Eclectus parrots are unique birds, and understanding the ideal diet for them is crucial for their health and well-being. It's universally agreed and understood that what and how to feed them requires special consideration. We always recommend consulting with your avian specialist vet on any bird's diet.
The Eclectus Digestive System: A Unique Trait
The Eclectus parrot has a longer gastrointestinal (GI) tract than other parrots. This means it takes them longer to digest their food and also increases the absorption of vitamins, nutrients, minerals, etc. This extended digestive system is designed to process foods slowly, which is why a natural, high-fiber diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is essential for these birds. This creates a situation where the bird's digestive system extracts too many vitamins from nutrient-dense food, which can be detrimental to the bird's health.
However, the concept of the elongated digestive system is being challenged in certain corners of the avicultural community - some believe it to be a red herring. Little is written specifically about the Eclectus digestive system, and what exists in academic literature makes no mention whatsoever of an elongated digestive system. Instead, focus is primarily on how specifically the upper digestive system is structured (i.e., a large crop, wide esophagus, elastic proventriculus, to name a few), with emphasis on the fact that the features of this upper digestive system are clearly adaptations for a frugivorous diet - with some leftover granivorous tendencies.
This updated thinking essentially says, “being Frugivores really is what makes them unusual: most parrot species in captivity are primarily granivorous, and we understand them better.” The challenge to the “elongated system” is the established concept of gut plasticity: it is a well-documented phenomenon where the length of the digestive system is capable of changing with diet. A change in diet if sustained can, over the course of a couple of weeks, cause a digestive system to lengthen or shorten according to digestive need. Therefore, one could posit that what we’ve assumed to be a “longer digestive system” is the result of feeding our ekkies a more granivorous diet in captivity.
Dietary Foundations: Fruits, Vegetables, and More
The Eclectus parrot should have 80% raw or prepared vegetables, fruits, and sprouts. They may have 20% of all-natural pellets (no added vitamins/minerals, no food coloring, organic source, and limited filler ingredients), nuts, and treats.
Read also: New Guinea's Enigmatic Parrot
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: A large portion of an Eclectus parrot's diet should consist of fresh fruits and vegetables. This provides the essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber needed for their health.
- Fruits: Papaya, mango, berries, pomegranate, kiwi, banana, guava, jackfruit, pineapple, cherries, apples, cranberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, dragon fruit, cantaloupe, watermelon, plums, figs, and apricots are excellent choices. These are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C and antioxidants. Ensure that you thoroughly wash all fruits to remove potential pesticides or harmful chemicals.
- Vegetables: Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard, along with carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and squash, should be included regularly. These provide vitamin A, which is crucial for the Eclectus parrot's vision and immune system. Other good choices are zucchini, peppers, green beans, bok choy, okra, Brussels sprouts, radish, turnip, rutabaga, ginger, and turmeric.
- Avoid Overripe or Sugary Fruits: While fruit is essential, it’s important to avoid overripe or very sugary varieties, which can lead to weight gain or digestive issues.
- Grains and Legumes: While Eclectus parrots should have a low-fat diet, they still require a moderate amount of protein for muscle health and feather development. This protein can be supplied through grains and legumes.
- Grains: Cooked quinoa, rice, barley, and oats are excellent grain options. These are high in fiber and nutrients without contributing excess fat.
- Legumes: Beans like chickpeas, lentils, and black beans, when cooked, offer a nutritious source of protein.
- Seeds and Nuts: Though many parrot species thrive on a diet rich in seeds and nuts, the Eclectus parrot requires these in smaller quantities. Seeds and nuts are high in fat, and an Eclectus parrot’s diet should not rely heavily on them.
- Nuts: A small amount of almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts can be given occasionally as a treat or supplement but should never form the bulk of their diet.
- Seeds: Pumpkin and flaxseeds are nutrient-dense and can be offered in small amounts to provide omega-3 fatty acids, essential for maintaining healthy feathers and skin.
Sprouting and Germination: Enhancing Nutritional Value
"Sprouting is the practice of soaking seeds overnight (1 part seeds to 5 parts water), draining them, placing them into a sprouting jar (a sieve propped up in a bowl to allow the water to drain will do just fine); and then rinsing the seeds several times a day until they start to sprout (they usually start sprouting after about 24 hours) - at which time they are ready to feed. For the next days, the seeds will continue to grow. The different stages provide different nutrients to your bird. For a few birds, a few tablespoons of seeds are sufficient. If properly attended to, the sprouted seeds will last for up to 5 days. Discard if a foul smell can be detected. If early spoiling is an issue, adding a few drops of Hydrogen Peroxide or GSE added to the rinsing water will prevent early spoiling."
