Eclectus are remarkable birds and ideally suited as a pet. When taught properly, they are capable of cognitive behaviour from a very young age.  The ability of the Eclectus to communicate with humans is a result of their extremely inquisitive nature, a feature strongly linked to their life in the rainforest canopy. This habitat is a rich environment requiring a heightened visual and audible intellect to master. These highly intelligent birds are very animated and love to participate in daily activities and in doing so, will quickly become acquainted with a daily routine. Eclectus can be kept with other parrot species although it is extremely important that any new bird is introduced in the correct fashion. This involves providing one on one attention with the original bird and as much as possible and maintaining its normal daily routine. 

Eclectus are less noisy and destructive than other larger parrots (although they can scream quite loudly when they get spooked, scared or excited). They learn to talk as well with pretty clear voices, too. The eclectus parrots don't produce any feather dust, as they have oil glands rather than dust gland for preenings - which is good news for people who are allergic to feather dust. Eclectus are very intelligent and focus their eyes on their owner to closely observe every movement. They show interest in everything going on around them, and love to explore. The Eclectus Parrot is the most sexually dimorphic of all the parrot species. The contrast between the brilliant emerald green plumage of the cock and the deep red/purple plumage of the hen is so marked that the two birds were, until the early 20th century, considered to be different species.

CAGES:

In captivity, Eclectus Parrots do well in large cages, Eclectuses love to climb and play and need to be provided with a roomy cage that allows them to move around freely. Plenty of out-of-cage time and interaction with the human family is necessary. To keep this intelligent parrot in a cage the entire day would without a doubt lead to severe behavioral and psychological problems. Toys will help them entertain themselves at those times when your parrot is alone. Get as large a cage as you can afford within reason. We recommend approximately 2 feet deep X 3 feet wide X 3 feet tall or larger with 1-inch to 1 3/16-inch bar spacing, natural wood perches, such as manzanita or ribbon wood.

LIGHTING:

Birds need sunlight just like we do. If you can, place the cage by a window that can be opened. Unfortunately, sunlight filtered through glass loses its beneficial properties for vitamin D production. You can also get full spectrum lighting to put over the cage. If your Eclectus eats a reasonable amount of a pelleted diet, this diet will be fortified with vitamin D.

TOYS:

Most Eclectus like relatively large swings with natural-wood perches as well as couple of hanging toys. Our Eclectus like to shred and love to have toys they can tear up and chew on. These toys also help to keep their beaks trimmed and at times when you are away give them ways to entertain themselves and not become bored. Toys with bells and those that make noise are also a favorite of the Eclectus.

FOOD & WATER:

Give your baby fresh food and water in clean dishes daily. Our babies are water bottle trained and we have found it much easer to keep a clean water supply using the water bottles. We recommend at least two dishes, one for seed/pellets and one for fruits and vegetables. That way, the pellets/seeds need not be thrown out daily if some are left over. Eclectus love and need fresh fruits and vegetables. Ensure that they are available daily. If you are using frozen vegetables, remove the dish leftovers after a few hours because they spoil more quickly than do fresh.

Eclectus can be offered most vegetables, but avocado is poisonous and can kill parrots. We recommend fresh apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, carrots or sweet potatoes and green vegetables. Most green vegetables are good sources of vitamin A and calcium. However, spinach can bind calcium and should be avoided in excess. Our birds love corn-on-the-cob and get it frequently. They love grapes, but don't overdo the grapes because your baby may fill up on them, and they're mostly water. If your bird is eating a well-balanced diet, it does not need supplemental vitamins or minerals. However, adding a mineral block to the cage is fine. Parrots do not need grit. Do not supply grit regardless of what well-intentioned friends might say. Grit can impact the digestive track.

BATHING:

Baths are an important part of parrot care. Some birds like to take a bath in a large crock. Others like to take showers with their owners. (Shower perches are available through suppliers who advertise on the Internet and in Bird Talk.) Another option is to keep fresh, clean water in a spray bottle and mist your bird. Don't be afraid to soak your bird--it's good for the feathers and skin. They can dry naturally, but some birds love a blow dry with the unit held a foot or so away on the warm, slow setting.

TRAINING:

If you want your new Eclectus to accept your family, all family members should spend significant time with it. It is unrealistic to think that your Eclectus will be as accepting of someone who spends 15 minutes a week with it as it will be of someone who spends 15 hours. Eclectus are sweet birds. They respond well to kisses on the beak accompanied by soft, affectionate vocalizations. Talk softly to your baby. Give physical affection, but do not force it upon the baby. Your baby will probably like to be petted on its back, but it's a rare Eclectus that likes its head touched. Like human babies, baby parrots must learn appropriate behavior. Because they explore and learn with their beaks, occasional nips are part of the territory, but you should discourage them. Never strike or scream at your bird even if you're hurt. Repeated, firm, "No biting" messages combined with moving the bird should do the trick. Handle the baby with confidence, and don't be afraid. Parrots are sensitive to the nonverbal messages of their human pets. One note of caution--interaction between the baby and small children should be closely supervised because both parties are often scared and nervous.