Getting an Eckie soon, got a few questions.

[Killamanjaro]

Hi,

As above we've decided to get an Eckie in the not so distant future. we've done lots of reading and have found it would be the best bird for us and our lifestyle. So far we've decided on a male SI Eclectus but still have a few questions.

I plan to feed 3 times a day, a diet of mainly fresh fruit and vegetables similar to the meals posted by Katie_Fleming, around 80% fresh fruit and vegetables and 20% pellets. http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/65134-big-dinner-cook.html

The pellets I have available are Harrison's pellets and TOPs pellets. Are these any good to feed an Eckie?

The local grocers sell fresh dates still on their palm thing, not the dried ones. Would an Eckie appreciate these as a treat from time to time?

We're looking at a cage like a Rainforest Santos or a Rainforest Rio Grande, would it be adequate in terms of space (28x36inches) the bird would have and is powder coating safe?

With male Ekies, aside from just minor differences in appearance are there any differences in personality or care requirement between the different species? I ask as in the UK the breeders and sanctuaries have Vos, SI and RS Eckies.

Thanks in advance, this forum is awesome!

Mikail

 

[SilverSage]

IF you decide to feed pellets it is VITAL you feed only organic pellets with no artificial vitamins or minerals (so nothing "fortified" for sure!" Eckies can't process the artificial nutrients and the hypervitaminosis can be deadly.

Yes I think they probably like dates.

That cage isn't nearly as big as I would like to see for an eckie.


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[Killamanjaro]

IF you decide to feed pellets it is VITAL you feed only organic pellets with no artificial vitamins or minerals (so nothing "fortified" for sure!" Eckies can't process the artificial nutrients and the hypervitaminosis can be deadly.

Yes I think they probably like dates.

That cage isn't nearly as big as I would like to see for an eckie.


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What would you recommend as a minimum? Does height matter?

 

[SilverSage]

At minimum the largest cage you can afford. A sleep cage (so not even for living in just for sleeping) should be big enough that the bird can face any direction and flap unclipped wings without bumping any sides or toys, but still have plenty of toys inside the cage. I doubt that could happen with a cage the size you describe. Sorry, a decent cage is often the biggest cost of a new parrot, sometimes several times the adoption fee even for a baby.


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[RisingSun]

I think each size will depend on how often the bird will be out. In my case, I think the cage I bought is way too big. It won't even fit through the doors, for easy cleaning up outside. Matisse really only goes in it to sleep and eat. Despite having tons of toys in there. I listened to the advice to buy a cage is big as you can afford, but for our lifestyle, it just isn't necessary. For Eclectus as a species, and I'm sure many will disagree with me LOL, I find that they don't benefit as much from a humongous cage like other more active species.

Mine is a wanderer, and an observer. Not so much a climber, a swinger, or an acrobat. For him he'd be happier with a good view out of a window than a very large cage. Your dimensions I would say seem appropriate. It might be slightly on the smaller end of appropriate, but I think it will be fine. Again, though that depends on how often he will be out of it. It's more important the layout, that he has room to stretch his wings and flap if he chooses, and has activities. Matisse also likes to spend a lot of time on the floor of his cage, so that opens up some real estate there as well.

My cockatiel's cage is also very large, it could comfortably fit Matisse in there. In fact I switch cages with them as an enrichment a few times per week. Matisse has no problem wandering around climbing up the ladder, he has a fascination with her water bowl I think he thinks her water is tastier than his LOL. His cage is so big to Lucy she doesn't really know what to do with herself (I got him a macaw size cage). Sometimes he doesn't know what to do with himself in it as well, so he spends most of his time outside. And when inside he just sits in a corner and stares out of the window or preens for an hour.

Also, you can provide activities outside of the cage if you don't have the space for a large cage. Like setting up one or two large play stands, or play stations. Matisse wanders from his cage to his play stand to the back of a chair he's claimed. Sometimes he even tries to put himself in the cockatiels cage, so I have to grease down the legs of her stand.

 

[Killamanjaro]

The bird would spend its time in the cage only when we are both out of the house or for meals and sleeping. Other than that it would be on a play stand or similar.

I understand the bigger the cage the better, but most websites I've looked at recommend these cages or similar size as being appropriate for eclectus, amazons and greys. So do I look for bigger 36x40inches?

 

[RisingSun]

I just measured mine. It's not as big as I thought, but it still looks pretty damn big by sight LOL. Mine is 31 inches deep, 40 inches wide, and about 5 feet tall. I would probably be getting my next cage with the dimensions that you were looking at. I've just been reading up on steam cleaners; Eclectus' are messy eaters, and males regurgitate in EVERYTHING when hormonal....which is often. I might try that while I'm saving up for another cage.

