Spartacus - Double Yellow headed Amazon in the shower.

Photographed by
Deanne Sandland

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CONTENTS
5 46
Best Places To
Blue Fronted
Visit For
Amazon Parrot
Parrot Lovers:
Parrots In Paradise

11 58
FEATURE PARROT: Jessie's story –
Eclectus Parrot Our House Eclectus

32 60
Red vented Parrot Lovers
Bluebonnets Parrot Have Their Say

36 Classified Ads Next Issue

Parrot Training Classified Ads

Success Story:
Iris The Rainbow Goddess

© 2014
No part of this publication may be reproduced or
reprinted in any form without the prior
38 written permission of the Publisher - Wildlife Rescue
Magazine. Copyright Act 1968.
Show Us Views and opinions expressed in this magazine
Your Aviaries: represent the views of the authors and not necessarily
Kirralee Nardi – Budgerigars that of the Publisher. Authors, advertisers and/or
advertising agencies, indemnify
against all liability claims or proceedings against
contents of the magazine.
 Blue-Fronted
Amazon Parrot
Amazona Aestiva
Photographed by Dan Olson
Blue-fronted Amazon parrots
are among the best-talking birds
kept as pets. ... Known as comedians
and feathered show-offs, they are an
entertaining bird. They really enjoy
spending time with their human
flock, which is why they make
excellent pets.
With a lengthy lifespan of 50 -
80 years, they are prized as
companion pets for singles, as well
as families, as these lovely avians can
offer a lifelong friendship. All of the
Amazon parrots are popular
companions and pet birds. They are
fun and playful talkers.

Photographed by Robb Alsao

Blue fronted Amazon BOO

How big is a blue fronted Amazon parrot?

Approximately: 33 – 38 cm
Hand-raised blue fronted Amazon

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 5

We asked for tips from owners of Amazon Parrots and here they are:
Thomas Bangash (Connecticut USA) explains:
A small distinction of the Blue Fronted Amazon is that it's the most vibrant Amazon out there
in terms of color. Amazon Parrots are (as a Species) predominantly GREEN, with some additional
patches of different colors (most commonly Yellow). The Blue Fronted Amazon has (on top of the
green) RED, YELLOW, BLUE, ORANGE and black (sometimes in several Different shades).
Another overlooked factor when it comes to the Blue Fronted Amazon in particular is their
Life Expectancy. We are all aware that an Amazon (as a whole) has a life expectancy (in captivity) of
about 55 (+|- 5-15yrs), provided PROPER CARE. Now when talking of the Blue Fronted Amazons, all
same conditions met, can live a whole lot longer than that. Although not an everyday occurrence,
there are examples of BFAs living into 3 digits (the oldest on record, from what I had been able to
find ,via Reading, was 118/119 years.)

Another thing, Photographed by Linda Gordon

they are the ALPHA in
the crowd, or so they
think. Now this is my
personal observation
from my own flock.
The Blue Fronted
Amazon ALWAYS HAS
to be on top of the rest
.... like .... HIGHEST
UP. And trust me, he is
NOT a Dominating
fellow, he's the biggest
flirt you've ever seen
( World Peace
Ambassador, I guess)
.... but put them all on
one level and blink an
eye, and He is
(normally ) a few Feet
HIGHER up.

Tabby Murphy says:

Don't let people
swear too much in
front of them. When
they sit there
m u t t e r i n g t o
themselves, it's only
then that you realise
they are like Siri and
hear EVERYTHING.
Also never
underestimate them
k n ow i n g w h e n i t ' s
pizza night lol Meaka, a blue fronted Amazon

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 6

Photographed by Linda Gordon Dan Olson owner of Boo and Birdie both
Blue Fronted Amazons, says: Be prepared for the
long haul. Amazon's can live up to 80 years. They
are messy loud and will bite at anytime. They can
be expensive and they need an Avian vet check up
every 6 months. I recommend pet insurance.
Provide a large cage and plenty of wooden chew
toys to destroy. All Amazon's have different
personalities if possible spend time with him/her
see if you can form a bond. I was very lucky with
Boo we bonded immediately. Being bitten can
and will happen. You have to read your bird.
Watch their eyes they tell alot about the mood
Meaka loves the shower 7 months old there in.
On a positive note, I think owning an
Linda Gordon owner of Meaka a 7
Amazon is one of the most rewarding things.
month old Blue fronted Amazon says:
Once you have bonded with them it is very
“Meaka loves the shower.”
rewarding coming home and seeing how excited
Meaka is my first Amazon. I had to
they are seeing you. I feel owning a parrot is more
learn quick to watch her body language, to
like adopting a child who will forever have love for
avoid a bite. Very unpredictable, though a
you. Sometimes I feel I'm not worthy of their
great talker and a smoocher when it suits her.
ownership.
She has chosen me as her person and strongly
In the photo of the Pair – they are sharing a frozen
dislikes every other person she has met.
fruit bar they both enjoy on a hot day. Sugar free.

Photographed by Dan Olson

Pair Blue Fronted Amazons. Boo and Birdie.

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 7

Photographed by Linda Gordon

Meaka - a blue fronted Amazon enjoying a shower

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 8

Photographed by Photographed by Photographed by Jeff stephens
Wendy Gibson-Stirewalt Wendy Gibson-Stirewalt

Pickles and Wendy. Scooter a 15 yr old blue fronted Amazon

Pickles on shoulder of Blayze Blue fronted Amazon. and Jeff Stephens

Wendy Gibson-Stirewalt owner of cooked chicken drumstick bones without

Pickles says: He’s a 6 year old rescue. I’ve had meat or skin. Sunflower seeds are good but
him two years. He’s absolutely spoiled now. not lots because the oils are fattening. Be
He loves spaghetti, mashed potatoes and careful not to give them salted foods, though
strawberries. he loves corn chips and crackers, you must
What people don’t know is these birds are a lot limit these. I take him in the shower with me
of work. I wish people would do research and he loves to spread his wings and toss his
before they get one. They are like having head back and bathe as I hold him and the
toddlers. Lol. They need special diets and a lot water sprays off of my body gently to him! He
of attention. They need fruits and vegetables. loves voice and whistling games that he made
A Good brand of pellets and some seeds. up, like when he does a whistle, I follow with
Pickles loves people food. Like pasta, the same sound and he giggles! He has
bananas, strawberries, green peppers.” regurgitated his food as an offering for a girl
Jeff Stephens owner of a 15 year old friend of mine that he fell in love with.
Blue fronted Amazon named Scooter I have an inside and an outside cage for
explains: him. He travels well in a kitty or doggie plastic
We took her in a few months ago because her carrier but he did chew a hole in the side
previous owner was moving and could not venting. Best pet ever! Even love to hang with
keep her. She has only warmed up to me so far us on the couch, with the dogs and kitty when
as far as contact, but she will only talk to my we watch TV, all in peaceful harmony. He does
wife. She can wolf whistle. She says "what" like to screetch at sundown, I figure he warns
"ooh" "hello" "hi" "hey Scooter" and has the other birds in the world to take cover
recently started copying my wife's laugh. before the sun sets. loves attention and to be
One Blue Fronted Amazon owner called handsome. I speak a little Spanish and
says: taught him, so he is bilingual. He does carry
I have had Sweet Pea for 32 years, more than on conversations and knows the other pets by
half my life, he loves almonds with or without their names. Tells me “bye bye” every day
the shell, cracked walnuts, roasted peanuts in when I leave for work and kisses me. I kiss him
the shell, large mango pit with juicy flesh on on the beak. He loves his head and neck gently
i t , s l i c e d a p p l e, c r u n c h y f r u i t y m i x , and lightly stroked and scratched, especially
appropriate seed stick treats, french and when his pin feathers are starting to come in
sourdough bread crust, pizza crust, cooked and they irritate him. Sweet Pea is my little
corn cobbs, edemame soy beans, sugar snap green man!
peas, some times mashed potatoes and

