What sex of Eclectus should I buy?

[Mitz]

Hi all I am novice when it comes to having a bird as a pet and I am thinking to go towards getting an Eclectus. I have a breeder in mind and she recommends a female eclectus but I can't decide which I should really buy. The breeder seems really nice, answers every time I call. She tells me that the way she hand raises the birds and socialises her birds won't bite, show any signs of hormonal characteristics like agressions. She says her female birds are really nice and won't show the agression that typical female birds show. Now I know she is also trying to make a sale and may have more female eclectuses and may wont to get them off her hands. But she has great reviews on her site. What do you recommend? Thanks all in advance.

 

[Mitz]

P.s. the parrot will be housed in my hotel lobby so there is some type of activity during the day. I live on the premises also with my family

 

[CathnPoe]

It seems ridiculous to me that she's claiming that her birds won't show hormonal behaviour. It would be like claiming that a human baby won't go through puberty... everyone goes through it, some just go through it worse which cannot be foreseen when the baby is, well, a baby. I'd say she's probably lovely, but there is definitely an agenda there. My breeder sells more males than females, so yours is probably the same.
I have read that there is quite a lot of evidence to the claim the opposite genders bond better. So if you're a guy, then the female bird may bond better than a male, but there's nothing seriously concrete, just many observations.
Also, some people say that females do better in busy environments than males, so a hotel lobby may suit a female better, but again, it's all about how you raise him/her.
The females are also prone to being bossier, as they have to take care of a clutch and show the male who's boss so he doesn't endanger her young.
Again, just things I've been reading, which isn't to say that your choice in gender will fulfill the stereotyped role.
Back to the point, your breeder has an agenda. She may well raise the babies wonderfully, but cannot nurture un-experienced hormonal behaviour out of a baby bird.
Honestly, I'd pick the gender depending on which one you think is prettier and then just put the effort in raising it to be the bird you want.
Get more people's opinions though.

 

[kc_y0]

Okay, i have to agree, to say that her birds will never be hormonal or bite is a lie.. she is vouching that by this time you will love the bird, so it wont matter to you. Every single bird with a beak is going to bite at some point.
I have heard that female eclectus are better in a busy environment, but people here will tell you that some of their males are great in busy environments, so I guess it comes down to the bird personally.
I think males are a little more easy going where as females can be bossy and dominating, but I've never had a problem with Audrey.
It is really up to you, I chose a female because I loved the colouring, but I love the male colouring too, so I'd probably end up getting a male down the line lol!

 

[MikeyTN]

BOTH of our ekkies loves me equally!!!!! The one that actually bonds with me more is actually my male JoJo. I had to retrain him after bringing him home as it seem like he was abused at one point. My pair does NOT like commotion! As I've read that they don't tolerate busy area very well. JoJo who NEVER screams will start screaming and carrying on when there's strangers in the house, it upsets him very much. Gracie tolerates a bit better but she really don't care for it. Out of all the ekkies I've seen doesn't really tolerate busy area well like the stuffs I've read. I would think twice before placing one in that situation. As the stress will bring further problems such as plucking!

 

[Mitz]

Thanks for all your responses. I have a silly question: what is considered a busy environement to a bird? It's not as crowded say as a Dr's office, as our guests come throughout the day but not in heaps (usuallY). The cage would be around the corner of the entrance so someone really has to lok for it. i'm going to include apicture so you would see, if you need additional please let me know. Thanks!

 

[Mitz]

thats the front door, then you'll see the popcorn machine, when you turn that corner thats where the cagewill be ( by a window) but closed window.

 

[mtdoramike]

I agree with Mikey, Ekkies don't do well in busy invironments like hotel lobbies. I would consider an amazon they seem to thrive with the extra attention and comotion.

 

[Chikoo]

Mitz, your breeder is making some ridiculous claims. Every parrot can and likely will bite, whether it is due to our mistake, or something that scares them. No one can claim that their parrot will not bite. All birds will go through periods of exhibiting hormonal behavior, and in my opinion, the females can be more difficult to deal with in that regard. If I were to recommend to someone, I would say go with a male ekkie. They are just a lot more easygoing altogether. But as stated above, eclectus parrots don't do well in busy environments, they like a quiet and peaceful space.

 

[CathnPoe]

If you were to socialise the bird well, introducing it to lots of new people when it's young, letting them feed him/her and help in training (such as teaching your bird to wave and then teaching new people the cue, so the bird can interact with new people without having to be handled) then you're setting the bird up for the best chance in busy surrounds.
Especially with Eclectus though, if you were just to put the bird in the lobby with a constantly changing environment that it hadn't been weaned into, then you'd have a very stressed bird... much more so than an Amazon, as stated above.
If you had a quiet/separate office the bird could come in and out of while it's young and acclimatising/being socialised, then that would be ideal, rather than it being forced into the deep-end. Lots of rewards when meeting new people and using positive reinforcement techniques and I can't see any reason why an Eclectus wouldn't suit your lobby... it would just be a bit more work than a more outgoing species, and you'd need to respect that potential quality to the bird.
Hope this helped.

 

[Mitz]

Thanks a lot for that helpful info. The reason why I was going for eclectus coz it socialises well and it's less noisier than other parrots. I will try to socialize it well with people from the get go. She sells her birds from 5 months old that's ok you think or need a younger bird? Thanks catchnpoe for ur tips!

 

[lene1949]

Since the bird is going to be housed in a hotel lobby, will it come out of the cage? What plans have you got for this bird? As in training, socialization and future?

