Hello! I'm Jodi...and I'm looking for my new feathered friend!

[jodi_odo]

Hi, I'm from Nebaska...I've owned and African Grey before and am at a time now where I am ready for another...thinking about another Grey or have done some checking into the Eclectus...Kids will all be in school all day starting this fall and being a stay home "mom" this will be a change...I now will have time to devote to a "feather kid" !

Thoughts about the Grey vs Eclectus are welcome...I've read bunches but it would be nice to hear from someone that has had experience! Also I am trying to locate a breeder within driving distance, so if anyone can offer something there that would be welcomed as well!

I'd also love to know what cages are better than others...I have read good and bad reviews on several...so opinions and PICTURES would be fantastic! The one I used to own they quit making, so it's back to square one again!

I've been enjoying reading about your birds and especially love seeing the photos! Thanks for letting me be a part of all this!
Jodi

 

[Allee]

Hi Jodi, Welcome to the forum!

Enjoy your new adventure!

 

[thekarens]

Hi Jodi, my preferred cage brand is Kings cages. I was sad when California cages went out of business.

 

[itchyfeet]

Tough choice!
Is there any place locally where you could get a chance to hang out with both and see who connects with you? I managed to whittle down to three species I loved, and then visited all 3 when I had the opportunity. Henry was the first one that felt 'right'.

 

[jodi_odo]

I wish, but thus far I haven't found anyone that has both...Years ago I had a chance to interact a tiny bit with an eclectus, but that was forever ago...I used to have a grey, did just fine with him, but I do have 3 kids now and don't want a grey to feel uncomfortable with them...I know that isn't always the case, but greys are funny sometimes.

 

[Myprecious]

I am in the same boat! I just made a post myself about choosing the right parrot. I had originally thought about a grey but leaning more towards the eclectus or indian ringneck. It is a hard decision. I am in upstate New York area and the local breeder raised birds I could find are Senegals, Eclectus, Lovebirds (peach faced and masked), Green Cheek Conure, and Cockatiels. I wouldnt want to have a bird shipped. Decisions, decisions.

 

[chris-md]

Hi Jodi!

With kids in the house, I think a male Eclectus might be great for you. I say male because while this species is reputed to be sensitive to busy environments (they are quiet academics who prefer a peaceful library over bustling town square), males are thought to handle the busy better than the females.

I just adopted a male Eclectus last weekend, best decision I've ever made. He's so sweet and gentle. The family I got him from had five kids, including a 6month old. I think this might have contributed in small part to his plucking problems.

Additionally, greys tend to prefer being handled by a single person. Ekkies, because of their reproductive nature, are apt to enjoy attention from multiple people.

Best reason of all for a mom:greys give off a powder called powder down from their feathers that gets everywhere and creates a ton of extra cleaning you won't have to do for ekkies.

 

[labell]

Since no one has mentioned diet let me throw that out there. Eclectus are very different that any other species where food is concerned. It is not only a huge commitment as it is with any parrot but even more so due to the diet.

http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/52737-so-you-think-you-want-eclectus.html

Please read through it might help you make the decision. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Myprecious]

Since no one has mentioned diet let me throw that out there. Eclectus are very different that any other species where food is concerned. It is not only a huge commitment as it is with any parrot but even more so due to the diet.

http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/52737-so-you-think-you-want-eclectus.html

Please read through it might help you make the decision. Welcome to the forum.

That is really good to know. If I get an Eclectus, it will not be for another 5-6 months... my future baby is still in the egg I did not realize that the Eclectus diet was different! However after reading your other posts, that will not be a problem for me. Since I already have those foods daily for my kids. LOL, just adding a beak to the mix! I already have fresh fruit as a constant and veggies too. Now, making sure I get the amounts right... that I will have to do research on.
Thank you again

 

[Parrotman68]

Hi and welcome. I think to help you with the choice you would need to say what your wants and needs are and the environment you can provide. Their attributes vary so much from species to species. I've given many a rescue bird a temporary home and looked after species I would never have considered for myself. It's a big commitment so you need to make sure it's a well considered choice. Lots of people here to give advice : )