 

[SilverSage]

Most websites also suggest horrendously small cages for small birds. I guess I look at it and say that cage isn't terribly much bigger than I have my conures in. I would find a bigger one if possible. But everyone has their own opinions. I try to compare it to my own body size; even if I myself were only in my room when the rest of the family was away, how big of a room would I want?


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[chris-md]

The footprint for an ekkie cage the bird will be in all day really should be a minimum of 3' x 3' (36 x 36 inches). So your 36x40 is spot on.

The height you can debate. I have a floor to roof 6' tall cage and I admit the whole bottom half goes to waste. Birds want to be high after all! But it's also a piece of mind knowing that he has that room to stretch out if he wants it.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Was following this thread and went on to look at some cages and this is the selection of cages for the criteria Macaw. Uhm??

Macaw in a Finch cage??????

http://www.cagesworld.co.uk/f/Parrot_Cages/products::bird_type:Macaw.htm

The Santos and Rio Grande are at the top end over here http://www.scarlettsparrotessentials.co.uk/cages/rainforest-cages?p=2

 

[RisingSun]

^ YIKES That is insane. They also have parakeet/ macaw cages.

To the OP. It never hurts the bird to have a cage larger than your bird will use (it was just a PITA for me personally). To clarify my comment, because I don't want to make it sound like I think you should try to get away with as tiny as a cage is possible, I was just trying to assure you that for the dimensions you provided, and to reiterate that based on the additional information that your bird will be having plenty of outside time, it should be fine as long as he has an additional play area, and the size allows you to keep enough toys and activities and there, so that he still has full range room, and then some, for himself (this could be more of a layout challenge, but can be done).

If moving a size up is affordable and still feasible for you, then do it! Just wanted to provide an alternative solution of expanding the play space outside of the cage. But as SilverSage mentioned above, you also need to think about the bird's in-cage needs for when you are not there, if your schedule changes and he has to stay in, or when you are away long term.

Even though I may be looking for a smaller cage, my main issue is just being able to get the thing out the door. I prefer to power spray clean, and let it dry in the sunshine. I can do this with my current cage, but can only fit through the front door, and I have had several occasions of someone attempting to put the cage on their truck, while it was drying. Each time claiming they thought it was free junk, despite it being all the way up the driveway close to the house....and on one occasion even had a sign on the cage "personal property, no trespassing" (my attempt at giving the benefit of the doubt that they didn't know they were blatantly attempting to steal).

AnyWho… I've been looking at Expandable Habitat cages (dreaming that money was not an option) Expandable Habitats - Large Stainless Steel Cages
If I could get one of those beauties, it would actually give Matisse a larger cage ( which is fine, since saving space was never the issue for me really, just functionality), but I could separate it to clean it. Alas, at this point in my life I don't think I can justify spending as much on a cage as half of what my car cost!

 

[plumsmum2005]

^ YIKES That is insane. They also have parakeet/ macaw cages.

To the OP. It never hurts the bird to have a cage larger than your bird will use (it was just a PITA for me personally). To clarify my comment, because I don't want to make it sound like I think you should try to get away with as tiny as a cage is possible, I was just trying to assure you that for the dimensions you provided, and to reiterate that based on the additional information that your bird will be having plenty of outside time, it should be fine as long as he has an additional play area, and the size allows you to keep enough toys and activities and there, so that he still has full range room, and then some, for himself (this could be more of a layout challenge, but can be done).

If moving a size up is affordable and still feasible for you, then do it! Just wanted to provide an alternative solution of expanding the play space outside of the cage. But as SilverSage mentioned above, you also need to think about the bird's in-cage needs for when you are not there, if your schedule changes and he has to stay in, or when you are away long term.

Even though I may be looking for a smaller cage, my main issue is just being able to get the thing out the door. I prefer to power spray clean, and let it dry in the sunshine. I can do this with my current cage, but can only fit through the front door, and I have had several occasions of someone attempting to put the cage on their truck, while it was drying. Each time claiming they thought it was free junk, despite it being all the way up the driveway close to the house....and on one occasion even had a sign on the cage "personal property, no trespassing" (my attempt at giving the benefit of the doubt that they didn't know they were blatantly attempting to steal).

AnyWho… I've been looking at Expandable Habitat cages (dreaming that money was not an option) Expandable Habitats - Large Stainless Steel Cages
If I could get one of those beauties, it would actually give Matisse a larger cage ( which is fine, since saving space was never the issue for me really, just functionality), but I could separate it to clean it. Alas, at this point in my life I don't think I can justify spending as much on a cage as half of what my car cost!

Try with that "CCTV in operation" LOL!

 

[Killamanjaro]

Thanks for your replies, got it on the cage size.

What kind of nuts do you all feed your Eclectus for treats? I've been reading to avoid walnuts as they contain some sort of toxin or something which can build up in their system.

