Ekkies are very misunderstood, the way they process nutrients is also different.
In captivity, eclectus parrots are commonly fed according to granivory standards, which explains their high incidence of diet-induced digestive and behavioral problems.
Eclectus unique anatomy and attributes:
* A wide thoratic esophagus
* Elastic proventriculus
* Regulated crop emptying times (regulated eating times)
* Rapid movement through the gizzard and small intestine
Eclectus digestion is a key function that has previously been put under the category ‘long digestive tract’. When really statements like these have lead to further issues with eclectus diets, in turn causing health issues (low weight, feather discoloration, allergies, tattered feathers and self mutilation) over supplementation and poor nutrition which leads to behavioral (screaming, biting, wing flipping, feather plucking, and ‘freeze’ factors).The generally accepted solution: A diet that consists of large quantity of readily available vegetables, some fruit, natural color pellets and high quality seed mix. Breeders and even veterinarians adopted this new diet plan without question, leading to even more confusion and issues with the eclectus species.
Both Rob Marshall and I agree- most self mutilation begins with eclectus diet.
ECLECTUS REQUIRE:
High moisture content
High Glucose and Fructose
Low Lipids
Low Fat
Low- Moderate Protein
Low- Moderate Fiber
Scheduled Eating Times
If ANY of these structures is not met- they will in fact regurgitate, feather pluck, and generally have a stomach ache their entire lives.
Here is the breakdown:
Fruits comprise 65%
Vegetable matter comprise (STEAM as these contain too much undigestible fiber) 22%
Nuts and seeds 10%
Other (nectar, pollens, other) 3%
Instead, provide this diet for the next 14 days:
Elegant Eclectus Functional Diet
1 Cup Mixed: Plums, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Papaya, Mango, Pomegranate
1 Cup Mixed: Butternut Squash, Carrots, Kale, Zucchini, Baby Bok Choy
1/8 Cup 'Salad': Fresh flowers or Microgreens, 1/2 tablespoon Sprouted Seed/Bean Mix
Protein: 6.0%, Fiber: 7.0%, Fat: 2.5%, Moisture: 80%
Total Calories: 127.
Devided and fed twice a day.