Bird Species & Diseases They are Most Susceptible to

[ncGreyBirdLady]

Common Diseases of Eclectus Parrots

 

[Birdiemarie]

Eclectus Parrots: Species Information and Photos
Toe Tapping / Wing Flipping:
Some eclectus owners observe their pets in an activity that is referred to as "toe-tapping" - occasionally in combination with wing flipping and /or feather plucking.
Possible Causes:

• Ingestions of foreign objects (i.e., toyparts, etc.). One web visitor had his eclectus x-rayed and it was diagnosed that the eclectus had ingested non-toxic toy beads. After these beads had been removed, the condition resolved itself.
• Others have observed that fortified food items, such as bird treats, fortified seed mixes and even pasta also caused it. As soon as these foods were no longer fed, the toe-tapping stopped. If your pet loves pasta, try switching it for organic corn pasta, which does not appear to cause the same problem.
• Pellets: Most pellets contain chemicals, such as artificial coloring / flavoring / preservatives, etc. Parrots may be able to tolerate these for a year or two, but once these chemicals build up in the system to a certain degree, symptoms such as feather plucking, aggression, toe tapping and wing flipping may appear. When feeding pellets to your pet, please be also aware that overly feeding citrus fruits (including oranges) to your birds can lead to "Iron Overload Disease ."

Course of Action:

• Remove any food items or liquid that had been added to your pet's diet shortly before the symptoms appeared.
• Feed only organically grown food items, limit to two or three foods daily.
  • Click here for information on organic foods -- a listing of the most and the least contaminated food items, as well as handling tips.
• Use distilled water.
• Remove any source of chemicals in your pet's environment. such as chemical cleaners or air fresheners.
• Add Aloe Detox to the diet. It is not a medication but rather a concentrate of aloe vera and herbs that helps to detoxify the system, if chemicals have caused the symptoms. One recommended brand is "Lily of the Desert Aloe Detoxifying Formula." It is available over the following websites: http://www.vitacost.com; http://www.amazon.com; Lily of The Desert Aloe Vera Products - Detoxifying Formula. It is also available at better health food stores, such as Whole Foods.
• Additional Calcium: I also would provide extra calcium in the diet for the next few days in the form of crushed, baked egg shells sprinkled over a moist food or a calcium magnesium supplement from a health food store.
• Reduce Stress: Provide ample opportunity for exercise and rest and try to reduce any stress that might affect the bird.
• Make an appointment with the vet.