Feeding Eclectus Parrots

In captivity, it's important to realise that a high fruit diet is not necessarily appropriate for Eclectus. They spend up to 70-80% of their time in the wild foraging and travelling for food - which would allow them to burn all those calories without much effort. A complete seed diet is not appropriate either, as it is high in fat, but low in lots of important vitamins and minerals. 

An appropriate diet for an Eclectus should include up to 30-50% high quality formulated (pelleted) food, and the remainder consisting of fruit and vegetables. Seasonal fruits and vegetables can be offered fresh and include bananas, passionfruit, melons, kiwis and to a lesser extent pears, apples and oranges. Frozen fruit can also be used to add texture and variety when out of season. Vegetables that can be fed include legumes (chickpeas, lentils and soybeans), carrots, and sweet potatoes and dark leafy greens such as asian greens, spinach and carrot top. They should get more vegetables than fruit. Avocado, onion, garlic, and ginger are toxic to birds. Fresh food can be cut up into “chop,” which can then be refrigerated for up to a week, or can be fed as whole pieces of fruit and vegetables.

Seed should make up less than 10% of the diet, or not be included at all. Sprouted seed has far more nutritional value, if seed is to be offered in the diet. Sprouting seed can is a straightforward process, but take care to remove seed contaminated with bacteria or mould. 

Nuts such as walnuts, macadamias, and peanuts as well as dried fruits are treat foods, and should only be given in small amounts. They can be used as training treats and up to once to twice a week.