Electus Parrot
Characteristics
Length: 35 cm (about 14 inches). As both sexes are totally different in color, it was thought for a long time that they were two species. Dr. A.B. Meijer, of the National Museum of Natural History (Munich, Germany), discovered in 1874 that the male is predominantly green and the female red. The male’s upper mandible is coral with a yellow tip, the lower mandible is dark to black; iris orange, legs gray. The beak of the female is black, the iris yellowish-white. Imported birds must be housed in a warm (22C) indoor aviary (only one pair per aviary), and they must be given the opportunity to drink fresh water whenever they like. Females are often quite delicate more so than males. According to surveys there are fewer females than males in the wild.
Social Behavior
Prefers to be kept in pairs or colonies.
Diet
All parakeets and parrots need a large variety of fresh, healthy foods, whether on a pellet or a seed diet. Beneficial foods include dark green, leafy vegetables like kale, broccoli, dandelions, and chard, as well as carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. Healthy table foods like cooked eggs, corn, beans, pasta, and rice can also be offered. Remove perishable foods after a few hours and at bedtime. Grit, gravel, and oyster shells should never be given. A seed-only diet will result in malnutrition. Eventually, a parakeet or parrot should become acclimated to a diet containing specially formulated pellets. An AVIAN vet can help with more information.
Cleaning
Tray liners should be replaced every day and the cage bottom, fittings and dishes regularly washed with hot water and soap. Once a month, disinfect the cage with diluted bleach and rinse thoroughly. Line the tray with black and white newspaper or paper towels. It is unsafe to use pine/cedar shavings, corn cob or walnut bedding.
Fertility -Health
All parakeets and parrots should be examined by a qualified AVIAN vet at least once a year or ASAP if any bleeding, injuries, or other signs are noted. It can be hard to tell when a bird is ill, and by the time you notice a problem, the sickness is usually well-advanced. Delaying a visit with an AVIAN vet or using over-the-counter or human medicines may be fatal.
Warnings
All parrakeets and parrots have very sensitive respiratory systems and should not be exposed to cigarette smoke, aerosols, harsh cleaning products, or other toxic fumes.
