Eclectus are one of the most strikingly beautiful parrots available in aviculture today. Males are predominantly brilliant emerald green with red under the wings and sides of the body. Females are bright red and maroon with cobalt blue or lavender (depending on sub species) on the chest and under the wings. Solomon Island and Red Sided females have a gorgeous blue eye ring while the Vosmaeri have daisy yellow under their tail feathers and a band of yellow on the tail feather tips. The beak color of the adult male is dark orange to yellow resembling a piece of candy corn with the lower mandible being black. Both the top and bottom mandible of the adult female is shiny jet black.
Eclectus need a well balanced diet including foods rich in beta carotene. Their daily diet should include items such as cooked beans and brown rice, pasta, fresh sprouts, scrambled or hard boiled egg with shells, fresh vegetables, fruits, seed and dark, leafy greens. A high quality pellet can be added to their diet but should not exceed 20-30% of their daily intake. If pellets are added to the diet, avoid any with artificial coloring.
Eclectus parrots make fantastic family pets. They are very gentle and usually get along well with children. Eclectus are generally quiet birds with the ability to speak as well as the african grey. They can say phrases and imitate sounds exceptionally well with a clear, sweet voice. An eclectus needs a cage of at least 36" x 24". Width is more important than height. They are little acrobats who need the room to play and flap their wings. They need to be provided with a variety of wood toys and a variety of perches including a pedicure perch. A well socialized eclectus will prefer to spend their time outside rather than inside of their cage and need at least two hours of human interaction daily.
If you are considering adding an Eclectus parrot to your family, please visit The Land Of Vos to learn about them and decide if they are the right parrot for you.