I have heard that females are better at coping with lots of activity...

 

[Mitz]

It will be allowed out of its cage to perch ontop. I'll also put a small top at the front desk to customers can see it as they check in. There's 7 of us in our family so it will mingle with each of us. It's not going to be. A cage bird here it doesn't come out. I also might take it o my room only if it doesnt poop everywhere. Lol.

 

[MikeyTN]

Mitz, I've owned quite a few different varieties and been around quite a few. I'm not saying socializing wouldn't work but they tend to be a bit more on the skittish side I've noticed and not as trusting. catchnpoe may have make a good point, BUT there's always a potential issue. It's really up to the individual Eclectus, they may or may not do well.

Eclectus sits around and dozes off quite often. Their eyes may be open but they're in lala land. By being in the lobby where it's busy, you may push them over the edge. So IF you must, do a test drive type of deal for a week, if it's not going to work, it's not going to! One way you can tell is will he step up for you while there's strangers walking around or when there's all the commotion. If they refuse to come out, that's your answer there as they're afraid. Also by having at the lobby at the very start could potentially ruin any training the bird may already have like step up. I would keep it away from the lobby to start until he/she trust you and familiarize themselves with you first.

 

[Mitz]

Thanks Mike. Your insights help a lot. I'm so confused. I don't like the looks of African greys too much (no offense to anybody) and these parrots seem more on the quieter side compared to other parrots.

 

[MikeyTN]

I've heard just a few people say they can be noisy. But mine are super quiet! Mine rather talk and make funny noises or whistle instead of scream. The only time they ever scream is when I have strangers here and they don't like it. But my best friend been here enough that JoJo talks up a storm while we were having a holiday get together. But usually with new people coming in, he just screams and flutters. Plus he will NOT come out of his cage at all. Gracie don't like strangers either but she tolerates it a bit better. She will bite a stranger poking their hands in the cage. My neighbor was poking his fingers through their cage when I told him not to. But he did it when I was grabbing something and he goes ouch, she bit me. I said to him, I told you so.....lol.....Females are the dominate one in the partnership so they can get a bit cranky.

 

[Pedro]

Hi all I am novice when it comes to having a bird as a pet and I am thinking to go towards getting an Eclectus. I have a breeder in mind and she recommends a female eclectus but I can't decide which I should really buy. The breeder seems really nice, answers every time I call. She tells me that the way she hand raises the birds and socialises her birds won't bite, show any signs of hormonal characteristics like agressions. She says her female birds are really nice and won't show the agression that typical female birds show. Now I know she is also trying to make a sale and may have more female eclectuses and may wont to get them off her hands. But she has great reviews on her site. What do you recommend? Thanks all in advance.

Mitz, i have read all the other comments & i do have to disagree strongly with most of what has been said. Being a breeder of these beautiful birds & hand-rearing their chicks for the last 12 years I have ever only been bitten 3 times by hens. To be honest i don't know where these ridiclous myths have come from. My experience with all my birds & the many i have sold over the years, they are easy going, love to be in the thick of activities.

Buying a young hand/reared bird & training it to your requirements I don't see why it can't work. We have a huge Parrot Zoo where i live that houses almost every parrot on the planet & the eclectus are great, they fly down & land on people & are very gentle. I have never witnessed any of my birds being antisocial. Even my breeding hens will come to the wire for a chat. Although when they are nesting they just peek out their entrance hole. Looks cute.

As far as choosing male or female. Personally for what you intend for your Parrot i would suggest a male. As far as hormones go, i really feel that is also over exaggerated as well. I know others will disagree with me but again if you train you parrot well understand his body language there should not be a problem. The main reason i would recommend a male over a female is because when the hens mature they can just bite out of the blue, I don't think it has anything to do with being hormonal but more protecting their territory.

I have actually got a customer that has one of my males living in the courtyard of their motel complex, he has a huge aviary by night & is out all day mingling with the guests. Each situation is different, each bird will fit in with their environment without a problem.

Yes parrots bite, not their fault, it is our own fault we get bitten, we don't read their body language, they may not want to do something we want them to do. Treat your bird with respect & don't have expectation. IMO the main ingredient to a well adjusted companion parrot is "TRUST" One of the reasons i tell everyone to google Parrot Behaviour, read what the experts say, understand what your parrot is telling you.

Mitz don't let the breeder push you into a hen if your not sure, you could be right she may have to many hens to sell. I know my main sales are males for companions. Of the many hens i have sold for companions most have turned nasty at around 3 to 4 years old. Males are still lovely.

Mitz, if at all possible meet with some other breeders before you decide or wait until the breeder you have already contacted has a male & then compare for yourself. If it were me selling you a Eclectus for the purpose intended i would suggest a male.

To finish off my most favorite Parrot Behaviour Consultant would have to be Steve Martin. I use his techniques, also Barbara Heidenriech Good Bird Inc.

Good luck Mitz, you will make the right decision for you. Am looking forward to meeting you new companion whatever you choose.

 

[Mitz]

Thanks for your insights!

 

[Aims]

My Male is easy going and laid back like KC_Y0 said. I would call my house a busy environment because I have three boys (4,10,10) running around the house being noisy just like boys should be....LOL and Jax is totally fine, he does tend to join in the shouting sometimes too. He fits right in. LOL.
My breeder only had males available when I got him and I remember asking the same question and getting told not to believe all the bad that I might hear about females. She told me females make just as good pets as males.
Good luck with your choice. I'm sure you will be happy with which ever you decide.

 

[Mitz]

Thanks Aims