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 9

 Molly – Blue Fronted Amazon, 20 year Keely Lee owner of Archie(watch him in a
old darling. Belonging to Nicole Fields video on our website :
(Phoenix, Arizona) says: https://www.australianparrotmagazine.com.a
Hi my name is Molly. My mom rescued me. I u/blue-fronted-amazons.html) explains about
bit her a few times so she knew I was in his harness:
charge. Im not a big screamer I just like to talk She says, “We just introduced him to it
nonsense and meow. My mom is my best slowly, he doesn't really like it but once we go
friend. I was cautious at first when I met her outside he forgets about it - we take him camping,
but she has saved me. I am a picky eater when cafes, to the local footy, out for walks... just about
it comes to fruits and veggies but one day I any outdoor activity”.
may give in and try something new. If you
plan on saving another bird like me, please
give us patience and time because you don't
know where we came from or how we were
treated.
Another Amazon Lover says:
Amazons can also become bored when being
stuck with the same food day after day, so it's
crucial to vary their diet regularly. In the wild
Photographed by Nicole Fields
they spend 70% of their day foraging for food
– in a cage they spend 5%. So foraging toys are
highly recommended.

Photographed by Keely Lee

Archie in his harness. Blue fronted male. 6 yrs old.

Molly with her tail all fanned out

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 10

 FEATURE PARROT:
ECLECTUS PARROT
When first discovered back in the 1700s,
these beautiful and extremely colourful parrots
were thought to be two separate species. They
are sexually dimorphic, meaning male and
females are differently coloured.
The male Eclectus parrot tends to be
slightly larger than the female and is a deep
forest green; they have red underwings that gave
them the commonly used name of red-sided
parrot, which is still in use today. Females are
brighter in colour, being red with a cobalt blue
breast. The male Eclectus was discovered first,
but it was a staggering one hundred years later
before the female was discovered.
There are nine recognised subspecies
called Eclectus roratus. They are found
throughout the Indonesian archipelago,
including the islands of Halmahera, Tanimbar,
Sumba, Aru and Biak as well as Obi, Seram,
Buru, Ambon and Papua New Guinea. They are
also found throughout the Solomon Islands and
The Iron Range of Australia.

Over the next nine pages are the beautiful

sub species for your enjoyment. In 2019, Birdlife
International proposed that the eclectus parrot
be split into four species, which are also
recognized by the IUCN Red List.

• Moluccan Eclectus (Eclectus roratus) -

including subspecies voesmaeri
• Papuan Eclectus (Eclectus polychloros) -
including subspecies aruensis, biaki,
macgillivrayi, and solomonensis
• Sumba Eclectus (Eclectus cornelia)
• Tanimbar Eclectus (Eclectus riedeli)

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 11

 The Eclectus Parrot is also unique
because of their feathers; their feathers are Please visit our website for information
fine, similar to those of the Lory family. It on: Breeding Your Eclectus, Nest box size
was because of these hair-like feathers they
were first thought to be members of the and Construction, Nesting Material,
Lory family. Breeding Aviaries.
In aviculture, the Eclectus has
become a very popular aviary species with https://www.australianparrotmagazine.
many bred throughout the world. In com.au/eclectus-parrot.html
Australia the Eclectus Parrot is seen in most
aviaries and is among the top ten species
kept.

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 12

ARU ISLAND ECLECTUS
PARROT
Aru Island Eclectus
(Eclectus roratus aruensis)
Confined to the Aru Islands
Indonesia, this large sleek
subspecies is the second largest
next to the Australian Eclectus.
Both male and female of this
subspecies are slender in
appearance, have longer tails
than the other subspecies with
exception of the Australian
Eclectus. Male Aruensis are a
deeper emerald green with a
tinge of blue suffused to the
head and nape area. Females
display a blue eye ring, blue
breast, and do not have yellow
in their plumage.

Photographed by Graham
Taylor

Male Aru Island Eclectus Parrot

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 13

 AUSTRALIAN ECLECTUS
Australian Eclectus (Eclectus roratus
solomonensis)
This, the largest of the nine subspecies of
Eclectus Parrot, it is found only in Australia
and only in a very small location of eastern
Cape York Peninsula in the state of
Queensland. The Australian Eclectus is the
largest of all the subspecies at 37cm. The
female displays a blue eye ring, blue breast,
Male Australian Eclectus Parrot
and do not have yellow in their plumage.
Photographed by Andrea Prince

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 14

 BIAK ISLAND ECLECTUS
PARROT
Biak Eclectus (Eclectus roratus
biaki)This beautiful member of
the Eclectus family is found on
the island of Biak in
Cenderawasih (Geelvink) Bay,
which is off the northern coast of
West Papua, Indonesia. This
subspecies is smaller than its
nearest neighbour, the New
Guinea Eclectus, and is much
brighter in appearance. Female
Eclectus all display a blue eye
ring, blue breast, and do not
have yellow in their plumage.

Photographed by
John Griffith

Supplied by
Graham Taylor

Male Biak Island Eclectus Parrot

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 15

CORNELIA’S ECLECTUS
Cornelia’s Eclectus (Sumba) (Eclectus Roratus Cornelia) confined to the island of Sumba,
Indonesia, this rare and beautiful parrot is larger than the nominate race. The Cornelia's Eclectus
(Sumba) is the second rarest subspecies next to the Tanimbar Island subspecies. The female is
entirely red in appearance, including the tail, this subspecies lacks the yellow under tail coverts
and yellow band to the tail. Her overall red appearance is brighter than the Tanimbar Island
Eclectus.

Photographed by Tony Silva Supplied by

Graham Taylor

Pair of Sumba Island Eclectus Parrots

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 16

NEW GUINEA ECLECTUS
New Guinea Eclectus (Eclectus Roratus Polychloros) also known as the Red-sided Eclectus, the
New Guinea Eclectus is the most common of the nine subspecies, both in captivity and in the
wild. In captivity they are very popular and are bred in large numbers. Many New Guinea
Eclectus are kept as household pets and are popular throughout the world.
The New Guinea Eclectus is 35cm in length. (14inches). The male's green plumage only
has a slight yellow tinge and the tail is tipped with a half-inch yellow band. The central tail
feathers are green. The female Eclectus has a blue eye ring, blue breast, they do not have yellow in
their plumage.

