Hallo Everyone,

I introduced myself on the forum for new members.

I just got a 6 month old handraised Eclectus. Decided to name her Lila. Which is German for purple.

Some people helped me already in getting all the relevant information regarding these awesome birds.

We need to build her a play gym outside as we have a very nice safe corner outside our house where nothing can get to her. I was wondering if any one will be willing so share some of their photo's regarding this just to give me some ideas as to the kind of toys I should be using. I am going to the city on Monday and want to buy everything that is needed as most of the stuff is not available in our town. Someone suggested hanging big metal chains from the top to the bottom. Can I do this together with some ropes and all the other toys.

Another thing I wanted to know is. Lila doesn't want to go to my husband at all. Can we still learn her to go to him so that she doesn't get just used to me alone? She doesn't bite me at all but now matter what my husband tries she has bitten him twice so that you can see the marks on his finger. My husband isn't a parrot type of person but I must say he has been a very good sport with Lila I never thought he would give her any attention but alas he talks to her early each morning as he gets up first and he takes of the covering from her cage. But she ignores him until she hears my voice then she calls/scream in answer to me saying goodmorning.

Hope someone will help me with the photo's as it is always easier for me if I see pictures of something just to give me somekind of an idea what is do be don.

Thanks every one.

Doret
Otjiwarongo
Namibia

I have simply learned to realize that, parrots bite! Its not really a bite unless they draw blood. Leaving a mark is more of a grab. I have a Rosebreasted cockatoo that one minute is snuggling then the next minute is drawing blood. My male eclectus is a big green mushy love bug! The Eclectus parrot is a good bird with the female being know to be a little more moody than the male. I would have him keep trying. Otherwise Lila will become dominant over him, or "the bigger bird". Maybe he could start to offer her a special treat the she loves, and only he can give it. I think she will come around though!

I am not sure what toys you will be able to find. I cut wood blocks from 38x38mm raw pine and drill holes to hang on a rope. A rope can be cotton but you have to watch for frays and cut off, or sisal that does not smell like petrol/ parafine. I use 16mm rope but possibly 20mm is better for an ekkie. You can buy cat and dog toys made of hard thick plastic. It has to be plastic that wont shatter and make shards to hurt the bird if it does manage to break it. The bird toys you will see are probably for budgies, Lila will break it. You should be able to find a string of wood blocks and mielies. Be careful of the size bell you get, the round bells are too small for the ekkie, it gets stuck on the end of the beak, the toy must be strong enough so she cant get the bell. If you get a cowbell type make sure the clapper is tight enough or out of reach as she will remove the clapper and maybe eat it. I got my good plastic bird toys from online. The local pet shops in South Africa have a lot for budgies and cockateils but not a lot that can stand up to bigger beaks. I am not sure what Windhoek has. I made most of my toys out of kiddie toys and cut up wood, and plus it gets expensive for me with multiple birds. Try and find stainless steel items such as the quick link hooks as most of the stuff is zinc or nickle plated which is bad for birds. Have a look at the link so you can make or buy local.

Birds : Summer Red Tag Sale : Toys

Other toys on this site, also check out the link about safe toys.
Safe, Appropriate Toys


A friend brought it for me in luggage as postage ends up to expensive with the exchange rate. You can also buy baby toys that are labeled as non toxic. I am wary of buying anything made in China as those don't seem to have non toxic labels. Kiddie blocks also work great. Plastic keys and link together chains for baby are also good big bird toys.