Change of Plans...

MustLoveAnimals · Sep 27, 2014

I was set on the Galah 'Too as a future bird (6-12 months). I love their personalities AND their size. But after learning more about the large amount of powder they produce and the allergy problems the owner's can develop, I realize I cannot bring this bird into my home yet. My father is allergic to cats (which I have), I can't imagine what a Cockatoo and a cat would do to him. I would get this bird after I've moved out of the house (yes, I live with my parents).
So, it's time to think about a bird for now. I'm not in a rush.
I'm still set on a medium to large sized parrot. The bird does not have to be extremely cuddly, but an interactive bird that wants to play with me or just hang around me is great. Also, the bird should not be generally extremely vocal constantly. A little loud noise here and there is perfectly fine. (I know about the morning and evening calls)
I'm thinking about an Eclectus. Someone suggested one in one of my previous threads. I was able to interact with one at the Hookbill Fair, and I really liked him.
I'd love to hear about yours. And feel free to ask me questions.
Thank you!

EAI · Sep 27, 2014

I was thinking of an Eclectus as well.
Some hypoallergenic parrots are Pionus', and what I've heard, Amazons.

I would possibly consider a Caique or Jardine's parrot. Both are on the larger size and (Pois at least), can entertain themselves and aren't really a velcro-bird. All I know about Caiques are that they are really active.

Or even one of the larger parakeet species like the alexandrine or Derbyan.

MustLoveAnimals · Sep 27, 2014

EAI said:
I was thinking of an Eclectus as well.
Some hypoallergenic parrots are Pionus', and what I've heard, Amazons.

I would possibly consider a Caique or Jardine's parrot. Both are on the larger size and (Pois at least), can entertain themselves and aren't really a velcro-bird. All I know about Caiques are that they are really active.

Or even one of the larger parakeet species like the alexandrine or Derbyan.

I will look into those, thank you!
Just out of curiosity, why didn't you decide on an eclectus?

EAI · Sep 27, 2014

MustLoveAnimals said:
EAI said:

I was thinking of an Eclectus as well.
Some hypoallergenic parrots are Pionus', and what I've heard, Amazons.

I would possibly consider a Caique or Jardine's parrot. Both are on the larger size and (Pois at least), can entertain themselves and aren't really a velcro-bird. All I know about Caiques are that they are really active.

Or even one of the larger parakeet species like the alexandrine or Derbyan.

Click to expand...

I will look into those, thank you!
Just out of curiosity, why didn't you decide on an eclectus?

Oh, sorry, there was a misunderstanding. I was thinking that an Eclectus would be perfect for you.

But I have wanted an Eclectus for some time now. Hopefully when I'm out of school/have a stable income it'll allow me to get one.

Timothy · Sep 27, 2014

I'm terribly allergic to cats, and dogs, rabbits, horses, and some other things, but i am not even remotely allergic to any bird i have come across (And i worked at a parrot store for 2 years) i have snuggled with almost every type of parrot there is. never had a problem.

just wanted to state that

MustLoveAnimals · Sep 27, 2014

Timothy said:
I'm terribly allergic to cats, and dogs, rabbits, horses, and some other things, but i am not even remotely allergic to any bird i have come across (And i worked at a parrot store for 2 years) i have snuggled with almost every type of parrot there is. never had a problem.

just wanted to state that

Thank you for that!
Well, I'd hate to get the bird and my Dad be terribly allergic. Then I'd have to re-home it.

I just don't want to risk that. But I'll talk to others about their experience regarding this species and allergies.

MustLoveAnimals · Sep 27, 2014

EAI said:
MustLoveAnimals said:

EAI said:

I was thinking of an Eclectus as well.
Some hypoallergenic parrots are Pionus', and what I've heard, Amazons.

I would possibly consider a Caique or Jardine's parrot. Both are on the larger size and (Pois at least), can entertain themselves and aren't really a velcro-bird. All I know about Caiques are that they are really active.

Or even one of the larger parakeet species like the alexandrine or Derbyan.

Click to expand...

I will look into those, thank you!
Just out of curiosity, why didn't you decide on an eclectus?

Click to expand...

Oh, sorry, there was a misunderstanding. I was thinking that an Eclectus would be perfect for you.

But I have wanted an Eclectus for some time now. Hopefully when I'm out of school/have a stable income it'll allow me to get one.

Ahh, I see. Well, I'm glad we cleared that up!

MustLoveAnimals · Sep 27, 2014

Now, I have heard that they are very difficult to keep healthy. That they need a diet consisting primarily of fresh veggies and fruits. No pellets or seed.
True?

EAI · Sep 27, 2014

MustLoveAnimals said:
Now, I have heard that they are very difficult to keep healthy. That they need a diet consisting primarily of fresh veggies and fruits. No pellets or seed.
True?

I wouldn't say it's difficult to keep them healthy, you just have to committed to providing them their diet.
All birds should have fresh foods, but it's stressed more towards Eclectus's.

You could have pellets in their cage to make sure they always have food available (this is especially if your'e in school or you have a job) while away. But make sure it's specifically for Eclectus parrots.

Timothy · Sep 27, 2014

EAI said:
MustLoveAnimals said:

Now, I have heard that they are very difficult to keep healthy. That they need a diet consisting primarily of fresh veggies and fruits. No pellets or seed.
True?

Click to expand...

I wouldn't say it's difficult to keep them healthy, you just have to committed to providing them their diet.
All birds should have fresh foods, but it's stressed more towards Eclectus's.

