Choosing a Vosmaeri Eclectus

Eclectus are unique among parrots in their strikingly dimorphic plumage color. The females are a deep scarlet to bright red with black beaks. The males are brilliant green with yellow-orange upper beaks. Early ornithologists even considered them different species due to the striking dimorphism. Their feathers have a soft, almost fur like appearance. They are large stocky parrots with short square tails.

Vosmaeri eclectus (Eclectus roratus vosmaeri) are found on the North Moluccas Islands in Indonesia. They are probably the most distinctive type of the eclectus, and are usually the largest. The life span of the Vosmaeri eclectus is probably up to about 40 years.

Appearance and Personality

The male is a brilliant forest green, but more yellowish than other sub-species, with an orange beak. He has brilliant red patches on the sides and under wing coverts, blue bend to the wing and dark blue flight feathers. Vosmaeri males tend to have a more yellow on the tip of the tail than other subspecies.

Female eclectus parrots are various combinations of brillant reds, blues and purples, depending on the subspecies. The female has a broad bright yellow band at the tip of the tail. Her breast is lavender-purple, which blends gradually with the red of her upper breast rather than having a distinct line of demarcation as in the red-sided. The under tail coverts are bright yellow. The beak of the female is black.

Eclectus tend to be independent and do not form strong bonds as do other parrots. Although they are not as noisy as other parrots, eclectus can and do talk. Males tend to be the gentler sex, but this is controversial. For this reason, many people feel that males are more appropriate for families with smaller children.

Eclectus will often appear stoic but are interested in activities around them. They should always be provided with toys, especially wooden blocks or other toys that can be chewed, and branches from non-toxic trees. In order to ensure safety companion eclectus should not be allowed unsupervised freedom in the home as they often encounter toxins or dangerous items. Young eclectus should be socialized to many people and exposed to a variety of situations such as new cages, toys, visits to the veterinarian, handling by friends, wing and nail clips, etc to avoid fear of novel situations.

Feeding

Eclectus do well when provided with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Their diet should be comprised of 75 to 80 percent fruits and vegetables and 20 to 25 percent pellets. Treats may be given in small amounts especially as rewards for good behavior. Fresh clean water must be provided every day. Vitamin supplements are not needed for birds that are eating a formulated and nutritionally rich diet.

Grooming

Routine bathing or showering is vital to maintaining good plumage and skin condition. The fine feathering of the eclectus is especially beautiful when they receive routine baths. Ideally birds should be taken outdoors on a warm day and lightly sprinkled and allowed to dry in the sun. Indoor birds can be misted or bathed in the shower and allowed to dry in a warm room or dried with a blow drier.

Care should be taken not to clip the wing feathers excessively. Clip only enough so the bird will glide to the floor.

Housing

Eclectus should be provided with as large a cage as possible, at least large enough to allow them to fully extend their wings. Appropriate toys should be provided.

Breeding

Breeding season and clutch size – Eclectus parrots are prolific breeders and many pairs will breed year round. The prominent breeding season is the spring. Females may be aggressive toward males. There are reports of eclectus breeding successfully until age 28.

Some eclectus breed in nest boxes and some breed on perches. Provide a Z-box, rectangular or vertical nest box approximately 18 inches by 18 inches by 24 inches. Females may stay in the box most of the time. Pine shavings make excellent nest material. Breeding cage should be as large as practical but at least 3 feet by 3 feet by 6 feet.

Eclectus are easy to hand rear and will do well on hand rearing formulas. The sexes can be distinguished at a very early age and the down tends to be black in female chicks and grey in males. At about 4 to 5 weeks, the head will take on a green or red cast as feathers emerge and tails feathers will begin to emerge verifying sex. Eclectus chicks must be handled very gently to avoid fearful or aggressive behavior.

Common Diseases and Disorders

The Vosmaeri eclectus is a relatively healthy bird and illness is uncommon. The following diseases have been reported in this bird.