Photographed by Graham Taylor

Pair of New Guinea Red-sided Eclectus Parrots

Female New Guinea Eclectus Male New Guinea Eclectus

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 17

 SOLOMON ISLAND ECLECTUS
Solomon Island Eclectus
(Eclectus Roratus Solomonensis)
smaller than the New Guinea Eclectus,
the Solomon Island Eclectus are 12
inches (32cm) in length. They are found
throughout the Solomon Islands east of
mainland New Guinea in the Pacific
Ocean. The female Eclectus has a blue
eye ring, blue breast, they do not have
yellow in their plumage.

Photographed by
Female Solomon Island Eclectus Parrot Graham Taylor

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 18

TANIMBAR ISLAND ECLECTUS

Pair of Tanimbar Island Eclectus Parrots

Photographed by Oleg Valerich

Supplied by Graham Taylor

Tanimbar Islands (Eclectus Roratus Riedeli) in the Banda Sea is the home of this subspecies, also
known as the Riedels Eclectus or the Riedeli Eclectus Parrot. These rare birds have only just come into
captivity during the 1990s and can be seen in zoological parks and major bird parks in Spain and
Germany. The Tanimbar Island Eclectus is the second smallest subspecies. The female is entirely red
and lacks the cobalt blue breast of the other members of this species. These females have yellow
under-tail coverts and a very pronounced buttercup yellow band to the tail. Males of this subspecies
also possess the broad buttercup yellow tail band, making it the easiest subspecies to identify.

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 19

GRAND ECLECTUS
The Grand Eclectus (Eclectus Roratus Roratus) is known as the nominate race; there are two races of
this subspecies found on the islands of the central and southern Maluku, including Ambon, Buru,
and Seram. They are also found on two smaller islands in the Lease Group, north east of Ambon.
Grand Eclectus that are living on Seram are smaller in size compared to the birds that are found on
Ambon. Males of both races are similar and only vary in size, whereas females differ in their feather
coloration to their breast and under-tail coverts. Females do not have the blue eye ring and they have
a purple breast. Females found on Seram have a blending of the red and lavender breast feathers
similar to the Vosmaer's subspecies; these females also have more yellowish under-tail feathers.
Females found on Ambon are larger and have a distinct separation of the red and lavender breast
feathers, forming a bib.

Pair of Grand Eclectus Parrots

Photographed by Graham Taylor

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 20

 Photographed by Dale T. & Susie C.
VOSMAER’S ECLECTUS Supplied by Graham Taylor

Vosmaer's or Vosmaeri Eclectus

(Eclectus Roratus Vosmaeri) are the
most beau ful member of the
Eclectus family; the female is most
striking when you see them for the
first me. They are found in
Indonesia on the islands of
Halmahera, Obi, Bacan and Sula in
the northern Malukus. Larger than
the Grand Eclectus, the Vosmaer's
female does not have the blue eye
ring and they have a purple breast,
she has an overall red appearance, is
paler than the other members of this
species, from the blending colours of
her breast from pale red to lavender
with no defined bib, the yellow
under-tail coverts, red tail feathers
and bright bu ercup yellow band to
the p of the tail. The Vosmaer's
Eclectus Parrot is the most popular
subspecies kept in aviculture today.

Pair of Vosmaer’s Eclectus Parrots

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 21

 HOUSING ECLECTUS IN YOUR HOME
Housing for most pet birds is in a cage put anything in a bowl, keep a bowl in the
inside a home. So the question is which cage container so that the bird cannot get into that
is best? Often the answer is the largest cage space, as birds that get caught in these bowl
you can afford or which will fit into your containers may break a wing or even get stuck
home. However, there are other factors. What in there for hours and die. It helps to have two
is the cage material? What about the perches? sets of bowls for each bowl container.
Or the cage bowls? Stainless steel bowls are quite useful as they
Quality stainless steel is a great choice are light weight and won't break like ceramic
as it is easy to clean. Powder coated cages too. b ow l s. Si x i n c h e s i n d i a m e t e r i s t h e
Some cages are made of extremely heavy recommended size for bowls.
metal and thus difficult to use. Eclectus Eclectus parrots love to bathe and
parrots are not hard on cages like a macaw or should be provided with a shower or even a
cockatoo, so they do not have to use a heavy mist spray by hand at least once a week. This
barred cage like the large cockatoos and will encourage them to preen and maintain
macaws need. their feathers in good condition.
Perches can be a very serious problem
because most commercial pet cages come
with dowel perches. These are not
recommended for Eclectus parrots because
they are so hard the birds cannot chew the
dowel and thus they learn not to chew on
wood. The result is that their beaks become
overgrown. It is best to replace dowel perches
in a new cage with regular untreated pine or
fir 2×2's from the Bunnings store or Wood
Mill. Just wipe them down before installing
with vinegar water to remove dust. These
perches are chewable and will need to be
replaced now and then, so it is advisable to
purchase several at once. They can be hung in
the cages using 2×4 metal hangers you attach
to the cage bars with sturdy wire. Then just
slip the 2×2 into the hangers. (refer to photo
page 20) Perches are easy to replace with this
system.
Fresh, chewable branches containing
blossoms and seeds should be provided at
least once a week. Eclectus parrots are very
active and having something for them to
chew and play with is important for their long
term breeding future.
Food and water bowl placement in
cages sometimes fit into metal straps inside
the cage. These metal straps which hold the
bowl containers are a serious hazard for all
parrots IF they are left empty, without the Photographed by Nola Moana

bowl container. Even if you are not going to Manu loves to bathe

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 22

 Photographed by Willow Goodwin Photographed by Nola Moana
Charchie in his cage Cage - Male Eclectus named Manu man and his home

Metal Hangers

Photographed by Laurella Desborough

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 23

 Photographed by Andrea Prince Photographed by Andrea Prince

Grevilleas Australian bottlebrush

Photographed by Mitch Heath Photographed by Nola Moana

Bathing in the sink. Female Young Eclectus Manu Man loving his shower. Male Eclectus.

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 24

 ?
Photographed by Willow Goodwin

Did
You
Know
Their diet in the wild consist of
native fruits such as figs, native
berries and native nuts. Eclectus
Parrots are arboreal in habit - Tree
top dwellers… They forage for food
in the canopy of the tropical
rainforest. This does not mean your
Eclectus Parrot won't eat seed but
giving seed alone your Eclectus
Parrot will lose weight and die.

Choosing the fresh fruit and

vegetables closest to their natural diet is
important, and avoiding giving them
foods that are not good for them.
Daily food preparation depends on
what is fresh and in season, which can
vary from month to month, with the
best being available during spring and
summer.
Eclectus Owner Mel Roxas-
Camat says:
Finished chop prep for my feathered
babies.
Took just under 2 hrs (1 hr and 50
mins to be exact) by hand. I actually
don't mind chopping manually...it's
quite relaxing. I have nine birds so this
lasts only 3 days.

