Eclectus hand rearing?!

[Sterling1113]

Edit: Gonna omit this one. I'm stressed and frustrated and figured it was a bit too mean. Ignore this post.

 

[LovebirdLover]

I'm not ignoring any post. I'm trying to find out what to feed everyday for the bird. A bigger variety I guess but if i take all the seeds Away would that be to sudden? Should I switch the food over slowly? Also is artificial vitamin bad for the birds?

 

[Dinosrawr]

LovebirdLover, have you perhaps thought about taking in these Eclectus and waiting to breed them after you have come to learn and understand these birds? It's very clear you are set on obtaining this breeding pair regardless of what many have advised, and we can all only say so much. I directed you to this species forum because many of the owners her genuinely love their birds and ensure their birds live the best life, as I am sure that is your intention also - however, good intentions don't always turn into good actions.

I do love that you're building a large aviary for them, but you do need to recognize that you are still unsure about their diet despite wanting to breed them - I applaud you for wanting to know, as any good parront would, but I do also recommend that you do not breed these birds until you understand the species. Of course, you won't know anything until you do it, which is what I understand you are trying to say regarding their breeding, but you do need to cover the basics before you try to land a triple back flip off a 50 foot diving board into a 3 meter wide pool (this is my best representation of how steep the learning curve is right now, silly, I know ).

To answer your question about everyday - think about yourself. Do you eat the exact same thing every day? Would you get your required macronutrients and micronutrients doing so? I'm sure you know the answer is no. You can find many lists of bird safe foods, and members have - in detail - explained the diversified diet their Eclectus eat. They have also mentioned organic is better for them ($$$). Varying up their diet every day is what is key, and before even going there, you have to know what they even like. Do they even like mangos? Will they eat kale? Do they like minced parsley or whole parsley? Are they really going to eat that much apple? What kind of lentil mash should I give them today? These are questions you will struggle with daily while trying to feed them properly, so do try your best.

As for switching them over, your birds will, once again, decide that for you. If you remove everything and switch, will they even eat fresh fruits and veggies? Will they turn up their beaks and say no? Will they enjoy it? We don't know. We can't tell you. Your birds will.

As for artificial, you have to be so careful as to not overdose your birds on a vitamin. If they are eating some high quality pellets on top of a very diverse, healthy fresh diet, then no. Supplementing them is likely over kill. Find out the bird safe fruits and veggies (and remember, certain parts of fruits, such as seeds, are POISONOUS) and find out which vitamins they offer. If you find their diet lacking in certain aspects, I'm sure supplementing is fine, but a good avian vet can tell you what vitamins you're lacking based on the diet you're feeding them.

Once again, please do not rely on good intentions to make this a success. I know you only want to experience it, and I applaud that, I do. But what I applaud more is someone making a conscious effort to ensure the longevity of the animal companions in their lives, even if that means taking a step back and saying no to yourself once in awhile, even if it's what you really want. Loving something does not mean you are helping it live a healthy life... look at all the obese cats and dogs in the world. Owners say it's because they love them, but realistically they're killing them slowly but surely, and it's a very, very sad fate for their animals. I hope I haven't offended you but have instead enlightened you, and I do hope you take a few days to reflect on what actions you should take regarding this decision. Remember it doesn't only affect you, but the lives of those birds and their babies, too. Every action has a reaction

 

[MikeyTN]

Also want to mention this, artificial vitamins is bad for Eclectus parrots!!!! Again, you need some very deep research before proceeding with this if you have no idea so far. Cause you seem to have no idea on the needs of Eclectus parrot and you want to breed and raise chicks?

 

[Dinosrawr]

Thanks for answering that Mikey, I wasn't sure and my gut said no considering how touchy their diets are (you know a bird has a difficult diet when they have food brands JUST for their species...), but wasn't positive.