So I'm looking mainly at hazelnuts, almonds, sunflower, pumpkin seeds and millet. Would dried almonds in the shell and fresh green almonds be ok? Their beaks are strong, but are there nuts that they would struggle to crack?

I only ask about the fresh almonds as I'm sure I read somewhere that humans should eat too many as they contain some form of cyanide, If that is the case a bird would be screwed. I could be totally wrong though lol

 

[plumsmum2005]

FYI seedsnnuts

 

[Killamanjaro]

FYI seedsnnuts

Awesome link I just saved it, thanks!

 

[plumsmum2005]

You are welcome

 

[RisingSun]

^ YIKES That is insane. They also have parakeet/ macaw cages.

To the OP. It never hurts the bird to have a cage larger than your bird will use (it was just a PITA for me personally). To clarify my comment, because I don't want to make it sound like I think you should try to get away with as tiny as a cage is possible, I was just trying to assure you that for the dimensions you provided, and to reiterate that based on the additional information that your bird will be having plenty of outside time, it should be fine as long as he has an additional play area, and the size allows you to keep enough toys and activities and there, so that he still has full range room, and then some, for himself (this could be more of a layout challenge, but can be done).

If moving a size up is affordable and still feasible for you, then do it! Just wanted to provide an alternative solution of expanding the play space outside of the cage. But as SilverSage mentioned above, you also need to think about the bird's in-cage needs for when you are not there, if your schedule changes and he has to stay in, or when you are away long term.

Even though I may be looking for a smaller cage, my main issue is just being able to get the thing out the door. I prefer to power spray clean, and let it dry in the sunshine. I can do this with my current cage, but can only fit through the front door, and I have had several occasions of someone attempting to put the cage on their truck, while it was drying. Each time claiming they thought it was free junk, despite it being all the way up the driveway close to the house....and on one occasion even had a sign on the cage "personal property, no trespassing" (my attempt at giving the benefit of the doubt that they didn't know they were blatantly attempting to steal).

AnyWho… I've been looking at Expandable Habitat cages (dreaming that money was not an option) Expandable Habitats - Large Stainless Steel Cages
If I could get one of those beauties, it would actually give Matisse a larger cage ( which is fine, since saving space was never the issue for me really, just functionality), but I could separate it to clean it. Alas, at this point in my life I don't think I can justify spending as much on a cage as half of what my car cost!

Try with that "CCTV in operation" LOL!

HAHA! That just might work.

 

[Anansi]

Hi,

As above we've decided to get an Eckie in the not so distant future. we've done lots of reading and have found it would be the best bird for us and our lifestyle. So far we've decided on a male SI Eclectus but still have a few questions.

I plan to feed 3 times a day, a diet of mainly fresh fruit and vegetables similar to the meals posted by Katie_Fleming, around 80% fresh fruit and vegetables and 20% pellets. http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/65134-big-dinner-cook.html

The pellets I have available are Harrison's pellets and TOPs pellets. Are these any good to feed an Eckie?

The local grocers sell fresh dates still on their palm thing, not the dried ones. Would an Eckie appreciate these as a treat from time to time?

We're looking at a cage like a Rainforest Santos or a Rainforest Rio Grande, would it be adequate in terms of space (28x36inches) the bird would have and is powder coating safe?

With male Ekies, aside from just minor differences in appearance are there any differences in personality or care requirement between the different species? I ask as in the UK the breeders and sanctuaries have Vos, SI and RS Eckies.

Thanks in advance, this forum is awesome!

Mikail

The main thing when considering the ekkie diet is variety. Lots of leafy greens and foods rich in vitamin A. Here is my go to link for the ekkie diet: fruitandveg (This is just another page of the link Plumsmum provided you earlier. I consider that site to be the ekkie diet bible. Best one of its kind.)

Personally, I don't feed my birds any pellets at all. Too many have proven harmful to ekkies for me to risk it, especially since they can get all they need, nutritionally speaking, from a well balanced and sufficiently varied diet. But as Dani (SilverSage) said, if you do decide to go the pellet route, make sure to go with an organic brand specifically designed with the special dietary needs of eclectus parrots in mind. While I don't know specifically about TOPPS, I do know Harrison's has definitely had issues with their pellets and ekkies. And while their brand is great for other parrot types, the way they handled what their brand does to ekkies made me lose quite a bit of respect for them. Here is a link to a thread about it if you'd like to know what I'm talking about: http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/53854-disgusted.html

Figs and dates are good as occasional treats, but unless your ekkie is VERY active the amount fed should be quite small. Great energy foods for ekkies in the wild, especially males who fly over 40 miles in a given day foraging food for their ladies. Not so great, however, for the less active lifestyle of ekkies raised in the home. So yes, from time to time should be fine.

Your cage question already been well answered. Both of my ekkies are in cages that were designated "macaw size".

