ECLECTUS PARROT
"Polly want a cracker!"
...Eclectus Parrot
Hand Feeding Eclectus Parrots
First, you need to know what to feed your chick. Most pet stores sell prepared formulas for the Eclectus parrots. Some chicks will like these formulas very much, while others will hate them, and want nothing to do with them. In this case, you must mix your own formula. If you find that this is the case, look for a formula that is all natural, and try that first. If that doesn't work, consult your veterinarian to find out what ingredients he recommends for your particular bird, and mix those ingredients in a blender, until it is the same texture as the commercial brands. Sometimes, baby food is recommended by the vet. Make sure that you also ask how much your chick should be fed, and how often he should be fed as well.
The best method for hand feeding is to use a syringe. The syringe is gently placed right inside of the mouth, and the liquid dispersed. Some breeders force feed the formula, using a syringe with a steel needle, and instantly injecting the proper amount of formula directly through the mouth, and into the crop. This is not advised, as the process of hand feeding should help the chick to socialize as well. Feed him slowly.
After your Eclectus parrot has been fed, he must be burped. This can be done just as you would burp a human baby. Hold him up to your shoulder, and gently rub his back until he burps two or three times. You can also attempt to help your Eclectus parrot burp by using your thump and pushing the air up out of his esophagus, but patting his back is easier and safer. Just be gentle.
For the most part, you won't run into any problems hand feeding until your chick is about six weeks old. About this age, he starts developing taste, and he simply may not like what you are trying to feed him. At this point, he has become much like a picky child. The key is to find foods that are the proper texture, which satisfy him, all while providing him the proper nutrients and minerals.
In most cases, you won't be responsible for hand feeding your chick. Most good breeders will hand feed the chicks, and have them weaned before they are adopted. In fact, this is one of the questions you want to ask your breeder, to ensure that your Eclectus parrot is ready for ‘big parrot' food upon his arrival in your home.
Next Article: Weaning Eclectus Parrots