Posted by Mary N. on April 28, 19100 at 17:20:07:
In Reply to: I'm thinking about getting an eclectus posted by Chris Millot on April 26, 19100 at 20:17:02:
Hi!
I don't know anything about conures, I am sorry to say, but if it helps any, here is an excerpt (loosely excerpted) from a response where an Ask Polly questioner was asking about a comparison between Rose-breasted Cockatoos and eclectus as far as petting.
"I do not have a Cockatoo, but I have read that they like to be cuddled and petted. As Jaudon mentioned, eclectus really do not. One of my favorite analogies is that eclectus are the "cats of the bird world" with Cockatoos being the "dogs". What I mean by this is - imagine an affectionate cat - now an affectionate dog. In my mind, at least, the dog wants you to rub his ears and tummy and pat him. He wants to lick your face and have alot of direct, hands-on attention from you. In my mind, the cat wants to rub against you a little, purr, have a little bit of scratching, and curl up against you. If you pet him and he tires of it, he will get up and move a little farther away and curl up again. The cat wants interaction and affection too, but of a different kind. Of course, not all cats or all dogs are like this, this is just an analogy based on stereotypes - but it helps people understand some of the differences between the birds.
So, when you attempt to cuddle Lexus [eclectus], he likes it for awhile, but then wants to move away. This is just the difference in his nature vs. that of the Rosie, as Jaudon says.
Well, if eclectus don’t like to be held and cuddled, what do they like? They like to be with you or near you as you do things. They like you to play with them with toys. They like to sit or play near you or on you as you watch TV or read. They like for you to talk to them and teach them words (Chardy, our male SI, loves to be taught parts of his body – I touch his feet and say FEET FEET. He listens intently and tries to repeat the word. He picks up my finger and says FEEET!). They like to play on their playgym/play area while you are in the vicinity so they can be close to you and be a part of daily life. – and sometimes they like to be cuddled under your chin, or have you gently rub their feet or beak – and even pet them a little (some individuals like to be petted more than others)."
IMHO, eclectus are very affectionate, loving birds. I hope this information helps you in your decision-making process!
Al and Mary
Cabby and Chardy (SIE)
: I am thinking about getting an eclectus.(baby) Are they usually as nice as conures? I had a conure and I want to go bigger but I want a bird that I can't pet and snuggle with and handle. Is an eclectus the bird I'm looking for. I would really like a macaw but I can't handle anything that big. how do they compare to a conure. Please e-mail me with any info you have and thank you very much for your time.