GREENS - kale, silverbeet, bok choy and

parsley
ORANGE VEG - carrots and sweet
potatoes
OTHER VEG - fennel, zucchini and
cauliflower stalks
FRUITS - 1 apple and a handful of
cranberries
PULSES - chickpeas and lentils (pre-
cooked)
GRAINS - brown rice, black rice, quinoa,
oats (pre-cooked)
SEEDS - chia, hemp, sesame, poppy,
mustard and linseed
TREAT - dried shredded coconut and a
teaspoon of dried chillies
Charchie with a peanut

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 25

Photos by Mel Roxas-Camat
CHOP FOR BREAKFAST
LEAFY GREENS - a bunch of Kale, 2 bunches of
watercress, 2 bunches of coriander (natural
detoxifier), 2 small bunches of homegrown
parsley, 6 heads of bok choi, and a bunch of
silverbeets
OTHER VEGIES - 3 cups bindi or okra, 2 bulbs
fennel, 2 red capsicums, 4 grated carrots, 1
medium grated sweet potato, 3 cups green peas
and 1 1/2 cups of corn
FRUITS 2 cups total - pomegranate arils, home
dried sulphite free organic cranberries (thanks to a
friend of mine who gave me some to try), and
chopped frozen pitted cherries
COOKED LEGUMES 3 cups total - chickpeas,
borlotti beans, red lentils, baby lima beans, and
red kidney beans
GRAINS 3 cups total - cooked brown and wild rice,
cooked pearl couscous, cooked quinoa, rolled
oats, rolled rye, rolled barley and rolled triticale
SPROUTS 3 cups total - sprouted pigeon mix
minus the corn
SEEDS 2/3 cup total - hemp, chia, amaranth, flax
and sesame
NUTS 1/2 cup total - crushed walnuts and pine
nuts
I add mashed vegies for their dinner in
colder months.
Here I added mashed sweet potatoes, carrots,
pumpkin and water chestnuts
For lunch, I usually give them a fruit and
vegie kebab. Fills their tummy and eases their
boredom too.

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 26

 Graham Taylor, a breeder of Eclectus for
40 years uses:
Fruit such as apple, pear, banana, kiwi fruit,
strawberries, grapes, and vegetables such as
capsicum (bell peppers) green beans, snow peas,
carrot, celery, silver beet stalks (swiss chard) and
sprouts such as mung bean and grey sunflower (in
moderation).
He says: “The fruits and vegetables are all
washed in clean water and then diced into
reasonably sized pieces. It is important not to
make the pieces too small, because Eclectus like to
take pieces of fruit back up to the perch to eat.
After the morning selection of fruit and vegetables
have been chopped, they are placed in a plastic
bucket. To this I add a quantity of cooked maize Lil loves the Australian Acacia flowers.
(seed corn). The maize is prepared the night before
by adding a one litre container full of whole maize
seed to a large saucepan, cover with water and
bring to the boil, cook until soft then drain off the
water, wash a couple of times with cold water and
store in the fridge overnight.
The cooked maize is added to the chopped
fruit mix and mixed by hand. When feeding out to
the birds I place either a fresh lettuce or silver beet
leaf that has been washed in the feed dish. I then
add about a handful of the maize and fruit and
vegetable mix. In another dish, I give a small
quantity of seeds. This is mainly a budgie breeder's
mix containing Japanese and Hungarian millet
and canary seed. To this I add only about a
tablespoon full of grey sunflower seeds. Too much
sunflower seed is not good for Eclectus as fats tend
Lil enjoying her dandelion flowers.
to be stored. If overfed, they will become
overweight and tend to sit, and choose to climb
around their aviary rather than fly, so it is
important not to over feed them with sunflower
seed.”
Further Graham says : When in season,
special treats such as guavas, pomegranates,
passionfruit, rock melon, paw-paw and mango are
offered. My Eclectus especially enjoyed the
mangos and have spent many hours feeding and
chewing the seed. Eclectus also love to eat chillies,
but these should be fed in moderation. When
preparing the daily food for the birds, care should
be taken to make sure that all fruit and vegetables
are free of pesticides. Even fruit purchased from
the fruit market should be thoroughly washed
before feeding it to our birds.”
Lil enjoying her gumnut flowers.

Photographed by Kayleen Stevens

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 27

 Eclectus parrots love to feed on native fruits
and blossoms such as sandpaper figs, hawthorn,
cotoneaster (pyracantha) berries and blossoms of
Did You Know?
the grevillea (bottlebrush) shrubs. Fresh greens
such as dandelion, including the roots and Young Eclectus need plenty of time to eat their
flowers, are enjoyed by Eclectus parrots, especially food. They take twice as long to consume their
during the breeding season when young are in the food as adults. Having their food bowl handy to
nest. their main preferred perch is necessary.
Over the next 12-18 months a young
Laurella Desborough states: As with all
Eclectus will continue to build their body and
parrot diets, there are many varying
providing a good diet and the time to consume is
recommendations on websites, on facebook and
critical.
f r o m b r e e d e r s . H o w e v e r, s o m e o f t h e
Laurella Desborough has had over 40
recommendations are based on outdated
years experience raising Eclectus,
information, marketing agendas, and some are
www.eclectusparrotcentre.com
downright dangerous for Eclectus parrots.
Examples: some recommend feeding eggs. That is
a sure-fire method for cutting the life of your
Eclectus short due to plaque in the arteries leading
to stroke and death.
Then there are the recommendations for
coloured pellets. The dyes in coloured pellets are
extremely irritating to Eclectus, causing them to
chew on their feathers and their flesh.
Commercial parrot treats are another
source of irritation due to the use of man-made
vitamin A in the products. This causes the bird to
be unable to appropriately utilize the calcium in
the blood by transferring it to muscles. The end
result is muscle spasms known as toe-tapping and
wing-flipping. Avoiding coloured pellets, Photographed by Kayleen Stevens
commercial parrot treats, vitamin mixes, cooked Lil Loves Bottlebrush flowers
eggs, and of course, junk foods will help maintain
good health for your bird.

Photographed by
Leah Macdonald

Photographed by Tiahnee Kucera

Eclectus Chop

Henry Male Eclectus Please visit our website for information on:
This is Henry’s comfort food warm peas and corn he loves them
Breeding Your Eclectus, Nest box size and
if he’s stressed out or anything like that he gets some and it chills Construction, Nesting Material, Breeding Aviaries.
him out I also used it while bonding and also as treats for https://www.australianparrotmagazine.com.au/ecl
training, says Leah Macdonald. ectus-parrot.html

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 28

HANDLING When you stare at the bird and you are quiet,
the bird sees that as a predatory behaviour.
Handling and behaviour are extremely Most parrots are programmed to be wary of
critical for the development of a good predators because their greatest threat is
relationship with your Eclectus parrot. The from predators. For instance, if you have a
most important tool to achieve a positive visitor wearing a hat, or a t-shirt with a hawk
relationship is observation. You need to study on it, then the bird will likely be fearful.
your bird. Learn from the bird what is Sit down beside your parrot and read allowed
worrisome, what is perceived as positive a book to it, let him/her come to know your
interaction, and what are the signs of good voice. When passing your Eclectus Parrot
health and of illness. don't ignore him/her - Speak … Say hello,
An Eclectus parrot in a new what a good boy you are, what are you doing?
environment with new people is likely to be Give me a kiss and make the kissing sound.
quite worried and possibly stressed and When you do put your hand near your pet
fearful. Fear is shown by the bird raising the parrot, do so in slow motion, stroke his/her
feathers on its upper back, possibly opening chest, speak softly to your parrot, let your
its beak, and backing away. Those are fear parrot come to trust you.
responses and you should not push the bird “Step up” is a very useful and good way for you
to interact when these behaviours are to start to train your parrot. Every time you say
displayed. Talk to the bird but do not touch it. “Step Up” put your hand under his chest to
As long as the bird is afraid, don't try to touch encourage him/her to lift his feet and put
the bird. You will know when the bird is them on your hand.
comfortable with you when the bird comes
forward on the perch. This can take anywhere HARNESS
from an hour to a month, depending on the
bird, depending on the environment and Harness training is a great idea and is
depending on how you approach the bird. essential if taking your parrot out of your
Talking to an Eclectus when approaching the home.
cage is a must. Talk means you are friendly. A carry pack can also be a great way to
Predators are quiet. carry your bird around in the great big world

A Bird who is frightened raises

the feathers on its upper back LOU- Male Eclectus in Harness
Photographed by Andrea Prince Photographed by Shirree Grochowski

Photographed by Nola Moana

Manu Man with his carry pack

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 29

 BIRD- PROOFING YOUR HOME
In order to enjoy your bird when the If you have a lot of delicate collectibles
bird is fully flighted, there are certain matters or favourite items with special memories, it is
to which you must attend in order to protect a good idea to remove them from open
certain items in the home and also to protect shelves and to place them inside a cabinet to
the bird as it enjoys flying. protect them from inquisitive beaks. Some
It helps to have at least two landing i t e m s h a v e p a r t s t h a t a re e x t re m e l y
sites for the bird. One can be the top of the dangerous for birds, such as leaded glass.
bird's cage. The second site can be a perch Lead is soft and highly toxic, causing death if
located at a distance from the cage. This perch consumed.
can be placed on a high shelf, on a tall stand, Counter tops are a location where a
or on a table. Locating the perch at a height is bird can get in trouble IF you leave soaps,
best in terms of encouraging the bird to use detergents, cleaning agents and their
that location as parrots tend to want to stay as equipment on counter tops near sinks.
far up as possible based on their instinct to Anything sitting out is a challenge to a curious
avoid the many predators that lurk below parrot. These birds are intelligent and
them. curious.

Have stands around in your home for your Eclectus to fly to

Photographed by Mitch Heath

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 30

 Window blinds are a potential hazard if Be sure a parrot is locked securely in its
the blind is operated with draw cords. Birds cage when dogs and cats are around. That is also
can get entangled in those cords and have the case with ferrets who prey on birds in the
their toes or legs entangled and then try to wild. Captive pet ferrets are a serious threat to
chew them free, causing loss of bloodied toes, parrots.
or become entangled and choke to death. For owners with birds that have clipped
Therefore, it is best to have the kind of blind wings. Please do not imagine that it is okay to
that does not have cords hanging. take your bird outside on your arm or hand. If
Toilets are a problem unless one has a anything frightens the bird, it can take off and fly
habit of always putting the lid down after use. much better than in the house because outside
This will avoid having a bird accidently fall there is generally a light wind and birds can take
into the toilet and drown. This has happened. advantage of that. It is advisable to take your bird
During meal preparation one might be using with clipped wings outside the house ONLY
the stove to cook foods. When using the stove, when in a container or when wearing a harness.
it is best to always put the parrot into his or her Laurella Desborough
cage in order to prevent the many hazards that https://eclectusparrotcentre.com/
exist with hot stove tops, boiling pots, and hot
foods. We would like to thank the following
Receiving packages from a delivery at the people for their information: Graham Taylor
door. When deliveries are being made, it is from www.eclectus-parrots.com,
advisable to place the bird into its cage. Open Laurella Desborough from
doors and strange humans and strange www.eclectusparrotcentre.com, Karen Glossop
packages can cause a parrot to be fearful and from gumtreeparrot.com, Wikipedia, Mel Roxas-
take flight. Instinct tells the bird to fly to the Camat for her food information and photos, and
OPEN AREA…which is the open door. Many our photographers: Graham Taylor, John Griffith,
parrots are lost during these activities. Kayleen Stevens, Laurella Desborough, Leah
MacDonald, Mel Roxas-Camat, Mitch Heath,
Nola Moana, Oleg Valerich, Shirree Grochowski,
Tiahnee Kucera, Tony silva, Willow Goodwin and
Dale T. & Susie C.

Please visit our website for information on: Breeding Your Eclectus, Nest box size and
Construction, Nesting Material, Breeding Aviaries.
https://www.australianparrotmagazine.com.au/eclectus-parrot.html

Photographed by Kayleen Stevens

Lil enjoying soup on the kitchen counter

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 31

Red Vented Bluebonnet
(Northiella haematogaster haematorrhous)

Pair of Red vented blue bonnets

Photographed by Jake and Casey from Big Oakey Aviaries

Distribution of the Red Vented Bluebonnet –– south

Queensland to northern New South Wales - they live in an arid
desert like bush of Australia. BODY LENGTH –
The red vented bluebonnet is a medium-sized parrot Male – 28–35 cm,
with prominent crest-like head feathers. All bluebonnets Female – 26–32 cm
have a mostly olive-grey to brown upper body, fore neck and
breast, with the outer wing and leading edge to the folded
wing being dark blue, a blue forehead and face. The beak is WINGSPAN –
pearl grey, the cere is light grey, iris colour is brown-grey, and Male – 36–42 cm,
the feet and legs are dark grey. There is no seasonal variation Female – 34–38 cm
in the plumage and there are no similar looking species to the
bluebonnet parrot. WEIGHT – 70-100g

LIFE SPAN – 5 to 10 years

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 32

 Photographed by Jake and Casey
Red vented blue bonnet from Big Oakey Aviaries

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 33

 “Super-seeds,” which are hemp seeds are very
nutritious as these come with complete amino-
acids, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and trace minerals.
Hemp seeds also have high amounts of protein,
which is needed for healthy and proper
development.
Bluebonnets in captivity can become picky
eaters and may not respond to changes in their diet.
Sounds:
Bluebonnets are unable to mimic human
sounds and speech compared to other parrot
species. To make up for their inability to “talk”, these
birds are noisy and will squeak and make weird
noises like harsh chacks, flute-like cloote, and a very
annoying yak-yak. The sounds can range from soft
flute-like noises to loud yakking, especially in wild
bluebonnets.
Call – harsh 'chack chack', flute like 'cloote'
and a loud 'yak-yak-yak'.
Diet:
In nature, bluebonnets feed mostly on Cage / Enclosure:
the ground on the seed of native and Bluebonnets can grow as much as 28 cm long;
introduced grasses, herbaceous plants, trees therefore, it is best to keep these in a large cage or
and shrubs as well as foraging on fruit, enclosure.
berries, vegetable matter, flowers, nectar, Bluebonnets love to chew on timber therefore
insects and their larvae and in arid areas the metal frames with strong wire / mesh is advisable.
seeds and fruit of the saltbush. Recommended aviary size is about 1 metre
This bird will also eat mineral-rich clay, which wide, 3 - metres long, and 2 metres high.
is needed for protection against toxins that Bluebonnets do well with the aviary roof being fully
may be present in their diets. covered with transparent or opaque corrugated
Aviary birds require a balanced mix of fruits, roofing material. Adequate shelter section must be
vegetables, green leafy vegetables as well as a provided to protect against draughts, strong winds
quality seed mix. and heavy rains. Perches or branches placed at both
Red vented Bluebonnets need protein ends of the aviary help to prevent collisions or
to survive, and especially when they are about impacts into the ends of the aviary.
to lay eggs. In captivity, you can also offer When housing these parrots in aviaries, the
small insects, worms, and larvae to create a wire must be double wired because if they can reach
varied appetite. the toes of other birds in neighbouring aviary – they
Captive Red vented Bluebonnets eat will bite their toes off.
high-quality, commercially-prepared seed A concrete floor is recommended.
mixes. These are available in most pet stores Bluebonnets spend a lot of time on the ground, so
and shops. These mixes are composed of c a re h a s t o b e t a k e n t o p re v e n t p a r a s i t e
different seeds, including sunflower, oats, contamination.
safflower, millets, and hemp seeds. These Bluebonnets love to bathe, so make sure you
parrots eat fresh fruits, dried berries, fruit supply a bath or a light mister.
jam, vegetables, nuts, and green food. Any Australian native non-toxic leafy
Bluebonnets need mineral branches can be placed in the aviary for the birds to
supplements, especially needed before and chew up. This will entertain the parrots and help
after the breeding season. The most minimize boredom and give the parrots some beak
important nutrient is calcium, which is exercise. Natural branches of various diameters, and
needed for bone health and egg health. Also, placed at various angles, can be used for perches.
parents need soft food while they raise their These natural perches will need to be replaced
chicks. regularly.

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 34

Breeding:
The female will lay four to
seven eggs. These are white and
oval and will be placed on a layer of
decaying material at the bottom of
the nesting spot. The female stays
inside the nest to incubate the
eggs, and the male goes out to
forage and find food to feed her.
Incubation lasts for nineteen days.
The eggs will soon crack open, and
the chicks will come out covered in
white down. The mother will
continue to remain inside the nest
to brood over her chicks, and the
male participates by foraging for
food.
The chicks will leave the
nest around a month after
hatching. The parents will
continue to feed them until day 12
after fledging.
Bluebonnets mate for life.
Bluebonnets live socially as they
feed, forage and have fun in your
aviary. But come the breeding
season, pairs need to be separated.
Unfortunately, there is a negative
side to Bluebonnets, which is why
you will not find many in captivity
– Bluebonnets are the most
aggressive of all parrots and will
kill birds many times larger than
themselves.

We w o u l d l i k e t o t h a n k
Birdcare.com.au for assistance
w i t h t h i s a r t i c l e.
http://www.birdcare.com.au/
bluebonnet_parrot.htm
And Jake and Casey from Big
Oakey Aviaries
https://www.facebook.com/B
ig-Oakey-Aviaries-
102326602009165/

Photographed by Jake and Casey

from Big Oakey Aviaries Red vented blue bonnet

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 35

 PARROT TRAINING
SUCCESS STORY
IRIS - The Rainbow Goddess
We got Iris a female Eclectus Parrot on Iris - just removed her harness
the 25th November 2020. After a few days of
familiarisation with our family harness
training commenced. This was done in
conjunction with recall training inside.

Photographed by
Heath Ridley

Iris - female Eclectus Parrot

The first thing was to find her favourite treat.

Pine nuts are definitely her favourites. I
placed her harness on the dining table fully
opened and spread pine nuts in the harness
gently praising her while she picked up and
ate the nuts. I did this for 3 or 4 days.

The next step was getting her into the harness

gently praising her with lots of treats. Once in
the harness I used pine nuts to keep her
focussed on me and she did a lot of walking on
the floor with the harness on. Days and days
of it.

The next step was around the house with the

harness on, sitting on my arm with more and
more treats. Iris in her harness

Photographed by Heath Ridley

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 36

 After about 2 weeks we went for our
first walk outside. She was visibly excited
with her eyes pinning. We did this a few
times and noticed she was ready to fly
constantly flexing her wings. She had
done a few harness flights inside, but
m a d e i t c l e a r s h e w a s r e a d y.
Iris and the kids and I did a scan of
the sky as we have a resident Wedgetail
Eagle plus Hawks. We then did short, one
metre recalls and over the next week
stretched it to 15-20 metres. We used
either footpaths or a local running track
with short grass, so the harness lead
doesn't get caught up. Fishing line was
fixed to the harness lead.
We have now extended the line to
10-15 metes plus another extender of 30
metres. We practice having her fly down
from heights and up from the ground. We
also do recall training in the house every
day, where she has to fly around corners.

Photographed by Heath Ridley

Iris - Female Eclectus

Treats, patience and praise are the

key, and talking her through what we are
doing. Her longest harness flight has been
about 180 metres. After each session out
she is so chilled and sleeps like the
g o d d e s s s h e i s .

The harness training is a means to an end

as we aim for free flight.

Cheers Heath Ridley and Iris, the

Female Eclectus

View a video on our website where

Heath shows us how he puts the harness on
Iris the Female Eclectus.
https://www.australianparrotmagazine.com.a
u/how-to-put-a-harness-on-your-parrot.html

Iris playing

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 37

Show us Your Aviaries
Kirralee Nardi
(Pixie Paws Pets)
We started out breeding Photographed by Kirralee Nardi
budgerigars - selling hand-
tamed budgerigar babies, we
fell in love with the experience
of watching the babies grow
and develop into their own little
personalities, every budgerigar
is different and as we grew and
expanded we learnt more and
more about the correct raising
and handling of these gorgeous
little parakeets.
Budgerigars are
classified as a simple perfect
'first time pet'. This is true,
however just like any other pet
they have specific needs. After
having to explain the same
thing over and over and answer
the questions again and again,
we decided to write a helpful
guide which includes their
health, handling, hand taming
and living requirements. It has
taken a good 4 months to write
and develop our own personal
“Starter Guide to the care of
your Budgerigar” for all to learn
the correct way to look after
your newly found feathered
best friend. For only $7.95 you
can have at your fingertips a
downloadable guide in which
you can learn all about the care
required for these amazing
companions. And this was my first little budgie

Budgerigar Guide link:

https://www.pixiepawspets.co
m.au/products/starter-guide-
to-the-care-of-your-
budgerigar

