Looking to get an eclectus Parrot???

[kendrafitz]

I don't have an ekkie, I have a GW macaw. However, I just LOVE ekkies. If we weren't a one bird household (Rosie wants to be the only queen here) I would add a male ekkie and a blue throat macaw to our flock.

I was also wondering which bird store you went to? We are also from NJ and got our Rosie from Bird Paradise in Burlington, NJ. I am guessing it wasn't there bc they don't have any baby ekkies now. I would recommend going there to check them out. I only recommend this bc it sounds like if you gave a baby amazon a thought, you may fall in love. They have a bunch of new baby amazons at the moment. They are similar in size and I am not sure, but may be a bit cuddlier? Amazon parents may be able to verify that though. I had never really considered an amazon, but my daughter and I met such a gentle sweet guy that I was tempted. They have about 10 or so babies, so if you were open to it, you could see if any of them were sweet with you.

I am certainly not trying to say don't get an ekkie. As I said, I love ekkies, but if you feel this particular guy may not be a perfect fit, follow your instincts. I always have believed that you should let you pet, whether it be bird, dog, cat, or any animal, pick you. Knock wood, but that has always worked well for us.

Best of luck with whatever you decide and I can't wait to read all about your adventures with your new baby.

 

[Ravennessa]

I'd say be pickier... You are in NJ, there gotta be a real breeder around. And yes the bird may cost you 300-500 more, but if you get a baby that is well socialized already, wouldn't that be worth it? You pay for quality, and that way you are not also supporting mass production (basically puppymills but for birds), you will likely get a healthier well bred bird with a much more even temper (in comparison to what can be a genetic mess because of free breeding). Or maybe look into adopting an older one that already is tamed, there's one in NJ area for 600, don't know temper but that you can look up.. I FOUND my parrot, (a small sun conure), and he's amazing... There's a lot of parrots out there needing a home, and now you can get a grown up (less demanding than a baby in attention), already socialized and tamed, and you save money.. Just a thought...

 

[Willie68]

As far as southern NJ bird shops, we are getting our Ekkie from Fancy Feathers in Blackwood, NJ. I can't say a bad thing about them; seem very knowledgable and caring.

 

[drlisaort]

My male eclectus, Oliver is very sweet and a wonderful companion. I work and while away he is quite busy playing with his toys and eating. I do have him on a schedule to form a routine making it easier for both of us. He is very friendly and loves to be held and yes even pet. I would not trade Oliver for any other species out there...he's perfect for me. Don't get me wrong, I love all birds but Oliver's personality is a fit with mine.

 

[JPL1106]

The bird shop is birds by Joe in middlesex, NJ

 

[JPL1106]

The store has baby bird tanks, once they are eating seeds he puts them into cages with more birds of its own kind or if not other smaller birds. The eclectus parrot I was looking at was put in a cage with two conures. When I would go up to the cage all three of the birds would try biting through the bars! Wasn't sure if that was normal

 

[JPL1106]

Thanks once again for all the replies... I thought my post was dead and just decided to check it today and saw all these responses. Has anyone ever bought a bird off of Hoobly.com I found a person in Brooklyn with two baby eclectus males (7 weeks) for $850 a piece....What are the pros, cons? What to look for if I go and see the babies... Any information will help.

 

[Merlee]

Regarding feeding and being home throughout the day to be sure it is fed 3x a day is crazy. Boysmom has an ekki and she feeds it fruit and veggies, but also feeds it pellets specifically designed for ekkis. I would look into these pellets so you can have a life. lol. Here is the link AVIAN PELLET FOOD Heather has told me these pellets are better than Harrisons for this type of bird.