dead. She isn't as loud as Mac the Eclectus, but she can get annoying for sure.

Eclectus have a loud what I call a scream that I think could break glass. They are not noisy throughout the day, but they do have their moments and the longer you have them the more comfortable they become and the noisier they will become as well. So if noise could be an issue, I wouldn't consider an Eclectus or you could be getting an eviction notice.
 

mtdoramike

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Re: Is the eclectus a relatively quiet parrot?

Thanks for all the input so far. I guess it's the luck of the draw. Yes, I know no parrot is "quiet," per se. Just like no dog is quiet. I'm looking for confirmation that the eclectus is relatively quiet, generally speaking, compared to other parrots.

"98% quiet" as two respondents have said, seems pretty encouraging. From what I know and have read, I'm thinking not many other parrot species are quiet 98% of the time :).

If you find any parrot that is quiet 98% of the time, grab them and hold onto them like grim death because I would have to challenge that. I was taught early on not to put a percentage on anything that you can't prove. By the way, people who own birds for a while tend to overlook the noise at some point or else they go nuts. So asking a person who owns a bird if the bird is noisy, most people would respond weeeeeell, not really. So please take those responses with a grain of salt.:)
 
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MikeyTN

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Mike,

Gracie barely ever make a single noise, maybe a few whistle here and there. JoJo mainly talks and no scream at all. If they were noisy I would tell you. Let's just put it my parakeets make more noise then my ekkies.
 

Mike17

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Alex- Eclectus, Ariel- whiteface, Junior- pied, Custard-lutino, Ziggy- pearl cockatiels, Kermit- Princess parrot, Jade- Plumhead parrot, George- budgie, Coco- Rainbow lorikeet, Corey-Little Corella.
Hi all,

I live alone in an apartment and am considering getting a parrot. My first concern, after maintaining the bird's health of course, is noise. I've read that the eclectus is relatively quiet and not so needy like other parrots. TV-volume chirps, calls or words are okay, but I need to make sure I'm not getting a screamer (or even a loud "caller") that vocalizes in an unacceptable way whenever I leave the bird's sight (or when I'm within sight, for that matter).

I know about the eclectus' specialized diet and their tendency to pluck when stressed, and I'm okay with those as I think I can satisfy the bird's needs in those areas. I also work at home and am willing and able to give a bird a lot of attention. But is it safe to say that, generally speaking, the eclectus is not needy, clingy and loud?

G'day Scouse Walrus... I wonder if anyone picked the Beatles connection in your nick :)

I second what I've read earlier, eccies for the most part are quiet. Our handraised guy rarely made any noise at all until the flock got large, so if he sees other birds flying around the room, especially if they've been panicked (real or imagined hawk outside, for instance) he'll really scream. Plus he now shares a verandah with two untamed eccies and joins in with them in their noise. So, I'd think a solitary eccy might be a bit quieter, but it really comes down to individual birds. Even your taste in music or TV shows might have a bearing, Alex listens and laughs at some TV shows.
 
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Mayden

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The screaming when leaving the room, etc, is a learned trait too. Reinforced by the caretaker. Most birds will 'flock call' when you leave their sight (it's a natural thing to do, they're checking your okay!) but this turns into screaming/incessant calling when reinforced by the caretaker. So... it depends on how you raise them!

Obviously some species will be generally louder than others... but all have the potential.
 
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Liverpoolwalrus

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Nov 8, 2013
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Hi all,

I live alone in an apartment and am considering getting a parrot. My first concern, after maintaining the bird's health of course, is noise. I've read that the eclectus is relatively quiet and not so needy like other parrots. TV-volume chirps, calls or words are okay, but I need to make sure I'm not getting a screamer (or even a loud "caller") that vocalizes in an unacceptable way whenever I leave the bird's sight (or when I'm within sight, for that matter).

I know about the eclectus' specialized diet and their tendency to pluck when stressed, and I'm okay with those as I think I can satisfy the bird's needs in those areas. I also work at home and am willing and able to give a bird a lot of attention. But is it safe to say that, generally speaking, the eclectus is not needy, clingy and loud?

G'day Scouse Walrus... I wonder if anyone picked the Beatles connection in your nick :)

I send what I've read earlier, eccies for the most part are quiet. Our handraised guy rarely made any noise at all until the flock got large, so if he sees other birds flying around the room, especially if they've been panicked (real or imagined hawk outside, for instance) he'll really scream. Plus he now shares a verandah with two untamed eccies and joins in with them in their noise. So, I'd think a solitary eccy might be a bit quieter, but it really comes down to individual birds. Even your taste in music or TV shows might have a bearing, Alex listens and laughs at some TV shows.
Mike, I've been using the "nick" as a username everywhere since I first started using computers in the '90s. People make the association, or verbalize their recognition, once in a great while. Thanks for doing so. Now if I got an eclectus that could sing Moptops' songs, I'd be happy, even with the noise! I'm not scouse, though. Florida is home.
 

Kinny

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The only parrot species I've ever owned that's been completely quiet 100% of the time is my Haru (a Kakariki) however, my old male Kakariki got very loud when he got over excited about how well he could talk... My eclectus are generally quiet. However I recently had a big issue with the male screaming his head off every time he saw a sparrow (and recently screaming at the sight of first light). Yet the female if the pair is VERY quiet all of the time.

And then our currently single female eclectus screams at sunrise and sunset (though a sheet over the cage does the trick with her).

So yep. I agree with what others have already said. Generally they are quiet, but certain situations may make them screech extremely loudly.
 

drlisaort

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Nov 3, 2012
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Hollywood, Florida
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Oliver, Male (SI) Eclectus
:10:I have to say Oliver is pretty darn quiet with the exception of his talking gibberish between actual words. He does however get out-of-control happy in the shower. We both sound like nut jobs in there...can't say who is louder. :rainbow1:
 

MikeyTN

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LoL...your one of those shower singers....now you teach Oliver to sing along....lol...double the effect..... :D
 

maillet

Member
Sep 22, 2012
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Eclectus can be the quietest or loudest parrot out of any species. In general, they tend to have mild temperaments and are quiet enough for apartment style living. A problem can occur if raised improperly and they become clinging or easily frightened.

Now Me... I "Bully" my Echo playfully and he is the quietest thing around. Yet when I have door open he will not leave my side and will fly to be like his mommy. So maybe tough love is the trick to not having a "baby"? Who Knows. Noise is result of raising.

Eclectus CAN however create a Call loud enough to shatter glass. This is known to be loudest of any parrot calls (all that quietness let out at once). I have only heard it one time now and it was when he got his leg caught mid-flight and was frightened.

How I heard it? 5-Household Doors down a Block from basement suite. Clear as day. I do also know that most Eclectus will only use this call 2 - 5 times in entire lifespan. A bird who is insecure, abused, or otherwise is known to use it on a more weekly basis.
 

MikeyTN

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"Dixie"LSC2, and "Nico" Scarlet Macaw.
I've heard that call before, that's the reason why I don't let people in my bird room anymore cause he freaks out and started screaming hell. Only certain strangers, not everyone. It's like he feels certain vibe from certain people and he would start screaming like no tomorrow and all the people ran from the room...lol...Aside from that, he never screams when it's just us or the other animals, except he don't like big dogs.
 

helijohn

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Feb 17, 2013
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North Lincs England
Wow, that's amazing. I came on the forum today to ask more or less the same question.
"How noisy is your Eclectus?"

I got a female because all the reports said the female tends to be the less noisy where the male is noisier and could go off on one if disturbed or whatever. I like the colouring too. I had a grey that was quiet nearly all of the time - you'd get the odd very loud click a few times a day but honestly the bird was not intrusive at all. He was a whistler and mimicked those sorts of sounds but if you didn't make the sound in the first place he was quiet. His only drawback was dust.

Getting back to the Eclectus, I expected some shouting - bit like kids really - like at roosting time, twittering at night and so on.

Mine is quiet as long as I am. So from 11pm to about 3pm the next day silence apart from some helloing, thank you and ickle tickle comments.
But as soon as the TV or music or vacuum or whatever goes on (mid afternoon onwards) that's it, competing noise from very loud chatter to screaming. The chatter is always loud enough to drown out the TV.

I'd like to know what people do to deal with this as I like to watch my soaps in the evening in some relative peace.

I have read that sometimes the babies are better when the parents bring them up because the offspring learns when to use the shouting and when not to. This one is hand reared and I am beginning to think it is either in the genes to be noisy unless in a quiet and calm environment or doesn't know when to be quiet..
So again I ask, how noisy is your Eclectus please?
 

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