Almost Decided

[featherlines]

From the really helpful responses (and poll) my decision is between either an Eclectus or Galah.

I have a few gender questions about Eclectus's however, is their a major size difference? And what are your experiences between the genders? In general, which gender would you get?


Aghhh! This decision is so frustrating!

 

[cgsouljah]

Eclectus seems like a good sum up.
I personally chose a male as I thought it would better suit my household.

Good luck! Its a big decision no matter which way you lean!

 

[cgsouljah]

Sorry, admin thought I was advertising because the information on the page was on a birdcage stores website...a site thats link is on the forum already? Anyways here's a cut and paste...
The Gentle Eclectus

Not only are the Eclectus dust-free, they also have extremely gentle personalities. Males are more docile than females, so some people claim they make better pets. Female Eclectus have more of a tendency to bit if they are startled or disturbed.

Low-Stress Level

Eclectus parrots need a peaceful home with very little noise, chaos and disturbances. In other words, your Eclectus will not appreciate a loud, fun-filled (or what you would consider fun-filled) party every Friday night that lasts for several hours. Nor will they appreciate loud music, screaming and constant activity. These birds do best in a quiet, peaceable and subdued environment.

Eclectus are also emotionally-needy birds. You can’t leave an Eclectus in its bird cage all day long and expect it to be happy. These parrots need lots of love and attention to thrive. They also need an abundance of mental stimulation. If an Eclectus is board, he will sit in his bird cage or aviary, dutifully plucking his beautiful feathers. Some Eclectus pluck their feathers so severely, they become completely bald. A featherless Eclectus in the middle of your living room isn’t exactly an attractive looking creature.

Make sure your Eclectus spends several hours a day outside his bird cage. It is a good idea to invest in a playstand, which allows your bird to interact & play outside of his parrot cage.

 

[Ollie13]

Definitely an Eclectus male! I've had my baby for just over a month now and love him to bits. These parrots are just too loving and adorable

 

[thekarens]

I'd have to vote galah. They are easier when it comes to dietary needs.

 

[drlisaort]

I don't have experience with the Galah, although they are gorgeous, but I do know the Eclectus. I hand picked the most beautiful female SI Eclectus after careful research I was sold so on my third visit (she was a baby)--with cash in hand to claim her--the breeder changed his mind when he learned my husband had a beard reasoning that she would love my husband and not me. I was shocked! But I also learned that Charlie (the breeder) cared more about his birds than money. So, then I waited and waited for Oliver...and life has never been the same since we first met at five weeks old when his first green feather sprung. He is truly an amazing bird!

Yes, this species has a reputation for plucking but if they are out often and entertained with toys and foraging when in their cage I think the plucking concern diminishes.

I look forward to hearing what you decide!!! With whatever choice you make I'm sure it's going to be an amazing partnership for you...

Lisa

 

[Pinkbirdy]

I have both a Galah and male Eclectus [the Eclectus is fine with the noise ] . Theirs 16 birds here. The the Eclectus is a newer bird to me . I find that he has a lot of qualities of my other birds all rolled into one.He talks ,sings ,dances, likes attention [neat guy].My Galah is male [can talk ] likes lots of attention [is a sweetheart] can be a bugger . Always after the remote . I myself would choose the Eclectus of the two

 

[skylala]

I would choose a male specifically because there's less problems associated with them.

With females for example, they will start laying eggs and problems can occur with this such as becoming egg-bound which results in a vet trip and could potentially cause death. Obviously with a male you don't have to worry about that.
Also when they lay eggs that might cause them to want to sit on it to hatch them.

I've heard there's normally not much personality difference, but the egg laying is the reason I chose a male. All I'll have to deal with is a potentially horny/humpy bird, but at least that can't turn life threatening.

 

[d2page2]

My eckies are both about the same size. My female bites when she is hormonal. I am the only one that can go to her nest. If I get to close though she will puff and growl. My male is a baby but is becoming a really sweet bird. I had a male that passed away last year. He was the sweetest bird ever. Male eckies are definitely sweeter. My males never minded the noise.

 

[featherlines]

Sorry, I've been away for a few days.
But I came to the conclusion of adopting or purchasing a male Eclectus!!! Due to their sweetness described and how its a less risk on egg-binding...and how adorable and pretty they are!!!!

 

[Pinkbirdy]

I need to make you aware too. My Eclectus is a much louder bird than my Galahs were [and Ive had two] Just a heads up

 

[drlisaort]

I am sooooo excited for you! You will absolutely fall in love with your boy. And for the record, my Oliver is NOT loud at all. In fact, he is quite the opposite. He is a chatter box but not loud and totally fun to listen to. I always heard loud house loud bird...but of course I never tested that.

 

[skylala]

Yeah my boy is mostly quiet as well. The only time he 'yells' is when he's hungry so that's easily avoided. His 'chatter' is pretty quiet and I love listening to it anyway.

Though we also have a very quiet house too. I did notice when we had a party with really loud people around, he tried to join in on the loudness.

 

[Birdman666]

Females are dominant in Eckie pairs. Opposite of Amazons.

Females tend to be the bossy and hormonal ones during breeding season.

Males serve the females during breeding season.

Males tend to be more even tempered year round in my opinion.

 

[Birdman666]

Yeah my boy is mostly quiet as well. The only time he 'yells' is when he's hungry so that's easily avoided. His 'chatter' is pretty quiet and I love listening to it anyway.

Though we also have a very quiet house too. I did notice when we had a party with really loud people around, he tried to join in on the loudness.

ISN'T THAT EVERY PARROT?!

The zons are probably the worst offenders in my house, but... it's all of them.

Plus, parrots are empathic. They pick up on everything around them. If the household is hyper, chaotic and stressed, they become hyper, chaotic and stressed. Calm households generally have calmer birds. (Unless that bird is a spoiled screamer!)

 

[skylala]

Yeah my boy is mostly quiet as well. The only time he 'yells' is when he's hungry so that's easily avoided. His 'chatter' is pretty quiet and I love listening to it anyway.

Though we also have a very quiet house too. I did notice when we had a party with really loud people around, he tried to join in on the loudness.

ISN'T THAT EVERY PARROT?!

The zons are probably the worst offenders in my house, but... it's all of them.

Plus, parrots are empathic. They pick up on everything around them. If the household is hyper, chaotic and stressed, they become hyper, chaotic and stressed. Calm households generally have calmer birds. (Unless that bird is a spoiled screamer!)

Well apparently not, because some parrots get labelled as Noisy and some as quiet. For example I've always been under the impression Cockatoos and Sun Conures were pretty noisy because that's the label they are given. Never owned one so I don't know. I just base it off what I get told.
Eclectus are different. Somewhere you'll hear they're noisy birds, and other places you'll hear they're quiet.
My boy is quiet and that seems true of the eclectus species.