ECLECTUS PARROTS

Max & Ruby joined our feathered family on September 23, 2008 and quickly stole my heart. It may not be clear in the photos but Ruby has 'purple' breast feathers- and her tail has orange - almost yellow at the tips. A lot of people are not aware of the Eclectus Species at all - and fewer yet are aware of the many subspecies. It takes a well -trained eye to spot some of the subtle differences. A couple of good sites for information on the various subspecies: Subspecies ID Eclectus Species Profile Female Eclectus are a bit easier to label – for Example I mentioned that Ruby has 'purple' breast feathers- and her tail has orange - almost yellow at the tips. This shows that she is a Grand Eclectus. Furthermore she lacks the blue eye ring of the red-sided or Solomon Island Eclectus...also showing that she is a Grand. Her tail is nearly yellow - but it is in fact orange whereas the tail of the Vosmaeri Eclectus contains a fair bit of yellow as well as a 'V' of yellow on the vent. Males can be more difficult to determine and sadly there are far too many birds of mixed origin – and unknown origin.  It is advantageous for breeders of these magnificent birds to carefully choose their subspecies and strive to maintain the purity – before it is lost forever.

~ MEET MAX ~

Max is a special guy - and if you know anything about Eclectus - or birds in general - the first thing you will notice about Max is that his beak is terribly overgrown. These photos were taken shortly after his arrival  -  before his first visit to the Avian Veterinarian. His beak clearly shows neglect and it’s sad to think how long he had been left to deal with this problem – it’s amazing he was able to eat and preen well enough to survive. It also posed a potential problem with cracking/breaking or becoming caught on the bars or something else. It is important to realize that when you bring a parrot – of any kind – into your home it will require proper grooming for life. Beak trimming isn’t usually necessary unless there is a problem – such as in Max’s case - but nails require regular care. If you decide to keep your birds wings trimmed they will also require regular attention.

It is always wise to be cautious when introducing birds for the first time. Female Eclectus can be aggressive toward their mates and it's important to know what you're dealing with and to carefully supervise. With each species and with each individual the scenario can be different and a little research and consideration can help avoid disaster. Females are the aggessor with Eclectus as well as in Indian Ringneck species but males tend to be the aggressors in common cockatoo species. It's not just the larger species but birds like lovebirds and even tiny parrotlets can harm each other. 'Territory' plays an important role and it's important to be considerate of whatever area your birds' feel they must defend and avoid introducing them in such an area. A 'neutral' area is best. I like to cage my birds side-by-side in separate cages and let them adjust to each other long before actually introducing them. You may also trim the wings of the more aggressive bird while leaving the other bird fully flighted and able to escape an attack. Sometimes birds - like people - are just not compatible and if there is serious fighting it's best to keep them separate.

MAX.... After the Vet trimmed some of his overgrown beak.

We decided to leave it a little bit longer to allow Max time to adjust to his 'new' beak and also to be careful not to take too much off at once - just to be safe. We also had Max & Ruby Microchipped at the same time. A WORD ON VETERINARIANS My usual 'Avian' Veterinarian in Airdrie, AB filled me with doubts and left me with no choice but to find a new Vet. I have always stayed with my Pets during minor procedures of any kind and this time I was told that I would not be allowed to accompany my pets, 'In the back'.  The Vet never even bothered to speak to me - and since my Pets' well-being is of the utmost importance to me - I packed them up and walked out. It is my strong opinion that a 'Good' Veterinarian will understand our love for our Pets and attempt to reassure. I called numerous Vets and talked with pet owners of all kinds about this issue and they ALL agreed that you should be allowed to stay with your Pet/s for minor procedures. I heard a few terrifying stories of poor-quality Vets who prevent people from seeing what goes on, 'in the back' ..... so please..... please..... be sure you can accompany your Pet and if your Vet refuses..... find another Vet! The New Vet Max & Ruby went to was very good..... He took the time to ask questions and examine them..... and not only did I get to watch and be with my Pets.... this New Vet actually allowed me to hold them during the procedures. They never left my sight! If you live in the Calgary/Airdrie Alberta Area, I recomemend: OUR PREFERRED VETERINARIAN: Dr. Gordon Strick Due South Animal Hospital 16626 McKenzie Lake Blvd. SE Calgary, AB T2Z 1N4 Telephone: 403-257-8899 FOR BIRDS: Calgary Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic: 3118 - 17 Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta, Canada T3E OB2 Tel: 403-240-3577 CATS & DOGS Etc. Trans Canada Veterinary Hospital Ltd Dr. Torrence 432 - 16 Avenue NE Calgary, AB T2E 1K2 (403) 230-2397 CATS/DOGS/LARGE ANIMALS (May accept birds for minor procedures - call and ask them! - they saw Max & Ruby!) Strathmore Veterinary Clinic (1980) Ltd 43 Spruce Lane, Strathmore, AB T1P 1J3 Telephone : 403-934-3311

Be sure you take the time to get to know your Veterinarian - be sure you can trust him/her with your Pet/s.

ECLECTUS QUICK FACTS DIET: 80% fresh fruit, veggies, fiber, sprouted seeds / 20% quality nut/seed mix. LIFESPAN: 30+ years HOUSING: 30" x 30" x 30" cage with daily exercise or larger cage/aviary. PET QUALITY: Moderate to very good. SIZE: Medium size parrot approx 13"   425 - 525 grams NOISE LEVEL: *LOUD   *capable of loud noise but may also be quiet and talkative. EXTRA COMMENT: Eclectus have 'different' feathers - almost 'hair-like' and are not as dusty as some other species like African Greys or Cockatoos and may well better suit persons with allergies or asthma.

~ COCKATIELS ~ PARROTLETS ~ LOVEBIRDS ~ CONURES ~ QUAKER PARROTS ~ INDIAN RINGNECK PARROTS ~ ~ AFRICAN GREY PARROTS ~ GOFFIN'S COCKATOOS ~ UMBRELLA COCKATOOS ~ ~ BLUE & GOLD MACAWS ~