Showing posts with label Eclectus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eclectus. Show all posts

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Healthy Diet For ECLECTUS Parrots - 6 Essentials For the Eclectus Parrot Diet

July 23 - 31, 2009
Photo  by osseous 
Eclectus Parrots have an unusually long digestive track that gives them the ability to efficiently extract nutrients from their food.  As a result, they must have a very balanced and specific diet to help them stay well. In general organic foods are tastier, and healthier because they avoid the use of pesticides and chemicals. Here are 6 components necessary to keep your Eclectus properly fed and healthy.

Fiber - Because their digestive tracks are unusually long, fiber is necessary to keep the track clear and food properly moving through it. This can be fed to them in the form of legumes such as slightly softened garbanzo, fava, lentils, and soybeans as well as whole grains.

Fruits - They also enjoys and benefit greatly from fresh organic fruits such as apples, bananas, mangos, grapes, pomegranate seeds, watermelon, papaya, and oranges. Rotate new fruits as they come in season, and use thawed frozen fruits when fresh are not available.

Dark Leafy Green Vegetables - The darker the leaf, the more nutrients it contains. So kale, mustard and dandelion greens, Swiss chard, spinach, beet and carrot tops are excellent sources of nutrients and should be chopped into small pieces to make them easier to eat.

Other vegetables should include corn on the cob, broccoli, green beans and peas, and okra. Prone to have a Vitamin A deficiency, foods high in Beta Carotene should also be fed regularly as they are excellent natural sources of Vitamin A.  Cooked carrots, yams, and sweet potatoes should be staples in their diet.

Seeds and Nuts - Sprouted seeds are best because they are living plants, low in fat, and provide different nutrients daily as they continue to grow. Sprouts are one of the healthiest foods you can feed your bird. There are kits available that allow you to do it yourself, or you can buy seeds that are already sprouted. Be sure to provide them daily.  As for nuts, young birds still need some fat to develop properly,  but nuts should be fed sparingly to mature birds as they contain large amounts of fat that can cause health problems stemming from obesity.  However, an occasional nut (one) for a mature bird can serve as a tasty treat.

Pellets - Theoretically pellets are a great concept. Having all the nutrients packed into each tiny piece would seem to be a great way to ensure a healthy diet. However, some pellet mixes contain excessive sugar which can lead to kidney problems; and artificial coloring, preservatives, and flavoring that many pellet mixes contain can cause toxicity. Even the organic pellets which do not contain preservatives can make it easier for bacteria and fungus to grow-- which can pose serious health issues to your bird if ingested. So fresh foods always trump pellets.  And if you decide to use them, they should be of a very high quality and comprise a minute portion of the total diet. Avoid colored pellets at all costs as they prevent the Eclectus from producing properly colored feathers and beaks.


Table Food - Scrambled eggs that are thoroughly cooked, cooked rice and beans, and a cracker are all fine on occasion. Birds are lactose intolerant so dairy products should be avoided unless they are lactose-free. Foods with high salt content should also be avoided. Chocolate, avocado, alcohol, rhubarb and foods with caffeine are toxic and can lead to the swift demise of your Eclectus or any bird.

The Eclectus Parrot is an enthusiastic eater and will thank you for providing a healthy diet with many years of love and devotion.



Saturday, October 13, 2018

Fact Sheet: ECLECTUS Parrot - Eclectus roratus

(Original Title: Rainforest Birds - Eclectus Parrot)

Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus) male
Eclectus Parrot - Photo  by warriorwoman531 

Bird Name:

Latin Name:
Eclectus roratus

Status:
Least Concern

Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Subfamily: Psittacinae
Tribe: Psittaculini
Genus: Eclectus
Species: E. roratus

General Information:
The Eclectus Parrot, also known as the Red-sided Eclectus, is a native species of northeastern Australia and the nearby Indonesian and Pacific islands. It is noted for its bright colored feathers, which are used by native tribes for decorations, and its talking ability. These attributes have made it a popular pet.