The main difference in male ekkies between SI, RS and Vos is size. SI's are smallest. Red-Sided tend to be significantly bigger, and Vos are the biggest of those you've mentioned. In terms of care, there aren't really any significant differences. The bigger sub-species will tend to eat more, of course. Lol! In terms of temperament, the prevailing wisdom seems to be that SI's tend to be the most easy going. In my personal experience, (I've had RS and SI) there isn't a very big difference in this regard. Jolly (my SI) is admittedly more friendly than Bixby (my RS) was, but not by much. And I believe much of that difference is due to the amazing weaning and fledging experience he had with his first parront, Laura (Labell).

Your subsequent nut question was covered effectively by Plumsmum's provided link, but I just wanted to add that you should try to avoid feeding peanuts. Some can harbor aflatoxins that lead to aspergillosis.

Keep the questions coming if you have them!

 

[SilverSage]

Just read that article, or should I say, started to read it! That's truly appalling! My Tucson suffered from wing flipping when I first got him and it resolved very quickly when I stopped feeding g him the "natural" pellets he had been on his whole life and switched him to fresh food. I'm also not convinced the fortified pellets they had been on were not directly or partially responsible for the seizures that ultimately killed Phoenix!


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[Killamanjaro]

Hi,

As above we've decided to get an Eckie in the not so distant future. we've done lots of reading and have found it would be the best bird for us and our lifestyle. So far we've decided on a male SI Eclectus but still have a few questions.

I plan to feed 3 times a day, a diet of mainly fresh fruit and vegetables similar to the meals posted by Katie_Fleming, around 80% fresh fruit and vegetables and 20% pellets. http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/65134-big-dinner-cook.html

The pellets I have available are Harrison's pellets and TOPs pellets. Are these any good to feed an Eckie?

The local grocers sell fresh dates still on their palm thing, not the dried ones. Would an Eckie appreciate these as a treat from time to time?

We're looking at a cage like a Rainforest Santos or a Rainforest Rio Grande, would it be adequate in terms of space (28x36inches) the bird would have and is powder coating safe?

With male Ekies, aside from just minor differences in appearance are there any differences in personality or care requirement between the different species? I ask as in the UK the breeders and sanctuaries have Vos, SI and RS Eckies.

Thanks in advance, this forum is awesome!

Mikail

The main thing when considering the ekkie diet is variety. Lots of leafy greens and foods rich in vitamin A. Here is my go to link for the ekkie diet: fruitandveg (This is just another page of the link Plumsmum provided you earlier. I consider that site to be the ekkie diet bible. Best one of its kind.)

Personally, I don't feed my birds any pellets at all. Too many have proven harmful to ekkies for me to risk it, especially since they can get all they need, nutritionally speaking, from a well balanced and sufficiently varied diet. But as Dani (SilverSage) said, if you do decide to go the pellet route, make sure to go with an organic brand specifically designed with the special dietary needs of eclectus parrots in mind. While I don't know specifically about TOPPS, I do know Harrison's has definitely had issues with their pellets and ekkies. And while their brand is great for other parrot types, the way they handled what their brand does to ekkies made me lose quite a bit of respect for them. Here is a link to a thread about it if you'd like to know what I'm talking about: http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/53854-disgusted.html

Figs and dates are good as occasional treats, but unless your ekkie is VERY active the amount fed should be quite small. Great energy foods for ekkies in the wild, especially males who fly over 40 miles in a given day foraging food for their ladies. Not so great, however, for the less active lifestyle of ekkies raised in the home. So yes, from time to time should be fine.

Your cage question already been well answered. Both of my ekkies are in cages that were designated "macaw size".

The main difference in male ekkies between SI, RS and Vos is size. SI's are smallest. Red-Sided tend to be significantly bigger, and Vos are the biggest of those you've mentioned. In terms of care, there aren't really any significant differences. The bigger sub-species will tend to eat more, of course. Lol! In terms of temperament, the prevailing wisdom seems to be that SI's tend to be the most easy going. In my personal experience, (I've had RS and SI) there isn't a very big difference in this regard. Jolly (my SI) is admittedly more friendly than Bixby (my RS) was, but not by much. And I believe much of that difference is due to the amazing weaning and fledging experience he had with his first parront, Laura (Labell).

Your subsequent nut question was covered effectively by Plumsmum's provided link, but I just wanted to add that you should try to avoid feeding peanuts. Some can harbor aflatoxins that lead to aspergillosis.

Keep the questions coming if you have them!

Thank you Anansi, you covered the remaining questions I have or now.

I had no idea about Harrison's pellets. It is disgusting but unfortunately, it's just another example of money over morals.

I don't have any experience with Eclectus or birds in general, but having seen a few videos of toe tapping and wing flipping it is pretty obvious that this bird isn't communicating and is very uncomfortable.