Eclectus parrots make the perfect pet not only because they are colorful and active but also because of their intelligence.
Their talking ability, distinct personalities, and beautiful colors have raised the bar for Eclectus parrots, making them must-have birds.
They are one of the larger species of parrots, requiring regular attention from their owners.
Breed Profile
- Common names: Red-sided Eclectus parrot, dusky Eclectus parrot, Vosmaeri Eclectus parrot, blue-bellied Eclectus parrot, Grand Eclectus parrot, Eclectus parrot, yellow-sided Eclectus parrot, Solomon Island Eclectus parrot.
- Scientific Name: Eclectus roratus
- Life Expectancy: 30 to 50 years
- Adult Size: 17 and 20 inches, and can weigh 13 to 18 ounces
History and Origin
These fantastic birds originated from the Solomon Islands and can be found in tropical rainforests.
A wild population of these birds has been seen in Indonesia, Moluccas, northeastern Australia, and New Guinea.
Eclectus parrots nest high up in trees, especially in their local monsoon forests.
They also raise their family and lay eggs in nest holes in trees. Eclectus parrots are not like other parrots when it comes to raising their young.
They allow extended family members to help with caring for their chicks. They are considered ever-ready because they breed year-round.
They are not restricted to breeding seasons and would mate, breed, and care for their chicks at any time of the year.
Their many common names could be a result of many subspecies of the Eclectus parrots. The most often found Eclectus parrot in the pet stores is the Solomon Island Eclectus.
Temperament
The Eclectus parrot is a very social bird and isn’t shy about showing its friendly side. They are tranquil, gentle, and caring to others of their kind and people.
Many develop quicker when their owners spend quality time with them and even faster when socialization is incorporated into their daily routine. This bird practically looks forward to routines.
Eclectus parrots catch on quickly to house activities and know what to expect as they become part of it. Be careful not to make the breaking of patterns a habit.
Although they exhibit jealousy, most Eclectus parrots can be kept in several bird households. Be sure to spend quality time and attention with your pet parrots, especially when introducing new birds or birds to your aviary.
While both sexes of the Eclectus parrots make remarkable pets, many pet owners say that the males are more open to training than the females.
Here is the catch; however, females may depend less on their owners and can handle stressful situations better than males.
The female Eclectus parrot is an interesting character because they can be bossy and, in most cases, even more aggressive than the male.
This part of her is more noticeable when she’s breeding. Her nesting instincts cause her to be extremely protective, even in captivity.
Markings and Colors
Eclectus are referred to as sexually dimorphic. This means that by looking at the colors of their feathers, you can tell the sex of the parrot.
Male Eclectus comes in a brilliant shade of emerald green, a pinch of red and blue painting their wings, and their beaks are brightly orange.
The females, however, come in a contrast of bright red; their tails and chests have purple markings, while their beaks are black. Colorful birds, aren’t they?
Before the 20th century, the Eclectus were considered an entirely different species. This confusion caused breeders to couple two hens or two cocks together.
I’m sure they’d be laughing now thinking about it. This could be because the Eclectus remains one of the few dimorphic parrots.
The appearance of the feathers of both male and female Eclectus makes them stand out among other parrots.
The feathers of these birds blend perfectly together, unlike the recognizable lines many other birds have.
The Eclectus parrots give the appearance of fine for being painted on their feathers.
Amazingly, the bird’s coloring is camouflage for them in their natural habitat.
You could easily hear them before you can spot them.
Caring for an Eclectus Parrot
These affectionate and social birds cherish the time their owners spend with them or the time they get to spend with their families.
You must have enough time on your hands to spend with Eclectus before considering adopting one.
This bird is very intelligent and sensitive and can quickly become stressed if they start feeling like they aren’t getting enough attention.
Even though people find them quiet compared to other parrots, they can be very loud as they let out a loud starling honk and different sounds you can’t ignore.
Also, with proper training, these birds can learn to speak a few words and can catch in on almost anything you try to teach them.
Note! This bird’s gentility doesn’t mean you should let your children pet it. They can get aggressive, especially if they are startled.
They remain calm and gentle in a peaceful environment. This is why it’s essential to consider the environmental factors to which you are exposing your Eclectus parrots.
They begin to reach sexual maturity around one year and six months. This urge is sometimes accompanied by aggression or the need to feed on whatever is nearby.
Owners often notice unusual behavior like this, but it is advisable to ignore it. This phase passes with time, and they learn what’s normal and acceptable.
They are also in the habit of wing-flipping and toe-tapping. This is similar to what most parrots do when they are depressed due to negligence.
It’s best to see a vet immediately if your Eclectus parrot displays all the above actions. It could be an indication of severe health complications.
Potential owners should take the time to study different birds to know which one suits their personality best before settling for one. It doesn’t help to pick a bird because your guts told you to.
Eclectus parrots aren’t as commonly seen as other parrots, so you may need to contact breeders or specialty pet shops.
Feeding
It’s been discovered that Eclectus parrots’ digestive tract is different from many bird species.
This is why feeding them with a high-fiber and low-fat diet is essential. It’s even more helpful to avoid too many mineral and vitamin supplements, which could cause abnormal behaviors or digestive issues like tumors.
Eclectus in their native habitat would prefer papaya, pomegranate, and fig. They also eat some seeds, buds in trees, and flowers.
Maintaining a diet rich in vegetables, fresh fruits, and carbohydrates is essential in captivity. Feeding your pet baked or cooked pasta guarantees your bird all the carbs it needs.
Pellets and seeds can be moderately given to your bird.
Still, it’s best to do this with causing, especially when it involves feeding mixes with artificial dyes, preservatives, or flavorings. These combinations could cause your pets to lose their vibrant color.
To be candid, artificial foods are typically not edible; you should even give your pets.
These foods can be toxic, especially to sensitive bird species like the Eclectus parrots.
Exercise
Eclectus in captivity need plenty of space because of how active they are.
It would be good for owners to provide a play stand that is wide enough and a bird-safe area to explore easily.
The bird needs enough exercise to help it maintain stable mental and physical health. It is also a good recipe for a happy and healthy pet.
Ample space should be provided, especially if you keep more than one Eclectus.
A measurement of about 11 and 3 ft and enough height to allow for climbing, flying, and moving around.
You would also need to provide them with plenty of different materials and perches of different sizes. This is so their feet stay healthy.
A swing, a climbing ladder, and some toys to chew on would give you a happy and active Eclectus parrot.
These amazing parrots do a great job than many other parrots at staying occupied if provided with enough distractions. They would go on and play when their owners were not around.
The fun part is these birds love to be challenged. The more challenges you throw at them, the better for them to show how smart they are.
Do you have an Eclectus parrot? How have you been handling them? What does their diet comprise? Share with us in the comments.
