Your New Eclectus

Vet Check
In all instances, an appointment with an avian veterinarian should be scheduled to coincide with the purchase of a new Eclectus. Pet parrots retain the survival instincts of their wild counterparts and are expert at hiding illness or weaknesses. An examination by an experienced avian veterinarian is needed to determine the exact health status of your new pet. A thorough examination is performed to identify illness or health flaws with further tests being performed on the droppings and throat to check for diseases that are difficult to detect visually.

Dr Rob Marshall recommends:

• Microscopic tests of the droppings (Gram and wet smear)
• Culture of throat and dropping
• Psittacosis test.

The results of these tests will identify the health status of your new Eclectus. Further tests are sometimes but rarely needed.

First Days at Home
The time it takes for your Eclectus to “settle in” varies with age. Younger birds (recently weaned) settle within a day or so but older birds may require two or three weeks to adjust to their new surroundings. In its new environment your bird should be exposed to as little stress as possible. Handling should be kept to a minimum, allowing the bird to familiarise itself with its new surroundings without being overwhelmed. It should be introduced to its cage and other family members at this time. The cage must be elevated on a table or have the perch at eye height and should be positioned in a protective corner, away from drafts. Gently talk and touch your new bird as this activity will accelerate the taming process.

At least 9 hours of sleep each day is required to help your bird adjust to its new home. Your Eclectus will only sleep in the dark so it is necessary to cover the cage or turn the lights off.

Quick movements will scare your new bird and it is recommended to keep your dog and cat away from it for at least two weeks. When feeding or catching your bird, do so slowly and do not raise your voice. Shouting at your bird will produce a noisy spiteful bird.

Too much stress during these important first days may cause illness in your bird just as people under stress become ill. The most notable disease is called Psittacosis (also known as Chlamydiosis, Ornithosis and most recently Chlamydophila infection). This disease becomes active in birds under stress and your new bird may then infect humans.

The following recommendations will limit the stress experienced by your new bird and should be adopted from the time of collection and continued for its entire life.

• A suitable cage
• A clean cage
• Correct dietary requirements
• Sufficient rest time
• Health check by an avian veterinarian

Copyright © 2004 Rob Marshall, All Rights Reserved.