Should i get an eclectus parrot?

Question

Hi im 17 and really am thinking about getting a parrot after i graduate from college and are on my own. I think that parrots are amazing animals and would love to have one of my own someday. Ive held several eclectus parrots and all of them were very friendly and outgoing. Ive also thought about an african grey, but ive read they can get very stuck on one person and i would rather have a bird that is more social (even if there talking ability isnt as great). I have also seen the amazon parrots and think they are pretty cool. If anyone has a parrot and wants to share anything about them ide appreciate it.

Answer 1

I am owned by a male SI Eclectus. Of my three parrots he is the calmest and most loving. People who want to get a "big" parrot often choose an Eclectus. The only advice I have to offer is...

Owning and Eclectus requires a lot of time and effort with their diet. They have a different digestive system them any other parrot. They require tons of fresh fruits and veggies along with a variety of nuts on a daily basis. This means a lot of planning, cooking and cleaning up as well as cost.

I would check out the Land of Vos website. When it comes to Eclectus Parrots, they are the bible.

Good luck!

Answer 2

A LOT of birds can become one-person birds. There's really no predicting whether or not one will until you've gotten it. I have three caiques and they love EVERYBODY. They're as playful as puppies, are as comfortable hanging upside down as right side up and they HOP like overdressed sparrows (seriously -- you have to see it to believe it)

If you've never had a big bird before, you don't need to start with an eclectus. Or a caique.

Answer 3

You may want to consider starting with a bit smaller bird like a cockatiel or a conure. After you've had one of those for a few years, move on to an Amazon or something along those lines.

Eclectus parrots are one of the least well-adjusted to life in captivity and tend to have more problems with plucking, so that is something to consider.

I have 3 Amazons and love them all!!

Answer 4

It's a long term commitment (our two amazons are 17 and 30 years old now).  Any of the three you mention can be well socialized and like many people; any of them can also become one person birds.  Even a bird who is completely besotted with one person can like other people if properly socialized.

Of the three, amazons are perhaps the most attitudinal.  The small amazons, such as the lilac crown or spectacled, are less so.  It seems related to talking ability - the ones most noted for their vocal skills are also the most difficult.  Eclectus are usually quieter than greys or amazons, although they can talk quite well.  Eclectus are generally more more laid back than the others, but have a fussier diet.

This is a video of an eclectus behaving in a typically parrotlike manner.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzRaxwTwV...