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THE DIGITAL EDITION
parrot
Volume 6
Issue 11
April 2020
ISSN 1176-0761
IN THIS ISSUE:
PSNZ Northland Branch Bird Sale
Breeding Ban Ruffles Feathers
Stimulating Breeding in Parrots
Eclectus in New Zealand
Training Techniques for Parrots
Photo © Simon Degenhard Photography
Parrot Society Committee 2019 – 2020
PRESIDENT Mary-lee Sloan Ph (027) 448 7816
parrotsinternational.nz@xtra.co.nz
SECRETARY Heather Flowers Ph (09) 420 2500 Mob 021 059 1192
flowers@xtra.co.nz
VICE PRESIDENT Mark Davies acornaviaries@gmail.com
SHADOW Hayden van Hoof Ph (022) 315 0363
VICE PRESIDENT Sheeptrainer-2006@hotmail.com
TREASURER & Gavin White Ph (09) 407 6611
MEMBERSHIP STEWARD pacgold@xtra.co.nz
SERVICES Mary-lee Sloan Ph (027) 448 7816
parrotsinternational.nz@xtra.co.nz
MAGAZINE EDITOR Yvette Harris Ph (027) 480 9347 yvette_harris@icloud.com
WEBSITE Brian Flowers Ph (09) 420 2500 Mob (021) 039 4007
bflowers@xtra.co.nz
ADVERTISING Chris Patterson Ph (09) 625 6707 italianblinds@xtra.co.nz
NEWSLETTER Christine Matthews Ph (07) 868 5339 Mob (027) 442 2466
birdladynz@ihug.co.nz
GENERAL COMMITTEE: Kevin Pulman, Brian Flowers,
Uli Elmiger, Ph (07) 823 0466, Email: ulianderika@xtra.co.nz
Fred Mead, fredandjanice@xtra.co.nz
PATRON Davy Jones
LIFE MEMBERS Davy Jones, John Warne, Ferry Moormann, Jim Trevett
REGIONAL CONTACTS:
Waikato: Uli Elmiger (07) 823 0466 Email: ulianderika@xtra.co.nz
Palmerston North: Richard and Kerry Dodunski, (06) 323 8339, Email: tweeters@xtra.co.nz
NORTHLAND BRANCH
PRESIDENT: Dave Bentley (President) 027 633 3249 or 09 439 2999
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
www.parrot.co.nz
H NEWS H INFORMATION
H SERVICES H MEMBERSHIP
PARROT SOCIETY IS ON FACEBOOK!
We’d love you to become a fan! Keep up with the
latest news & gossip.
4877 FOLLOWERS AND COUNTING!
www.facebook.com/parrotsocietynz
in this issue . . .
Editor’s Squawk................................................................4
PSNZ Northland Branch Bird Sale....................6-7
Breeding Ban Ruffles Feathers........................8-10
Stimulating Breeding in Parrots
– Tony Silva...................................................................12-16
Eclectus in New Zealand
– Pauline Colpman................................................. 18-27
Training Techniques for Parrots
– Caleb Probett.......................................................28-35
Kākāpo News...........................................................36-37
Breeders Column..................................................38-39
Cover Photo:
Male Eclectus in hollow tree trunk nest
Articles & Photos Wanted.
This is your magazine, and we
appreciate any input you may have to
deadline for contributions for next issue: its contents. If you have any articles,
photos, comments, suggestions or
20 JULY 2020 feedback, please email Yvette Harris
yvette_harris@icloud.com
*There is no Volume 5 Issue 11 version of this magazine.
ADVERTISING SPACE AVAILABLE
For more information, contact
Chris Paterson, (09) 625 6707, email: italianblinds@xtra.co.nz
DISCLAIMER: While every effort has been made to ensure that all information in this magazine is accurate and up to date,
The Parrot Society of NZ cannot be held responsible for unforeseen consequences of the use or misuse of information.
The opinions expressed in letters or articles in this magazine are not necessarily those of The Parrot Society of NZ.
ELUSIVE Magazine designed by Yvette Harris, Elusive Design
Ph (027) 480 9347 • yvette@elusivedesign.co.nz
GRAPHIC DESIGN • TYPESETTING • LAYOUT • PRINT MANAGEMENT www.elusivedesign.co.nz
PARROT |April 2020 | 3
Editor’s Squawk
Hi Everyone! Well, the global situation is
changing on a daily basis due to Covid-19. This
mag almost made it to the printers but the
country went to Level 4 very quickly and had to
be put on hold. So you get the digital version
this time! (Printed version TBA).
Sadly, we were supposed to have our annual
Bird Sale in Auckland, but because of the virus
and the ban of indoor gatherings of more than
100 people, we had to cancel. Hopefully next Rainbow the Ringneck certainly
year we can carry on as normal! doesn't mind me working from home!
The Northland Branch certainly had a fantastic
turnout for their annual sale, see pages 6-7 for some great photos. Thanks to the team
who put that together. And don't forget, our conference is booked for next year - a
fantastic event to look forward to!
Our very own PSNZ President Mary-Lee Sloan was in the news recently after Auckland
City Council released information regarding a proposed ban on breeding parrots and
exotic reptiles. To say it's "ruffled feathers" is an understatement. We need to join
together and do what we can to fight this needless ban! See article page 8-10.
Thank you again for those who have contributed to our magazine. And a huge shout-out
to those essential workers, including our own Christine Matthews, who works as a nurse
in Thames. Stay safe and well everybody. Yvette Harris Editor, Parrot Magazine.
WANTED:
Ask The Committee!!!
If you have a burning parrot question, our
Dead Birds for Taxidermy
experienced parrot breeder committee are If you have any birds that are
on hand to help out! They have a passion
for birds and are willing to answer any
pining for the fjords,
questions you may have. please contact Chris who would
like to buy them.
If you would like to ask a question, please email
Mark Davies at acornaviaries@gmail.com Email: mushu_zk@hotmail.com
Towoomba Towoomba THE PARROT SOCIETY
Avicultural SocietyAvicultural Society 108b Fenlake Rd, Bedford, England
PO Box 98, Toowoomba, 4350 PO Box 98, Toowoomba, 4350
Robert Darr, Editor, Ph 07 4663 7764 Robert Darr, Editor, Ph 07 4663 7764
Allan Anderson, President
Ph 07 4632 9209
Allan Anderson, President
Ph 07 4632 9209
Providing support and conservation
projects for the world’s parrots.
For information please contact:
Loro Parque Fundacion,
A monthly magazine with interesting
38400 Puerto de la Cruz
and informative articles.
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
1 years subscription
lpf@loroparque-fundacion.org
£19 or air £26
www.loroparque.com
4 | PARROT | April 2020
PARROT SOCIETY OF NZ
CONVENTION 2021
AUCKLAND • NEW ZEALAND
Featuring NZ
& International Speakers
NOT TO BE MISSED
PARROT | April 2020 | 5
Another Successful Bird Sale for the PSNZ Northland Branch Article by David Bentley, Northland Branch President Our Bird Sale was another great success, with plenty of birds being benched and being sold the catching catch was well used. There was a face painter on site, and every time I looked over there was someone in the seat. Also, Jo Moses with her "have a photo taken with a parrot" – great idea Jo! A big thank you to our sponsor David Graham from Higgins Intune. I would also like to thank all the members who were there helping, and those who donated to the raffle. Thanks to all the companies below for suppling to our main raffle (yet to be drawn): Chook manor Topflite Natures kai Barkleys on the river. 6 | PARROT | April 2020
PARROT | April 2020 | 7
Breeding Ban
Ruffles Feathers
Article by George Block, Stuff.co.nz | Published 13 Feb, 2020
Mary-lee Sloan (pictured with her sulphur-crested cockatoos) is vowing to fight
an Auckland Council plan to ban galahs, which she breeds for export.
Parrot and reptile lovers are up in arms turtle and a species of bearded dragon
about an Auckland Council plan to ban will also be banned.
the breeding and sale of their exotic Mary-lee Sloan, president of the
friends. Parrot Society of New Zealand, runs a
Professional parrot breeders who sunk commercial breeding operation at Huapai
hundreds of thousands of dollars into in north-west Auckland. Among the birds
their aviaries say the plan would wreck she breeds are galahs, a grey and pink
their businesses. cockatoo endemic to Australia, which she
But the council says it is seizing an exports as far afield as Japan.
opportunity to prevent several non- Sloan said the ban will spell the ruin of her
native animals becoming the pest thriving business if it goes ahead.
plagues of the future. "It's basically going to close me down."
The bans, set to come into force by 2022, The plan said galahs can compete with
are part of the Auckland Regional Pest native birds for nesting spots and carry
Management Plan 2019-2029. Among disease.
the animals whose trade will become illicit
are parrots including the sulphur crested They are a major pest of grain crops in
cockatoo, eastern rosella, galah, and Australia and their impact on grain crops
monk and rainbow parakeets. is likely to worsen if their populations
increase in Auckland, it said. That
The breeding, sale and distribution of reasoning does not wash with Sloan or
reptiles including the red-eared slider other breeders.
8 | PARROT | April 2020
Those in the galah game take all possible Willem Bosman is a second- generation
measures to prevent the escape of birds, parrot breeder who employs two staff.
which can go for more than $1000 each, He breeds galahs, monk parakeets and
Sloan said. sulphur crested cockatoos at his lifestyle
"Everybody's got safety doors on their block just out of Whangarei and estimates
aviaries, they don't want to lose their birds. he has spent close to $500,000 setting
"Why have they just picked on these up the operation.
certain birds and not picked on cats that The galahs can fetch $1200 each and are
run wild?" almost exclusively exported.
Sloan has vowed not to let the ban His setup lies outside the region where
proceed without a fight and plans to take the ban would apply. But the ban will
legal action against the council. kill his operation because Air New
Down the road in Henderson, Bird Barn Zealand flights out of Whangarei transit in
pet store co-owner David Jones sells Auckland, he said. "Essentially that kills all
everything from galahs to baby bearded my business, both local and international,
dragons. for the species listed."
He is also examining his legal options. Those spoken to said they were not
sought for consultation before the ban
The ban will have a "huge" impact on his came out.
Lincoln Rd business of almost 40 years,
he said. "They're taking away freedom of "No-one we've spoken to has been
choice for a lot of people." notified of the change or given an option
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PARROT | April 2020 | 9
for applying for an exemption," Bosman "However, all Aucklanders will benefit
said. through the protection of our native
If the ban on the sale and distribution species, as well as avoid ratepayer costs
of galahs came into force he would be for having to control wild parrots in the
out $100,000 per year, he estimated. future," Bassett said.
He could be forced to cull the highly There is already a flock of galahs in
intelligent, social birds, which can live to the wild in Auckland, moving between
80 in captivity. offshore islands and the Hunua Ranges,
"I would not want to, but ... it's not easy to areas particularly important for native
come up with $100,000 per year." wildlife conservation, she said.
The planned ban has also raised "I think most New Zealanders would
the hackles of New Zealand's reptile agree that if we had the option to go
enthusiasts. back in time and stop possums and stoats
from being released into the wild, that
Reptiles including the red-eared slider
would be a good thing. We have a choice
turtle and a species of bearded dragon,
now to avoid making the same mistakes
an Australian lizard about half a metre
again with new species that pose a risk
long, are set to be banned from breeding
to our native ecosystems and threatened
and distribution in the Auckland region.
species."
Taryn Hutt leads the veterinary team
Research showed a link between the pet
at Peninsula Bay Veterinary Hospital in
trade and species escaping to become
Whangaparaoa. She has an interest in
invasive in the future, she said.
avian and exotic animal medicine.
The council has the power to issue
"These species they are wanting to ban
exemptions to the ban. Bassett said the
are pets, they are no less important to
council is open to hearing from anyone
their owners than cats and dogs are to
who thought they had a case for an
theirs," she said.
exemption, for instance if the breeding is
Both red-eared slider turtles and sulphur only for overseas export.
crested cockatoos can live 40 years,
Asked why the plan did not include more
meaning they can develop even stronger
action targeting cats, Bassett said the
bonds than those of cat- and dog-owners,
best way to reduce the impacts of stray
Hutt said.
cats is to manage them at sites of special
Among her concerns are that stray turtles importance, such as Shakespear Regional
reptiles and parrots may not be re-homed Park, because they are so abundant
due to the distribution ban, meaning they throughout Auckland.
may have to be euthanised even when
Bassett said prevention is better than the
there are people willing to provide them
cure when it came to wild parrots, lizards
a home.
and turtles. "Birds and reptiles are really
Auckland Council supplied Stuff with hard to control once established. Unlike
written statements, attributed to principal rats and possums, we don't have off-the-
biosecurity advisor Dr Imogen Bassett. shelf control tools for these new species.
The council acknowledged there would The most effective thing we can do is to
be "economic and other impacts for a prevent further breeding and trade before
small number of people". it's too late."
10 | PARROT | April 2020• Major Mitchells
• Long Billed
T ED
N
WAow andthe
Corellas
n h
h r oug ing • Sulphur Crested
t
com ons
sea
s Cockatoos
• Galahs
Hand Raised Stock
Always Wanted
Contact Mary-Lee Ph: (09) 412 2166 or
Mobile 0274 487 816
Email: parrotsinternational.nz@xtra.co.nz
PARROT | April 2020 | 11Stimulating
Breeding
in Parrots
Article and photos by
Tony Silva
Instagram @tony_silva_aviculture Scarlet Macaws sitting
before their nest.
The ground under my feet was sandy. on the scant provisions available, which
With each footstep the shoes slipped or consisted mainly of grass seeds. The
sunk. I kept an eye not only the ground pairs would begin nesting only when
below my feet but also on the local plant the Prosopis pods were mature. These
community, which in this dry area was pods, produced by a plant called in the
invariably full of thorns. vernacular algarrobo, provide the fat
As I walked I was reminded of how the Conure
perception that all parrots come from
lush tropical forests is erring. As a group
they occupy a great diversity of habitats.
Many species also survive on the edge
for much of the year.
Here in the Argentine province of San
Juan food was unquestionable scarce.
The area was extremely dry and there
was only a small creek nearby, the source
of water for the birds. Nesting had not yet
commenced. Chicks would not survive
12 | PARROT | April 2020and protein necessary for the chicks to Puerto Rican Amazons
thrive. The pods were still too immature
and because of this the parrots had not
yet started to nest.
As we continued to walk, the escarpment
appeared. It had countless holes
excavated into it, providing the nesting
sites. The parrot I had come to observe
was a subpecies which is extremely rare
in aviculture, the Andean Patagonian
Conure Cyanoliseus patagonus andinus,
one of four subspecies of the Patagonian
Conure Cyanoliseus patagonus. This
was a parrot I had long wanted to see
in the wild. The date was mid November with fatty seeds is key to stimulating
2019. nesting. Without the appearance of
this food, the birds do not nest and if
As the wary parrots flew around us, clearly
they do mortality in the young is very
startled by our presence, I once again
high. The geographic region or source
realized the importance of changing
of fat has no bearing on this scenario.
the diet in captive parrots to induce
In Puerto Rico the endemic parrot,
breeding. In nature dietary changes that
Amazona vittata, requires the fruiting
typically include the fruiting of a plant
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Or the vitamins and minerals required for normal brain function, memory
retention, keen eye sight and strong muscle development?
Your bird needs a balanced range of nutrients along with those provided
by seed, fruit and vegetables to ensure they remain healthy in both body
and mind.
Multivet is the new supplement from Vetafarm that not only makes this *Over 80% of the ingredients used in our food are grown here in NZ
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PARROT | April 2020 | 13returned to the diet. With
conures, a similar process
is used. They are kept on a
simple diet of pellets and
small seeds, which excludes
hemp, sunflower and
safflower. To stimulate them
to nest an abrupt change in
their diet occurs. They are
given considerable amounts
of vegetables and some oily
seeds. Most lay eggs within
six weeks of this change.
Aviculturists have long
erringly believed that the diet
should be constant. More and
more evidence is showing
that the diet should be
of the Sierra Palm Prostoea montana, varied and include breeding
in the Antipodes Island it is the fat from and non breeding components. These
dead penguins and other seabirds that changes reduce obesity, which is a
have gorged on fish which provide the problem in many sedentary parrots,
nourishment for the Antipodes Parakeet while stimulate nesting.
Cyanoramphus unicolor and in Argentina Dietary changes should occur
it is the maturing pods of algarrobo that concurrently with the availability of a
tell the parrots they can nest. All these suitable nest. This has two objectives.
items are fat enriched. First and foremost is to distract an overly
I have long practiced dietary manipulation stimulated male from aggressing the
to induce my parrots to nest. The female by focusing his attention on nest
macaws are maintained on pellets but preparation. This concept arises from
are offered some seeds, nuts and whole the fact that a female will be unreceptive
grain bread smeared with peanut butter if a nest is unavailable and that she may
and Mixed Oil (manufactured by Wichai reject many of his advances until one is
Danrattana, find him here on Facebook) found, prepared and defended against
to induce nesting. competing pairs.
We keep our Amazons also on a pelleted The nest should not be ready made as
or finch seed mix diet from the end of is widely believed, but should be filled
the nesting to about a month before they almost to the entrance with chunks of
start nesting. This spartan fare eliminates wood, preferably those which are of
the body fat that they acquired while medium hardness, to force the male to
feasting on fattier foods and induces start chewing and then discarding the
them to nest when fattier foods are excess nesting material.
14 | PARROT | April 2020The wild Galah is nesting and shows the typically narrow nests used by this species in the
wild. The long and narrow metal nest is the duplicate I use for my pairs.
When the female joins the male in this most easily protected from predators
task the pair bond is strengthened. and competitors. Shallow, large and
Moreover, the darkness of the nest brightly lit nests discourage nesting and
causes the gonads to engorge, bringing in my opinion often contribute to egg
about nesting. breakage. In countless cases each year
that I am contacted about I recommend
The second objective should be
a change in nest size. In about 70% of
in providing a suitable nest. Most
those cases the pairs are induced to
aviculturists offer their pairs nests that
nest or egg breakage stops.
are extremely large. Wild parrots in
almost all cases select cavities that There are more than 370 species
are small, dark and deep, as these are of parrots, so providing a nest
The wood inside the nest shows the evolution from day 1 to 7 of how a pair will work the nest.
