ECLECTUS PARROTS

Always talk to an eclectus parrot when interacting with the bird, such as when you approach the cage and when you expect to take the bird out of the cage. This alerts the bird to your intentions and it can prepare to accommodate your wishes.

Always take the bird out of the cage by presenting your arm or fist for the bird. This way you establish control over exiting the cage. Saying the word "Up" helps.

Handle eclectus parrots gently and talk while handling them, When stroking them, stroke in the direction of feather growth, not against it. Eclectus parrots enjoy being held close to the body and cuddling. They also enjoy just sifting, watching TV or doing other chores.

Use persuasion; not force, with eclectus birds. Eclectus are frightened or angered easily by force. However, if you let them know what is expected, they are anxious to cooperate.

Eclectus parrots need roomy cages, a minimum of 30 to 36 inches deep by 36 inches wide by 36 or more inches high. Softwood perches of pine or fir are preferred. A wide variety of toys should be provided in the cage, including softwoods they can chew up.

These birds are big eaters and need a daily diet of at least one-cup of soft foods and a quarter to half cup of commercial pellets. Soft foods can be prepared weekly and frozen in bags. This mixture should include a commercial seed mix, which is soaked and sprouted, cooked beans and rice, frozen corn and other vegetables. After defrosting, add chopped fruits and fresh greens.

Scrub down the perches weekly and the toys if needed. Eclectus clean their beaks on the perches and may leave food residues on the cage bars or on toys. Wash food and water bowls well. Disinfect with a bleach solution. If you have other birds, be sure to return the same bowls to each cage; don't mix them up.

When clipping eclectus' wings, use a shallow cut wherein only the primaries are cut in the middle so that the bird can glide down. Cutting eclectus primaries short will leave ends that gouge and irritate the body of the bird, resulting in chewing the wing feathers.

Give your bird adequate time to rest and sleep, Young birds under 1 year of age need daily naps and rest periods; they are babies and still growing. All birds need a good night's sleep, between eight and 10 hours.

Observe your eclectus parrot daily. Learn what is normal posture, normal behavior and normal bowel movements. Know your bird.

Use Browser BACK Button

Pretty Birds: Copyright © 1997: Last Modified 05/04/01: Copyright Law and International Treaties protect these Web Site Pages. Warning: Reproduction or Distribution of these images, program, text or any portion of it, may result in severe civil and criminal penalties and will be prosecuted to the maximum extent possible under the law.