The Eclectus Parrot is a striking pet with its bright personality and sticking feathers.
These birds are well-known for their vibrant colors, but they can also be a great addition to any home. These birds are able to communicate well and will impress all your friends. They are also very friendly and will bond well with their owners.
They are a larger species of a parrot than others and take up more space. Before you decide to adopt one, it is important to consider these things.
These social parrots should only be used by people who have a lot of space.
Continue reading to find out how to care for Eclectus Parrots and whether they are the right parrot species.
Eclectus Parrot Species Overview
| Common names: | Eclectus parrot |
| Scientific Name: | Eclectus roratus |
| Adult Size: | 17-20 inches |
| Life Expectancy: | 30-50 years |
Origin and History
The Eclectus parrot can be found in the rainforests of the Solomon Islands. Since then, they have spread to Australia and New Guinea, Indonesia, as well as New Guinea.
They live in monsoon forests where there are frequent ground floodings. They nest at the top of trees to avoid flooding. They will usually find a hole deep in the tree, where they are protected against predators and the elements.
There are many sub-species. The most popular type is kept as a pet in the Solomon Islands.
They have become one of the most loved birds to keep in captivity over time. They are easy to breed which is why they are so popular.
Temperament
The Eclectus is friendly and social. Like most parrots, they are intelligent. They are described by many bird owners as cuddly and gentle.
This is the perfect species for anyone looking to cuddle with a feathered friend.
However, their friendly nature has a downside. They require socialization as a part of their daily lives.
They can become very stressed quickly without proper socialization. This can lead to destructive behaviors such as feather destruction.
Eclectus parrots are well-known for their fear of new things. This trait is known as neophobia and can lead to them becoming more stressed than other parrots. They can be extremely stressed if they are given new toys or rehomed.
They can even memorize routines. They can get extremely stressed if something changes.
They are one of the most difficult parrots in captivity. It is impossible to avoid new things.
There are subtle personality differences between males and females. Males are more friendly, and females more assertive. The nesting instincts of females are still strong so make sure you plan accordingly.
- Friendly
- Beautiful colors
- Amazing speech skills
- Quiet
- Very large
- Do not be easily stressed
Speech and Vocalization
The Eclectus parrot is a great speaker.
These birds can be taught to speak quickly. They are friendly and will learn words easily because of their friendly nature.
They have a higher intelligence that allows them to learn everything you want to teach.
They are quieter despite their ability to communicate. While they are more vocal than other parrots, they can still be quite noisy.
They have distinct honk sounds and similar vocalizations. These sounds can be quite loud and startling so be ready.
They are rare, however. You won’t be woken by your Eclectus parrot in the middle of the night.
Eclectus Parrot Markings and Colors
The visible sexual dimorphism of this parrot species is unusual. This means that the males and the females appear very different from the human eye.
Males are nearly all light green, with blue primary feathers. They also have red flanks. Their beaks are orange.
Females, on the other hand, are mostly dark red. Their wings and backs are the most affected by their red coloration. The underwing is almost purple in color. The tail is more orange than the underwing. Their beaks are all black.
The appearance of the juveniles is different from that of the females. Even their eyes look different.
Adults have orange eyes, but juveniles have darker ones. Both genders of juveniles have brown eyes, but it can fade to yellow at the edges.
The subspecies can have different colorations. There are not many color variations.
Care for the Eclectus Parrot
You will have a great friend in this parrot if you take care of them. They can be difficult to take care of. They are prone to destructive behavior due to their stress-prone nature, such as feather mutilation.
These parrots are able to live in multi-bird households. Their intelligence can make them susceptible to jealousy.
It all depends on the bird.
By giving Eclectus parrots the care they deserve, jealousy can be reduced. Under-socialized parrots could be a reason for jealousy. If they don’t get enough interaction, the parrot will seek out attention.
Housing
They do require a large house as they are the largest parrots in the world.
A habitat measuring 11 x 3×7 ft by 7 ft is recommended. This cage is suitable for one or two birds. Even if you have only one bird, it is not recommended to reduce the cage below this level.
Compatibility
These parrots will not be able to live with loud dogs or any other noisy pets. They don’t like loud noises, especially when they are sudden.
Cats are generally fine as they are quieter than animals like lizards.
This species can also be troubled by children. These birds are sensitive to loud noises and can be irritated by children. These birds can cry and scream, which can cause serious problems.
They are best suited for homes with less noise. They may become stressed if they are not in a quieter home.
Common Health Problems
Eclectus parrots are susceptible to the same health issues as other parrots or avian species.
They are more sensitive to stress than their environment. Avoid stressful situations.
You should ensure that your bird is healthy when you introduce new routines and environments. Birds can become sick if they are exposed to stressful situations.
A poor diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Too many captive parrots don’t get enough vitamin A. However, overly fortified foods can also lead to nutritional deficiencies.
When stressed or sick, these birds often exhibit a variety of symptoms, such as feather plucking, toe-tapping, and wing flapping. These symptoms can vary greatly from one bird to the next. Different ticks may be present in different birds.
As with all birds, Eclectus parrots can be susceptible to respiratory issues. Problems can be caused by drafts or sudden temperature changes.
You may find your toes stuck in things. This can cause a disruption of circulation. This condition is commonly known as “constricted-toe syndrome”. It can lead to serious complications. In most cases, veterinary treatment is necessary.
Nutrition and Diet
The Eclectus parrot is different from other birds in that it has unique dietary requirements.
Other birds can do just fine with a pelleted diet, but not the Eclectus parrot.