PARROT | April 2020 | 15recommendation for all of them is an 20 cm (6 to 8 in) long projection around
insurmountable task. Because of this I the nest entrance. This funnel augments
will provide two examples so that the the nest darkness.
reader can obtain an idea of my thought
There are some exceptions to the nest
process.
size. This involves macaws, whose chicks
For Pyrrhura conures other than the tend to overheat easily. For this group I
domesticated Green cheeked Pyrrhura like a nest about 90 cm (36 in) long x 30
molinae I recommend a nest 25 cm (10 to 35 cm (12 to 14 in) wide x 35 to 40 cm
in) square and 75 to 90 cm (30 to 36 in) (14 to 16 in) high. I do believe that adding
deep. Slats should be nailed to the inside wood to the nest to force the pair to work
to create shelves that further darken at its preparation is very important in this
the nest. I recommend two internal slats group.
that extend to half the width of the nest
As the reader will understand, breeding
interior. One should be situated below
parrots is not simply putting two birds
the nest entrance and the second about
together in an aviary, feeding them a
halfway down the nest.
standard fare and offering them any nest
For Galahs or Rose breasted Cockatoos box that is available. It requires come
Eolophus roseicapillus I recommend preparation and an understanding of
a nest that is 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) their biological needs.
square x 90 cm (36 in) deep. For this
For more photos that further illustrate
species I like a funnel at the entrance.
this article please visit my Instagram
This is merely a circular or square 15 to
page @tony_silva_aviculture.
The Macaw species native to Costa Rica are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss and
poaching for the illegal pet trade. Today numbers are fewer than 400 individuals for the Great
Green Macaw, and less than 4000 for the Scarlet Macaw.
We raised over $10,000 for this cause at our 2015 conference, but they still need our
support. Donated funds will go towards rehabilitation & release aviaries, nurseries, hospital
and wildlife rehabilitation facility, and Lapa Bus education unit for local schools.
Help Endangered Scarlet and Great Green Macaws
Hatched To Fly Free is
a conservation project
located near the Corcovado
National Park, Osa
Peninsular, Costa Rica.
Founded by New Zealander
Chris Castles in 2014. The
project focuses on rescue,
rehabilitation and release
of endangered macaws and
parrots back into the wild.
www.hatched2flyfree.com
DONATE NOW http://givealittle.co.nz/donate/cause/hatchedtoflyfree
16 | PARROT | April 2020Did you know we are now
the NZ distributors of
Vetafarm products?
*Over 80% of the ingredients used in our food are grown here in NZ
** Because happy birds and pets protect our environment and stoke our hearts.Article reproduced from PSNZ Magazine
Vol 1, Issue 6 C. 1992
ECLECTUS
Eclectus roratus
in NEW ZEALAND
By Pauline Culpman
An address by Pauline Colpman to the Parrot Society of New Zealand
forms the basis of the following article.
A species which is very dear to me is the very beautiful Eclectus. I have
chosen 7 main points of Eclectus breeding:
Eclectus habitat
Characteristics = personality
Diet
Health
Breeding
Management – young
In Australia the Eclectus parrot lives high up in the trees of the monsoon
forests of the Cape York Peninsula. Further north they are widely distributed
in the New Guinea, Solomon Islands and the Indonesian Archipelago.
Their name, EE – KLEC – TUS, so often mispronounced, comes from the
word ECLECTIC which means “from various sources” referring to disparate
colours of male and female. The first thing you notice when you see a pair
of these beautiful birds is the vast contrast in colour. In other words sexual
dimorphism.
18 | PARROT | April 2020Eclectus male (L) and female (R)
Males are predominantly a shining
emerald green with the underwing
coverts and sides of the body red. The
lower mandible is black and the upper
mandible orange.
Females are predominantly blue and
maroon with both mandibles black.
Another interesting feature of the
Eclectus is their feathered cere. Many
would say the red hen is more beautiful
than the green cock but surely is it not
more a case of, is red more vibrant than
green? I believe beauty is in the eye of
the beholder.
Eclectus have a hair-like feather, a quality
they share with some other Asian Parrots.
Particularly in the female’s breast and
abdomen this feature is more noticeable
because the colours blend where the
feathers loosely overlap giving a fur-like
appearance.
They never go into a hard moult but
rather drop a few feathers about 3 times There are a few Cornelias and perhaps
a year. You probably wouldn’t notice it if some Australian MacGillivrayi in some
it were not for the feathers on the aviary collections in America and maybe
floor. Australia, but they are not offered for sale.
ECLECTUS CHARACTERISTICS The VOSMAERI is considerably larger
AND PERSONALITY than all the other sub-species. The female
Distinguishing between Eclectus sub- has a wide band of yellow on her tail and
species would not be difficult if it were yellow vent area. She is a rich lavender
not for hybrids. colour and her red seems brighter than in
other sub-species. Her colour areas lack
Even though it is sometimes confusing,
definite edges appearing as though to
it is important we recognise the subtle
be applied with an air brush.
differences in order to preserve the
purity of each sub-species importing. We The male’s green plumage has a bright,
will discuss very briefly the 4 main sub- almost fluorescent intensity and he too
species available in aviculture and use has a wide, lemon-yellow band at the end
only their common names. You can read of his tail. He also has a proportionately
the Latin names in a bird book. They are: longer tail and a brighter orange beak
than other sub-species.
The Yellow Vented or Vosmaeri
The Blue Bellied or Red Sided The RED SIDED female is most
The Solomon Island, and noticeably different from the Vosmaeri in
The Dusky or Grand that she completely lacks the yellow in
PARROT | April 2020 | 19other sub-species I have mentioned. The
green on his body has a golden, flowing
appearance and his red side patches
are longer and wider than any other sub-
species.
The GRAND is duller than most other sub-
species but still retains its own beauty.
The female’s colouration may be
distinguished by the same hard-edged
termination of colours on her lower
breast as the Red Sided, but the colour
of her breast is grey-purple. Her red
feathers, particularly her wing and back,
have a burnt or darkened quality. The tips
of her tail feathers are edged with orange
as is her vent area. The stocky form of the
Grand lacks clear yellow anywhere.
The male Grand’s tail is considerably
her plumage. The lower half of her tail is shorter that other sub-species and is only
pale red – pink orange and her abdomen narrowly tipped with pale lemon-yellow.
and lower breast, which are royal blue, His beak is narrower and his body stocky.
terminate cleanly with a hard edged
separation, from the crimson upper The differences in the sub-species is
breast, head and nape. more noticeable in the hens e.g. the
colour of their breasts and tails.
