upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

Hi Nichole
First let me commend you on doing your homework regarding the species that would fit best into your lifestyle. It's more important than people think.
I have had an SI for 2 1/2 years and I think they make a wonderful companion, either to a one parront family, or a multi-busy family. I knew someone who raised them and they were socialized, as babies, with his wife, kids, dog, etc. with no problems. I am single, but I do have two other birds and I think my clec is just as well socialized as any I've seen WITH more bodies around.
They are quite loving birds and as a wonderful eclectus breeder once said in describing them: 'they'll let you tell them how wonderful they are all day long'. lol Skyler can let me look into his eyes as long as he can sit on my finger and tell him how much I love him, and how beautiful he is and on and on. LOL They don't really care to be 'petted', although I can hold him on his back in my arm and play with his feet. He loves for me to kiss and rub his feet. They are VERY easy birds to spoil. They can be cage and toy territorial as many species are, but you just need to learn their body language and respect their space. Like most birds, a good nutritional diet of legumes, grains, fresh vegetables and fruit is essential. They should not have any colored pellets and while I do give my bird some organic pellets perhaps twice a week, there are many folks whose birds have problems with pellets. It is foolish to think that we as humans, can duplicate everything they eat in the wild and that is why I think some pellets are ok, but it is definitely dependant upon the bird's internal system and/or if they were raised with some pellets. Artificially colored foods (pellets) can cause discoloration of their feathers. They also do not need any 'enriched' or 'enhanced with vitamins' type food. It can cause toe-tapping and wing flipping. It can also lead to plucking.

I think they are a wonderful bird but like most species, do much better with daily human interaction. They love their humans and have a wonderful talking ability. They love to play, but can become perch potatoes and gain unnecessary weight if they're not played with and/or have lots of toys to play with. They need a cage width (in my personal opinion) of no less than 38" and a 40" is better.

I would research reputable, MAP certified, well-known and respected eclectus breeders and make sure you're not getting a bird from a 'back-yard' breeder. Unfortunately, there are too many of them around.
I can't help you with the Macaw species, but I'm sure someone can help you there.
Good luck and keep us posted if you get an SI! You won't be sorry.
Andrea

Wonderful! Best of luck.
Andrea