Electus vs Sengal

pitterpat3 · Aug 27, 2010

Hello. I really need some help in chosing one of these birds. I have allergies so I am limited on what kind of bird I can have. I have fostered an Orange Wing amazon in the past for 3 mo ( who is now in his new forever home) and got hooked on the love a bird can give you. I have done alot research and now I am totally confused. They both look they would make great pets and companions. Does any one out there own one of these birds that can give me some good insite so I make the right choice.

My oldest child is 19 and never at home ....so we do not have to worry about children and the bird. I want some thing that I can love and that will talk to me. I guess I am suffering empty nest syndrome as I have always taken care of my children and now they are all grown. Giving my bird attention is not a problem for me.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!

Spiritbird · Aug 27, 2010

They are both very nice birds. There is a difference in the size of course. Welcome to our group by the way. Lots of good people here who have these birds and can clue you in on more details.

Rrrma · Aug 27, 2010

I have an eclectus, but never owned a senegal.

I can say that an eclectus is much bigger than a senegal. You are looking at the eclectus being almost twice as big as the senegal, depending on gender and subspecies. Their personality and dietary needs are also very different.

What information have you read so far? Here is a basic site with info on both of them
http://www.avianweb.com/eclectus.htm
Senegal Parrots aka Yellow-vented Parrots: Species information and Photos

pitterpat3 · Aug 27, 2010

Thank you both! I was thinking about the SI elctus because they only get to 12" 14". I did not realize that their peronalities were different, I thought they both talked some and like to cuddle?? Is that right? I will read the link you gave Rrrma.

Rrrma · Aug 27, 2010

Well you can't expect any parrot to talk or cuddle. Yes there are breeds better known for it than others, but each individual bird is unique in its personality. Eclectuses are very sensitive and my Rosie loves to cuddle with me, but she refuses to let anyone else near her. She was a rescue though, so she has been through traumas and is untrusting of people.

I will say that a parrot is a lifelong commitment that is like having a child, mood swings and tantrums and all. Eclectuses can live up to 50 years with the appropriate care, though it is only in the past decade or so that people have realized how specialized their diets are and how difficult it is to give them what they need. A senegal lives 20-30 years with appropriate care.

I'd definitely recommend spending time in the forums here reading about the relationships we have with our birds. Reading threads about their diets and environmental needs and looking through the pictures.

You said that you fostered a bird, so would you consider getting another foster of either of these species or adopting a rescue or rehome? These would be older parrots thats personalities and abilities are already apparent.

Cowtown · Aug 28, 2010

Welcome Pitterpat to the forum... this is a great place with great people.

I am a newbie to Parrots, I chose a female Eclectus that was 12 weeks old when I got her.
She is a beauty... I also wanted an Eclectus due to the dust..

They do have very special diets but I am fine with that..
My Abby eats like a little piglet... she has not refused anything I have given her.

Mike

pitterpat3 · Aug 28, 2010

I have researched both birds, boy what a hard choice. No wonder some people have so many birds....they are all great. Which has the less dust, does any one know...is it the senegal or the electus or are they both the same? You all are a big help!!

Rrrma · Aug 29, 2010

The eclectus doesn't have a dust gland. There is a small group of birds that have oil instead of dust glands.
Senegals do have the dust gland, so by that they would produce more dust than an eclectus.

But I have heard senegals aren't very dusty, though I have no personal experience. If you mist them daily this would help a lot, I'm sure. Also a good air purifier would be wonderful even if you don't have a dusty bird.

pitterpat3 · Aug 29, 2010

Is it a good idea to adopt a 1 yr old senegal instead of a baby? Someone told me to get a baby so I could bond better. Any advise? Thanks.

Rrrma · Aug 29, 2010

It would be completely up to you. Age isn't dependent on if they will bond with you. I have a 9yo eclectus and only met her 2 years ago. We have the strongest bond I have ever had with ANY of my birds. I also have 2 cockatiels that I got at the same age(14 weeks, but one was born in 07 and the other 09) and one of them LOVES me and the other one is indifferent. Both are sweeties, but one WANTS me to pet and hold her and the other just wants to fly around the house.

I would meet the birds and see if there is a spark with any of them and if there is, take that one home.

Bobby34231 · Aug 29, 2010

Just as there are differences from species to species of parrot, so to are birds within those species, whether it be male or female, young or older they all have to be treated as individuals in respect to how they interact with us, some people prefer a young bird, thinking they will bond easier and it hasn't learned bad habits yet, while others may seek an older bird that is friendly and well socialized already, in either case you won't really know what you have until you've both had time to learn each other, if you look through the forum you'll find threads with members having both good and bad results with young and older birds alike, my suggestion would be to take your time in your selection and not be impulsive, picking a bird because its beautiful or inexpensive or because the species of bird you want may be scarce in your area and you feel you better get this one or you might not get another chance may be a decision you'll regreat later, I wish you the best of luck in your decision

pitterpat3 · Aug 31, 2010

Okay...now I am totally confurse. Some one just told me if I am allergic to African Greys and cocktiels and love birds that I can NOT have a senegal, does any one out there know if this is true. Am I confined to conure ( was thinking Blue Crown conure ) electus or caiques. Just want to make the right choice because once the bird is home it will be here forever. Thanks to all who can help me...and if you have any other choices let me know.

Rrrma · Aug 31, 2010

Can you spend some time with some Senegals? It just seems from all your threads you really want one, but are worried about this and that.

Do you have a petstore or breeder or friend who currently has them that you could handle or be around for a little while?

Bobby34231 · Aug 31, 2010

All birds will have some amount of dander or feather dust,some species more than others, you can cut down the amount dander that gets into the air by using a good air purifier with a HEPA filter and giving the bird a daily shower, I would suggest that if your allergies are that severe that a small bird the size of a Senegal can cause such adverse reactions that maybe you might reconsider a parrot as a companion, good luck....

pitterpat3 · Aug 31, 2010

When I fostered an Orange Winged Amazon I was fine, I would kiss him and hug him and never had a problem. I did have a problem with a love bird and with a cocktiel and my friends African Grey. I have a pineapple concure now that is ours and she does not bother me in the least, and I am always kissing on her. Does that help you help me any....lol?

Rrrma · Aug 31, 2010

I think the best thing would be meeting one in real life and spending a little time with it.

Another thing that is possible is it might not be the bird itself but something the bird is exposed to. I'm allergic to pine in all forms and I sneezed horribly when I brought Norma home because she was kept in a barn with pine shavings on the floor. She smelled like pine and had pine dust on her. A little bit of a bath and some airing out and we were back to normal.

I've never seen a senegal in real life, but there is no way they are as dusty as an african grey or cockatiel. My girls are ridiculously dusty.

Also, do you have an air purifier? If you don't I strongly recommend you get one! I have serious allergies, I have RADS, and I don't tolerate dust well, but I live in a house with 5 birds, 3 of which are serious dust producers. I have to clean the filter every other week it seems, but it definitely works!

pitterpat3 · Sep 1, 2010

Thank you all!! I am taking all your suggestions and taking my time so that we will have a right fit. When a new member of the family is brought home I will let you know.!

Rrrma · Sep 1, 2010

Good luck!

Cowtown · Sep 1, 2010

pitterpat3 said:
Thank you all!! I am taking all your suggestions and taking my time so that we will have a right fit. When a new member of the family is brought home I will let you know.!

Keep us informed.... take care and have a great week.

Bobby34231 · Sep 1, 2010

Good Luck!

Electus vs Sengal

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