Physical Description:
On average it is about 14 inches in length and weighs in the range of 250 - 550 g. The Eclectus is known for its high degree of sexual dimorphism. The male is bright green with an orange-yellowish upper mandible and black lower mandible. Its sides and underwings are red, with blue on the sides of its wings. The female is mostly red with an all-black bill and purple on its belly. There are ten recognized subspecies of this bird, each with different color schemes compared to the nominate race.

Diet:
The Eclectus feeds on fruits, flowers, and seeds. Its digestive system is said to be extremely efficient in absorbing nutrients, and its intestinal tract is longer than average to accommodate the high fiber foods it requires.

Habitat:
The Eclectus occurs in rainforests and woodlands. Its range includes the Cape York Peninsula of Australia, the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and several Indonesian islands, including the Molucca group. It nests in holes in trees, among rocks, and among termite mounds.

Reproduction:
A female Eclectus Parrot usually lays 2 eggs per clutch, and incubates them for about 30 days, during which time the male feeds her. The young fledge after about 70 - 80 days.

Eclectus are remarkable parrots and ideally suitable as a pet. Whenever taught properly, they're capable of cognitive behavior from a really young age.

The capability of the Eclectus to speak with humans is because of their extremely inquisitive nature, a feature highly linked to their existence within the rainforest cover. This habitat is really a rich environment needing a heightened visual as well as audible intellect to understand.

The Eclectus has developed the complex breeding tradition in this crowded vegetative environment, resulting in communal reproduction where uncles and aunties assist rear young inside a crèche -like situation. This discussing and caring function of the Eclectus makes them normally the perfect pet.

Whenever treated in a likewise caring and smart way they will rapidly learn to communicate cognitively. Eclectus additionally prefer a relaxed environment and have a powerful capability to notice modifications within their normal environment.

These highly smart birds are really cartoon and love to take part in daily activities and in doing this, will rapidly turn out to be familiar with a daily routine. Eclectus could be kept with other parrot species although it is very important that any brand new bird is launched within the correct style. This involves providing one-on-one attention with the unique bird and as almost as much as feasible, maintaining it's normal daily regimen.

Regular and constant training form a fundamental element of the Eclectus development along with the correct love as well as attention, this extremely intelligent bird makes a superb pet.

Even though Eclectus is a lovely chicken both physically as well as temperamentally, its personality previously has been misunderstood. This particular species has been characterized as boring, boring, lethargic, shy as well as stupid. What the informal observer is viewing, nonetheless, is the Eclectus Parrot's reaction to tension. When confronted by unfamiliar situations or even strangers they deep freeze and wait. Within familiar surroundings with folks they know they're garrulous, highly animated, interested, affectionate and fun.

All Eclectus subspecies share comparable behaviors and personas but with slight variations, for instance, Solomon Island, as well as New Guinea Eclectus, are a lot more docile compared to big domineering Australian Eclectus, so when hand-reared are considered to create the very best pets. Even though personality of chickens is distinct from penis Eclectus, it is questionable regardless of whether hens or pricks make much better pets.


The actual hen is a lot more intense than the cock. Whenever nesting, hand-reared hens tend to be much more aggressive than aviary-bred chickens. Both make similarly great pets, however, hens are a lot more likely to create hormonally related behavioral.

Eclectus possess a wide and most uncommon range of sounds, such as a soft bell or gong shades, coos, whistles, comic konks and squeals. The majority are really pleasant towards the ear. Nonetheless, they likewise have the capability to scream or even indulge in raucous screeching whenever frightened, disturbed or even excited. Eclectus Parrots additionally voice words and phrases really clearly.




Thursday, September 13, 2018

The Elegant ECLECTUS PARROT - 7 Reasons Why Eclectus Parrots Make Wonderful Pets

English: A pair of Eclectus Parrots (Eclectus ...
A pair of Eclectus Parrots (Eclectus roratus), the male (right - green colour) and female (left - red colour) of the same species at Singapore Zoo.
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)
The Eclectus Parrot is a medium size and strikingly beautiful member of the Parrot family ranging in size from just slightly more than a foot long. Unique in its plumage, not only is it physically beautiful but its intelligence and personality make it an excellent choice for a pet. Here are 7 reasons to choose an Eclectus as your pet bird.

Uniquely Different Look-
The texture of their feathers appear like suede on their heads, necks, breasts and stomachs because, rather than the usual feather construction, they are made of single hairs that make their overall plumage look wonderfully different from other Parrots. The tail feathers on both male and female have more of the usual feathering which appears more layered.

The male is very flashy with Kelly green over most of its body, brilliant red and blue feathers beneath the wings, an orange beak, and a sleeker body build. Not to be outdone, females have a redhead, with bluish-purple on their back, shoulders, and stomach, a black beak, and a stockier body. Since females tend to be more colourful, they are generally more expensive, but either sex makes handsome pets. And because of the striking differences between them, tests are rarely if ever needed to determine their sex.

Easy Going Personality-
They fit easily into a routine that is consistent and established early on when they arrive in your home and are more likely to accept various family members rather than bonding with one particularly caregiver. These traits can be helped along by having more than one person in the family interact on a regular basis. Some belief the male to be more gentle, less likely to become neurotic or aggressive because of hormonal changes, therefore making it easier to train. And while these generalizations may often apply, most of it will depend on your bird, as they each have their own personalities.

Eat a Varied Diet-
The Eclectus needs a large number of fruits, vegetables and fibre to provide proper nutrition that will keep them healthy. Sprouted seeds, soaked seeds, and a small portion of a high-quality pellet diet is a good base. (Avoid coloured pellets as they interfere with their ability to produced normal coloured feathers and beak.) Since they are prone to Vitamin A deficiency, dark green leafy vegetables, peppers, and cooked carrots and sweet potatoes are all great natural sources of Vitamin A. Fresh fruits should include but are not limited to apples, bananas, cantaloupe, pomegranate, mango, and watermelon. Organic produce is best.

And while many people see the large amounts of fruits and vegetables needed as a factor that makes them high maintenance, think of this diet instead as an excuse for you to eat healthier as well. Fats and proteins should be given in limited amounts (particularly for mature birds) as they increase cholesterol levels and arterial sclerosis and can contribute to an early death. And in many cases, that's true for the owner as well.

No Feather Dust-Unlike their dustier cousins, the Cockatoos and African Greys, the Eclectus does not produce feather dust because they are equipped with oil glands for preening. This makes them a good choice for those who are allergic.

Extremely Intelligent-
They are able to learn easily and are very sensitive to changes in their surroundings including their owner's moods. This instinctive intuitiveness makes them able to bond more closely with their family which is yet another reason that makes them wonderful companions.



Great Vocabulary-
Buying any bird in hopes that it will speak is a risky proposition at best. And even though these birds are well known for their ability to do so, the only way to make sure your bird will speak is to buy one that already does. With that said, they have a reputation for their fantastic ability to speak with great diction and mimic sounds with great accuracy.

Healthy and Long-Lived-
With a balanced diet, housing that allows them to move and exercise, care that keeps their stress levels low, and consistent maintenance that prevents disease, these parrots can live as long as 50 years!



Sunday, August 12, 2018

ECLECTUS PARROT - General Health

English: Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus). F...
Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus). 
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

While Eclectus parrots are very hardy birds, there are a number of health-related points you should know about to ensure the best of health and longevity of your bird.

The basic needs of Eclectus parrots apart from daily socialization with other birds and humans consists of three things: Natural foods, pure water, and plenty of exercises and mental stimulation. It has been proven again and again that this combination results in birds with the finest of health.

The best form of nutrition comes from providing a diet rich in variety, and while vitamin and mineral supplements are good to help boost nutrition, they should never be the bird's main source of nutrition. Eclectus parrots love fruits and vegetables, some favorites being mangoes, pomegranates, apples, carrots, bell peppers, lettuces and other green vegetables.

Only pure water should be provided for your Eclectus parrot since much of today's tap water has many additives and birds can be much more sensitive to these toxins than humans are. Water bowls should be cleaned and refilled with fresh water each day. Washing bowls and crocks in a mild solution of vinegar water will help eliminate potentially harmful bacteria that could make your bird sick.

Exercise is very important for your parrot to obtain optimum health. Exercise can be provided in a number of ways. Toys that provide interest involving beak, claw, and mental stimulation may be purchased at pet shops and online. A general rule of thumb is 'bigger is better' as long as the toy is safe and size-appropriate for your bird. For a hanging toy (one that clips to the inside top of the cage, or hangs from a toy stand), dimensions not exceeding 10" x 18" should be sufficient.

If you follow this basic information for your Eclectus parrot and keep yourself educated, you can help ensure your bird a long, happy, healthy life. Remember to always consult your veterinarian for any questions you may have concerning your parrot's health.



Friday, July 27, 2018

How Much Is That ECLECTUS PARROT In The Window?

Eye & Ruffled Feathers
Our Eclectus parrot Phoenix just after ruffling her feathers scratching - Photo   by sufw 
Of more than 350 species of parrot, the Eclectus is considered by many to be the most beautiful. Eclectus are not just beautiful, however. They are also great talkers, repeating many words and phrases, and singing songs. If you have more than one Eclectus, they will sing and talk to one another as well as to their human friends.

Which Eclectus Do You Want?

Eclectus parrot prices differ according to the Eclectus you want.

The Eclectus belongs to the genus Eclectus and the species Roratus. There are 7 to 9 subspecies within the species. The three most popular are:

1. The Red-sided Eclectus from New Guinea, to the north of Australia. It is the most popular Eclectus in Australia, and highly popular in other lands as well. With plumage that seems to be hair rather than feathers, the male sports emerald green with blue in the bend of his wings When he flies, red flashes from beneath the wings. The female has a red head, maroon body, deep blue to purple breast feathers, and a tail that ends in a pale red-pink to orange.

2. The Solomon Eclectus native to Bismarck and the Solomon Islands, north of Australia. Males have yellow-tinted green bodies with dark blue wings, edged in green. The upper side of the tail is green with yellow edging. The underside of the tail is black, edged with a thin band of pale yellow. Females have stunning red plumage, with dark blue under-wings and a band of dark blue running to the nape. Wings are the same as the male – red-tails have pale edging.

3. The Vosmaeri Eclectus native to Moluccas, Indonesia. Males have a bright green body, with oval patches of bright red on upper thighs, widening across the body when wings open. The tail is blackish blue, tipped with pale yellow. Females have bright lavender breasts, with red bodies and heads. The nape of the neck, upper mantle, and wing bend show deep lavender. The wings are deep red, tails cadmium-yellow beneath, dark red on top, and a band of yellow.

General Pricing

Eclectus parrot prices usually range from the Solomon Eclectus at the low end to the Vosmaeri at the high end.

Breeder Eclectus Parrot Prices

As of the writing of this article (February 2007), Eclectus parrot prices ranged from $800 to $1,200 each. Sample Eclectus parrot prices are listed here:

1. Solomon Eclectus: $800, male or female
2. Red-sided Eclectus: $845, male or female
3. Vosmaeri Eclectus: $1,000 for a male, $1,200 for a female

All Eclectus parrot prices given are U.S. breeders, U.S. dollars.

“Bargain” Eclectus Parrot Prices

When is a bargain a bargain? Eclectus parrot prices can be lower on eBay or other online auction sites. You can also find lower Eclectus parrot prices in local newspaper classified ads. These carry no guarantee, of course, and the parrots may not be healthy.



Whatever the Eclectus parrot prices you find, you will want to be more careful than the buyer in this bit of humor.

The Multilingual Eclectus

A man passing a pet shop sees 3 beautiful Solomon Eclectus priced at $1,500.
He goes into the shop and asks, “Why such high Eclectus parrot prices?”

“Each of them speaks five languages,” says the salesman.

“Five languages!” exclaims the man. “Do they speak Yiddish?”

“Sure,” says the salesman.

The man looks at the Eclectus again. “My mother lives all alone in the Bronx,” he says, “and a bird would be good company for her,” He pays the $1,500, asks to have a parrot delivered to his mother, and goes on his way.

The next day, he calls his mother and asks, “Mom, how did you like the Eclectus parrot I sent you?”

“Oh son, it was delicious!” she says.

“What do you mean delicious?”

“I made soup out of it – came out great!”

“But mom, that parrot spoke five languages!”

“So, why didn't he say something?”

Hidden Eclectus Parrot Prices

Before you purchase, you should consider the fact that Eclectus parrot prices are only the beginning. You will also have the costs of a large cage, toys, food, and other needs. Hidden Eclectus parrot prices can mount swiftly.



Friday, June 1, 2018

ECLECTUS PARROT - The Ideal Parrot Type For Beginners

Eclectus Parrot - Female
Eclectus Parrot - Photo   by    Kurayba  (cc)
The Eclectus parrot is an Asiatic parrot type that is widely bred in Europe and the United States. This bird, which is endemic in New Guinea, is ideal for people who are looking for their first parrot pet because it can adapt well in a cage and can be easy to care for in comparison to other parrot species. But before you go to your nearest pet store to buy this type of bird, you might want to know the unique characteristics of an Eclectus parrot. Here they are.

One of the things that set this parrot type apart from other birds under the same species is the huge difference in the appearance of males and females. An adult male Eclectus parrot generally has a bright green plumage with some tints of deep blue on its wings and tails and a patch of crimson on its side. The upper bill of the male Eclectus is coral with a bright yellow tip, while the lower part of its bill is black. The eyes of this small parrot, which can grow to as large as 14 inches, are brown. The female Eclectus, on the other hand, has bright red plumage. You will notice that the back, base of the tail, and the wings of the female are deep red. Moreover, you will also find a purplish blue band on the body and tips of the auxiliary wings. Lastly, the mandibles of the female are black.

The temperament of this Asiatic parrot type is quite calm and peaceful when it is inside the cage. In fact, many parrot owners say that the Eclectus is one of the quietest of all parrot breeds. Even when this parrot is dispirited and lonely, you will not hear it complain or make irritating cries. However, make sure that it does not become too lively or agitated so that you won't hear its infamous "Crrah" sound that some people say can be ear piercing.



Another reason why an Eclectus parrot type is good for beginners is that it can easily adapt to its new owners and even crave for their attention and pleasure. Once you have hand-tamed this bird, you can already teach it with tricks and pet it on the head and wings. In fact, you can even expect to hear it mimic a few words. Feeding an Eclectus is simple. Aside from giving it fruits and nuts, you also need to provide it with fresh vegetables regularly.




Thursday, April 12, 2018

ECLECTUS PARROT - Eclectus roratus

Eclectus Parrot - Eclectus roratus




Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Information On ECLECTUS Birds And Their Suitability As A Pet

A pet juvenile male Eclectus Parrot perching o...
A pet juvenile male Eclectus Parrot perching on a woman's shoulder in Brighton
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)
An Eclectus parrot will give you the most inspirational experience if you are a dedicated owner. These birds are known for their mellow temperament and also for their unparalleled beauty. They have a very laid-back character that makes them a favorite of every family and you hardly ever see these parrots getting furious or misbehaving.

Eclectus birds are known for their extraordinary talent to master any mimicry. Although they do not make strong bonds with their pair they love to seek human attention and might get a bit noisy sometimes.

Although these parrots are scientifically known as Eclectus roratus, an Eclectus parrot is known by various other names which might depend upon the species it belongs to. The various names of such kinds of Eclectus birds are:

  • Blue Bellied
  • Yellow Sided
  • Red Sided
  • Solomon Island
  • Vosmaeri

How big do they grow?
These parrots are basically from the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and Australia. An adult parrot may reach approximately 18 to 20 inches when measured from their beak to tail and can cost you around $500 to $3000 US. Interestingly, the female parrot is more expensive than the male because female parrots are more colorful and have more gentle temperaments than the male parrot.
How do you differentiate their sexes?

Eclectus bird sexes can be differentiated by their color as they are sexually dimorphic birds. If you see a bright green color on the head of these birds, along with the yellow-green blended wing covert, then you can ascertain that it is a male parrot. These male parrots furthermore have red patches under their wings and around the breast area. The tail will be almost black with a yellow tip. The iris will be of dark orange and the beak may have a black color at its lower base.

A female bird can be identified when you see them having rich red color on their breast as well as their head. They have deep red wings with a dull blue and purple belly. The tail can be identified with an orange tip and the eyes will have a blue ring around them.

How about their temperament?
These birds are a highly intelligent species with a very passionate personality. They love the companionship of humans and enjoy socializing with people. If you would like to keep an Eclectus parrot along with other birds, then this is definitely possible.

However, you must keep a watch out, as you might see some kind of jealous tendencies.
Eclectus birds will require a large cage as they need a lot of space for their housing requirements and mostly consume a diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables.





These parrots are highly intelligent with a charming personality and can be quite impressed with their ability to talk and they will become passionate pets. They love to interact with every member of the family making them quite sensitive in nature.

For information on how to care for your parrot and how to best rare a pet parrot from parrot expert



Thursday, February 1, 2018

ECLECTUS PARROT Overview

Eclectus Parrot - Male (left) and Female, Sing...
Eclectus Parrot - Male (left) and Female, Singapore Zoo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Eclectus parrots are extremely beautiful birds. The males and females look so different that is used to be thought that they were entirely different species! They are wonderful birds that make great pets if you care for them properly.

This extraordinary bird originates from the South Pacific. There are six subspecies of the Eclectus available in the United States presently: Red-Sided, Grand, Solomon Island, Vosmaeri, McGillvary, and Biaki. The Red-Sided, Vosmaeri and Grand subspecies are the most common.

The male Eclectus is translucent green with red under his wings and a yellow or orange beak. The Vosmaeri male also has a yellow band on his tail. The female Eclectus are usually red and mauve, but some are red with a blue-violet belly and underwings. Also, the female has a black beak.

The minimum cage size for keeping one Eclectus parrot is three feet long by two feet wide by two feet tall. This is very small for this bird though. You should try to get a much larger cage. You will have to let the bird out of the cage a lot so they get the activity they need. They need to be let out at least an hour each day.

In the wild, the Eclectus eats mostly vegetables, fruits, and legumes. They don't eat seeds, so don't get a diet with seeds. For the primary diet, get a pellet based one. They will also need to get fresh fruits and vegetables each day. This bird is deficient in many nutrients and also has a very long digestive tract. Because of this, it is imperative that they are fed a good diet. Try to limit the amount of fat they get so that they don't develop fatty tumors. This doesn't mean to take fat entirely out of the diet though, they still need some.

The Eclectus parrot has excellent talking capabilities. They love to mimic every sound they hear, even the dog, doors opening, microwaves, and sneezing! You will be amazed at how much they sound like the real sound. Your bird's speaking ability will depend on how much time you spend with the bird, how much you talk to the bird and how much of a bond the bird has with you.

This bird is also very curious and loves to explore new things. They are extremely playful and really enjoy playing with people, other birds, and toys. They are very smart birds and can even be potty trained. Another great thing about them is how tidy they are. They don't throw food everywhere like many other bird species do.


