Avian Medicine:
Basic Information Sheet for the Eclectus Parrot

• Natural history
• Taxonomy
• Subspecies
• Physical description
• Sexual dimorphism
• Diet
• Husbandry
• Behavior
• Normal physiologic values
• Anatomy/physiology
• Restraint
• Venipuncture
• Preventive medicine
• Injections
• Important medical conditions
• References

The Eclectus is a native of Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and/or the Solomon Islands. This species has also been introduced to Palau. Eclectus parrots have an extremely large range, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists their conservation status as “least concern”.

E. r. roratus—Grand Eclectus parrot
E. r. polychloros—Red-sided Eclectus parrot
E. r. solomonensis—Soloman Islands Eclectus parrot
E. r. vosmaeri—Vosmaeri Eclectus parrot

At least 7 subspecies are recognized. The most common pet birds are the Grand Eclectus, Solomon Islands, and Red-sided Eclectus parrots.

The Eclectus parrot is a medium-sized parrot measuring 12-14.5 in (31-37 cm) in length. The iris is grayish.

The Eclectus parrot is the most distinctive example of sexual dimorphism in the bird world. In fact for many years, biologists believed these birds to be two different species. The male is mainly green, while the female is a bright, ruby red.

• The diet of the free-ranging Eclectus consists mainly of fruits, figs, nuts, flower and leaf buds, as well as some seeds.
• Feed companion birds a varied diet including a formulated diet, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Since psittacines hull seeds before ingestion, they do not require grit. In fact, some individuals will overeat grit when ill putting them at risk for impaction.
• All-seed diets are deficient in protein, vitamins, and minerals including calcium and vitamin A.

• Many texts suggest a minimum cage size of 24 x 36 x 48 in (61 x 91 x 122 cm), however Eclectus parrots need plenty of room to play and climb so bigger is much better.
• Cage bar spacing should range from 0.75-1.5 in (1.9-3.8 cm).
• Perch diameter should measure approximately 1 in (2.5 cm).
• Unless birds are exposed to natural light, consider offering a full-spectrum light to reduce the risk of vitamin D deficiency.

• Highly intelligent, relatively quiet birds.
• Sexual dimorphism may extend to behavior and ease of training. Female Eclectus behavior may range from assertive to aggressive so these birds are only recommended for experienced companion parrot owners. Males can sometimes be more timid.
• Foraging is an important part of normal daily parrot activity. Teach and encourage pet birds to play and forage.

· Eclectus plumage lacks barbules, which gives their feathers a softer appearance.

Anatomic traits of Order Psittaciformes include:

• Communication of the right and left nasal sinus
• The only avian tongue with intrinsic muscles
• Simply syrinx
• Craniofacial hinge of beak is a synovial joint
• Ceca absent
• Gall bladder often absent
• Zygodactyl foot:  two toes pointed backward and two pointed forward

Eclectus parrots may be restrained by holding the thumb and forefinger under the mandible and securing the outer wing with the remaining three fingers. Use the opposite hand to hold the feet.

Use a 25-gauge needle and a 1 or 3-mL syringe to draw blood from the right jugular vein.  Collection of up to 1% of body weight is acceptable in healthy patients.

• Obtain a complete history and perform a thorough annual physical examination.
• Establish baseline data with regular clinical testing (complete blood count, protein electrophoresis, and plasma biochemistries.
• Ensure proper nutrition and husbandry.
• Recommend quarantine of newly acquired birds.
• Perform additional testing for select diseases based on history and physical exam findings: avian polyoma virus, psittacosis.
• Determine the origin and history of newly acquired sick birds to contain and prevent further spread of disease.
• Birds housed in large groups or aviaries are at higher risk of Pacheco’s disease virus and use of the vaccine may be indicated.
• The avian polyoma virus vaccine is recommended for breeding populations.

Altman R, Clubb S, Dorrestein G, et al (eds). Appendix III: Adult bird weights. Avian Medicine and Surgery. Philadelphia, PA; WB Saunders Co; 1997.P. 1027.

Beynon (ed.), Peter. BSAVA Manual of Psittacine Birds. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University Press, 1996. 7-9, 37. Print.

Carpenter J (ed). Exotic Animal Formulary. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO; Elsevier Saunders; 2005. Pp. 278-279.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Appendices I, II, and III. Valid from Apr 27, 2011. Available at: http://www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php. Accessed June 8, 2011.

Finkelstein A. Normal cloacal temperatures in multiple avian species. Proc Annu Conf Assoc Avian Vet;  2004. P. 383.

Harrison GJ, Harrison LR. Clinical Avian Medicine and Surgery, Appendix 4, Philadelphia; W.B. Saunders; 1986. P.662.

Harrison GJ, Lightfoot TL (eds). Clinical Avian Medicine. Palm Beach, FL: Spix Publishing; 2006.

Harrison GJ, Harrison LR. Clinical Avian Medicine and Surgery, Appendix 4, Philadelphia; W.B. Saunders; 1986. P.662.

IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2010.4. IUCN Red List Web site. 2010. Available at http://www.iucnredlist.org/. Accessed June 12, 2011.

Lafeber Company. The Soloman Island Eclectus. LafeberCares Web site. Available at: http://www.lafebercares.com/knowledge/birds/other.html#eclectus. Accessed June 13, 2011.

Low R. Parrots in aviculture: A photoreference guide. Pickering, Ontario; Silvio Mattachione & Co; 1992. P. 97-98.

O’Malley B. Clinical Anatomy and Physiology of Exotic Species. Edinburgh: Elsevier Saunders; 2005. Pp. 156-157.

Tully TN. Birds. In: Mitchell M, Tully TN (eds). Manual of Exotic Pet Practice. St. Louis, MO: Saunders; 2008. Pp. 256.