health

Continual discharge of the nostrils, dirty feathers above the nostrils can be an indication of a sinus or other health problems. Many birds can also get dirty nostrils from nutritional deficiency or stress. Viral bacteria or fungus infections can also be related to sinus infection. Eclectus Parrots do appear to sneeze more than other parrots and they can have a small discharge when sneezing. The sneezing is due to showers/baths and water accessing the nostrils, dust or anything else air born causing them to sneeze. Much luck us humans, they sneeze if their nostrils are irritated and when they do sneeze, don't have your face in theirs or you will wear it! A sneeze and slight discharge from the sneeze shouldn't be something to panic about. It should only be seen by an avian vet if it
is continual and the discharge is continual and/or not clear.

It used to be a rare condition in Australia, but today it is becoming a very common occurrence in the Eclectus. Eclectus chicks in particular can have this problem and it has been said to be related to genetic predisposition, inadequate humidity and nutrition excess or deficiency. Surgical treatment is usually needed to prevent the toe becoming necrotic. With some Eclectus chicks the constricted part of the toe has already been dropped and toe healed before the chick is pulled from the nest.

If your Eclectus shows signs of illness it is important to take him to see an avian vet straight away so they can determine the exact disease, illness and cause. Taking things into your own hands and guessing what the problem might be may cause your bird more harm than good, unless you know exactly what you're doing.

Dull or pale yellowing to whitening of parts of the beaks, all of the beaks or the tips of the beaks in Eclectus parrots can indicate anaemia, fatty acid or mineral or vitamin deficiency or a possible liver problem. A beak in this condition should be seen by an avian vet as soon as possible.

Over grown beaks can be a very common problem in the Australian captive Eclectus. Too much seed in their diet has been noted by avian vets to cause their beaks to over grow. Some Australian captive Eclectus parrots have also been noted to have slightly longer beaks than others but appear to be very healthy. The beak also does not grow excessively and stays at that certain length. Eclectus parrots with excessively long beaks and a rough surface can indicate an ongoing health issue and should be seen by an avian vet to rule out any health issues. Over grown beaks can be a sign of liver problems and can also cause health issues if it isn't addressed.

Eclectus droppings can vary because of the wide variety of foods they eat. A healthy Eclectus droppings can appear as a worn surrounded by clear watery urine. The high water content on the foods they eat the higher the water content in their droppings.

Eating droppings can be a sign of mineral deficiency or other health issues.

Hens eating their eggs may be a sign of mineral or protein deficiency. However, hens are also know to eat unhatched eggs after the hatch day is over due, just to get rid of them.

Soft shell eggs are a sign of calcium deficiency or from not receiving enough vitamin D3 to absorb calcium into their bodies properly.

Unfortunately heavy metal poisoning is very common in captive parrots. And no matter how safe we are, some are still able to get heavy metal poisoning from swallowing or chewing something they shouldn't be. We can even be completely aware this is happening or aware of where all these metals actually are around our home.

Zinc poisoning can cause depression, decreased appetite, dark green droppings & sometimes vomiting.
Lead poisoning causes vomiting and blood in the droppings and is the most common form of heavy metal poisoning.

Copper poisoning causes depression and vomiting.

Stainless steel and gold are the only known metals to be safe around birds. A common question is, is gold and silver jewellery safe? Gold is, silver is a little unclear. Some believe it to be safe while others don't. Silver is made up with different metals, including copper and other unsafe metals. Even the top quality jeweller silver is made of these materials. The main concern for birds chewing jewellery is snapping or breaking bits off and swallowing them. This is when the real health problems could happen. Even tough you may say your parrot has never done this, believe me, if your bird really wanted to it would be more than capable and it is something you need to think about before letting your bird chew or nibble your jewellery.

Metal poisoning can be treated if it's detected fast enough or if the bird has only ingest an absolute minute amount, but all metal poisoning requires immediate veterinary care.

More information on lead poisoning here

Health Issues

Nostrils / Nares

Constricted Toe Syndrome

Beaks

Droppings

Eggs

Heavy Metal Poisoning