Like the McGillivrayi and Solomon
Island she has blue orbital feathers. It is
interesting to note that the hens have
these blue orbital feathers and lack any
yellow in their plumage.
The Red Sided male is a forest green and
the band on the tip of his tail is narrower
and paler than that of the Vosmaeri.
The SOLOMON ISLAND is a regional
variation of the Red Sided Eclectus. It is
smaller than all other sub-species except
the Cornelias, has a proportionately
shorter tail and neck, which probably
gives it a more compact appearance.
The female’s colouration is similar to that
of the Red Sided except the blues are
different.
The male Solomon Island is compact like
the female and he too is smaller than the
20 | PARROT | April 2020PERSONALITY considered a good balanced diet for
There are quite profound mis- Eclectus: Orange and yellow fruits and
understandings about the personality veges, especially dark green leafy veges.
of the Eclectus Parrot. They have been Don’t forget to include:
characterised as boring, dull, lethargic, Capsicums Kumara
shy and even stupid. What a casual
Tomatoes Broccoli
observer is seeing, however, is the
Eclectus’s reaction to stress. They freeze Pumpkin Paw Paw
and wait when confronted with unfamiliar Corn Mango
situations or strangers. In familiar Yams
surrounds, and with people they know, Carrots (partly steamed – release
they are garrulous, highly animated, carotene)
curious, affectionate and playful.
Particular emphasis is placed on the
DIET above as they are very high in carotene,
We have learned a lot through trial and a pre-requisite to Vitamin A for which the
error and other people’s research and Eclectus has a substantial need.
mistakes. Our birds maintain very good We also include:
health and regularly supply us fertile Sprouted legumes (beans slightly
eggs on our diet. steamed, 1 minute per cup on high
Eclectus breed almost all year, so a in the microwave, so they don’t bind
maintenance diet is not considered with calcium)
necessary. The following could be Pasta and rice
022 415 3966
PARROT | April 2020 | 21 Fish HYPERVITAMINTOSIS A OR
Cheese LACK OF VITAMIN SYNDROME
Chicken bones This is a common problem to Eclectus. It
Wholegrain bread is also common to several other species,
Nuts and cat or dog biscuits e.g. Fairy Lorikeet, Thickbilled Parrot and
Gang Gang Cockatoo.
A good variety of sprouts are supplied
daily, as sprouting greatly enhances their As mentioned before, Eclectus do have
Vitamin A content. a substantial need for Vitamin A. The
results of present research will hopefully
More important, sprouting probably provide some reasons.
enhances the absorption of Vitamin A
because the food is live at the time of Theoretically, the luscious diet we have
consumption. just been discussing, should provide
sufficient amounts of Vitamin A, but
Eclectus are also very fond of small experience tells us this is often not so.
seeds, such as Canary and Millets, Niger,
Linseed and Maw. Also flax flowers are a The probably explanation is fruit and
favourite. Ours also are fond of Piminex. veges have no Vitamin A. They have
pro-vitamin A carotenoids which are
An Eclectus diet should consist of at least stored in the liver and when needed they
50% fruit and veges. are converted in the body to functional
Eclectus show and intense interest in leaf Vitamin A. This usually occurs when they
and flower buds. reach the intestinal mucosa.
Also freely supplied are a variety of However, this conversion can be very
weeds and fresh tree branches. poor, in fact, sometimes none at all,
especially if the mucus membranes are
All aviaries are furnished with clean already compromised by disease or
food and water dishes daily, which are damage by worms or ulcer-like lesions
securely attached to the feeding station. caused by lack of Vitamin A. Lack of
Additional Calcium is supplied in the form
of cuttlefish and Calcium Sandoz.
The brand of Calcium must be selected
carefully to ensure that it contains the
correct balance of Phosphorus and
Vitamin D3 so necessary for the utilisation
of Calcium.
Additional vitamins and minerals are
supplemented even though this is
sometimes very controversial. I feel more
comfortable using a recognised brand,
sprinkled on their fruit, which I know will
be consumed rather quickly.
22 | PARROT | April 2020Vitamin A frequently precipitates the This would require the bird to receive
following conditions: the supplements almost daily to meet its
needs safely.
Sinusitis Mouth ulcers
Rhinitis Eye problems This can result in considerable over-
Bumble Foot dosing of other nutrients already
Respiratory distress adequately supplied by natural foods.
Chronic cases can cause renal To avoid this, we use injectable A.PEK
constipation and renal gout. It is also plus D3 and E at a dosage rate of 0.1ml
critical for successful reproduction and per 25gm body weight, about every 6
the absorption of medication. weeks or as necessary. This is given in
the pectoral muscle.
Finally, since Vitamin A is a fat soluble
vitamin, adequate fats and some othe Over the time we have kept Eclectus, we
nutrients are required for carotene have gradually increased their sunflower
conversion and Vitamin A absorption. allowance. Nuts is another good fat
source.
Sunflower seeds are an excellent source
of all these nutrients – the most important CALCIUM
being calcium, Vitamin E and Vitamin D3. Again, seed and fruits are deficient
in calcium although adequate in
ASSESSMENT phosphorous. Laying hens may require
To assess if a bird could be deficient as much as three times that of a non-
in Vitamin A, look at all the epithelial breeding bird.
surfaces of the bird including skin,
eyelids, nares, ears and cloaca. See if Over-treating with calcium does not
they have a dry flaky texture. Examine seem to produce any significant clinical
the beak for loss of colour and gloss. syndromes. However, problems with
Inspect the feathers for depigmentation excessive dosages of Vitamin D3 are
of normally coloured feathers – green fairly common. The symptoms are
to yellow; blue to black; red to orange. mineralisation of soft tissues, especially
Feathers may appear loose and have
lack of lustre and stress lines. Legs and
feet have dry and thickened scales.
With all this in mind, owners of Eclectus
would be well advised to use Vitamin
A supplements, such as Duphasol.
BUT CAUTION MUST STILL BE
EXERCISED!
The recommended
dosage of these
supplements will usually
provide only about 50
Vitamin A units.
