Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Is Your Eclectus Parrot Healthy?

By John Savage

If you own an Eclectus parrot you will find that from time to time your pet, for one reason or another, is not feeling perfectly well. It is a good idea to know the signs of a healthy bird so that in turn you will be able to tell when they are not so healthy.

A healthy Eclectus parrot is active, sociable, and alert. If your Eclectus parrot does not appear to be able to focus, or his eyes appear half closed, he probably isn't feeling well. If he becomes aggressive to touch, he may be in pain. If he seems listless, this also indicates a problem, and you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

A healthy Eclectus parrot has a dry nose and big bright eyes. If your parrot develops a moist or runny nose, he probably needs the care of a veterinarian. His eyes should be big and bright, but not watery or runny.

Now another thing that you should be aware of is your parrots eating habits. The Eclectus parrot loves his food, and sometimes can eat too much which can cause a weight problem! But if you discover your parrot has gone off his food, then this should set the alarm bells ringing.

Keep a regular check on your parrots vent, which is located just under the tail feathers. It should be clean and dry, but if for any reason you discover that it is not clean and dry, then this could indicate a problem and a visit to the vet's is recommended.

A healthy Eclectus parrot grooms himself, and has smooth feathers. Overall, your parrot should have a smooth appearance. Grooming is very important to these birds, and if your Eclectus parrot appears to be disheveled, this is an indication of a problem. You may also notice that he is feather plucking, meaning that he is pulling his own feathers out. Even if the parrot is grooming himself, his feathers may not have a healthy look to them, and again, you should consult with a veterinarian.

A healthy Eclectus parrot has legs, feet, and a beak that are in good physical shape. You should check daily for dry and cracked feet, legs, and beaks. Also, make sure that you clip your bird's nails regularly, as this makes life much easier for him and for you.

Let me say that just so long as your parrot is getting the correct minerals and nutrients that he needs, any health problem that he might develop should quickly right itself. Often all that is needed is a slight change in diet.

However, having said that, let me make it clear that you should always seek the advice of a trained veterinarian if you are at all concerned about your parrots health. They have a trained eye for detecting when all is not well, and you would not be acting as a responsible Eclectus owner if you ignored them.

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