Eclectus Parrots Originate from of Eclectus Parrots Australia, New Guinea and Other South • Feather Destructive Behavior Pacific Islands

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Most Common Disorders Eclectus parrots originate from of Eclectus Parrots Australia, New Guinea and other South • Feather destructive behavior Pacific islands. Of the ten Eclectus • Behavioral problems (screaming, biting, subspecies, the three most commonly seen in aggression) ECLECTUS captivity are the red-sided (Eclectus roratus • Reproductive-related disease polychloros), Vos (Eclectus roratus • Bacterial and fungal infections vosmaeri) and Solomon Island (Eclectus • Viral infections, such as Proventricular dilatation disease roratus solomonensis). Eclectus have the • Injuries and toxin exposure most pronounced sexual dimorphism of any • Wing flapping and toe tapping (cause of psittacine: the males are green and the toe-tapping uncertain; may be normal females are red. Scientists who have studied behavior) these birds in Australia have determined that this color distinction is related to their sexual roles in the wild. Females spend up to 11 months each season in their nest hollow, and Many diseases can be prevented with regular veterinary their red color makes them less conspicuous care, proper diet and housing. For these reasons, it is against the tree trunk. However, males differ important to develop a relationship with a veterinarian from females by spending a much larger who is experienced in avian preventive care, medicine proportion of their time foraging among the and surgery. For help in finding an avian veterinarian in rainforest canopy. Their green color favors your area, contact the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) by visiting www.AAV.org and click on “Find a Vet” reduced visibility to predators against leaves. or contact the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners In captivity, eclectus females generally tend by visiting www.ABVP.com/diplomate. to be more aggressive than males, both in companion bird settings and in aviculture. In breeding situations, a female may sometimes even traumatize her mate.

Companion Bird Care SERIESEE What Your Veterinarian Looks for in a What to Expect from Your Eclectus Parrot Healthy Eclectus Parrot clectus parrots are in high demand as pets, What Do Eclectus Parrots Do All Day? Clear, bright eyes Toys offered to eclectus parrots must be free of toxic How to Keep Your (no discharge) primarily because of their beauty. They are Eclectus Parrot Smooth beak EEgenerally calm in captivity, especially in the presence of metals, hooks, sharp objects or small, easily consumed strangers. They may exhibit a “pensive” nature when components. Fresh-cut branches from nontoxic trees Healthy, Happy considering novel items or situations in a secure may be offered. Check with local authorities for and Safe! Dry, open nares environment. However, recommendations of safe trees. Eclectus need to feel they ✓ Take your eclectus to your individuals may be playful are a part of the group. They are nosy and interested in veterinarian after purchase, then V ital Statistics and rambunctious when what is going on around them. once annually for examinations. Good body conditions Body length: 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) they are comfortable with  Provide stimulating environmental Are Eclectus Parrots Tame? enrichment by offering toys, social Body weight: 380-450 g family members. To a Age of sexual maturity: 6 years Young, hand-raised eclectus parrots adapt readily to new interaction and foraging Alert, erect posture greater degree than other surroundings and handling procedures. Male eclectus opportunities. Maximum life span: 20 years companion birds, they may parrots tend to be more docile than females, especially  Feed a fresh, high quality, toxin- be fearful of anything new. when hand-raised. They should be exposed early in life free formulated diet with fresh Smooth, bright This fear may be reflected in the high incidence of feather to novel situations (car travel, hospital visits, playing chopped fruits, vegetables and feathers that are not picking, especially in timid males. “peek-a-boo” with a towel, multiple visitors in the whole grains according to the ragged, discolored manufacturer’s recommendation. Both genders have mimicking ability, although the household, other household pets) so that they are well- or broken ✓ Provide clean, fresh uncontami- male may be a better talker. There are reports of adjusted to these events. The best way to encourage desirable behaviors is with patience and by offering nated drinking water and change eclectus parrots developing a nervous habit of “toe frequently. Eclectus parrots can tapping” or “wing flapping.” The cause is unknown, but positive reinforcement, often in the form of food be trained to use a water bottle. rewards. Even with training, all birds are capable of if the birds are otherwise healthy, the condition usually  Many birds enjoy bathing. Try biting under the right circumstances. abates with time. There have been some suggestions that providing a warm water bath, or this behavior in eclectus may be associated with normal gently spaying with clean warm How to Identify Your Bird water daily if possible. Even pattern breeding/social patterns. It is useful to consult an avian Eclectus parrots occasionally escape outdoors, and of skin on the feet, nails veterinarian to eliminate disease as a potential cause of  Avoid spraying house with permanent identification may help to return birds to their insecticides. of appropriate length this behavior. owners. One method used to permanently identify your bird is implantation of a microchip, as is performed in Housing for your eclectus should: Is Your Eclectus a Male or a Female? other pets. Some birds already have leg bands for ✓ be as large as possible. ✓ It is easy to determine the gender of an eclectus parrot, identification. Although closed leg bands seldom cause be clean, secure and safe. injury, some owners prefer to have them removed. not only because of behavioral characteristics, but because ✓ be constructed of nontoxic material (some cages may Eclectus parrots are very curious and will investigate anything new in their the male is bright green and the female is red. Because of Should the Wings be Clipped? contain toxic metals, such as environment. That is why it is important to prevent their access to: the distinct color difference, eclectus parrots were zinc). The decision to clip wings or allow free flight should be ✗ ceiling fans ✗ easily dismantled toys originally believed to be two separate species. They are ✓ contain variable-sized perches made carefully. Birds allowed free flight benefit from ✗ stove tops with hot burners, ✗ dogs, cats and unsupervised prolific breeders and the offspring are easy to hand-raise. made of clean, nontoxic, exercise and mental stimulation; however, free flying birds pans or skillets children may be injured by hitting windows or ceiling fans or hurt pesticide-free wood or branches. ✗ ✗ sources of heavy metals, such as What Should You Feed Your Eclectus? ✓ have easy-to-clean food and fumes from overheated non-stick by encountering toxic materials. With careful planning cookware lead or zinc (stained glass and training, some birds may be allowed free flight in a water containers. For a long, healthy life, eclectus parrots should be fed a ✗ sandpaper-covered perches windows, pewter, some mini- safe area. The goal of clipping the wings is not to make ✓ have perches not placed directly blinds or linoleum) high quality, toxin-free formulated diet. Supplementation ✗ the bird incapable of flight but to prevent it from over food or water bowls. tobacco and cigarette smoke may include small amounts of chopped organic vegetables ✗ plug-in air fresheners developing rapid and sustained flight and to prevent ✓ offer opportunities for protected ✗ chocolate, avocado, salt, alcohol and fruit and whole grains. ✗ scented candles escape. Clipping must be done carefully and tailored to outdoor exposure to fresh air, ✗ toxic houseplants each individual to prevent flight and injuries from falling. direct sunlight and exercise. ✗ pesticides or chemical cleaners

Text updated by AAV, 2015 Photography by Paul Savage (cover) and Mimi B. Walling/We Shoot Birds (inside)