Unlike many other birds, the Eclectus doesn't produce feather dust. They have an oil gland instead of a dust gland. You won't see dust on their beaks. A healthy bird's beak will appear clean and shiny.
The female Eclectus is the dominant sex of this species. For this reason, many people notice that their female bird gets slightly aggressive when they reach puberty. Just make sure she has her space whenever she gets a mood swing. She is not being mean, it's just her hormones. Most females will calm down as they get older and as you spend more time with them.

The main thing to remember with the Eclectus parrot is that you will need to spend plenty of time with it. If you don't, they will do anything to get your attention, such as making extremely loud screaming noises. You have to be prepared for the amount of time this bird takes. Your bird could live to be fifty years old so you will have it for a very long time if you take good care of it.




Wednesday, September 27, 2017

ECLECTUS PARROTS As Pets - 7 Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Eclectus Parrots

English: A pair of Eclectus Parrots (Eclectus ...
A pair of Eclectus Parrots (Eclectus roratus), the male (right - green color) and female (left - red color) of the same species at Singapore Zoo. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Eclectus Parrot is one of the most popular pet birds. They are colorful, fun loving, and intelligent companions that live upwards of 50 years. Making a commitment like this means doing your homework first so that you understand fully the challenges and rewards of having an Eclectus Parrot as part of the family. Here are 7 answers to frequently asked questions about the Eclectus Parrot.

What is the average size?
They vary in size from 12 to 14 inches in length with a wingspan of 2 to 2 1/2 feet. The male has a sleeker body build, and the female is more full-figured.

How much do they cost?
In the United States, they cost between $500 and $2500. Since the female is more colorful, they are often more expensive. The males are still beautiful but have fewer colors, and also tend to be more laid back personality wise. Male or female, not to worry, you'll come away with a stunningly beautiful bird.

How much noise do they make?
They are thought of as quiet birds when compared to the African Grey or the Macaw. But they do scream when frightened or threatened. And since each bird is different, the best way to determine how much noise it makes is to spend some time with it during different times of the day and in different situations, if possible-feeding time, play time, rest time.




Where should I go to adopt one?
There are many shelters for birds in need of a good home. Be careful to find out all you can before taking a bird so that you can be fully aware of any emotional or medical problems before you commit. And unless you are an experienced bird owner this may not be the way to go. Taking a bird home and then finding out it is not the right fit for you and your family is devastating for all. There are probably also breeders in your area that can be found with a little searching on the internet. Make sure they are reliable and ask for references before you make the final decision to buy.

What kind of diet do they require?
They require a diet loaded with fresh fruit and vegetables, even more so than other parrots. They tend to have a Vitamin A deficiency so feeding them cooked carrots and sweet potatoes, peppers, and dark leafy vegetables provide a great natural source of Vitamin A. Fresh fruits should include apples, bananas, mango, watermelon, cantaloupe, pomegranate, and grapes. Go light on fats and proteins as this tends to make them gain weight, raise cholesterol levels, develop arterial sclerosis, and lower their lifespan. Avoid colored pellets as this makes it difficult for them to produce proper colors in their feathers and beaks. Sprouted and soaked seeds, as well as small amount of a quality pellet mix, will provide the nutrients your bird needs.




How long do they live? When they first came to the United States it was thought that these parrots only lived for 8 years or so. And many died prematurely because they were fed an incorrect diet. Now that there has been more research done, and a proper diet has been determined, these birds can live upwards of 50 years, even though there are still very few that are much older than this in the United States today.

How can I keep it healthy?
An Eclectus is a lifetime investment in time, love, and hard work so taking daily steps to protect your bird's health is one of the best things you can give your bird in return for the unselfish love and devotion you will receive through the years. Feeding a healthy diet, giving it human attention and affection, visiting an avian vet for regular check-ups, noticing any changes from your bird's norms, seeking professional help immediately when there is any question about its well-being, and keeping its air clean with a high efficiency particle air purifier are all steps that you can take that will go a long way towards having your bird live long and well.