"Germination offers an easy, clean, and safe way to provide superior nutrition to your birds. Process: Soak a daily portion of seeds, grains, and legumes in pure, clean water overnight. If you keep the seeds at room temperature (on the counter, for example), the seeds start germinating after 12 hours. If you keep the soaking seeds in the fridge, it will take around 24 hours to germinate). Germination is safer as the process is shorter, and the seeds or grains don’t have time to deteriorate - and yet, germinated seeds also offer superior "living" nutrition similar to sprouts."
Chop: A Diverse and Convenient Option
You will hear many people in the bird world provide their birds with what we call "chop." This is a mixture of a variety of fruits, vegetables, and sprouts that offer a varied and complete diet but also prevent your bird from being bored of eating the same thing every day. Some days you can simply chop up the veggies and lightly toss them with a little coconut oil. Other days you may provide them with prepared chop. Utilize what you have around you! If the fresh veggies are on sale one week, then stock up! If the frozen veggies (no sauce or seasoning added) are on sale, then stock up! You may also find it easier to make large quantities of 'chop' at one time. Yes, frozen chop is absolutely ok! Ideally, you blanch anything you want to freeze.
Pellets and Processed Foods: A Cautious Approach
Many bird owners rely on commercial pellets as a staple diet for their parrots. However, for Eclectus parrots, a pellet-based diet may lead to health complications due to the way their bodies metabolize certain nutrients. Any foods with added vitamins and minerals, high fat, or sugar contents, etc., will impact their body in unhealthy ways. For example, we often see Eclectus come into the rescue with yellow or green feathers where they shouldn't have them.
- Low-Iron Pellets: If pellets are used, ensure they are formulated for Eclectus parrots, which means low in iron and without artificial additives. Some pellets contain excess vitamins and minerals that can disrupt the balance of nutrients.
- Avoid Processed Foods: Foods containing artificial colors, preservatives, or added sugars should be avoided entirely. These can cause digestive issues, feather plucking, or even toxicity over time. Food containing added vitamins and minerals, or artificial dyes, or fruits preserved in sulfur dioxide should not be fed to Eclectus.
Most pellet brands (Zupreem, Pretty Bird, Roudybush, Harrison’s, etc.) should not be fed to Eclectus. You will hear myriad stories online about how “my ekkie has been on pellets for years and is fine”…this is true, some birds do well on them. However, pellets have been implicated in so many Eclectus health problems - muscle spasms in the legs (toe tapping) and wings (wing flipping) most notably - that your default should be NOT to include them in your bird's diet.
Read also: Diet Guide: Blood Red Parrot Cichlid
Foods to Absolutely Avoid
Always avoid these:
- Avocado: Toxic to most parrots, including Eclectus.
- Chocolate and Caffeine: Both are highly toxic and should never be fed to parrots.
- Dairy: Parrots cannot digest lactose, so avoid milk, cheese, or any dairy products.
- Salty or Sugary Snacks: Foods high in salt or sugar can lead to severe health problems, including dehydration and metabolic issues.
- Eggs/Meat Products: Eggs/Meat products can be high in fat and cholesterol, causing health issues.
Also, please be cautious of seeds and pits as some may be unsafe. Always research or consult your vet before giving your bird a new type of food. Also, citrus foods can be too acidic for a daily food. We recommend giving citrus sporadically and not regularly.
The Importance of Vitamin A
Eclectus parrots are often found to be deficient in Vitamin A, so including daily sources of Vitamin A is important to maintaining the health of your bird. Dark leafy green vegetables and "orange" produce as shown in the chart can all be wonderful resources that also provide variety.
One of the most important nutrients for Eclectus parrots is vitamin A. This species has a higher requirement for this vitamin compared to other parrots due to their unique digestive system and susceptibility to vitamin A deficiencies. A lack of vitamin A can lead to issues such as respiratory infections, poor feather quality, and weakened immune function.
