Inherited an Eclectus, bird novice.

[tashawithanekkie]

Hi all,

My mother passed away last July, and just last week we brought her male eclectus, Duke, to our home. My brother-in-law had been "taking care" of Duke up until then. Quotes, because he provided fresh seed only, questionably clean and fresh water, and let him out of the cage but didn't really interact with Duke.

I had barely ever seen this bird, but I had always made a point of going to him and talking quietly, responding when he chattered or whistled -- I kind of thought of it as basic bird manners, I guess? Well, two weeks ago my husband and I were going through papers, and Duke landed on my shoulder.

It turns out, my brother in law didn't really want to keep Duke any longer -- the bird had been screaming and making other really loud noises. Well, since Duke sort of chose me, I felt like it might be good to bring him home. I am not a parrot expert, but it seemed like the poor guy must be pretty lonely.

I started researching right away. We've been giving him sweet potato, apple, cabbage, bananas, and broccoli. I've been giving him a good soaking with a spray bottle every day. His feathers have brightened up a lot, but I think he's moulting. I was worried that he'd plucked his neck feathers, but he's dropped four tailfeathers over the last two days.

I'm scouring the forum now, but I guess what I'm looking for is any emergency things to watch out for? His beak seems a bit overgrown, but I'm giving him lots of stuff to chew on. I watched videos to see what toe-tap looked like and we seem okay there.

Forgive me if this is too long. Thanks!

 

[BeatriceC]

The first thing I would do is take him to an avian vet for a full health check up and grooming. Plan to spend about $300-$500 on an exam, blood work, beak and nail grooming. If you're willing to let us know your location, we can recommend AV's in your area.

Other than that, it sounds like you're on the right track! Thank you for taking this little guy in and giving him a better life!

 

[Owlet]

Here's a quote from a different thread. Ignore the bit about the ekkie being female because obviously Duke is no other than that ditto to the post above.

Some pellets are okay to feed but most are corn based or just contain a lot that's not suitable for ekkies. There's a avian store near me who's owner is very knowledgeable in ekkies and pointed me toward this brand of pellets along with fruits and veggis.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...7Woo-ABzUsdqMg

At least I believe this was it, I'll have to double check next time I go in. As for crop mixes these are two I've used that I've found very successful with my ekkie though a breeding female would need a stable calcium source in addition. Which might be why the eggs were translucent, not enough calcium to build a sturdy shell.

Brocolli
Yams
Blueberries
Strawberries
Mangos
Kale
Red, yellow, green bell peppers
Quiona
Oats
Zuchinni

---

Squash
Brocolli
Beans
Yellow bell pepper
Oats
Kiwi
White dragon fruit
(I think that's all, I forgot to write this one down so I might be missing something)

You have to be very careful on what you feed ekkies. Never give them too much of one thing and the more variety in a mix the better as they won't be getting too much of one thing in a single serving. Too much nutrients of one thing can very quickly lead to toe tapping and wing flapping which can be very annoying to an Ekkie and even after completely cutting out what is causing it, it'll take a few days to clear up. Imagine being unable to stop tapping your foot and flapping your arms. That's what it is to them because it's muscle spasms.

Keep nuts to a minimum, I use almonds as a treat for Lincoln and he gets maybe 4-5 a day. I use almond slivers though so I can do 20-25+ training exercises throughout a day using them. DO NOT feed ekkies corn. Other parrots can handle it in minimum but it'll quickly lead to toe tapping for ekkies. No sunflowers either or really seeds in general. Too fatty. Ekkies need a lot more fiber than other parrots too, brocolli would be great for that.

 

[itzjbean]

Hello and welcome and thank you for choosing to accept Duke into your family. Clearly he chose you and obviously this was the right fit for him. I am excited to hear more about Duke and how he grows with you and your family in the time to come. Birds are not for everyone, but I think you are spot on with the 'bird manners' aspect. You are part of a flock now! Congrats!!

There are lots of Ekkie owners on the forums that will be able to assist you with your venture of taking on Duke. Welcome again! Can't wait to see pics of him.

 

[Flboy]

Welcome to the world of parrots! Since you were already giving the guy the respect he deserved, you will do very well!

 

[tashawithanekkie]

I'm in northeast Ohio, USA, and I would love some AV recc's! I haven't found any vet info yet, among all of my mother in law's old papers.

