Eclectus parrots come in a variety of sub-species, including the Grand Eclectus, the Vosmaeri, and the Solomon Island Eclectus (Eclectus roratus solomonensis) which is the most commonly found Eclectus in captivity. Originating in the Solomon Islands, this bird is prized for its stunning appearance and great pet quality. A little harder to find than some of the other parrots of this size, the Solomon is easily recognizable once you do find one — you can’t miss an Eclectus! Their feathers do not have a distinct outline like the feathers of other birds; Eclectus parrots look as if they are covered with a fine fur, and along with their day-glow colors, the effect is astounding. Eclectus are dimorphic, meaning that there are visual distinctions between the sexes. Males are a bright green and have a horn-colored beak, with a splash of bright blue on the wing and a bright red underwing. The females are a stunning red with a deep violet belly and a black beak. In fact, because of these differences, these birds were not bred successfully for many years because breeders were putting males with males and hens with hens! It wasn’t until a couple of decades ago that someone realized that the green birds were male and the red birds were female. DESCRIPTION: Size : 14in - 20in; Fledging : 11 weeks; Cluych : mostly 2 baby Eclectus; Weight : 400 - 452grams; Incubation period : 28 - 30 days;
DIET / FEEDING
The Eclectus has a specialized digestive tract that is different from many other bird species. Ecelctus parrots have a longer digestive tract than other bird species, and some aviculturists believe that because of this, they especially need a low-fat, high-fiber diet that is not overly fortified with vitamins and minerals. This can help avoid fatty tumors from developing, as well as to prevent vitamin and mineral toxicities.
They need to be fed a diet high in fiber and comprised of fresh fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates like cooked pasta or Grain Bake. Seeds and pellets can be offered to an Eclectus in moderation, but some owners caution against feeding mixes that contain artificial dyes. They could cause your pet to lose its beautiful color and artificial dyes are just generally not considered something you should be feeding your flock.Many Eclectus enthusiasts recommend feeding pellets that are free of artificial colors/dyes.
In captivity, they eat most fruits including mangos, figs, guavas, bananas, melons, stone fruits, grapes, citrus fruits, pears, apples, pomegranate, and papaya (pawpaw).
UNIVERSAL PET COURIER recommends a variety of nutritious daily diets, including Nutri-Berries, Avi-Cakes, and Premium Daily Diet.
CARE & TRAINING
Provide chewable toys, both destructible and non-destructible, for the bird so that it can avert boredom. Bathe it every other day with a spray mist and let it dry itself out under the sun, alternatively, although less preferably, you can use a blow-dryer. Clean the cage regularly to maintain optimum health for the bird.
The Eclectus are active birds and need plenty of room to exercise. They should have access to a large play stand if possible, and a "bird-safe" area in which to climb and explore. Proper exercise helps the Eclectus maintain its physical and mental health, and is a necessity for a happy, healthy pet. Provide a large cage with plenty of perches of different materials and diameters so her feet remain healthy. Aside from perches, providing a climbing ladder, swings and a slew of fun toys to beat up and chew on. These activities are crucial to the mental health of the bird as well as providing that much needed exercise.
BEHAVIOR AND PERSONALITY
Eclectus parrots are intelligent, gentle birds that become welcome members of the family due to their tranquil nature. They are pretty good with children, though they will not tolerate frantic activity or constant disturbing noise. It will be important to teach children how to behave around the bird, rather than the other way around.
Female Eclectus parrots — even those kept as single pets — have strong nesting instincts and might be inclined to seek out nest sites in dark and enclosed areas around the home, such as in cupboards and underneath furniture. Females can be quite territorial, especially during breeding season. If you keep a male and female pair, the female will likely be the bossier of the two.
Eclectus parrots generally are not prone to excessive noisiness. They can be quite vocal, and are capable of developing an extensive vocabulary.
TEMPERAMENT
The Eclectus is a very friendly and intelligent bird species. Many thrive on the time they get to spend with their owners and do well when time for socialization is incorporated into a daily routine. Most Eclectus can be kept in a multiple bird household, but some have jealous tendencies. Make sure to give an Eclectus the proper amount of your time and attention when introducing it to your aviary.
BREEDING SEASON
Can breed all year round.
LIFE SPAN
he average lifespan of the eclectus parrots in captivity is unknown, since these birds were not kept in captivity in great numbers until the 1980s. Some sources consider the lifespan to be 30 years. While others sources say it can stay much longer.
HOUSING
You should get your bird the largest cage that you can afford, and the space in your home can accommodate. This is an active bird which spends very little time of the day in one spot. The wingspan of a fully grown eclectus parrot can measure up to 3 ft. so make sure that there is ample room in the cage for the bird to stretch its wings. The dimensions should be a cage with a width of 30 ft, depth of 24 ft and length of 36 ft. Let the bird out of the cage daily for exercise and social interactions. UNIVESAL PET COURIER will provide a shipment housing for the pet for free upon purchase.
INTERESTING FACTS