Once again LovebirdLover, heed all the information you're receiving with an open mind. Many highly experienced owners are doing their best to ensure that you understand how high maintenance this species is. While I understand you are no "beginner", many of us feel that if you aren't confident in decisions such as food that you will be ill prepared to tackle the challenge of breeding. It's not easy, and there's a reason as to why many do not try to breed this species without being trained by a professional first. There are innocent lives at stake.

 

[LovebirdLover]

I'll keep you guys posted on what I do. Let you know soon. Thinking of a huge diet since you said you need more.

 

[NiRD]

I'd like to see those pictures.

 

[crimson]

this is where I wish Sodakat was here.....oh my that would be good.

this thread just reminds me of another member who would not listen to any advice.

since most if not all of the superb advice has not been taken by the OP, I am just going to keep on reading, and not offer any suggestions, as I am not qualified in Electus parrots
more power to all of you who have more patience than I.

 

[LovebirdLover]

Ill post the pictures this weekend or next. I want to finish my aviary first. I have a lot of them but most are pretty small. 5x7x4 usually. Posting this weekend if i can get the aviary finished. Its a lot of work to build one that big

 

[MikeyTN]

I don't doubt how much work it takes to build a aviary that size. It wasn't easy for me to built a glass flight cage before. Good luck!

 

[LovebirdLover]

The frame is easy to build but the roof is hard. Working on the today/ tomorrow

 

[LovebirdLover]

Today my parakeet parents kicked all of their babies out for some reason. I put them back in but she kicked them back out. I went to the store immediately and bought handfeeding formula a little brooder and a syringe for feeding. Their crops were pretty full so ill just let feed them in the morning i think. 7am. i will be feeding then every 4 hours till 11pm. 7am-11pm. i think they are 2-3week 1 of the babies have yellow feathers coming out already very little tho. There are a total of 6 babies. Can anyone give me tips fast?? Sorry for posting here dont want you guys to talk more **** for me making another post lol...

 

[MikeyTN]

Let their crops empty completely! Then mix the formula on the watery side. Have you never done it before to be asking questions? It should of been something you learn way ahead of time before you try to raise any birds period!

 

[Mekaisto]

.
I was in the middle of typing out exactly what you need to do, but I decided it's too risky to try to explain hand-feeding by word over the internet.

Go to an Avian vet immediately, and let them show you how it's done.
.

 

[mtdoramike]

Yeah, I know, I miss Soda too.

this is where I wish Sodakat was here.....oh my that would be good.

this thread just reminds me of another member who would not listen to any advice.

since most if not all of the superb advice has not been taken by the OP, I am just going to keep on reading, and not offer any suggestions, as I am not qualified in Electus parrots
more power to all of you who have more patience than I.

 

[LovebirdLover]

Nvm I think I know what to do thanks guys.

 

[LovebirdLover]

Day 1 of handfeeding went well i guess. The first time i didnt know how much to feed it and they were refusing but the second feeding went well. Most of them were clean eaters and their crops got full pretty fast. Not really. Took me about 15 mins for 6 birds lol. It was fun doing it but i have a small question. Im feeding them till their crop feels a little firm more squishy ish and they get hungry after 2 hours? Their crop looks huge though. idk though fed 4 times today already and 1 more time before i go sleep ish but some of them are already chirping for food. Might feed in 30 mins if all are asking for it. Some pointers for feeding? the youngest baby is probally around 2 weeks old and the oldest has yellow feathers very small though not covering whole body yet. Is that about 3 weeks or 4? all are eating well so thats a good thing

 

[Sterling1113]

Didn't the avian vet Mekaisto suggested you visit teach you how to hand-feed?
Or did you just disregard that and not go to a vet at all?

 

[LovebirdLover]

Also the biggest one bit me a little today it didnt hrut or anything just a little pinch. How do i tame them during the handfeeding process?

 

[LovebirdLover]

I didnt have time to go to a vet and day 1 went well. All birds were fed proplerly i think and they are exploring the little box they are in. They seem very healthy