PARROT | April 2020 | 23kidneys and fragile easily broken bones. immediately prior to nesting – binds with
We supplement with Calcium Sandoz calcium.
syrup – 5mls per kg of body weight – Dose rates: Panacur 2.5 – 0.2ml per 50
plus cuttlefish. gms of body weight – initially – then
…A further word of caution … Calcium and 7 days later; Ivomec (0.8 solution) –
minerals in direct contact with Vitamin A 0.25mls per 100gms body weight – then
in supplements, may be oxidised quickly 7 – 10 days later.
and render them completely useless.
Therefore, vitamins and minerals should
BREEDING
As we have previously discussed, a
be supplied separately.
balanced diet is one of the pre-requisites
WORMING for good breeding.
Eclectus are especially prone - Ascarids Breeding Eclectus requires patience and
(roundworm); Capillaria (hairworms); perseverance as they can be difficult
Regularly; 3-4 times per year; Direct to to bring into production. They are not
crop – size 14 needle. Alternate; Ivomec a pair bonding species so purchasing
(0.8 solution), Panacur (2.5 solution). a pair under 12 months old and letting
Never give Panacur in the moult – them mature together, often encourages
deformed feathers. Never give Ivomec compatibility. Often more mature birds
24 | PARROT | April 2020are inclined to sulk for quite long periods This is the normal relationship between
after being moved. males and females of this species. If
the male has not overcome his fear
The females have an instinctive
after a pair has been together for 2 or 3
characteristic to be dominant and in
years, consideration should be given to
control of the male at all times. They can
obtaining another mate.
be most aggressive and bad-tempered
and even vicious towards both their The female may lay eggs even though
mates and owners. the male cannot pluck up the courage to
feed her, let alone mate with her. If this
Many deaths of male Eclectus could be
happens, the female should be allowed
avoided, and is unfortunately, due to
to sit for the whole period, then the nest
the owners’ ignorance of the fact that
should be removed for a while because
females in this aggressive frame of mind
some hens will spend so much time
may keep the male away from the food.
inside that the male does not have a
For this reason, food should be provided
chance to court her.
at both ends of the aviary for pairs which
are newly introduced or are not entirely Females attain sexual maturity anywhere
compatible. between 15 months – 5 years old and
generally it is accepted that the males
Males usually have a much more docile
are about 6 – 12 months older when they
temperament. It is not surprising it takes
mature. Vosmaeri usually take a little
some males a long time to overcome
longer than the other sub-species.
their fear of the female.
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PARROT | April 2020 | 25Accommodation and environmental should be large enough to accommodate
factors also have a very real influence on two birds approximately 35cm each,
production. The main criteria is they must because although I previously stated our
feel happy and secure in their aviaries. birds copulated in the aviary, it is also
Don’t like noisy Cockatoos and Conures not uncommon for mating to occur in the
– Australian Toucan Farm. nestbox. Regardless of design – must
insulate, by using thick enough wood.
Eclectus are naturally very strong fliers
but are successfully bred in suspended Our nestboxes are out of direct sunlight
aviaries, quite moderately sized and afforded as much privacy as
accommodation, as well as big colonies. possible. Chewing is an integral part of
Our own aviaries are 4.5 metres long x nesting so we supply rotten wood, tree
1.5 metres wide with ¾” square welded bark, and large wood shavings which are
mesh. Each aviary is double wired and shredded by the female alone, as she
the floors are sand. We supply a natural prepares her box for egg laying. To this,
wood perch each end of the aviary, she adds some of her own feathers.
which is fixed securely, as copulation
Once she has decided the site is
often occurs outside on the perch.
adequate, the nesting/egg laying cycle
All of our aviaries have water dishes commences. She will then remain in the
big enough for bathing, but most of our nestbox most of the time arranging the
birds, especially our Eclectus, enjoy nesting materials and her plucked and
being sprayed with the garden hose moulted feathers.
daily. Nesting hens bathe until they are
All of these materials are replaced and
soaked and return to their nests soon
her box scrubbed after every nest.
after, hence humidity is never a problem.
Eclectus are continuous nesters, one
There are many good nestbox designs clutch follows another regardless of the
in books which you can read at your season.
leisure, so I will briefly refer to
During this time the female may display
these only.
considerable aggression towards the
Like other captive bred male and may be seen to rush at him
parrots, Eclectus should as though to give him a terrible bite. In
be offered a choice fact, it looks as though they are highly
of nestboxes in incompatible.
various situations.
The male usually beats a hasty retreat but
These should be
may be seen soon after tenderly feeding
approximately 30cm
her without fear. She is also usually very
square and 120cm
gentle towards him at these times.
high. When one
has been adopted, After soliciting the male’s attention
the others can be for some time, the female becomes
removed. The nest submissive and indicates her willingness
to be mated.
26 | PARROT | April 2020About 4 – 7 days later the first egg is At this time, we supplement the regular
usually laid, followed by a second egg 3 diet with extra nutritional delicacies,
– 4 days later. However, sometimes the including a soft food they devour with
interval can be up to 6 days. Clutch sizes great pleasure: wholegrain bread, grated
vary from 2 – 4 eggs depending on the cheese, boiled eggs, processed carrots
sub-species. (chopped in processor) and spirulina.
During the 28 – 30 day incubation As breeders I recommend very highly
period, which commences after the first the Eclectus Parrot as one of the most
egg, the hen can sometimes be heard gratifying and rewarding species for
crying like a chick, calling the male to anyone to include in their breeding
come and feed her. Eclectus hens have programme. Not only are these birds
very good internal timers and a couple supremely beautiful, but as you learn
of days after the expected hatching date, to understand them they can be
it nothing has happened, she will leave dependable and prolific producers.
the eggs. Our hens sit tightly and are not
As pets they are very intelligent, good
easily disturbed.
talkers and thrive on love and attention.
The males become more and more Their charming qualities assure one
attentive as incubating progresses, of a precious lifetime companion and
until at pipping time, they appear to an additional family member to any
be constantly monitoring the hatching household.
process, which can take up to 3 days
from first pipping.
Overseas Electronic Magazine
The Parrot Society UK monthly magazine is now available to residents
outside the UK in an electronic format so that you can enjoy the magazine
at the same cost as UK members of just £22.00 for a calendar year.
It has become increasingly expensive to post a paper
magazine around the world, hence this new facility.
If you would like this please e-mail me at
les.rance@theparrotsocietyuk.org sending the I.P.
address of your computer. If you are not sure of this
information then Google ‘What is my I.P. address’ and it
will show on screen.
