ECLECTUS PARROT
"Polly want a cracker!"
...Eclectus Parrot
Housing Your Eclectus Parrot
Note that it is unhealthy for the Eclectus parrot to live solely in a cage. He will need to be let out daily, so that he can move about the house and stretch his wings. You should provide a variety of safe perches in your home for the bird, and also make sure that you have parrot proofed your home.
While being free to roam about the house is important, having a cage is also important for your Eclectus parrots safety. He should be in his cage during his bedtime hours and at any time that you are unable to supervise him in your home.
Now, you may have one of those cute, old-fashioned type cages in mind for your Eclectus parrot, but that simply will not do. It isn't nearly big enough. What you need, instead, is a large cage that stands on the floor, and stands between 60 and 70 inches high. The base of the cage needs to be at least 24 inches by 36 inches.
Experts agree that you should purchase the largest cage that you can afford, as long as it meets these minimum size requirements. In other words, if you can afford an aviary that is larger that 60 x 24 x 36 inches, you should buy the larger one.
The bars on the cage should be placed one inch apart, with each bar measuring 5mm in diameter. This is very important, because it plays a part in the play and exercise of your bird. They will climb the bars, and must be able to grip the bars with their feet.
You should also consider an aviary that has two sections. One section is used for living quarters, and this is where the Eclectus parrots toys, food dishes, and perches are located. The second section is clear, but may have perches placed low in the cage, in the corners. The second section is often referred to as the flight cage, and should be large enough for the bird to spread his wings and fly a bit.
The cage that you choose should have a grate and removable pan. Waste will fall down below the grate, to the pan, keeping it away from the parrots for better hygiene, and therefore better health. Food dishes in the cage should be placed above perches, and not below them to avoid waste falling into the food. Finally, finish your cage with well placed toys and perches designed to keep your Eclectus parrot active and amused.
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