1st Time Future Owner

Hey everyone, my name is Justin,
I registered on these forums the other day hoping that maybe ya'll could help me out. I have looked around and read around about different types of Parrots and I think I have decided on an Eclectus (Most likely a red-sided female) but I do not want to be under prepared for this. I have read about owning an Eclectus, caring for them, training them, and keeping them as a pet. I have also gone out a bought a couple of books about parrots to help. I have owned Newts, Fish, Turtles, Cats and Dogs but never a parrot and I want to make sure it lives a full and happy life.
I'm not sure.. I guess I'm hoping you guys can give me tips or websites (though I've already read a bunch of them) on caring for parrots and anything else you feel would be really helpful.

P.S.
I have already identified a few plants around my house, such as my Elephant Ear, and they will be removed later on. From what it looks like now, I have almost a year before I will be getting a Parrot so I have a lot of time to prepare. Also, Teflon pans, I do lots of cooking and was wondering if their complete removal was necessary and if not, is there a Parrot safe alternative?
Or is keeping the Parrot in a well ventilated room while cooking with the pans safe enough?

Many thanks in advance!
-Justin M. :red:

If this is going to be your first bird,l I'm not sure I would recommend and Eclectus... As far as I know they have special needs...

I would probably start with a conure (green cheeks are gorgeous).. They learn tricks really easy, and can get really affectionate.

Just be sure you are ready for a lifetime commitment with a bird. Not weddings, funerals, marriages, school or a job should lead you to re homing the bird.

Welcome!

Eclectus are excellent parrots.
My first parrot was a Solomon Island female (Luna), and we now have a Red-Sided female (Evie) as well.
Based on the behavior of mine, I can tell you that they are relatively quiet birds who value their alone time, so I would not reccomend them for a noisy household.
Also, I am sure that you already know that they require a specialized diet, but this should not be a problem for someone who likes to cook.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Hmm.. Who to reply to first.. how about first poster..

lene1949 said:

If this is going to be your first bird,l I'm not sure I would recommend and Eclectus... As far as I know they have special needs....

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I have been told this many times and have read it many times, I am not completely inexperienced with this, I took care of a lost Love Bird for 2 1/2 months (see picture below). I know Love Birds are very small and not like an Eclectus or really any other parrot for that matter. I am also aware it can be quite a task keeping these birds happy (as was the same with the Love Bird, he was a needy little bugger).

Spiritbird said:

Just be sure you are ready for a lifetime commitment with a bird. Not weddings, funerals, marriages, school or a job should lead you to re homing the bird.

Click to expand...

So far, through out my whole pet owning life, I have kept every pet of mine until its final days. I have never given away any of my animals (With the exception of 1 cat, but it was never intended to stay). I have also read about how long parrots can live for and I'm well aware this bird could even out live me. No matter how annoying it will be, seeing the little creatures cute face will remind me why I put up with it (It was very much so like this with the noisy Love Bird ahah).

Pinkbullets said:

Welcome!

Eclectus are excellent parrots.
My first parrot was a Solomon Island female (Luna), and we now have a Red-Sided female (Evie) as well.
Based on the behavior of mine, I can tell you that they are relatively quiet birds who value their alone time, so I would not reccomend them for a noisy household.
Also, I am sure that you already know that they require a specialized diet, but this should not be a problem for someone who likes to cook.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Click to expand...

The relatively quietness is one of the reason I chose an Eclectus, because I'm quite sure that the neighbors would go crazy ahaha (Not that I care all that much). As for questions, I'm really not even sure what I should ask, but I feel there is something I should ask.. I guess what I could ask is what steps/precautions did you take before getting your first parrot?
Also what tips would you give to first time owners and what websites can help better educate me on Parrots or more specifically, Eclectus Parrots...

I thank you all for taking time out of your day and posting a reply
-Justin M.

P.S.
The Love Bird (Peaches) was the one who started this Parrot obsession. I never even though of getting a Parrot until I met that cute little creature. Too bad his original owners came and got him back

was expecting maybe 1 reply by now.. Rofl xD

I'd post a more specific post in the Eclectus section, once you know what questions you want to ask. Start with googling their diets.

Teflon pans in good condition used properly (never preheated dry) in a well ventilated area may not pose a threat.

However, to address your question on whether it would "safe enough" I'd ask in reply, "how many chambers would a revolver have to have to make a game of Russian Roulette safe enough?"

There are many things you can do to reduce the odds of a bird dying from fumes from cooking. But when reducing those odds to zero is so easy, why take the chance.

I've found once I got rid of my teflon cookware, food tasted better.

I'm with Auggie's Dad. At first when I heard no teflon pans I thought people were crazy but then I began looking at how many birds had died when the humans couldn't even detect the smell killing the birds. It's hard to tell if the pan is overheated enough to kill the birds. I decided to buy stainless steel just to be safe and I think my food tastes a lot better and I'm at peace of mind when I cook.

Please start with Eclectus Parrots It has a LOT of information for Eclectus parrot owners and I have learned much from that site. I am a macaw person through and through but even though the Eclectus was pretty much opposite of a macaw to me I enjoyed my male Eclectus Joaquin so very much. Joaquin was my third bird purchased but the largest I had (I have/had two mini macaws).

Joaquin helped achieve balance in my flock. I miss him every day even though he died in 2005. I have never been able to get another eclectus because Joaquin was a one and only kinda bird who took a piece of my heart with him.

Be prepared to live with a parrot that is so different it may take you back at times. Joaquin was an old soul and was very good at lowering blood pressure, taking the stress off of people and helping the mentally ill. As regal as he was helping others, at home Joaquin was part macaw and played very hard and uneclectus like.

I have to admit every time I see a Soloman Island male Eclectus my heart constricts and I experience pain for missing my Joaquin. Good luck with your Eclectus.

Noblemacaw