Comments on: Is Your Parrot in Hormonal Overdrive? – Part 2

By: Melanie

Melanie — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:42:25 +0000

From Josee:
Absolutely Laurella, I would definitely think they can be hormonally stimulated like all the other species. Perhaps this is also a contributor to the numerous cases of feather damaging behaviors seen with this species. Would be interesting to hear from other eclectus caretakers as to the hormonal overdrive they have experienced with companions.
Josee HARI Tech

By: Melanie

Melanie — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:56:00 +0000

HI Laurella! Thanks for your comment! I can’t imagine anyone having as much experience with Eclectus as you! The only hormonal, if one could call it hormal, behavior we’ve seen with Eclectus is their defensive nature around their cage. They are often territorial and this would be especially true for Eclectus that are bound to one cage. Eclectus in companion or pet environments would do well to have a day cage, and/or play gym. Or even the opportunity to “see the town” on a regular basis as in the case of “Mr. Hooks”. What do you think?

By: Laurella Desborough

Laurella Desborough — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:06:53 +0000

Hi Melanie, While some parrot species, like amazons and conures, seem to become very clearly hormonal during the spring time, I wonder if the same holds true for eclectus parrots, since they do not appear to be seasonal breeders, except in the wild. However, stroking the eclectus parrots certainly does seem to have the effect of turning on the hormones of an eclectus parrot.

By: Melanie

Melanie — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:59:35 +0000

HI! Thank you so much for sharing your insightful experience with “Mr. Hooks”. We would love to see a photo of Mr. Hooks and his traveling back pack!

By: Sheila Byers

Sheila Byers — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:51:47 +0000

Please share with your other readers

By: Sheila Byers

Sheila Byers — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:49:33 +0000

I have the opportunity of being a part of and caring of my daughters Eclectus, by the name of Mr. Hooks.
My daughter purchased a specialized bird back pack when Hooks was only a few months old. Since that time my husband and I take him everywhere, including out to meals with us. His special place of dining is Sizzler; He loves the salad bar.
Mr. Hooks is as social a bird as one can imagine. Where ever he goes he draws a crowd and loves to interact with all. He especially loves to have his picture taken and will talk and interact perfectly to his surroundings. Leading me to believe he knows exactly the response he will get. He actually has a following from Macy’s and receives emails, etc. As you can imagine we adore this little green feathered guy. If you do not have one of these backpacks please suggest to others how wonderful an item it is and how much Mr. Hooks has learned and enjoyed the outings with us. It is safe traveling and a seat belt can be employed while riding in the car. I believe because of his travels and interaction with us he is a happier bird and much more like a family member. In the car he sings songs, interacts with us and actually plays games such as tickle tickle and peek a boo.
The backpack can be purchased on line and at Rhodies.