Eclectus in a semi detached house?

So in the next year or so i am thinking of getting an eclectus parrot (possibly a male) and i have been doing a lot of research on them and have found a lot of contradicting information on them from different websites.

I am really just wanting to know if an eclectus parrot would be ok living in a semi detached house. My neighbour is in for part of the day but leaves most mornings at roughly 8:30.

I really just want to know a bit more about their personality from people who actually own them as i want to make sure 120% than an eclectus is the right parrot for me.

I also have 3 dogs which have only ever been around budgies as well. They have also seemed a bit too interested in them but have never lunged or barked so is it ok to have them around the parrot and how easy is it to get them used to the parrot and the parrot used to them.

Any help would be extremely greatful. Thanks

So, you want to house your bird with your neighbor? Why not just keep it in your house? Honestly seems like a risk of "out of sight out of mind". A parrot needs to be with the flock and not in a separate house. Eclectus are very challenging birds dietary wise, have you done any research on that?

Thanks for taking the time to research ahead of time! Welcome to the forum. I have some general information for you, because I haven't owner an Eclectus, but I know a fair bit about parrots in general. Just so I know where you are coming from, have you ever owned a bird before? I ask, not because of anything you said, but because it can be helpful when knowing how much to explain.

As a highly intelligent flock animal, your bird will need to be in the main center of daily activity for the rest of its life. At night, he/she will need 10-14 hours of uninterrupted sleep (which means that your bedtime and wake-up routine will revolve a lot more around your birds schedule--if you cover the cage, then you must uncover it). They also need specific amounts of sunlight to regulate hormones and mood, so they can't stay covered for hours past their wake-up time.

You will need to ensure that wherever he is located there are no fumes or drafts and that the humidity is not too high or low (this varies by species). I am having trouble understanding what this would look like. Is it a garage with a roommate?

Eclectus parrots have some very unique dietary requirements when compared to other parrots. They are one of the only species that shouldn't eat pellets. They need a ton of fresh food and that fresh food should be organic if possible (due to chemical sensitivities in birds).

Here is some very general information that makes life with a parrot (especially travel and shopping for new appliances) interesting--people often are very unaware that the things they do on a daily basis could be deadly to birds:

Parrot owners shouldn't use any cleaners or chemicals that are not avian safe (no bleach, chlorine, windex, lysol, scrubbing bubbles, comet, air fresheners, carpet cleaners, flea shampoos etc). Basically, when cleaning, you will be limited to veterinary-style disinfectants for birds, baking soda, unheated vinegar and/or grapefruit seed extract.

No Teflon/PTFE/PFOA should be used at all around the bird, as these chemicals (hidden in and outside of the kitchen) off-gas when heated and have killed birds on separate floors homes (doors and walls don't offer adequate protection).

While it may not sound like it would be that hard to avoid, these are all big lifestyle changes to consider...no candles (scented or non), no perfumes/colognes, no burning food, no smoking/vaping, no paint/markers/glues/markers/polishes, no bbq smoke, bug-spray, scented glues/paints/stains/oils etc.

Owlet said:

So, you want to house your bird with your neighbor? Why not just keep it in your house? Honestly seems like a risk of "out of sight out of mind". A parrot needs to be with the flock and not in a separate house. Eclectus are very challenging birds dietary wise, have you done any research on that?

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Sorry maybe i didn't clarify this properly. the parrot will be in my house but there is a house which is attached to mine. The houses have extremely thick walls so i was just wondering the noise level of an eclectus. I have read they are one of the quieter parrots but still have the extremely loud screech. I am completely fine with a high noise level just not the noise level of say macaws and cockatoos.

Also yes i have been doing a lot of research but as i said it will not be till the end of the year possibly next year as i want to be 100% ready for getting a parrot. I know that they have a specialised diet and need a range of different fruits, vegetables and grains. I have been reading that they should have no to limited amounts of pellets and that if there are pellets present in the diet than they should not have any colouring and should be as natural as they can be. I have a whole heap of information but will no be getting a parrot until i am sure that i am ready and able to meet every requirement to keep the parrot happy and healthy.

If I were you, I wouldn't get a bird in a semi-attached house. Partly due to noise, and partly due to your neighbors potential use of things like PTFE/PFOA/Teflon.


What is the loudest parrot you have owned?

Hello, and welcome to the Parrot Forums family!

Okay, there are two aspects to your question. First, would your eclectus be okay in your semi-detached house. I'm assuming you mean whether the noise level would be too much? if this is indeed what you are asking, I want to impress upon you that anything anyone could tell you here will only be a matter of tendency and really wouldn't be anything you could necessarily count on. Basically, each individual bird is different. I could tell you that my ekkies don't tend to be very noisy at all, but someone else might have a completely different experience with theirs wherein the calls are VERY loud and go on all day.

My thought? No matter the bird, you have to go into it expecting the worst when it comes to the noise level, even as you hope for the best. Know what I mean? Ekkies have long lifespans, and when you take one in, you're basically making a promise to them. You want to go into this like it's a forever situation.

As for the dogs, the fact that they don't lunge is no guarantee of anything. There are quite a few members on this forum who own both dogs AND birds, but you must be extremely careful and take all of the proper precautions. And the most important factor? NEVER trust a predator animal with a prey animal. No matter how tame, all it takes is one moment where instinct overtakes training for tragedy to result.

so what OP means is he lives in what we call a duplex....? I get the question now...

Is an eclectus a quiet bird suitable for apartments and duplexes.

I dunno I've never owned one; but I think I helped simplify your question......

noodles123 said:

If I were you, I wouldn't get a bird in a semi-attached house. Partly due to noise, and partly due to your neighbors potential use of things like PTFE/PFOA/Teflon.


What is the loudest parrot you have owned?

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Ok no problem, thats one point i never thought about. I have had budgies in the past but the loudest bird i have ever owned was a ringneck parakeet. It wasn't exactly mine as it was in the family years before i came into the picture.

I agree-- the dog thing is risky too. I had to put my Cockatoo in a back bedroom for part of new year's eve because my uncle brought his dogs. It made me sad, but she is like one big squeaky toy and without having grown up around birds, they are a giant hazard. Even the most trustworthy of dogs (and even those raised with birds) cannot be trusted around a bird fully, which means that you are looking at having to choose between keeping your dogs cages/outside while the bird is out or keeping your bird caged when the dogs are inside--especially because you have 3 and not just 1. This isn't fair to the bird or dogs (less so to the bird).

Many members have posted horror stories about their dogs biting their birds after many years...and then getting killed or permanently disabled.

I don't mean to discourage you. You seem like someone who would make a great owner (as you care and want to learn). Parrots are just super complicated pets so there is a ton of planning etc that has to take place before taking the plunge (as you know). Just make sure you wait until you have a situation that would be conducive to the good, the bad and the ugly (meaning noise, destruction, needy behaviors etc) as well as, one that is safe for the bird.

No ekkies. But I do have four dogs and five birds. Gulp lol
I never trust the dogs with the birds unsupervised. And I never let the birds get near the dogs. It's also one of the reasons I keep my birds flighted.
My dogs also respect my space, and that the birds are mine not to share.

Anansi said:

Hello, and welcome to the Parrot Forums family!

Okay, there are two aspects to your question. First, would your eclectus be okay in your semi-detached house. I'm assuming you mean whether the noise level would be too much? if this is indeed what you are asking, I want to impress upon you that anything anyone could tell you here will only be a matter of tendency and really wouldn't be anything you could necessarily count on. Basically, each individual bird is different. I could tell you that my ekkies don't tend to be very noisy at all, but someone else might have a completely different experience with theirs wherein the calls are VERY loud and go on all day.

My thought? No matter the bird, you have to go into it expecting the worst when it comes to the noise level, even as you hope for the best. Know what I mean? Ekkies have long lifespans, and when you take one in, you're basically making a promise to them. You want to go into this like it's a forever situation.

As for the dogs, the fact that they don't lunge is no guarantee of anything. There are quite a few members on this forum who own both dogs AND birds, but you must be extremely careful and take all of the proper precautions. And the most important factor? NEVER trust a predator animal with a prey animal. No matter how tame, all it takes is one moment where instinct overtakes training for tragedy to result.

Click to expand...

I am ready for the possible 70+ years lifespan and would never give up any animal no matter what. If getting a parrot i know there is a big factor that they can outlive yourself but plans would be put in place to make sure that a happy home with either a known family member to the bird or a rescue/home would be lined up.

The dogs would never be alone with the parrot but i just mean do birds adjust ok to seeing a dog walk past their cage if they have never seen one before and considering it wall more that likely be a young bird.

noodles123 said:

I don't mean to discourage you. You seem like someone who would make a great owner (as you care and want to learn). Parrots are just super complicated pets so there is a ton of planning etc that has to take place before taking the plunge (as you know). Just make sure you wait until you have a situation that would be conducive to the good, the bad and the ugly (meaning noise, destruction, needy behaviors etc) as well as, one that is safe for the bird.

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Thanks. I know i said before maybe the end of the year or the start of next year but i am willing to wait as long as possible until i know i am ready with a whole horde of information and have the right space to provide an excellent and loving home to the parrot in which will get.

I never rush into getting a pet especially one which is more like having a little human around more than anything haha. I know when the time is right it will all fall into place and i will know i am ready but until then i will be getting all of the information which i can.

I would be more worried about your bird getting spooked by something else in the room (unrelated to the dogs) and flying low over or onto the head of a sleeping dog/crashing into something nearby (the instinct to react is strong). I am not saying you have these crazy mean dogs that attack small creatures on the daily lol. It is more of a problem due to parrots' tendency to freak out easily and fly/do things in a moment of panic (which often results in reactions from people and animals around them). Mine isn't scared of my parents dog at all, which is part of the issue, as my bird lacks healthy fear in that department. Thankfully (and sadly), their dog is very old, a bit blind, and has terrible back legs....and she was raised with birds around...That having been said, I still am very very very vigilant, and she couldn't move fast if she tried.

We probably double posted. My dogs and birds ignore each other. And that's the way I keep it. I have my birds and dogs all out at the same time, but I've taken time to teach my dogs to give five feet of space at all times to the birds. And as much as the birds would love to pluck dog hairs or harass the dogs I don't allow that either. I never leave the room with both out though.
I have four dogs.
With my past parrot I had two large dogs, so all six of my dogs living with Parrots for 18 years, we did good. No problem. But I actively worked at teaching them to respect and ignore the birds, and I'm always reenforcing this.

noodles123 said:

I would be more worried about your bird getting spooked by something else in the room and flying low over or onto the head of a sleeping dog (the instinct to react is strong). That's the thing-- I am not saying you have these crazy mean dogs that attack small creatures on the daily lol. It is more of a problem due to parrots tendency to freak out easily and fly/do things in a moment of panic (which often results in reactions from people and animals around them).

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Thanks. The dogs would only ever be in the room if the parrot was in the cage (which would not be often). I know my dogs may be placid but i would never trust them around any of my other small pets either so i would definitely not trust them no matter what the size around a bird.

If you can teach your dog to leave a full plate of human yummy food alnon on the floor. And if you can teach your dog no , and leave it. Then you can teach your dog to respect your parrot. Always useing caution though.

Hi!
So I opened my home to a 7 year old male eckie last June, and I'll share a bit of what I have learned. First off, I'm in love with him. He's gotten me into such a routine, and I honestly do not mind it. I actually find taking care of him and preparing his food to be a relaxing way to cope with the stresses of a BSN program!

