I'm a species traitor. Reserved my first Eclectus

[Brittany741]

My first parrot was a huge Congo African Grey I got when I was 12. When I went to college, my parents rehomed him against my wishes and knowledge. Fast forward many years and my husband and I have fostered many birds, including a plucking CAG (among many other species.)

My husband decided it's time for me to finally have my own pet bird. Of course, I was totally committed to getting another Grey, but after much soul searching I decided the species isn't the best compatibility for my lifestyle and personality. I am disabled and it's important my bird can be a family bird in case I'm having a flare up.

We visited a breeder friend today and I met quite a few birds but already researched many species and determined the Eclectus will likely be the best fit both for the bird and for us. After seeing many beautiful babies, I was chosen by a Male red-sided Eclectus. He is 3 months old and should be coming home around a month or so from now. He is easily the most laid-back baby and so very soft.

Dust was a consideration due to my husband's asthma. He can handle one CAG but cockatoos are out of the question with so much dust. This beautiful little Ekkie stole my heart right away.

I only wish my health would allow me to visit him before its time to bring him home, but I only leave the house one day a month for a few hours to attend my doctor's appointments.

We are NOT good at naming pets in a timely manner, as we like to take our time to choose the most suitable name for their personality.

Now it's time to change up the routine for prepping, cooking, and assembling meals for my little guy. It won't be a huge change from what I'm already doing for our 2 WBC and CAG, but it IS exciting to know I'll soon find out what he enjoys.

 

[Anansi]

Congratulations on the new addition to your family! I bet you can't wait for your little guy to finish weaning and come on home!

How much do you know about eclectus parrots' behaviors and dietary needs? Here's a good link to get you started with a basic overview of the ins and outs of owning an ekkie: http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/52737-so-you-think-you-want-eclectus.html

Thank you for the pic! Quite the bright eyed and inquisitive looking guy. I'm so sorry that you can't get to visit him the way you'd like until he is weaned, but I hope he's ready to come home to you sooner rather than later. Please keep us updated and keep those pics coming.

 

[Brittany741]

Congratulations on the new addition to your family! I bet you can't wait for your little guy to finish weaning and come on home!

How much do you know about eclectus parrots' behaviors and dietary needs? Here's a good link to get you started with a basic overview of the ins and outs of owning an ekkie: http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/52737-so-you-think-you-want-eclectus.html

Quite a bit, after three years of research

I already sprout for my other fids and I don't feed seed as it is, so not much in the way of adjustments, thankfully. For pellets, I feed Roudybush. I am currently trying to decide on a pellet for my new Ekkie since he will get about a handful a day. There are quite a few pellets marketed as Eclectus-specific but the ingredients tell a different story. Do you have a suggestion on a high end pellet for my new greenie? There is a local Eclectus-only breeder here in GA who formulates and produces their own pellet but I am not finding much in the way of reviews for their product.

As for his fresh food, I plan on cooking his cooked food in bulk and freezing. I am a wheelchair user so I must find convenient ways to still provide the best diet possible. All my research has led me to a few good suggestions, namely feeding fresh in the morning as it can last most of the daytime, and then providing his cooked food for dinner.

This is the link to that breeder's feeding recommendation and one of their recipes: Eclectus Daily Diet Preparation

I have also found a few helpful YouTube videos with some mash recipes where I can make 2-3 varieties to feed him so as to keep it interesting. Do you have any recipes you'd suggest which are well-received by your bird?

Even though I don't leave the house, my husband stops to get groceries at least 4 times a week on his way home from work. This means access to as much food for my new baby as I could ever hope for.

My plan is to buy bulk freezer storage containers around 12oz., since he will get about 4oz a day at minimum, and of course more if he wants it. I will be freezing them in my deep freezer and thawing them one at a time for a 2-3 day supply. Any larger and my concern is freshness. I'm comfortable with 3 days thawed in the fridge at the longest. Preparing in bulk means a lot less day-to-day work for me and ease of feeding for me.

I can use the Quick Freeze setting to bypass any ice crystals in the mash, and most food keeps 6 months in a deep freeze with the exception of meat, which is 12 months. I am planning to cook 3 months' worth at a time. I will prepare his whole/raw veggies once or twice a week. This will help maintain freshness of the vegetables and fruits (3-4 days max is what I'm comfortable with since I use an Ozone machine in my fridge.)

Your feedback is much appreciated!

Yes it is a huge bummer I can't go visit him frequently before he comes home, but our breeder lives over an hour away and the car ride almost killed me yesterday. Having the right baby is more important than having a baby right now; my goal is to ensure he weans properly at his own pace even if that means a few extra weeks. A very small investment to ensure longevity and better health.

I already weigh my fids once a month, so weighing him once a week is not a big deal. I can see how the Eclectus species may seem daunting to a potential new bird keeper, but I've got enough experience over the last 20 years that I'm up for the investment since the reward is so great

 

[drlisaort]

Congratulations!!!!! I remember when I was in the decision phase, and like you I did tons of research. I had a beautiful Cockatiel for 23 years before he passed. I knew I wanted a larger parrot and chose the Eclectus, we named Oliver. Oliver is the most amazing, sweet bird ever. I loved the fact he was social, didn't have the dander dust like my Cockatiel, and had the ability to talk like the CAG. Oliver, like your little one, didn't come home for months so I visited every weekend since he was only weeks old....but unlike you I lived close and didn't have health challenges. I am sooooo excited for you...and with all your parrot experience you already know what wonderful benefits of owning an Eclectus are. Yay you!!!

 

[Anansi]

Hey, Brittany!

3 years research, eh? Yep, that'll do it. Hahaha! I'd researched for around two years before making the jump to ekkies myself, so you sound rather well prepared to me.