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 38

 The love I have for birds and other My husband absolutely LOVES birds. So,
animals started when I was a child, My when I came home one late afternoon around
parents bred budgerigars and ringnecks. March 2020, with the exciting new idea of wanting
For as long as I can remember, both of my to breed budgerigars, naturally, my husband was
parents had a fascination with Budgerigars, excited about the idea too.
the many colour variations available, their After discussing with my husband for a
chatter and singing, watching them grow while about the idea and set-up required for
from a hatchling to an adult, and how playful breeding budgerigars, we saved and built our own
they are. I remember my parents would sit aviary. My husband worked a full day at work and
outside next to the aviary late afternoons or then would come home and go late into the night
early mornings just to enjoy them. building my aviary – I must admit I was a little
My father built the aviary they called impatient and was way too excited to wait for a
home and I remember helping him with the long time, mostly because it took us a month to get
little things and learning so much about the funds together…. – happily my husband goes
welding and measuring with those sticks that by the motto: Happy Wife - Happy Life - HAHA!
have the yellow liquid in them! – Still to this Jokes aside, my husband was excited to watch the
day, I find them fascinating. My parents also growth of the budgerigars just as much as me.
bred Ringnecks, I have always LOVED them. So there you have it! Our amazing flight aviary.
They are such amazing parrots. I had a In May 2020, we got our first set of 6
gorgeous Green Ringneck named Sam – short breeding cages and it wasn't long before we grew
for Samuel – I don’t remember much from to 12. We positioned the breeding cages under our
that time with the hand Rearing of the carport (attached to our home) on the concrete
ringnecks, however I remember spending and this made it easier to keep clean. One day I
many hours with Sam perched on my went to check the babies as I do every day, and to
shoulder and eating snacks he probably really my horror out a baby flew - who knew they could
shouldn’t have eaten…. Basically I believed if fly so well at only four weeks of age.
it was good for me, I am sure it was good for Further, during a thunderstorm a huge gust
him. Of course now I know this is not true - As of wind blew one set of 6 breeding cages over, one
human food is not good for them. of our breeding cock birds managed to escape, his
In January 2020, my mother started hen, although a great mother, she had nine babies,
breeding again and I went to her place to see so we had to foster five of her chicks, leaving her
what all the fuss was about, As she was over with four to care for on her own. Plus, the other
the moon to have the delightful little birds breeding pairs were highly stressed, causing one
back in her life. Mum showed me all her of the hens to begin to attack her babies, so we had
breeding cages, breeding pairs, how to look to foster all her babies out, they developed stress
after them, what they needed, she taught me molt, but thankfully all the babies survived and
about French Molt and other terrible diseases grew into healthy, much loved adults.
that can occur when they are not properly Because of this traumatic drama, my
looked after. THEN there were the babies, the husband Ash offered to build me an aviary to
tiny little chicks! How fast they grew in a short enclose the breeding cages under the carport, he
6 weeks from pink little babies to being full added sheets of colourbond to protect the
flighted little bubba's with the ability of being breeding cages from the weather, he was such a
on their own and start leaving the nest at a darling he also built a double door and a sale
short 5 weeks old. I was astounded, not only aviary on the end.
did they grow so much within a short period In January 2021 we expanded our business
but the colouration of them was astounding. I into selling parrot supplies (including feed and
completely fell in love with one of her first toys). Our goal is to provide quality healthy
clutches, Mum had this GORGEOUS sky-blue options for parrot's needs and developmental
Spangle. And there you have it, I was sucked stages of their lives. We do extensive research on
in from their gorgeous little black eyes and the each product we supply and as we learn more, we
softness of their wings. alter our products and information when needed.
(We are branching out into small animals plus cats
& dogs - stay tuned)

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 39

Inside Kirralees Outdoor Aviary

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 40

 Flight Aviary with double door

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 41

Two sets of Breeding Cages
Photographed by Kirralee Nardi

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 42

 Double door and small aviary for sold birds,
walks into the breeding cages

Cover of ebook

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 43

 Photographed by Kirralee Nardi

Nest box of baby budgies

Photographed by Kirralee Nardi

Sweet baby budgies in nest box

Mother on her nest

Crested Baby Chick

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 44

 Pixie Paws Pets is a Pet Mobile: 0435628440
Supplies & Budgerigar Email: [email protected]
Breeding business. Website: www.pixiepawspets.com.au
Kirralee Nardi is the owner of Facebook:
Pixie Paws Pets she can be https://www.facebook.com/Pixiepawspetshop
contacted through her
website, through facebook,
Mobile number and Email.

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 45

BEST PLACES TO VISIT
FOR PARROT LOVERS:
Parrots In Paradise –
Glasshouse Mountains Qld Australia

Photographed by Dana Drummond

Blue and Gold Macaw

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 46

 Nestled near the base of Mount This developed from play to training to see
Tibrogargan (one of the Glass House what they are capable of. Once they learned
Mountains in Queensland Australia), you will some tricks, it was clear they wanted more.
find a delightful place called, “Parrots in From there, I realised I needed to get out there
Paradise. Cheerfully run by Mark and Dail and show people how smart and receptive
Malins. these amazing birds are. We started by putting
Explore alleys of aviaries of Blue and on little shows at the local markets and this
Gold Macaws, Green winged Macaw, Eclectus developed into performing at various expos.
Parrots, Yellow Crowned Amazons, Congo It was around this time that we realised we
African Greys, Indian Ringnecks, African needed somewhere we could go and perform
Ring-necked Parakeets, Plum-headed regularly and 'The Super Bee' was happy to let
Parrots, Alexandrines, Moustached Parrots, us tuck under their wing for the last two years
Derbyan Parrots, Major Mitchell Cockatoo, they were in existence. This experience was a
G a n g G a n g C o c k a t o o, K i n g Pa r r o t s , huge learning curve for us.
Australian Ringnecks, Twenty-eight Parrots, Next was a driving need to find
Yellow crested white Cockatoo. somewhere more permanent, somewhere so
View an aviary of Gouldian Finches, Canaries, the growing number of birds did not need to
Double Barr's, Fire tails and Bourke Parrots. be transported everywhere. The idea was for
Interact: them to show what they were capable of at
Imagine the thrill of having beautiful home.
parrots choose to fly onto your shoulder to In 2007 we found the perfect home for
interact with you in their delightful walk- the birds and set about making it a place
through aviar y. Alexandr ines, Indian where visitors were able to come and see
Ringnecks, Lady Amherst's Pheasant, them. It was also at this time we were able to
Cockatiels, Princess Parrots, Rainbow take in parrots that were no longer wanted or
Lorikeets, Red tailed Black Cockatoos, in a situation where their owners were unable
Eastern Rosella, Red winged Parakeet hybrid, to continue to care for them.
Lory Hybrid, bleeding heart doves, King Our numbers started to GROW.
Parrot, Peaceful doves.. The next move was to establish our
Delight in their special cinema style boarding cages so bird owners could go on
auditorium of their many talented and skilled holiday knowing their feathered friends were
Alexandrines, performing tricks, These going to be well cared for.
wonderful parrots have been performing for We continued with the shows and
many years and so it was decided that they boarding, but we needed funding to cover
would live on infinitely in this delightful avian vet requirements for the growing
entertaining video. Laugh and applaud as you number of parrots, so we put a Shop in place.
watch them play and do amazing tricks. View (Gratefully, the majority of items are
their “Hall of Fame” of all the props used in donations).
their show. Then we started breeding, and putting
Enjoy their Devonshire teas and the babies up for sale.
delicious scones – please note - must be Very early in 2006 we added another
booked at time of booking. attraction, Picnic with the Parrots. This was
The ambience of the place is friendly and well received and the parrots loved joining
happy in the laid-back Aussie manner. visitors for lunch after the show.
I will now introduce Dail Malins and let her In the early stages we were well
tell her story: attended, some weeks we had up to nine
How Parrots in Paradise Came About buses a week come descend on us, so we were
by Dail Malins kept very busy.
Parrots In Paradise all started because During this time we had recognition
six beautiful Alexandrines chose to educate from TV shows such as 'Totally Wild', 'Better
me. They proved they could understand what Homes and Gardens with Dr Harry', and 'the
I was saying and they were very keen to Great South East', this helped get our name
interact and play. out there.

