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Probably best known for their bright Christmas coloring, Eclectus parrots generally make easy-going pets that softly chortle or talk to their owners rather than sidle up for a cuddle. They prefer a calm, quiet home environment that includes challenging daily activities. Hormonal female Eclectus might lash out at their owners, but it’s likely that you’ll have more positive than negative interactions with your Ekkie. Four subspecies are common in captivity.
“Eclectus parrots are generally very sociable, enjoy interacting with people and are easy to maintain if their basic needs are met. Years of experience indicate that their basic needs include a daily diet of primarily fresh fruits and vegetables, greens, sprouted seeds, a variety of dry seeds and no additional vitamin supplements or commercial pellets. Their feathers really glow from several good baths a week and they will keep their beaks groomed if provided with soft wood perches.
It is very important to talk to your Eclectus parrot as you approach and to tell them what you want, such as “Step Up.” Most pet Eclectus want to spend time with you, whether active play time, or just sitting together watching TV. Persuasion works better than forcefulness with pet Eclectus parrots. Some individual birds may feel territorial about their cage and not want to step up from inside the cage, but once outside the cage these birds are very sweet, friendly and happy to interact with you and other family members. Appropriate toys include soft woods with components of a size that the bird can manipulate and also items that can be destroyed.” -Laurella Desborough, bird breeder, author and co-founder of the Model Aviculture Program (MAP)
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