I have three Eclectus, and they are the perfect birds for me. I, too, have read the many contradictions on the internet regarding their talking prowess and playfulness. From my experience, Eclectus are wonderfully affectionate, active, playful and VERY vocal birds. I have friends with African Grey's, who are astounded that my birds can talk circles around theirs. My female is very playful, loves to climb and swing, and talks & sings almost non-stop. Both of my males are overly affectionate - they love to cuddle and give kisses. Both males are above average talkers, and will actually hold conversations back and forth They are big chewers who love toys and will climb all over every inch of their cages and trees. They also love trick training...my female, however, looks at me like I've got two heads when I want her to do a trick. She is way too much of a princess to perform like a circus monkey I agree with Kathie - while I adore my female, the males (in my opinion only) have a more amiable personality. I can't speak for everyone, but my Eclectii are very vocal, but very quiet with regards to screaming...I live in an apartment and my neighbors didn't even know that I had birds. They hear them talking from the hallway, and just thought I had children! They do have a more "involved" diet than other parrots, but there are very easy ways to make a nutritionally sound diet fit into a busy schedule. I got both of my males, Hemingway and Otis, from the "used birdie lot", so I'm a big proponent of rescue and adoption. My female, Cayenne, came into the store as a barely down-covered baby - and being able to hand-feed and "raise" my own baby was fantastic.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck!

Angie

I am still saving for my ekkie, and my dad isn't too sure I should have yet another animal . However, I have had an eclectus, and will truthfully tell you they are not for everyone. I had a RS male who was a bit more than I could handle.

Anyhow, eclectus can be wonderful birds, but... They have a diet that many can find challenging. They need fresh fruits and veggies daily, most of which should contain a lot of beta carotein (sp?). This can be found in peppers, beets, spiniach, etc... anything that is dark pigmented.

Eclectus are certainly beautiful! I hae yet to meet an eclectus that hasn't made me laugh at something goofy they have done. Depending on the bird, they are either feisty or docile, not really in between from what I have seen. IME, the females are abit more feisty and the males are more sweet and cute. I personally prefer females because I like the feisty, prissy-tom boy personality they have. Most people prefer the males though; they are certainly sweeter (I can't say that about my previous boy) and more cuddly than the females, but not at all like a too or macaw.

Eclectus are very intellegent, and thrive in an environment where all their needs are met. The most common belief is that they need a home that is quiet and there is very little noise. The girl I want is right next door to 2 amazons, and loves to be talked to and for some strange reason, likes there to be that noise. The amazons aren't as loud as many, but they are amazons I guess it depends on the bird!

Jim and Angie- I hope my future girl is are 'weird' as Sophie and Cayenne! They sound like the best female eclectus you could have!

Hi, Ann,

Ekkies are wonderful pets! We have our SIE hen since September 2006, and love her to death.

She plays with anything that you give to her, and is very funny to watch! She talks, and says words at the appropriate times!!!!!!! She likes to be held and petted. She is very loving, but different than a Cockatoo. 'Toos need A LOT of time with their humans. All pet parrots need social time, but Poco entertains herself when we cannot be with her.

In my 11 years with 'tiels, I have found that setting rules and boundaries is not that important. It is with ekkies, however.

I think you would be VERY happy with an Eclectus.

Ralph
Supplies For Feathers

There is a male Ekkie in the classified (adoptable pets) ads on Petfinder in Valencia. Not sure if he is still available (and I know that is way south of you), but just in case anyone is interested.......