He's great company while I study, and super quiet (at least compared to my kids ) but when he does squawk, man can he be loud! Luckily, it's once in a blue moon. He's a very chill bird, and is quite content to be a perch potato all day. I have to make him exercise, which he is never too happy about!

I live in a two-family home, and my family members that live downstairs say they never hear him.

Cons: sometimes, I wish he was a little more active! He's gentle, never bites, overall excellent disposition.. but getting him to try new things/exercise daily can be tough!
Another con: while I personally enjoy preparing his food, it's definitely not for everyone. And if you have to go away, it's tough to come up with a solution to make his care easier on the caregiver (fresh food cannot be left in the cage all day, so then what?) Just some things to consider.
I have a playstand that I feed him on (just because it's easier than wiping down the cage) and feeding him this way just works for me better. They make a MESS when they eat! Seriously, food everywhere. Prepare for that!

Also, showers are needed often!
Overall, I love my little guy even though he's much needier than my parrotlet. Seeing him happy and healthy is so worth it, though!

Ekkyparrotlet125 said:

Hi!
So I opened my home to a 7 year old male eckie last June, and I'll share a bit of what I have learned. First off, I'm in love with him. He's gotten me into such a routine, and I honestly do not mind it. I actually find taking care of him and preparing his food to be a relaxing way to cope with the stresses of a BSN program!

He's great company while I study, and super quiet (at least compared to my kids ) but when he does squawk, man can he be loud! Luckily, it's once in a blue moon. He's a very chill bird, and is quite content to be a perch potato all day. I have to make him exercise, which he is never too happy about!

I live in a two-family home, and my family members that live downstairs say they never hear him.

Cons: sometimes, I wish he was a little more active! He's gentle, never bites, overall excellent disposition.. but getting him to try new things/exercise daily can be tough!
Another con: while I personally enjoy preparing his food, it's definitely not for everyone. And if you have to go away, it's tough to come up with a solution to make his care easier on the caregiver (fresh food cannot be left in the cage all day, so then what?) Just some things to consider.
I have a playstand that I feed him on (just because it's easier than wiping down the cage) and feeding him this way just works for me better. They make a MESS when they eat! Seriously, food everywhere. Prepare for that!

Also, showers are needed often!
Overall, I love my little guy even though he's much needier than my parrotlet. Seeing him happy and healthy is so worth it, though!

Click to expand...

Thanks you very much for sharing your story with an eclectus. The information like the rest is all very helpful and has made me add more information into getting an eclectus.

My dogs eat a raw diet so i am used to cooking veg daily and making fresh meals for them along with have to cook fresh food for my reptiles so i do not have a problem at all with preparing food on a daily basis for a parrot.

Chiming in as a large parrot owner who isn't fortunate or affluent enough to rent or own a freestanding house with a huge yard buffering the neighbors from any noise- yes it is possible to own a larger bird in your situation, provided you don't share any kind of ductwork with your neighbor (i.e. fumes from their space can't easily drift into yours). It really boils down to the individual birds temperament. My amazon (similar in size and noise potential to an eclectus) is a overall quiet little guy who has been with me for over 10 years now and in that time we have lived in a studio apartment, 1 bedroom apartment, a sublet basement and now own a small condo. Never a single issue with noise complaints or fumes. That said, most parrots are LOUD. Finding a quiet individual would probably require you adopting an older bird who's proven him/herself to be on the quieter side in prior homes rather than buying a baby who could turn out to be a loud one. It also requires never-ending encouragement of 'good' noises and ignoring/time outs for 'bad' noises so the bird has a firm grasp that in your flock' they must use an inside voice.

You also should consider if you rent that many landlords do not like parrots, especially big ones and either flat won't allow them or you have to ay extra rent plus possible pet damages insurance as well. Even buying our condo we had to get board approval to have an 'exotic pet' before closing the sale