Hi Ariel

I'm an owner of an ekkie, my second bird. My first was a cockatiel.
They're HARD work & yes recomended for the experienced. However, how I got through this was by doing THOROUGH research, every single little thing you could ever about them, you need to know.

There is a book called "Guide to eclectus parrots". Recomended reading & excellent advise that covers only ekkies, not parrots in general.

They're a very different bird in many ways to any other parrot. I'm certainly glad I chose an ekkie for my second bird, first large.

My cat lives quite well with my birds. Although, she IS a cat, she can't be trusted unsupervised just for that reason. My cat wouldn't hurt them or a flea...

She has learnt very quickly that the birds are family & here to stay. Once a cat learns this, they learn to accept them. So your new bird & cat might be fine as long as there is constant supervision.
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Kim
Cricket (tiel)
Eddie (eclectus)
Squash (sun conure)
Australia
http://www.eclectusparrots.proboards79.com

My first suggestion would be to really reasearch the species you want, and if you really want just an eclectus and decide you are prepared for a larger bird, get the eclectus. Don't get a smaller bird only as a starter or practice bird. Only get another bird if you really want one, too, and will have the time for it, even if you do the eclectus later on. Most birds are not as fussy as to diet as Ecelctus but otherwise require much of the same care.
That said, there are a lot of birds that would probably be well suited. From what you said you wanted, a Poicephalus parrot might work - they are very intelligent and sensitive, and not that loud. Others are quakers, Pyrrhura conures, parrotlets, linneolated parakeets, or many others.
I have a GCC and she is very quiet and smart and strongly bonded. She is also quite calm and thoughtful, but unfortunately most GCC tend to be hyper high energy birds so I don't know if that's what you'ld want.

Karen
Chico (conure) and Pippin (budgie)
WI

Thank you both for your comments. I agree that it would be irresponsible to get a bird merely for practice, which is why I want to make sure whatever I end up getting is a good fit for me. I would not mind at all having more than one bird, and I can certainly see myself having a couple down the road. I actually used to work with exotic birds back when I had a pet store job (it was a nice, independant store with just a few hand-raised parrots at a time), and I know they can get quite addictive. We mostly carried amazons and conures, so I have much more familiarity with them than some other breeds.

As you suggested, Karen, I have been considering a GCC. I may have given something of the wrong impression when I stated I didn't like rowdy birds, because I know inevitably any parrot will have rowdy moments. Playfulness is a very fun quality, I just like a bird who has its more quiet, cuddly moments as well. At any rate, I know I like Green cheeks... but I've been curious as well about other breeds, particularly the African species, as you mentioned as well. Jardine's seem like wonderful little creatures, but I've read a lot of very mixed statements regarding their personalities. Then again, I suppose that's always going to be the case with any animal. Everyone has their own way of looking at things.

As for the ekkie... I do still plan on getting one some day. They seem like incredible birds. But every reputable breeder I've found so far has stated they don't like to sell to new bird owners, and if they feel that way then I'm inclined to respect that advice. If you guys know of any good breeders, though, I certainly wouldn't mind talking to a few more people before I make up my mind. I actually already bought and read through the guide to eclectus parrots, and you're right, it is a good resource. I also have "Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot" because someone recommended it to me.

Karen, I noticed that you're in WI too. I'm in Madison. Do you know of any good breeders and/or specialty bird shops in the midwest area? Also, if anyone has any other book recommendations (such as a good conure resource) I'm open to suggestions. :)

Thanks for the help!

-Ariel

Ariel,

I'm in the Milwaukee area, not too close to you, so I can't help that much. Around here, there is Parrot Eyes Island, which is pretty good for a store. There's also the rescue CARE (www.centerforavianrehab.org) - I think there's also a smaller Madison area rescue, but CARE seems to be the main rescue in the area.

Sorry, but I can't recommend a GCC breeder, since Chico's breeder doesn't breed them anymore. She had already mostly stopped breeding them when I got Chico, just happened that she had decided to let her remaining pair raise one more clutch so she could give a baby to her grandson.

Karen
Chico (conure) and Pippin (budgie)
WI

I would also suggest, if you are interested in African species,looking into Senegals and Red Bellied......they each, as with all birds, have good points and some cautionary points. Red-Bellied parrots, according to those I know with them, talk well, are intelligent, generally friendly and at least tend to let you know if they are upset prior to biting (a warning is always good :)). Senegals can be more of a one-person bird, as can any, but it seems most of those I know with Sennies have found this to be true. They cuddle, like to play on their backs can talk some etc. They are relatively quiet for parrots, not too small, not too large.

Let us know what you decide!


Tara & Tango
"Use the talents you possess - for the woods would be a very silent place if no birds sang except for the best." ~Henry Van Dyke