Diet for Feather Picker

[crackattack85]

Hello all,
I know most of this information is available from many sources, but so much of it conflicts that I hope I can find a consensus opinion of some sort. I have a 17 year old Eclectus that is a pretty heavy picker who also has been screaming at me for the past 20 minutes I got him as a rescue and his lead a tough life to be sure. Former breeder living with another male in the same cage, lived in a house with a smoker, etc. I am wondering if changing his diet might help curb his picking. The local bird supplier has recommended a diet of TOPS pellets and Goldenfeast Schmitt's Original mix. He eats both just fine, perhaps the pellets a little less so on some days. I have read that this diet is not ideal for an Eclectus. I plan on upping the amount of fruit and vegetables to be sure, but am unsure on what a good daily mix is. I'm pretty busy and would like to just be able to bag everything the night before and feed in the morning. Also, what other products might be good for a main diet staple. I've read good things about Phoenix UnPellet and that his diet should be more herb heavy. I'm a fan of Goldenfeast and am wondering about their Asian Medley mix. Also, would feeding TOPS sprouting mix be a good idea? I'm a bit lost and would love any routine feeding schedule others could provide. Thank you all in advance for your help!

 

[melbourned]

I've been using Vortmans Eclectus Formula. My two eckies love it. I can't say it helps the feather picking but they seem to enjoy it. You can buy it at Amazon.

 

[labell]

75 to 80% of my ekkies diet is real foods. Base mix that I make large batches of consist of quinoa or brown rice to that I add at least two different kinds of beans, mung is a great choice. Mine also really like black beans, garbanzo, lentils. For greens I finely chop at least 2 of the following Arugula, Collard Greens, Kale, Cilantro, Italian Parsley, Mustard greens and add that to the base. Lightly steamed carrots and or beets are also a great choice as well as cooked sweet potatoes. That is pretty much the base, I keep out what I will go through in a few days and freeze the rest.

Each morning I warm up this base (not in a microwave) then I add whatever I have on hand that is fresh, raw and in season it might be sprouts, zucchini, celery or broccoli. Later in the day they get their fresh organic fruit again whatever is in season but I try to vary it. Pomegranates are always a hit!

Then before bed they get their dry mix which is a little Volkman (for Eclectus) seed mix and organic Harrison's adult lifetime pellets only about 8 pieces each bird.
Things they get once in a while...once a week I will wash an organic egg and cook it shell and all and add that to my base mix.
About once a month a chicken leg (cooked of course) I pull off most of the meat once cooled and give that to my dogs the birds get some meat but they really like the bone the best, very cooled.
Once a week I make up a batch of Lory (blessings) nectar and give that to them in place of their afternoon fruit.
I also dehydrate lots of stuff for them and me as snacks, theirs has no salt.
As a treat I give them soaked almonds or dried organic flowers too. Sometimes to the base I will add freeze dried meal worms yummy! The types of flowers are all safe Chamomile (which could help with your plucking as it is calming) Chrysanthemum, Hibiscus and Rosehips.
I am a vegetarian so I eat most of the same things as I give my ekkies so it is easier, not the meal worms or chicken bones though.
When I warm up the morning food I use a little coconut oil or red palm oil in the pan they are both great for them. I also give showers everyday, sometimes I skip a day if I get busy but most times it's every day. Which will also really help with feathers.