I will definitely keep offering fresh stuff. Thanks so much for the diet link/list. It's looking like I'll be spending at least a couple of mornings per week making nice fresh chop for him. If he wasn't so cute when he eats, I might mind more. Duke's nicer than my human kids, though, and says 'I love you' while he eats.

Thanks for all of the replies! Honestly, the encouragement means so much -- I was afraid Duke was too much bird for a newbie. And as soon as I figure out how, I will post pics. Now I'm off to see what he'll try for breakfast!

 

[katie_fleming]

Wonderful you've taken him in! He sounds like he's in good hands.

Definitely a vet check like others have mentioned is essential.

Please keep us updated!

 

[GaleriaGila]

You are on my list of heroes.
Thank you for doing a wonderful thing, AND for sharing it!
You made my day.

 

[Anansi]

It sounds like Duke chose wisely when he chose you. There's some excellent advice above. Especially the part about taking him in for a wellness check.

The overgrown beak could mean he means more toys to chew on. Specifically the softer woods when it comes to ekkies. But an overgrown beak could also indicate liver issues or a poor diet, which is why a vet visit is such a good idea.

 

[tashawithanekkie]

I just read something about the beak/liver thing! I have a couple of numbers to call, we'll be getting this sweet boy looked at ASAP. I know his diet wasn't good until he came here, I just hope there wasn't any lasting damage done.

He hasn't shown interest in chewing anything harder than a paper towel roll until today. I finally got him to chew a broccoli stalk and a carrot, and then a few wooden beads caught his interest for a bit. I'll keep trying though, he needs it.

 

[BeatriceC]

It takes time. When we took in my macaw, she didn't recognize anything other than what she'd previously had as food or toys. I had to teach her that walnuts were food and how to crack them! I literally had to gnaw on toys myself to show her what to do with toys she didn't recognize.

Unfortunately, I'm not in NE Ohio, so I don't know any good vets offhand. Gail, do you know of anybody in that part of the state?

 

[Anansi]

I just read something about the beak/liver thing! I have a couple of numbers to call, we'll be getting this sweet boy looked at ASAP. I know his diet wasn't good until he came here, I just hope there wasn't any lasting damage done.

He hasn't shown interest in chewing anything harder than a paper towel roll until today. I finally got him to chew a broccoli stalk and a carrot, and then a few wooden beads caught his interest for a bit. I'll keep trying though, he needs it.

Hopefully there isn't lasting damage, but either way it's great that you're checking into it ASAP.

Here is my favorite site for the ekkie diet: fruitandveg

And here are some good threads to check out about raising ekkies in general:
http://www.parrotforums.com/new-members-welcome/64006-hello-thinking-about-getting-eclectus.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/new-members-welcome/64083-my-first-parrot-female-vosmaeri-eclectus.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/52737-so-you-think-you-want-eclectus.html

As for the wooden beads, those are most likely composed of harder wood. You want to get him started on softer woods. Like those thin wood slats on a lot of toys, for instance. He may eventually start chewing on all different kinds of woods, but the softer types are definitely their preference... and therefor most likely to get them started on playing with chew toys.

 

[tashawithanekkie]

Ooh, one more question! Does regurgitation look like a yawn? I read that improving his diet could cause hormone levels to rise, leading to possible mating behaviors. I do not want him to be my little boyfriend. I thought he was yawning, so I did it too.

 

[tashawithanekkie]

Oh, and here's Duke the day he chose me. He's still gray 'round the neck but he's brightened considerably.

 

[Anansi]

Aw, sweet pic! Looks like you two are already fast friends!

No, doesn't look so much like a yawn as a head-bobbing followed by the placement of a soft, semi-moist pellet on your person. Not as nasty as a similar offering might be from a dog, cat or human, thankfully. But the intent is well meant. Lol!

 

[Taw5106]

Ooh, one more question! Does regurgitation look like a yawn? I read that improving his diet could cause hormone levels to rise, leading to possible mating behaviors. I do not want him to be my little boyfriend. I thought he was yawning, so I did it too.

Welcome and thanks for taking in Duke. I think you will enjoy him, you are off to a great start. The yawn sounds like he's adjusting his crop, all parrots do this, it's perfectly normal behavior. Keep us posted and keep sending pics!


