The Rainbow Eclectus

By Diana LaFleur

I suppose you're wondering what kind of bird this is and is it a real bird? Well, it is a female Eclectus and she is for real. Her name is Jesse and she is about 2 years old. when she was about a year old she began exhibiting abnormal feather structure thoughout her body, as well as bald spots on her head and neck. she changed from a fairly lovable bird into miserable angry bird. Her moods were unpredictable and I have the scars to prove it. She would run back and forth on the cage grate and slam herself into the sides of the cage. After about six months of tests I finally agreed to skin biopsies and feather analysis. She was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in January of this year (1996 Ed.) and was placed on thyroid medication. Since then her moods have been much better and I can pick her up without her taking a chunk of my hand. As you can see, she has grown all her feathers back. the only problem now is that she has all the wrong colors. After much reasearch the only thing that can attribute to the mosaic color pattern is the medication. It seems to inhibit the red pigment which is the hardest for birds to produce.

Another cause of abnormal colr in Eclectus is improper diet. In these birds, diet is probably the most important aspect. Eclectus parrots will demonstrate through changes in feather color and stress bars that their diet is incorrect.

Eclectus should be fed sprouts, soak and cook bean mix, fresh and frozen vegetables and different kinds of fruits. They also should receive dry foods, pellets, seeds, nuts and millet. Eclectus have a great need for vitamin A. They also have huge appetite, so fresh fruits and vegetables are very important.

The Eclectus feather structure is different from other birds. It has a furry appearence.The feathers have an iridescent quality, refelcting light causing the colors to appear bright. Their feathers will stay better looking with more humidity than the indoor atmosphere allows. If the humidity is too low the bird will suffer from dry skin. Frequent scratching destroys the feathers. Unless extra humidity is provided this irritation can become chronic and lead to feather chewing and or plucking.

Eclectus need sunlight. So if possible, open the window and let sunlight shine shine through the screen onto the bird, or place the bird in a cage for about 30 minutes several times a week. If you are putting the bird outside, be sure it is not getting overheated (this can happen in about 10 minutes). Also, beware of hawks, stray cats, and dogs. In other words NEVER leave your bird unattended outside. Sunlight through a window does not provide what a bird needs. Full spectrum lighting is essential when the bird is indoorrs continually.

Eclectus have soft sweet speaking voices and can learn numerous pharses. They enjoy a variety of toys and are quite entertaining to watch playing. especially if they aren't aware that you are watching them. Any change in their enviornment captures their attention. They will stop whatever they are doing and stare at whatever has caught their attention. Attemps to distract them can be futile until their curiosity is satisfied.

Generally, Eclectus parrots are not biters. Familiarzation with your bird will help you know it's likes and dislikes. Always remember, all parrots are very much individuals with their own unique behaviors. What is personality trait of one Eclectus may not be true of any other. Daily observationof your bird will provide information about the normal behavior of your parrot. Sometimes, Eclectus that exhibit unusual behavior changes have an infection that needs to be treated. But, NEVER medicate a without prior medical tests and a diagnois. Eclectus make wonderful pets for those who can provide them with ample toys, food and attention. they are sweet, loving, gentle and beautiful. For some, they are the perfect bird!

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