#26 Eckie Parrots 101 - Diet
And Avoid Unwanted Behaviors
In this issue:
Kalyn’s note
New Podcast!
Eckie Diet
Parroting 101:
Bathing Your Parrot: A Fun and Essential Guide for Parrot HealthMovie Time: 🍿🦜 Eclectus Parrots!
Reader Resources
Thanks for being a regular! We love your feathers! 🌞📚🦜
Kalyn’s note: We might get an Eckie!
Hey guys!
I am Diet-crazy when it comes to my family, including my animals.
Eclectus parrots are unique among the 350 to 400 species of parrots because their diet is significantly different than most parrots.
So, let’s talk about food for parrots!
Parrot safe foods -
(Note: ripe fruit is high in fructose and not advisable for parrots who have not evolved to digest it. Unripe, bitter fruit is fine -or- give beta carotene-rich fruit, as they need this for their eyes!)
Apple
Apricot
Banana
Blackberry
Blackcurrant
Blueberry
Currant
Cherry
Coconut
Date
Dragonfruit
Fig
Gooseberry
Grape
Grapefruit
Guava
Huckleberry
Honeydew
Kiwi fruit
Lychee
Mandarin
Mango
Melon
Cantaloupe
Honeydew
Watermelon
Rock melon
Nectarine
Orange
Paw Paw
Peach
Pear
Plum/prune (dried plum)
Pineapple
Pomegranate
Purple Mangosteen
Raspberry
Rambutan
Redcurrant
Star fruit
Strawberry
Tangerine
Tomato (fruit only not the leaves or stem)
Watermelon-see melon
Pumpkin
Celery
Zucchini
Beans
Carrots
Red chilies (parrots don't have capsaicin receptors. This means they do not feel heat from chilies)
Broccoli
Sweet potato (raw or cooked)
Sweet corn
Spinach
Peas
Cauliflower
Mushrooms
Asian vegetables
Snow peas
Asparagus
Berlotti beans
Black-eyed peas
Broad beans
Chickpeas
Common bean
Garbanzo
Green bean
Lentil
Lima bean
Mung bean
Navy beans
Peas
Peanut
Pinto beans
Runner bean - Raw
Span peas
Snow peas - Raw
Amaranth - raw or cooked
Bok Choy
Broccoli
Brussels sprout
Celery
Ceylon spinach
Collards
Dandelion
Endive
Garden rocket
Kale
Pak Choy
Pea sprouts/leaves
Sorrel
Spinach
Watercress
Wheatgrass
Toxic foods:
Alcohol
Avocado
Cassava (tapioca)
Caffeine
Dairy products
Onion, garlic, scallions
Meat
Mushrooms
Chocolate or cocoa
Peanuts
Fruit seeds and pits
Uncooked beans
❤️
2. New Podcast!
3.
Eckie Diet
by Alley, a Eclectus Parrot
Hey there! I’m Alley, an Eclectus parrot, and let me tell you a little secret – my diet is *really* important. Unlike some of my bird buddies like African Greys or Macaws, I don’t spend time pecking around on the ground for seeds. Nope! I come from the rainforests, way up in the treetops, snacking on fruits, berries, and nuts. So, when it comes to taking care of me in your home, you’ve got to get creative and keep things fresh – just like in the wild!
First things first, **fresh fruits and veggies** are a must! Every day, I need a colorful plate full of yummy things like apples, berries, carrots, leafy greens, and even green beans. These are packed with the good stuff I need to stay healthy and happy.
Seeds? Well, they’re okay in small amounts. I enjoy a little taste, but they shouldn’t be the star of my diet. Things like sunflower seeds are pretty fatty, so I only get those as a special treat now and then.
And here’s a tip – I LOVE **seasonal fruits** like mangoes, guavas, and passionfruit. In the wild, my menu changes with the seasons, so keeping it varied is super exciting for me!
Also, if you can find **native foods** like dandelion greens or blossoms from safe trees, that’s a big win for me. It keeps my meals interesting and gives me the same type of foods I’d find back home.
One last thing – please avoid those processed pellets! They just don’t work for Eclectus parrots like me. Stick to fresh and natural foods, and I’ll be one happy bird.
Oh, and don’t forget to give me branches to chew on! It’s great for my beak and keeps my mind sharp. With the right care and food, I’ll be as vibrant and healthy as I am in the wild! ❤️
4.
Parroting 101 Bathing Your Parrot: A Fun and Essential Guide for Parrot Health
by Xelha, a Parrot Whisperer
Bathing is important for practically all animals—it helps get rid of dirt, dust, and even pesky bugs! Parrots are no different, and guess what? Most of them love baths! So, how can you make sure your feathered companion stays clean and happy?
1. Let Them Do It Their Way
Parrots are quite capable of bathing on their own, and they’ll do it when they feel the need. You don’t need to grab your bird and force a bath—that’ll only stress them out, and trust me, you don’t want to risk getting nipped! Instead, set up a large bowl of shallow water, a cute little fountain designed for parrots, or gently mist them with a spray bottle. Grabbing your parrot should be reserved for emergencies only.
2. The Benefits of Bath Time
Baths do wonders for your parrot’s mental health, keeping them stimulated and happy. They also help clean messy feathers, especially on their head, which can be tough to reach. Plus, a nice bath is a great way for your bird to cool down on hot days!
3. Keep an Eye on Their Baths
While bathing is beneficial, it’s important to monitor your bird. Make sure the water is shallow, so they can safely hop in and out, and don’t overspray them. A light mist is perfect. Too many baths can also be drying, so moderation is key.
Let your parrot bathe at their own pace, and they’ll stay happy, healthy, and sparkling clean!
Want a care journal to guide you in with your new baby parrot? Check out "The Parrot Keeper's Companion & Journal" on Amazon at https://a.co/d/028a5yhG
4. Movie Time!
🍿🦜 Eclectus Parrots!
I’ve never had one, and, Alley update, I’m not getting one, but here is a video on them:
5. Reader Resources:
Looking For A Bird?
Rescue, Baby Or Rehome
Looking to RESCUE? Try Bird Gardens of Naples
Looking for a BABY? Visit Parrot Bliss
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About Kalyn
I’m an author, parront and quite passionate about my parrots. I love learning about parrots, having them and sharing what I learn in my books and videos. I also like writing novels, I’ve created child and adult parrot coloring books - all to help support our flock.
Having over 22 species means I learn a lot— and I clean a lot too! Messy, they are!
Thanks for reading!
❤️