The fact that you already sprout is great! That's one of the best possible sources of nutrition. As for pellets, I currently do not use them. And when I did, I kept the amounts very limited. No more than 10 Harrison's Adult Coarse pellets per bird per day. This due, of course, to the potential for the onset of toe-tapping and wing-flipping that is sometimes associated with enriched foods. And I've managed to give my ekkies a complete and balanced diet consisting mostly of a variety of fresh fruits, veggies, sprouts, and legumes. (With oats, grains and such as well.)

That said, however, some owners have reported success with pellets they say are specifically formulated for ekkies, pointing out that it is OVER supplementation that causes issues. I don't have personal experience with those pellets, so if you were looking to go that route I couldn't advise you on brands. Though hopefully we'll hear from one of our members, Skylala, who does feed such a pelleted diet.

That link you provided has quite a bit of good info. I do, however, disagree on a point or two. I provide my ekkies with the occasional bit of hardboiled egg. (Shell and all for calcium as well) Maybe once or twice in a given month. Possibly slightly more during a hard molt. But I believe a daily serving is excessive, as there is a definite risk of arteriosclerosis.

Also, I wouldn't add any spirulina to their food either, as many ekkies have proven sensitive to it and have developed toe-tapping and wing-flipping as a result.

Your plan for preparing his food in bulk sounds solid and very well thought out. I get the feeling your ekkie will be quite happy and well cared for.

I'm looking forward to continued updates on your new ekkie.

 

[Brittany741]

Very helpful. I've found a few resources and that link is just one. Hard boiling eggs (even in the oven) can be a pain anyway so if I can cut back on those, it will be a huge help. What if I just gave the egg whites instead?

Is there a list somewhere of bird-safe spices? I've also read coconut oil makes them go crazy for food, even just a tiny bit mixed in. Any luck with that route?

 

[Anansi]

Egg whites would cut down on the risk of arteriosclerosis, but there is nutritional benefit to the yolk. It just needs to be taken in moderation is all.

Here is a link to the site that I consider THE ekkie resource when it comes to diet: http://eclectusparrots.net/nutrition.html Check every subsection. It'll tell you what herbs, nuts, seeds, grains, fruits, veggies, flowers and more are safe for your eclectus.

And as for coconut oil, yes, I've definitely had luck with it! Just a little bit mixed in with warmed food does the trick. The fact that it's a healthy additive is icing on the cake.

 

[chris-md]

Welcome to the dark side Brittany! :16: you'll love it!

 

[Brittany741]

Egg whites would cut down on the risk of arteriosclerosis, but there is nutritional benefit to the yolk. It just needs to be taken in moderation is all.

Here is a link to the site that I consider THE ekkie resource when it comes to diet. Check every subsection. It'll tell you what herbs, nuts, seeds, grains, fruits, veggies, flowers and more are safe for your eclectus.

And as for coconut oil, yes, I've definitely had luck with it! Just a little bit mixed in with warmed food does the trick. The fact that it's a healthy additive is icing on the cake.

Can you repost the link?

 

[plumsmum2005]

Egg whites would cut down on the risk of arteriosclerosis, but there is nutritional benefit to the yolk. It just needs to be taken in moderation is all.

Here is a link to the site that I consider THE ekkie resource when it comes to diet. Check every subsection. It'll tell you what herbs, nuts, seeds, grains, fruits, veggies, flowers and more are safe for your eclectus.

And as for coconut oil, yes, I've definitely had luck with it! Just a little bit mixed in with warmed food does the trick. The fact that it's a healthy additive is icing on the cake.

Hi and welcome, looking forward to seeing your baby in due course.

My offering is this link of a chop prepared by chris-md for his Ekkie, Parker.
http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/60500-stressing-food-not-anymore-chop-convert.html

It has worked for my RB2 also.

BTW Egg yolk is a great Vit D3 provider, providing it is hard boiled for 20 minutes.

 

[Anansi]

Can you repost the link?

I am so sorry! Hahaha! I did everything BUT post the link. I've gone back and added it to that post, but here it is again as well: http://eclectusparrots.net/nutrition.html

 

[Brittany741]

Thank you both for the recipes!

I look forward to getting my baby home and seeing what he likes. I plan to assemble multiple recipes so he has a good variety and also to prevent diet boredom.

I have a quick question since the youngest bird I've ever had was a year old and already accustomed to a cage. Is there an appropriate baby bird cage setup?

He will be going into our King's Cages 406
King's Cages - Avian and Pet Bird Cages, Supplies, Food, Toys, Perches, Aviaries, Pluck No More

Given that it's 6'8" tall, I have serious concerns for his safety as he learns climbing and other acquired skills. Should I start him in a smaller cage at first? I'm also considering a sleep cage by my bed so we can improve bonding.

 

[Anansi]

...Given that it's 6'8" tall, I have serious concerns for his safety as he learns climbing and other acquired skills. Should I start him in a smaller cage at first? I'm also considering a sleep cage by my bed so we can improve bonding.

Sweet cage!

And no, short of a physical handicap there's no need to start him in a smaller cage. He'll be fine in the full size. Remember, by the time you take him home, he will have already hit fledging age. In the wild, he'd be up in a tree. So your guy will be just fine.

A sleep cage wouldn't hurt, as it would diminish the possibility of cage territorial behavior. (It doesn't guarantee it won't happen, and the absence of a sleep cage doesn't ensure that it will. It just makes it less likely is all.) Also, if his travel cage is his sleep cage, you won't have any issues getting him into the cage for a trip to the vet.

I used to do the sleep cage thing with my ekkies, too. I've since stopped, though, as both are very used to their travel cages at this point and have no apprehension about going in.