Most Eckies love fruits. While some will eat vegetables with the same enthusiasm, many Eckies will choose fruits over other veggies. Fruits and vegetables should make up about 60% of their daily diet.
Fruits are high in sugar, so vegetables should be eaten more than fruits.
Some sprouted seeds carbohydrates should make up 20% of the remaining 20%. Another solid option is legumes.
The final 20% should be occupied by “hot meals”. This usually includes cooked pasta or a grain bake. If you need to increase your bird’s vegetable intake, you can add vegetables to this dish.
Over time, your bird’s appetite may change. Their appetite will change with age, growth, seasonal changes, and hormones. You should not expect that many juveniles will eat more than they need. Their appetites settle down as they grow older.
This parrot, unlike most bird species, needs a high-fiber diet. You should choose foods high in fiber such as sprouted grains or specific vegetables.
Choose more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables when choosing your individual fruit or vegetable.
We don’t recommend any commercial parrot food. These foods can cause harm to your bird’s health as they often contain artificial ingredients. The parrots are sensitive to the ingredients in food, so many preservatives and dyes can be dangerous.
These commercially inferior options can also make parrots duller.
All types of supplements should be avoided. They can lead to strange or even dangerous behavior and health problems. Supplements that contain too many vitamins can lead to health problems.
Your parrot should be eating fruits and vegetables if they are eating them.
Exercise
These large parrots require a lot of exercises. This can be a problem in captivity due to their size. They need more space than other species.
A play stand is the best option for your parrot. You should provide a safe area for your bird to explore, climb, and jump.
Allow your pet to exercise as often as you can. A minimum of two hours per day is recommended. It’s better to split the time into two sessions. Do not exercise your parrot after eating, as they might become less active.
Your best options are before dinner and in the morning.
A variety of perches are necessary to keep their feet healthy. They can lose strength and nimbleness if they use the same type of perch. You should purchase perches with different diameters and materials so that they can exercise properly.
A variety of climbing equipment, such as swings and ladders, should be purchased. You can purchase quality toys for your parrots or make your own.
These birds are amazing. They also need mental stimulation. Make sure they have toys in their cage to entertain themselves when you’re not there.
Places to Buy or Adopt an Eclectus Parrot
Eclectus parrots may not be as well-known as other species. To adopt an Eclectus parrot, you will need to search for a specialist breeder or store.
If there are any breeders in your area, they should be considered. They are able to help you adjust your bird’s life to adoption by taking the best care of them. This sensitive species can find it stressful to move from a breeder to an animal store to home.
An Eclectus parrot will cost you between $1,000 and $3,000 They don’t matter from where they are purchased – all of them cost around the same amount.
These birds are often found at rescues because of their long lives. This is a rarer situation than finding a dog at the rescue. You can search for avian rescues in your area.
Conclusion
Eclectus parrots are a rare species that can have a variety of colors. The Eclectus parrot is a unique species with striking red and green coloration.
It’s impossible to find anything more amazing than this.
They are intelligent, just like most parrots. Their speaking abilities are amazing, especially once they reach one year old. These parrots can be taught to do almost anything, and they are friendly enough to learn.
They are sensitive and require a lot more attention. It is a big commitment and should be considered carefully.
Is it possible to keep an Eclectus parrot as a pet?
Eclectus parrots are charming, eye-catching, and clever birds that make excellent pets. This bird’s gorgeous colors, conversational skills, and charming personality have made it one of the most popular pet parrots.
Are Eclectus parrots can be left alone?
Parrots are gregarious animals who become distressed when left alone. They require company and human connection for at least two hours every day, and should not be left alone for more than six or eight hours.
Is it necessary to cover my birdcage at night?
Covering your bird’s cage at night gives a regular period of privacy that is not normally permitted during the day. Furthermore, it keeps the bird quiet early in the morning, when it would otherwise become busy and loud. Continue to cover your bird’s cage at night if you already do.
Should I keep the television on for my bird?
Birds are naturally attracted to various sounds and noises, so having a radio or television on helps to keep them happy and comfortable while they are in their cages. Is a bed necessary for parrots? Yes, some parrots require a bed to sleep properly and comfortably within their cages. Nonetheless, because each parrot’s demands and personality vary, a bed is not required for every parrot; however, those who love the cozy feeling and suffer from night frights definitely want one.
What is the price of an Eclectus parrot?
Somewhere between $1,000 and $3,000 $1,000-$3,000 If you buy from a breeder, you could expect to pay much more than if you adopted an Eclectus parrot, with the usual cost falling between $1,000 and $3,000.
Eclectus parrots eat what?
Bananas, mango, paw paw, passionfruit, rockmelon, watermelon, berries, pomegranate, and kiwifruit should be included in their diet, but apples, pears, and oranges should be limited. Fresh, organic, seasonally accessible tropical fruits are preferred, although thawed frozen fruits are also quite beneficial.
Are Eclectus parrots suitable for children?
The Eclectus parrot is usually calm, although it may be too delicate to accept active youngsters. These birds frequently form deep bonds with their caregivers and require considerable time with them. They also want to stick to routines, which may be difficult with children’s activities.
Are male Eclectus suitable as pets?
The personalities of male birds maintained as pets mirror their loving nature as wild birds. Male Eclectus parrots are excellent pets due to their kind temperament. They are also quite clever and like social contact as well as encouragement when studying.
Can an Eclectus parrot communicate?
They’re also rather communicative, albeit not as prone to loud squawking as other parrots. They may be trained to communicate and sing. They are also quite clever and demand a great deal of stimulation. So purchase your Eclectus parrot a range of things to gnaw on, a puzzle with, and destroy.