Need Help Deciding

[Khaiqha]

I currently have an irn, and am trying to decide on what my second and last bird should be. Really I've narrowed it down to three choices - timneh grey, congo grey, and eclectus (any).

Here's what I'm looking for out of a bird.

Noise - I could live with screaming macaws all day and be fine, however, I live in an apartment
and probably can't afford a home for awhile, so because of that I excluded Amazons.

Affection - I have an irn who really only likes to be petted at odd times, which is fine. So
cuddliness isn't huge for me.

Flight - I would like a bird that I can fly outside, on a harness (free flight only if I get trained by
pros). My irn is clipped right now, but I still take him outside on a harness trying to
positively reinforce him to like being outside. So far he's still scared of wind, cars, and
wild birds.

Cohabiting - My irn will be in the same room as the new bird after quarantine. I'm not expecting
them to be friends or tolerate one another. However, if they end up hating each other,
the bigger bird's bar spacing would mean that my irn (who tends to get jealous) would be
able to reach into its cage. I can always try best to keep them separated, but the
thought of the bigger bird losing a toe or my irn losing a head worries me.


Timneh

Pros - I've heard that they're less likely than Congos to develop social issues. Also, the fact that it's smaller means I can travel with it easier.

Cons- No one breeds them locally, I would have to fly a bird in and would prefer not to do that.

Congo

Pros - An adult Congo is the ideal size for me. It's also the bird I wanted as a child.

Cons - Every thing I read makes Congos sound like they're neurotic birds ready to pluck at the slightest change, which I find hard to believe that they're that popular if that's the case.

Eclectus

Pros - I find the males to be amazingly beautiful, I like the no dust, I've heard their temperaments are wonderful, and...my school color is green (not really a factor, just kinda icing on the cake)

Cons - The diet. I already cook for me and my irn every day, that's not the issue. What I'm worried about is if anyone actually knows what these guys need in their diet. I can make sprouts, beans, whole grains, leafy greens, etc, but in what amounts? What ratios? Everything I read either doesn't list how much of what or contradicts another source. As a result I've read that Eclectus aren't as long lived as greys, and I'm looking for what will basically be my last bird. I'm also super worried that I might get an ekky that doesn't like a particular food that might be essential to its diet. My irn hates vegetables, so I can fall back on pellets for him, but I can't for an ekky.

[Zanizaila]

Why don't you just get your IRN a friend? They are flock animals and I think your bird would like a cagemate much better then you getting a bird only for you.

[Khaiqha]

There's no guarantee they would get along, especially if mine ended up being a female and breeding season came around. Short of me having a large outdoor aviary, I wouldn't feel comfortable housing them together. I have heard from breeders that they have to keep some females clipped so they won't kill the males in large aviaries even.

[GlassOnion]

Ekkies aren't usually screamers, but their screams are LOUD. Up there with the Macaws I hear from many people. Greys do have a notorious reputation, but are also very adaptable. I would socialize it to as many people and environments as I can, so it becomes used to change. Have you considered a Cspe Parrot? They're up there with the Greys for talking, much less likely to bite, and quite a bit more affectionate by nature. They aren't too expensive either in the States.

[Michael]

I would suggest getting your IRN trained and flighted before adding another bird. Learn what you can with the bird you already have before getting involved with something bigger and more advanced and being unable to deal with flight.

[Khaiqha]

Yeah, I'm not planning on getting the second bird until July-August, just trying to decide now so I can get in on wait lists.

[sidech]

Eclectus diet is easy, don't even worry about that. Join Laurella Desborough's mailing list and you'll learn everything there is to know about Ekkies. A lot of experts around the world are on it, even Graham Taylor!

BUT, and there is a but : Ekkies are no good for apartments ! Their scream is very loud and annoying... No neighbour will tolerate that.

[Khaiqha]

Well...darn lol. I had already geared myself up mentally to meet the nutritional requirements of ekkies. Guess it all works out anyway, the only breeders within a couple hours of driving only breed greys, and I'm now on the wait list for one.

[CinnamonParrots]

I agree with the gentleman above that you should wait before getting another bird. That is what I'm doing as well before I introduce a new member to my flock.

I think there is a lot of mixed reviews with Congos, over all, their availability makes them rather easy to get a hold of, and they are one of the most popular birds to own, and if I were ever to get a Congo, I'd honestly adopt one because there's so many out there HOWEVER. I feel that you have to be a very strong handler and be on top of everything; especially if you get a baby. Start from scratch to teach basic training, socialization, flying, etc. etc. Thinking about that gives me a head ache because I feel like I am literally teaching a child.

Timmies are in my opinion -- not too different from Congos, BUT because they are LESS popular, there is not enough to go on, but I do lean towards timmies more because I feel they have a better disposition naturally. A breeder I know who breeds "capes" used to breed congos, but she found that she had less problems with timmies.

With that said, if you do your research, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't own a Congo. I've raised many and they've always been wonderful birds -- but without proper socialization and training, they will; like almost any other bird be challenging.

As for noise, if your future Congo picks up a siren, they could be just as loud as any other bird im sure!