A COMMON SENSE APPROACH TO ECLECTUS CARE, BASED ON SCIENCE, NOT rumor
building a community of passionate eclectus parrots lovers with advanced pet care information
It is estimated 92% of Eclectus are not cared for properly
Eclectus are not only unique anatomically, but also emotionally
Lack of education and false information explains Eclectus Parrots high incidence of diet-induced medical and behavioral problems. These birds are generally single person birds with excess hormones that causes aggression at a very young age with unique diet and financial issues for many companion bird owners
Role of diet in digestive disorders of Eclectus Parrots
Dietary factors are well recognized contributors to common Eclectus diseases and behavioral issues, however studies to improve diet and pet care are limited and education to alter dietary feeding habits have had minimal impact and lack of consensus.
General population treats Eclectus like other parrots
In captivity, Eclectus are commonly fed according to granivory standards Cockatoos and Amazons), which explains their high incidence of diet-induced digestive and behavioral problems.
Such problems are averted and remedied by adapting to their feeding schedules, specific nutrient requirements and following a correct digestive model: closer to frugivory with adequate mental stimulation and preventing overages of specific nutrients.
DIET STUDY CONCLUSIONS
ECLECTUS REQUIRE:
High moisture content
Higher Glucose and Fructose
Low Lipids
Low Fat
Specific Nutrient Ratios
Low- Moderate Protein (all aminos- not just 'beans')
Low- Moderate Fiber
Scheduled Eating Times and Type
High Moisture Content
Fruits comprise 55%
Vegetable matter comprise 32%
Nuts and seeds- less than 10%
Other (nectar, pollens, other) 3%
In total, Eclectus in the wild consume 85% moisture content. It is vital to their digestion. NO commercial food can provide that.
Dehydration is one of the most prominent concerns with commercial diets, that easily can prevent proper digestion and crop impaction leading to hyper absorption of nutrients.
High Gluclose and Fructose
Abundant hexrose (fructose and glucose) and starch from seeds is primary energy source. Digesting fat in the duodenum is a lengthy process in their unique anatomy. Therefore, Eclectus produce triglycerides in the liver (which are abundantly present soft fleshy fruit) which replaces the need for high fat. Excess fat from seeds or pellets slows digestion causing digestive distress. Eclectus parrots prefer carbohydrate rich, protein and lipid poor wild diets.
Abundant hexrose (fructose and gluclose) and starch from seeds is primary energy source. Digesting fat in the duodenum is a lengthy process in their unique anatomy. Therefore, Eclectus produce triglycerides in the liver (which are abundantly present soft fleshy fruit) which replaces the need for high fat. Excess fat from seeds or pellets slows digestion causing digestive distress. Eclectus parrots prefer carbohydrate rich, protein and lipid poor wild diets.
Lack of essential hextrose causes lethargy and 'upset stomach', adding to the myth that they are sedentary parrots.
Low to Moderate Fiber
There are multiple types of fiber:
We need to put a higher focus on soluble fibers and less insoluble fiber. By breaking down the fibers in specific foods they are more easily digested.
Scheduled Eating Times
Intermittent foraging behavior:
In the wild, Eclectus eat mainly twice a day but forage all day. The intermittent feeding habit of eclectus parrots initiates gastric secretion; Gastric secretion of hydrochloric acid is key to solving functional digestive disorders and this is triggered before the consumption of food. Companion parrots should be fed regularly two times per day and witness their food being prepared or have a small snack prior to the meal.
Foraging opportunities should be available all day, but special care needs to be taken to prevent food spoilage- causing fungal and bacterial infections in Eclectus. These commonly cause lack of appetite, sour breath, lethargy, liver and kidney complications. Unfortunately Eclectus are masters of hiding their illness until it is too late.