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Hello...We have an eight month old ekkie that we want to find a pal for...Our first thoughts were to get a second male eclectus (we do not intend on breeding). We have been thinking of possibly getting a different breed of parrot of approximately the same size. Does anyone have any experience in this area. Would there be any issues that may not be considering? I thought that if we pair them young they would have better chance of bonding to one another. Any thoughts would be appreciated...ty

It really depends on the bird & whether he's going to like having another bird around the house, some do some don't. You don't know these things until you try.

Is there any reason you want the ekkie to bond to a different bird & not you???

Most ekkies won't breed unless you give them all the correct materials & even then unless you actually have a breeding pair, it's not likely they'll breed BUT there can be the odd one that does breed & is not a breeding pair.

No definately not...We just figured that if we were going to add another bird to our flock...it might be best to do it now. I sometimes bring Yoda (our ekkie) to work with me but there are times that he is at home alone also. If we had a second bird they would be great company for one another. I have heard that having mutliple birds can affect how they bond to there human slaves. I am not sure if this is true in all cases! Anyhow things are well with yoda but i really do not like leaving Yoda home alone at all...but sometimes we do not have a choice.

You make a good point though...i definately do not want to risk the relationship that yoda and the familly already have!
When Yoda was a few months old he spent most of his time with a baby grey...i felt bad when we seperated them.

Anyhow...we are still in the considering stage and any ideas or help would be appreciated by anybody!!!

If you are considering another bird, whatever species, I would move forward to give your guy a better chance of getting along with someone new. I think it gives them more opportunity to make 'friends' when they are younger.
I would say another clec would be a good choice, perhaps a timneh african grey (less neurotic than some congos), a Meyers, Senegal or really, almost any species you prefer, or possibly have previous experience owning. It is unlikely that getting a friend for Yoda will break any bond he has with you. That can be true of some species, but not with an eclectus.
You might check with a reputable clec breeder, as they often breed other species as well, and see what they suggest for better compatibility.
Please keep up updated!

I would be careful and try not to get something that is too loud. My eclectus do not do well with loud birds around. I have Eclectus, Caiques, Senegals, Red Belly's, and Princess of Wales. I have no problems with the ekkie's being around them at all. My Ekkie's do not do well with Macaws or Cockatoo's around. They are definitely prone to stress. I would definitely consider a Caique. They are a blast! Caiques and Ekkie's are my personal favorites!

-Chad

Oh, I would also definitely consider another Ekkie. Didn't mean to rule that one out! You can definitely have a male and female in the house and not have breeders. Especially if you house them in separate cages, which I would advise anyway. I have 3 Redsided babies right now if you are interested. If you have anymore questions, just ask away. -Chad

Thankyou for the reply! I get so many mixed reviews on what bird would be compatable to my yoda(ekkie). I was leaning toward a severe macaw but so far i was only leaning that way...have alot to still consider. I also miss the senegal that i once had...so maybe that way!!
It is odd that i get so many mixed opinions...just the other day someone mentioned that a severe might be a good mix...
I wonder how much depends on the individual bird...because of the variety of experiences that people have shared with me i tend to think that it really depends on the individual parrot. Ty you again for your reply. I will definately conintue to study my different options...anymore help from anybody would be appreciated! ty again