To ensure your Eclectus is getting enough vitamin A, include plenty of beta-carotene-rich foods in their diet. Orange and red vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and red bell peppers are excellent sources of this vital nutrient. Dark leafy greens like kale, collard greens, and spinach also provide a significant amount of beta-carotene, which their body converts into vitamin A. Regularly incorporating these foods into their meals will support their overall health, helping to prevent common vitamin A-related illnesses.
Read also: Feeding Your Monk Parakeet
Additional Vitamin and Mineral Needs
- Calcium: Important for bone health, especially in breeding females. Supplement their diet with calcium-rich foods like dark leafy greens or consult a vet for a calcium supplement if needed.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Crucial for feather and skin health. Small amounts of flaxseed or hemp seed can provide these healthy fats.
Hydration: A Constant Necessity
Like all birds, Eclectus parrots need constant access to fresh, clean water. Make sure their water dish is cleaned and refilled daily. Some parrots enjoy hydrating fruits such as watermelon or cucumbers, which can contribute to their overall water intake.
Practical Feeding Tips
- Variety is Key: When feeding a fresh diet, one should provide a highly diverse diet.
- Listen to Your Bird: Ekkies like/dislike different things. Like kids, you'll figure that out pretty quick.
- Consider Seasonality: The daily food preparation depends on what is fresh and in season, which can vary from month to month, with the best being available during spring and summer.
- Monitor Appetite: Your Eckie's appetite will fluctuate throughout the year. Moulting, the onset of winter, growth phases, and even hormonal changes will increase your Eckies appetite.
- Hygiene is Crucial: Ensure that you thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables to remove potential pesticides or harmful chemicals.
Addressing the "Hormone Issue" with Fruit
In Eclectus, we are always trying to avoid unnecessary hormonal behavior, and one of the major hormone triggers for our companion Eclectus is excess sugar in the diet, a huge source of that coming from naturally occurring fructose in fruits.
Understanding the Fiber Debate
It is a common refrain that Eclectus need higher fiber content due to an elongated digestive system. The fact that they are adapted primarily to eating fruit pulp - well known to be a poor source of insoluble fiber - directly contradicts this belief in the need for higher fiber. Ekkie digestion is physiologically designed to be quick; high fiber in a diet actually slows digestion, probably not a good thing.
The Moulting Diet
When a parrot moults, old feathers fall out and are replaced with new ones. It takes a large amount of energy for parrots to produce pinfeathers, especially if they are heavy moulters. Feathers are made from keratin, which is a protein. Moulting can make our feathered kids cranky and moody. At Parrot Haven, they have their own special moulting diet. Paw Paw helps restore the natural flora in the bird's crop and gut.
Sample Master Elegant Eclectus Recipe
Step 1: Gather your ingredients, chop them to desired size
- 1 cup each: Zucchini, bok choy, carrots, butternut squash
- 1/4 cup each: Green beans, okra, cauliflower, radish, broccoli, red spicy pepper
- 1/2 cup each: papaya, mango, apple, blueberries, plantains
- 1/2 cup Quinoa (cooked all the 9 essential amino acids needed for bodily functions and feather growth)
- 1/4 cup: beans (cooked- NOT garbanzo beans)
- 2 tablespoons crushed egg shell
Step 2: Steam the dense starches & fibrous items (optional)
- 3 minutes: Carrots, butternut squash, sweet potato, yam
- 2 minutes: cauliflower, radish, broccoli, red pepper, okra
To steam, place the chopped items in a bowl, cover with saran wrap, and microwave on high until tender but not mushy. DO NOT BOIL (boiling just leaks the nutrients into the water). Let cool.
Step 3: Freeze mixture
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Sprinkle the mixture on a sheet pan. Ensure there is adequate distance between ingredients so once frozen you can easily break it apart (you may need to use multiple sheet pans). Place the sheet pan in the freezer (freezing retains the largest amount of vitamins and minerals). Ensure any unused mixture is refrigerated for up to 2 days (DO NOT leave at room temperature). Once frozen, place in plastic bags and store in the freezer until ready to serve.
Step 4: Additions - Variety
Find new items; in this case, the next day, I found Guava, Dragonfruit, and Kiwi. Follow steps 1-3. However, once chopped and frozen, add a small amount to each bag (this creates variety). Find new items yet again: Repeat steps 1-3 a few times a week when new produce is available. Now you have created even more variety, ensuring your feathered friend has an opportunity to indulge all his senses with each meal.