Everyone,
I have been researching birds for months now. I originally was drawn to parrots by a female eclectus that my uncle owned. I want to purchase a male directly from a breeder, not a pet store (I am well aware of the horror stories). I understand they are harder to keep then most birds, and I tossed around the idea of a different bird for awhile. I have come to the conclusion that I simply do not want to settle, I would rather commit and get what I want. That being said I have every intention of being responsible and doing all my due diligence. So I want some input from people who actually own one of these beautiful creatures.
1) What is a good size cage for this species? I do not want a bare bones minimum here, I want to know what size cage I need for the bird to really thrive during the day while I'm at work.
2) What is the best diet? I know all about the long digestive system, no fortified diets, pellets, etc. So what exactly IS best for them?
3) What type of mannerisms you have experienced? Does your bird seem to bond to one individual, or is it more adept around all members of the family? What did you do to socialize your bird?
4) What have you seen from your ecletus as it concerns biting? This is not so much for me, but I have a small child. While I have no intentions of him handling the bird immediately, eventually that time will come. I wouldn't imagine they pack the punch of a macaw, but how bad of a bite do they possess?
Sorry to ask so much, but I am truly wanting to learn as much as I can BEFORE I purchase a bird.
I have been researching birds for months now. I originally was drawn to parrots by a female eclectus that my uncle owned. I want to purchase a male directly from a breeder, not a pet store (I am well aware of the horror stories). I understand they are harder to keep then most birds, and I tossed around the idea of a different bird for awhile. I have come to the conclusion that I simply do not want to settle, I would rather commit and get what I want. That being said I have every intention of being responsible and doing all my due diligence. So I want some input from people who actually own one of these beautiful creatures.
1) What is a good size cage for this species? I do not want a bare bones minimum here, I want to know what size cage I need for the bird to really thrive during the day while I'm at work.
2) What is the best diet? I know all about the long digestive system, no fortified diets, pellets, etc. So what exactly IS best for them?
3) What type of mannerisms you have experienced? Does your bird seem to bond to one individual, or is it more adept around all members of the family? What did you do to socialize your bird?
4) What have you seen from your ecletus as it concerns biting? This is not so much for me, but I have a small child. While I have no intentions of him handling the bird immediately, eventually that time will come. I wouldn't imagine they pack the punch of a macaw, but how bad of a bite do they possess?
Sorry to ask so much, but I am truly wanting to learn as much as I can BEFORE I purchase a bird.