You could have pellets in their cage to make sure they always have food available (this is especially if your'e in school or you have a job) while away. But make sure it's specifically for Eclectus parrots.

Correct me if i'm wrong but i heard that eclectus cannot have any colored pellets? only pellets like harrisons?

EAI · Sep 27, 2014

Timothy said:
EAI said:

MustLoveAnimals said:

Now, I have heard that they are very difficult to keep healthy. That they need a diet consisting primarily of fresh veggies and fruits. No pellets or seed.
True?

Click to expand...

I wouldn't say it's difficult to keep them healthy, you just have to committed to providing them their diet.
All birds should have fresh foods, but it's stressed more towards Eclectus's.

You could have pellets in their cage to make sure they always have food available (this is especially if your'e in school or you have a job) while away. But make sure it's specifically for Eclectus parrots.

Click to expand...

Correct me if i'm wrong but i heard that eclectus cannot have any colored pellets? only pellets like harrisons?

I've heard that too, that the colors will discolor them.

Also, don't give any supplements to them unless prescribed by your vet.

MustLoveAnimals · Sep 27, 2014

EAI said:
MustLoveAnimals said:

Now, I have heard that they are very difficult to keep healthy. That they need a diet consisting primarily of fresh veggies and fruits. No pellets or seed.
True?

Click to expand...

I wouldn't say it's difficult to keep them healthy, you just have to committed to providing them their diet.
All birds should have fresh foods, but it's stressed more towards Eclectus's.

You could have pellets in their cage to make sure they always have food available (this is especially if your'e in school or you have a job) while away. But make sure it's specifically for Eclectus parrots.

Understood. It was just something that I saw on Yahoo. Someone said that they wanted an eclectus, and someone replied saying not to get one, because it's extremely difficult to keep them healthy. Maybe they were being a bit over-dramatic. Actually, I think it would be easier to feed a main diet of fresh fruits and veggies. And I can get a lot of it for free from my Aunt.

MustLoveAnimals · Sep 27, 2014

EAI said:
Timothy said:

EAI said:

I wouldn't say it's difficult to keep them healthy, you just have to committed to providing them their diet.
All birds should have fresh foods, but it's stressed more towards Eclectus's.

You could have pellets in their cage to make sure they always have food available (this is especially if your'e in school or you have a job) while away. But make sure it's specifically for Eclectus parrots.

Click to expand...

Correct me if i'm wrong but i heard that eclectus cannot have any colored pellets? only pellets like harrisons?

Click to expand...

I've heard that too, that the colors will discolor them.

Also, don't give any supplements to them unless prescribed by your vet.

Yes, I looked into that. Also read that organic pellets have too many vitamins, and can cause health and behavioral problems if they are fed too much of it.

MustLoveAnimals · Sep 27, 2014

AND....Is is also true that they should be fed certain amounts two to three times each day?
I read that 80% of their diet should consist of fresh fruits and veggies, the remainder being seed, pellets, treats, and nuts.

aether-drifter · Sep 28, 2014

Is your dad allergic to your cockatiel? They rival galahs in dustiness, even with their small size!

Betrisher · Sep 28, 2014

All the members of my family suffer dreadfully from asthma, eczema, hayfever etc etc etc, yet none of us has the slightest problem being up close and personal with Dominic. Yes, I'm aware he makes some powder, but it's never ever been so much you'd write home about it. Why don't you take your Dad to a breeder's or pet shop and get him to handle a Galah to see if he's OK with one? They really are exceptionally adorable birds.

getwozzy · Sep 28, 2014

Although I don't have allergies, I'd just like to put my 2 cents in (lol) Chili is not very dusty IMHO and even in the peak of her recent terrible molt, she didn't give off a terrible amount of dust....but even under normal circumstances, I barely notice her dustiness- she does get misted/bathed every other day though.

I second Trish's suggestion to take your dad to visit a galah, because they're really fun little birds

MustLoveAnimals · Sep 28, 2014

aether-drifter said:
Is your dad allergic to your cockatiel? They rival galahs in dustiness, even with their small size!

Not that I know of....I also have a cat, so I'm not sure if it's the cat and the bird that's making his allergies act up. I don't believe that he's been feeling any worse.

MustLoveAnimals · Sep 28, 2014

Betrisher said:
All the members of my family suffer dreadfully from asthma, eczema, hayfever etc etc etc, yet none of us has the slightest problem being up close and personal with Dominic. Yes, I'm aware he makes some powder, but it's never ever been so much you'd write home about it. Why don't you take your Dad to a breeder's or pet shop and get him to handle a Galah to see if he's OK with one? They really are exceptionally adorable birds.

That's very interesting. I will definitely try to get him to handle one to see if the powder affects him.
The only problem is this; I have no idea where I can find any. Lol
I was able to handle some at the Hookbill Fair this summer, but they came from other states. I haven't been able to find a breeder in my area.

MustLoveAnimals · Sep 28, 2014

getwozzy said:
Although I don't have allergies, I'd just like to put my 2 cents in (lol) Chili is not very dusty IMHO and even in the peak of her recent terrible molt, she didn't give off a terrible amount of dust....but even under normal circumstances, I barely notice her dustiness- she does get misted/bathed every other day though.

I second Trish's suggestion to take your dad to visit a galah, because they're really fun little birds

I see.
I would LOVE to get one now! I truly fell in love with their personalities. If it turns out that his allergies are not affected by the Galah, I would be thrilled! I know that this is the best bird for me.

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