How to Feed Eclectus Parrots

Eclectus parrots are a very popular species due to their gentle disposition, excellent talking ability and unusual appearance. However, they can be more challenging to feed than other parrots. Because their digestive system is lengthy and accustomed to fibrous fruits with a high water content, they are unusually prone to health conditions caused by a poor diet. These conditions include toe-tapping, wing flipping, oily feathers and fatty liver disease.

Things You'll Need

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Sprouted seeds
  • Cooked bean and rice mixture for birds
  • Natural or organic pelleted diet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your eclectus parrot a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. In general, a good mix includes two orange fruits or vegetables, two dark green vegetables and two other high-nutrient fruits and vegetables. Excellent choices include papaya, cantaloupe, kale, turnip greens, poblano pepper, red bell peppers and berries. Choose different varieties each time you go shopping. Feed 1/2 to 2/3 of a cup of fresh produce to your eclectus twice a day.

    • 2

      Sprouted seeds should make up about 25% of your eclectus parrot's diet. This should be about 1/8th of a cup before sprouting, or a little less than half a cup after sprouting. Sprouts can be left in your bird's dish for about eight hours, and then any leftovers must be removed and discarded.

    • 3

      Feed about 1/2 cup of cooked bean and rice mixture each day. This can be purchased in a convenient, ready to cook formula for birds, or you can make your own using recipes available on the internet. The cooked mixture can be frozen and reheated in single portion sizes for convenience. Leftovers should be removed and discarded after no more than two hours to prevent spoilage.

    • 4

      A small amount of natural or organic pellets can help fill in any nutritional gaps in your eclectus parrot's diet. Five or six large pellets or a tablespoon of small pellets each day is sufficient.