New Eclectus

[Madelaine]

I recently bought an older male Eclectus (around 15 years old), and I am wondering how long an Eclectus' adjustment period generally tends to be.
There is another factor though, he is said to have one blind eye, and is a little jumpy to the touch because of it. (Perhaps he may be completely blind?)

Right now, he's set up downstairs in quarantine.
Also, how long is a good quarantine?
He is seemingly in good health, but we don't want to take any chances.

Thanks.

 

[bird perch]

Speaking from only my personal experience with my rescued Eclectus. He pretty much took to me right off the bat. Within a couple of days you would have thought that I hand raised him. Hopefully you will be this lucky. I do recommend a vet check if you have not already done so. Good luck with your Ekkie.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

For the quarantine I'm assuming you have other birds? If so I think the general guideline is 30days and a clean vet check.

For the 'adjustment period' it really varies a lot. As Perch's experience shows it certainly CAN be very quick, but this should not be expected. It usually takes time and patience. Does he step up on command? If not that would be a good activity to get started with, if he is actually blind you can touch the stick/perch to his chest so he knows its there to step up; though I'd recommend taking to him first so he knows something is coming if he is completely blind.

 

[Madelaine]

Thank you! It would really be awful if my other birds contracted anything.

So far, it's been almost a full two days. He will step up but must feel your hand under him first, then, he will put up one foot, and after a moment, lift the other as well.
He is very, very gentle. He will take food from my hand, but you have to physically touch his beak with it for him to take it.

Last night, we moved him into my room (still away from other birds) and he was making some garbled noises and a short, high pitched whistle this morning.
I didn't agree with his last diet, so now he is on fruits and veggies daily with some nuts and seeds.
I have been talking to him before I touch him and that seems to help with his jumpiness.

He was purchased to be a breeder by his previous owner, but he did not seem to work out. He must have been a very loved pet at some point though as seems to take comfort out of being petted.

Also, he seems to hang his head down and at a slight angle.
I know this post is kind of jumbled and disorganized, but I just want to give the most information I can as it comes to me.
More than anything I want him to be a happy bird with a good life.
I'm a little nervous because this is my first Eclectus.
I've read up on them, but any additional or helpful information is greatly appreciated! =]

Thank you all.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

Mind if I ask what his previous diet was?

A diet of primarily fruits and veggies can be good but you have to be careful to get a full balance of various nutrients. Nuts can also be great, with a few exceptions (peanuts being the most notable). For most parrots a pelleted food as a major part of their diet covers most of the bases and does make life easier, then fruits and veggies can be added to that. That being said I have heard that eclectuses need a particular diet of their own - I am not familiar with their requirements or restrictions but this would definitely be something to speak with a good vet about if/when you bring him in (hopefully that's when not an if).

"he seems to hang his head down and at a slight angle." My first thought on reading that is that he'd be asking to be pet/scratched. Of course this depends on context, that is THE "pet me" posture, but it could also mean other things in other contexts.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

Ah, forgot you have other parrots already... so you're used to the parrot diet basics already - sorry, we get a lot of first time parrot owners on here. Anyhow nutrition is important so it's always good to review if there are any doubts or questions.

 

[Madelaine]

Oh all is well. Haha, I don't mind the reminders. =]

He has his head in this tilted position nearly all hours of the day. It's rather strange. But as far as his sight goes, he definitely knows where down is and and will lean downward on my hand when he wants to go to the floor.
When he's on the floor, he hangs his head low and uses it sort of as a guide to not bump into things. One thing that notes his sight deficiency is that he will not grab anything with his beak either from hands or if he is directly in front of perches or objects. He seems to feel around.
I am planning to see a vet very soon, also to get his wings and nails trimmed. I normally do my birds myself, but I think that it would be better for him to not see me as a threat at this point and let the vet do the "mean" stuff. ;]
His last diet was of boiled macaroni noodles along with regular parrot seed with a regular "people" trail mix. He had a single perch in his cage and a small bell toy fit for a cockatiel. His cage was small height-wise, I think.
So I just couldn't say no when I saw how gentle he is and his price (three hundred and fifty for him and the cage). Not to mention the four hour drive "just to see him". I just couldn't see him staying in that arrangement. Not a very clean place there either.
Now I have him in what used to be an incredibly spoiled conure's cage.

Sorry for the life story but his was certainly interesting.