Once I have issued your password simply log on to the
Home Page of our website www.theparrotsocietyuk.org and click on the ‘Overseas Electronic
Magazine’ link which appears on the horizontal tool bar near the top of the page. Payment of the
£22.00 annual subscription should be made to our bank account quoting your name.
The Parrot Society Banking Details
We do hope that this
Lloyds Banking Group Current Account Name: alternative, cost effective
Berkhamsted Branch The Parrot Society method of keeping in
P.O. Box 1000 Account Number: 00875232 touch with the avicultural
BX1 1LT, England Sort Code: 30-90-73 developments within the
BIC: LOYDGB21253 UK will be of benefit to you.
IBAN GB15LOYD30907300875232
PARROT | April 2020 | 27Article by Caleb Probett
iving with parrots can be techniques can help reduce stress when
quite an experience, with their approaching birds and checking eggs.
entertaining antics, and at times In some cases, you may want to check
stressful behaviors. I have found bird’s weight, and it would be very handy
myself constantly learning from my if they can put themselves on the scales.
experiences (and other people’s), from
For a pet owner, there is a lot that can
rearing and weening, diet, and their
be taught – and the mental stimulation
unique outlook of the world around
and positive association the bird gets
them.
from interacting with you can make life
I am fascinated by how complex parrots so much easier (for both of you!). Things
are when compared with other animals, like: rewarding the bird for returning to
and how different they are to care for. the cage; toilet training; stepping on to
Behavior and training is an area that has you; flight recall and even training to talk
captured my interest in particular. can be easy, once you understand the
methods behind training a parrot.
Why train your pet or aviary bird?
I have found that understanding how TARGET STICK TRAINING
to train behaviors has a lot of benefits I’d like to share some of what I’ve learnt
– not only for pet owners, but also to so far. To begin, I’ll cover target stick
some degree for breeding birds. For training – which is for me the starting
instance, using positive reinforcement point for teaching most other behaviors.
28 | PARROT | April 2020To begin, it pays to be safety conscious
and reduce as much mental stimulation
as possible when teaching a new
behavior. So windows shut, stove off, kick
the dog out (and everyone else), and turn
off the TV.
Approaching the bird
A tip I learnt early on, is your approach to
birds for best results. They will size you
up and work out how calm you are, based Stick training with baby male Eclectus
on how you approach: coming front-on Photo – Caleb Probett
(face to beak) is a confrontational pose
away. After a couple of repetitions the
- so try approaching side on, and relax.
bird will begin to understand the game.
Slouch your shoulders and half-close
your eyes and speak calmly. This will give The benefit of a clicker is it's very precise
a relaxed, comfortable appearance and at marking a point in time, rather than
help put the bird at ease, making it a lot fumbling in your pockets for a treat.
easier to work with. Because by the time you actually give the
treat, the bird won’t associate it with the
Equipment
behaviour. A clicker will make progress
The way I teach target stick training
so much faster for any of the behaviours
is using a T stand or chair back, a dog
you want to teach, but you still want to be
clicker and a kebab stick.
as quick as possible with the reward.
The goal is to teach the bird to touch
Challenging New Behaviours
its beak to the tip of the stick, and it will
From here, the target stick game can
receive a reward each time it does so.
gradually become bigger by getting the
The bird will think this is a great game to
bird to go from each side of the T stand,
play, and should pick it up fairly easily.
bench top or across seat tops to reach
Bridging Signal the stick, ‘click’ and get the reward. You
To make it easier for the bird to understand can hold the stick behind your arm or
this game, a clicker is also used as a finger so the bird has to climb onto it (your
bridging signal – i.e. a sound or other arm/finger) to reach the target, then add
stimulus that is used to mark the exact a new phrase (cue) for the new behaviour
moment a correct behaviour is displayed, “Step up!”
and promises a reward or treat as a
result (similar to saying “good dog!”). In a
exercise it would go like this: bird reaches
out and touches beak on the tip of the
stick ‘CLICK!’ then treat is given straight
The Corella learning to 'step up', has to climb on
dog clicker hand to reach the stick. Photo – Caleb Probett
PARROT | April 2020 | 29Keeping each training session short but another room while out of sight. You can
regular will help keep your new student even add a loud whistle as the recall cue,
always excited for the next session and which is especially handy recall method if
happy to interact with you. your bird manages to get outside.
One thing to keep in mind, is if the bird TOILET TRAINING OR SPEAKING
doesn’t understand your intent, then you After the bird has learnt the clicker training
need make the task easier. You always method, it gives you other options to
want the bird to succeed at every step capture and train new behaviours such
and enjoy the learning process. as toilet training or speaking.
Stepping Up and Other Tricks Toilet Training
This same method of using a target stick For toilet training a bird, there is a couple
training can be used to guide pet and of methods. You can catch the behaviour
breeding birds to step on to a scale for while its happening (with a clicker) and
weighing or other objects to climb on. It reward it and add a cue each time –‘toilet’,
can also be used to teach tricks such as then request the behaviour by cue when
‘turn around’ (get the bird to chase the the bird is in a spot you want it to go.
stick in a circle around its body, ‘CLICK!’
The other method is to watch the bird's
and reward, then add a cue each time
body language, and when you spot it
‘turn around’ or ‘circle’.) Or even guide
starting to do the shuffle, quickly move
the bird into the cage or travel crate by
it to a suitable location then click and
having to enter the area to reach the
reward the behaviour when it does go.
stick.
Speaking
FLIGHT TRAINING
If your goal is to teach speaking, you will
When teaching a bird to fly to you, this
probably find the your bird mumbles and
is much the same method as a ‘step up’
makes sound effects when you are out of
except your distance is slightly increased
the room. If you wait patiently for a sound
so the bird has to hop/ fly rather than just
step to reach that target.
Photo – Caleb Probett
Then to send the bird back
to the perch to eat its treat,
you may need to carry it
back at first, but eventually
you want it to fly back to
eat on the perch so it’s
ready for the next attempt.
Add a cue word when the
flight behaviour is learnt
“come!” or “here!”
