Are Eclectus Parrots Aggressive?
Are eclectus parrots aggressive?
Though many bird owners associate eclectus parrots with being aggressive, they aren’t. Their aggression is only a natural reaction to hormonal influxes during their breeding season, and they’re generally affectionate and lovely birds when not in this state.
They can be great pets for households with children as long as they’re properly socialized and aren’t startled by loud noises. These birds also enjoy interaction, so they’ll do better if they have a lot of people around to play with them and interact with them, says Quesenberry.
Eclectus parrots are herbivores and can be easily trained to eat certain types of food, including pellets. You should supplement their diet with fruits, like mangos, papayas, bananas, and kiwis, as well as veggies such as carrots and corn.
These parrots can also be trained to sit and stay on their cage’s perches, as well as to follow commands. They’re intelligent, so you won’t have to work hard to train them to do these things.
When it comes to their personalities, both female and male eclectus parrots are quite distinct. Females are often feistier and more aggressive than their male counterparts, but they’re still calmer than most other parrots.
They’re typically a little more difficult to bond with than other species, but it can be done as long as you spend time getting to know them and letting them get to know you. Eventually, they’ll form a close bond with you and won’t care about the cage you’re keeping them in, says Quesenberry.
The first step is finding the right eclectus parrot for you and your family. The best way to find one is to visit a specialty pet shop or breeder who can match you with the ideal animal. You should take the time to get to know several different birds before you make a decision, suggests Quesenberry.
You should always make sure to select a breeder with extensive experience with eclectus parrots, and who will provide you with plenty of information about these birds before you buy. This will ensure you have a healthy and happy pet.
These birds are incredibly long-lived, living up to 30 years or more. They’re not as common as some other breeds, so you may have to search for a specialty store or breeder in your area.
In the wild, eclectus parrots live in the Solomon Islands, Indonesia, New Guinea, northeastern Australia and the Moluccas. They are native to rainforests and prefer to build their nests in hollow trees, 50cm to 6m deep, at the edge of the forest or in a clearing. The eggs are laid on a lining of chips and decayed wood dust.
They are extremely protective of their home and nests, and will defend them to the death if necessary. In addition, this parrot species is threatened by a number of predators, including opossums and wild dogs.
They’re not a good choice for a first-time pet owner, however, as they can be difficult to train and require lots of attention. If you have a strong commitment and are ready to spend the time needed to bond with your eclectus, they’ll be a wonderful companion for many years to come.