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[tashawithanekkie]

I'll take it as a compliment if he does ever gift me, then! Off to learn more about the magical crop and digestion. So much to learn. I wish I had known he was coming to us, it would have made this easier! Like, I could have learned this stuff *before* i brought him home. I would already know the vet, and his history, and I wouldn't be so goshdarn worried about messing him up. . . and this sweet guy wouldn't be so into frickin' seed, unless it's apple or whatever the humans are eating.

Not that I'm exactly complaining. I mean, I get to share my meals with a funny little dinosaur that talks, so, yeah.

 

[tashawithanekkie]

More questions! Forgive me if they've been addressed elsewhere, or if the post seems terse -- my days have suddenly become quite busy.

Cooked, steel cut oatmeal? OK or no? I haven't seen it mentioned in ekkie-specific threads (I don't think.) He's had a few bites, since that's what I ate this morning. He had a bowl of banana and cinnamon right there, but you all know how that is.

He'd still eat more seed than anything else if I left it in the cage. I'll be making a sprouting jar tomorrow BUT I was also thinking of mixing maybe a quarter teaspoon of seed with other stuff, too, until the sprouts are ready. Is this an awful idea, or more a 'try it and see' situation?

And since I'm here and all of the creatures are currently contained/amused. Duke is flighted. He'll stay that way. I want to take him outside somehow. Mother in law did have harnesses, but they do not look used, and Duke shows no familiarity with them. It's obviously a huge task to harness-train. I have the time and the inclination but is there another way to get us all out and about while I'm earning permission to put that weird thing on him?

And can someone point me to a shower perch training thread? I really hate wet fabric on me. He doesn't mind the shower so long as he's on me. I know there are threads here but this place is HUGE.

And finally -- I'm here all the time, but the husband and kids, and their schedules, are all over the place. If Duke's schedule varies depending on who's here with us . . .? Bad? Fine? Depends on the bird?

Sorry if misspelled, etc. Two kids, two dogs, Mister Duke, all talking to me, needing things, etc.

 

[Taw5106]

I taught Buddy and Venus to eat fresh foods by eating with them. We still eat together. In the morning I make coffee, chop, sit with Venus and while Buddy and Buzz eat in their cage Venus sits with me and eats while I drink my coffee. Eating is a group event and I used the fact that they see me eating )even make mmmm mmmm sounds) to entice them. It works most of the time. With Venus if I want her to eat something I can put it in a cup with a spoon and she goes to town. Spoons are her thing, i just sit it in the cup and she's happy and eats.

Use the seed like the larger seeds sunflowers, almonds, pecans and walnuts as training treats. That way you don't have to throw the seed out right away and can use the bigger seeds.

For the harness look on YouTube lots of videos there

Oatmeal, I cooked some for my fids, mixed some fruit bits and nuts. They loved it, but get ready for the sling fest lol.

Shower perch, well Venus likes to fit her fat body into her water bowl. I have a shower perch and if I put her on it, she just sits and sulks then looks like a drowned rat. Buddy loves the shower and will use the perch but loves my shoulder better and yes I will take him in the shower with me, let him get wet then put him on the perch to finish up.

As for schedules, he will be just fine and adjust.

Here is Venus with a cup eating.

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[Anansi]

No worries. The benefit of a community is that we can all help each other with these things. Know what I mean?

As long as the cooked oatmeal is plain and unflavored, Duke will be fine. For birds, it is as much about the texture and warmth as the taste. My Jolly and Maya go absolutely crazy for their flavorless oatmeal. (Granted, I throw pomegranates, carrots, blueberry, dandelions and whatever else I can cram into the mix.)

As Tracey mentioned, seeds are better off as treats. They are too fatty to be a part of the main diet. Some nights I'll give them a small serving as a pre-bedtime snack. However, if you are still working on transitioning him off seeds and he hardly eats anything else, you'll of course have to make the shift more gradual.

I'm glad you're leaving Duke flighted. That kind of exercise is great for a bird's health. As for harness training, here are a few links:
http://www.parrotforums.com/training/59374-harness-training-videos.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/57748-guess-who-finally-got-her-harness.html

As for shower perch training, my advice is to put him on the shower perch first, and then turn on the shower. Doing it the other way around can trigger the clingy reflex. (That's DEFINITELY how it goes with Maya. Jolly's good either way.) If you haven't gotten a shower perch yet, I'd recommend one of those cement perches with the triangular sides that stand maybe 6 or 7 inches off the ground. Very stable.

Your scheduling should be fine, given that you're always home. Just try to be largely consistent.