After this is learnt you
can teach lots of different
flight skills such as flying
up/down from objects
like door tops to the floor,
or calling your bird from
30 | PARROT | April 2020or word you like, you can reinforce it with shortly after. As long as the behaviour is
a click, then rush in with a treat. At first the still right, then keep rewarding. He/she
bird might be wondering what the hell it will get it!
did to get that reward and will probably
OPERANT CONDITIONING
repeat it as soon as you leave again (just
While this technique is fairly basic, it does
so you have to rush back in with another
have a well-studied background in animal
treat!).
training and is based on proven methods
The best way to teach to understand the used to teach many other creatures such
meaning of words, will make you sound as dolphins, horses, dogs etc.
like you’re ready for the asylum. You’ll
Operant conditioning is the basis of all
need to comment on everything you are
learning; actions and consequence. It’s
doing; ‘make a coffee’, ‘do the washing’,
how we learn: hot things burn; sweet
‘lights out’, – don’t worry, your neighbours
things taste nice; falling hurts; things that
already think your nuts for getting a bird
try to kill you should be avoided; and also
anyway!
people that give you nuts and seeds are
MOVING FORWARD WITH TRAINING the best.
Now, using the stick and clicker isn’t a So, understanding the science behind
permanent training tool. Once the correct how this works and the ability to shape
action is repeated a few times and a cue wanted/unwanted behaviours will make
is successfully added and learnt, then you all training aspects and problem solving
can discard the stick – and then clicker so much easier and quicker.
First Choice Softfood
A high grade supplementary food to be
used in conjunction with a standard seed
diet for cage and aviary birds.
It is a valuable, highly palatable source of
energy, proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Use all year round for general good
health, in preparation for the breeding
season and for the rearing of strong
healthy chicks. Contains blue maw
seed which in addition to its nutritive
advantages it has a beneficial settling
effect on birds that are incubating or
feeding chicks.
Available from leading
pet shops.
www.brooklands.co.nz
PARROT | April 2020 | 31Starting with the ABCs The main type of consequence we aim to
Antecedent, Behaviour, Consequence. work with is positive reinforcement, as
Antecedent is the anticipated event it maintains the best interaction between
before a behaviour occurs, a hand signal, you and your bird.
vocal cue, whistle, head nod etc. To break it down and make it easier to
The behaviour is then displayed. understand:
Then the consequence... was the • Positive means to ADD something
behaviour correct? Yes, (clicker) and • Negative is to REMOVE something.
reward, No? try again, make it simpler to Reinforcement is to encourage a
achieve the goal. Don’t reward incorrect wanted behaviour and punishment is to
behaviours otherwise this will just discourage an unwanted behaviour.
confuse the bird.
So, here’s some examples of how you
The way birds learn, just like most can use operant conditioning;
organisms, is based on cause and effect.
In the way that they try to find some Positive Reinforcement
meaning of their surroundings, and what Same as what we just covered in the
they like/dislike. For instance, If you find a ABC’s, a correct (wanted) behaviour is
$50 note in the pocket of some clothes displayed such as a ‘step up’ or ‘come’
in the wash, you are much more likely to command and is rewarded by adding a
check all the pockets as you go. If you treat for the wanted behaviour.
find money a few times, it will start to Positive = adding (treat), reinforcement
become a repeated behaviour. You got = wanted behaviour (correctly followed
rewarded, it felt good, so you did it again. instruction, step up)
Hawks will do the same. If a hawk finds Negative Reinforcement
a meal under a tree, you're highly likely This could be described in a situation
to see that same hawk checking out where a new bird is not comfortable in
that same tree later, just in case there’s your presence. By removing yourself
another rabbit hiding there... and your from the room or area, the bird calms and
parrot is no different. If it does a behaviour is rewarded for tolerating you in small
and gets something good as a reward, doses without reacting by you leaving
it’s going to be more likely to repeat the the area (usually with a head or tail shake
behaviour. when you leave).
THE FOUR MAIN CONSEQUENCES Negative = remove something (yourself),
So, the main consequences for any reinforcement = wanted behaviour (calm
displayed behaviour can be broken bird)
down into four main groups: In this particular situation, you could use
• Positive reinforcement your brief appearance while getting a
little closer to the cage each time until
• Negative reinforcement
you're right next to the cage without the
• Positive punishment, and bird reacting. Then you can start working
• Negative punishment (punishment on positively reinforcing the bird for your
isn’t as bad as it sounds). presence with sunflower seed etc. and
start building a working relationship
32 | PARROT | April 2020Positive Punishment
I personally use this to protect
my kitchen cabinets from
being landed on and chewed
into tooth picks. I put a rubber
snake on top of the cabinet.
This could be substituted
for anything the bird really
dislikes, a creepy doll,
deflated balloon.
Positive = add something
(snake) punishment =
unwanted behaviour
(chewing cabinets)
Negative Punishment
This method is hard to do without you INTERMITTENT REWARDING
looking like the bad guy, and possibly Next I’ll cover intermittent rewarding. This
affecting your relationship with the bird is when the bird is consistently doing the
to a degree. right behaviours, and you reduce the
It could be used in a situation like when rewards – maybe do a reward for two,
a bird is getting aggressive when a food then miss one.
bowl is placed in the cage. If the food is The reason for this, is you want it
removed, a wanted item is taken because to become a standard or expected
of an unwanted behaviour. behaviour each time – so that if they are
Negative = remove something (food) requested to step up or recalled and
punishment = unwanted behaviour don’t get a treat, the behaviour doesn’t
(aggression) fade from not being rewarded.
Knowing and understanding these four There are a few other ways behaviours
consequences will help in solving those can be developed such as the Jackpot,
problems you're yet to come across, extinction burst and behaviour chain.
and figure a way to correct it. With The Jackpot Method
parrots having the kind of nature they The Jackpot method is taken from our
are hatched with, no-one seems to get gambling community. It’s also used in
away without some kind misadventure falconry as an ultimate lure to recall a
happening sooner or later. That cheeky stubborn bird from tree sitting.
side of them is always something I have
The theory is, a random big reward will
found fascinating, and to be honest,
keep the subject focused on the task at
wouldn’t want it any other way!
hand, unsure of when the jackpot will
Please keep in mind that this is the be presented – but eagerly awaiting its
basics. Parrot behaviours can be very potential arrival.
complex, and there are already books
If the standard reward is always given
and courses, and in-home help available
for the same behaviour, it’s not nearly as
on this subject that are much more in-
appealing as a random bonus – unsure
depth than what I am covering here.
PARROT | April 2020 | 33You can also read
