"David"  wrote in message 
news:253a54a6.0501122245.774c359f{at}posting.google.com...
> Hi all,
>
> We are thinking of purchasing an Eclectus parrot, mainly because African
> Greys are very expensive here in Australia.
>
> I'm hoping to get some comments from owners on the nature and personality 
> of
> Eclectus parrots.
>
> Many thanks in advance.

I hear the males are sweet and good talkers, but I'd recommend against a 
female. We've found our female to be extremely aggressive in protecting her 
cage and overly sensitive and moody in general. She can be very cuddly and 
sometimes vocalizes, singing or talking very quietly when she thinks no one 
is looking, but on the whole we don't find her to have much personality. She 
prefers to sit and watch, hawk-like, to getting involved. She became an 
absolute nightmare last year due to the frustration of reaching sexual 
maturity and having no mate. The human she bonded to just doesn't give her 
whatever it is she needs. She is a beautiful and intelligent bird, but not a 
"fun" bird.
Also, be aware of special dietary needs of eclectus parrots before getting 
one. However, I discourage people from getting parrots as pets in general. 
They are beautiful and intelligent creatures designed for flight. Denied 
that, and the challenges of fending for themselves, forming pair bonds, 
raising young, life in captivity is a sad substitute. I give my two birds 
the best life I possibly can but it's really not good enough.
That's my experience anyway.
Karen
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