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 47

 Sadly, the work became too much But with a little magic our videographer was
for us and we decided to reduce the able to not only film the entire show, but also include
amount of people who could come visit segments from previous recordings of all our parrots
each week. This of course affected our who were no longer able to perform. The best part of
cash-flow and we had to come up with this is you get to see the whole show, demonstrating
ways to keep afloat. the intelligence and cognitive understanding of these
One big way was finding parrots. In the past you had to either be part of a group
volunteers. As the numbers of birds grew or join an existing group to see the show, Now, anyone
so the amount of work grew as well. and everyone can enjoy the performance.
Overseas back packers had to do
volunteer work on the land for their Thank you Dail Malins.
second year visas and this helped us When you leave “Parrots in Paradise” you will have a
immeasurably. lovely feeling of warmth because you can feel how
Then in 2015 we officially became a much love, care and heart has gone into this place.
Registered Sanctuary and Not for Profit
Tax Deductable Recipient, which was Mark & Dail Malins
buffered by our old age pension, to help Phone: 0754387719 – Bookings are essential
keep the wolf from the door. 2 Barrs Road, Glass House Mountains
“Work for the Dole” came into www.parrotsinparadise.net
b e i n g a n d b e c a u s e w e w e r e n ow
recognised as a not-for-profit
organisation, we were able to apply for
volunteers.
The Education side is very Plum-headed Parakeet
important to us so in 2016 we added
accommodation and were in a position
where we could make ourselves available
to the veterinary universities for their
students to do “placements” here, giving
young vet students and vet nurses
valuable “hands on” experience with the
avian side.
2020 brought challenges with
COVID-19, so we modernised.
Firstly, we brought in the handheld
audio tours (printed version is also
available), allowing our visitors to still
enjoy finding out about all the Parrots we
have here, what we do, how we manage,
including educate, these tools allowed us
to maintain social distancing and stay
open.
The next step was to have a
videographer come and film a live show.
The reason behind this was because some
of our best stars in the show were fading,
one lost to a stroke, another named Kelele
has cataracts and is unable to continue.
We have set up a go fund me account so we
can get her cataracts fixed in both her
eyes. Photographed by
To help – go to: Andrea Prince
https://www.gofundme.com/f/eye-
surgery-for-kelele-the-alexandrine

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 48

 Photographed by
Green Winged Macaw
Dana Drummond

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 49

 female eclectus babies in an incubator Pair of Macaws
Photographed by Dana Drummond

Photographed by Andrea Prince

Derbyan Parrakeet

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 50

 Major Mitchell Cockatoo Photographed by Dana Drummond

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 51

Red-tailed Black Cockatoo Photographed by Dana Drummond

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 52

 All photos taken by Andrea Prince

Red tailed black cockatoo female

Hybrid Lory

Golden-shouldered Parrot

Rainbow Lorikeet Princess Parrots

Kirralee surrounded by Juvenile Eclectus Parrots.

kiara and Kirralee Nardi

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 53

 Four baby African greys sitting on their teddies knees

Gang Gang Cockatoo

Photographed by
Blue Indian Ringneck Parrot Dana Drummond

Devonshire Tea The Show- Alexandrine on Skateboard

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 54

 The Show - merry-go-round White Ringneck Hen

Alexandrine Parrots Red Tailed Black Cockatoo

Photographed by Tracy Parker Photographed by Andrea Prince

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 55

 Walk-in-Aviary

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 56

 Kasuka being Pushed in a pram by Juma

African Grey Parrots

Photographed by Tracy Parker

The Show- Three Parrots playing at Basketball

The Show - bride and Groom

Photographed by Kirralee Nardi Giving high fives. Alexandrine Parrot.

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 57

 Jessie's Story
Jessie, our house eclectus would often Jessie was my daughters best friend for
be found in bed with our daughter, enjoying 10 of her growing up years - loved, enjoyed,
snuggling time. She never pooped in the bed expected to always be there. They grew up
but her toileting rule ended as soon as she was together, but as with most birds she had
moved. She self taught to toilet only in her masked an illness and passed away with only
cage. Eclectus naturally can learn where to a few hours notice. We still commemorate the
poop but are capable of learning from their date of her passing with thankful hearts that
humans. Her specialty was “Face rub “. She she was a part of our lives for so long.
would rub her face on yours as an act of love
and friendship. As a bird Jessie could fly A new bird needs understanding and
anywhere in the house she chose, but she commitment. Humans need to think about
preferred to glide around and then walk things such as... Favorite toys, foods, which
through the house looking for my daughter or person is the favourite, identifying household
chasing the dog. We wondered if we should hazards, setting boundaries, training and just
trust the cat - we think the cat had completed how to go about enjoying one another's
an OH&S assessment of that beak and company. Often a compromise in ideas
decided it wasn't worth the risk, for shall we combined with positive parenting and
say there was a healthy respect amongst them friendship skills, even a change in lifestyle
all. James was Jessie's house mate who loved may be required. Patience, time and
me with a deep jealousy for my attention. In forgiveness, (when your bird destroys
the early days we struggled to cope with this something precious or bites for a reason
depth of emotional attachment and ensure k n ow n o n l y t o h i m ) , p e r s e v e ra n c e,
that we warn our buyers that males may be consistancy, and positive reinforcement are
prone to over attachment to female owners. what is required and you will be rewarded
Having 2 house birds we were learning in the with the pride of their first word, the joy of the
early 2000s to come to grips with the intimate snuggle and the beauty of their countenance.
and complex psychosocial and emotional
world of the pet eclectus. Author and Photos – Karen Glossop

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 58

Rachel and Jessie (Female Eclectus)

Photos are of Rachel and her female Eclectus: Jessie

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 59

Parrot Lovers Have Their Say:
Questions & Answers from Parrot Owners
How to stop my Parrot from biting? Meera says about her beautiful Rainbow
Lorikeet MARIO (Pictured):
Terry Bagatella – An Eclectus Owner of “Mario is one year old now, he usually doesn't
ROCCO (pictured) says: bite, I will scold him saying, 'don't bite'.”
“They're like children, they will push Another Parrot Owner says:
the boundaries just because they can. You “Wiggle your hand and get her off balance,
need to show him he's not allowed to do that, worked with my girl that went through a
just like you would if he were a dog or any biting stage not long ago, she is one years old.”
other animal. When my boy gets over Caitlin Reynolds-Bailey proud owner of
exuberant all I have to say is "if you bite me GENO a 6 year old Hahn's Macaw (pictured)
you get in trouble" and he looks at me with says: “The best way to stop a parrot from
this look.” biting I have found is - I blow in their face very
quickly, when they bite or when they go to
bite. I have done this to every one of my birds
and none of them bite now.”

Photographed by Caitlin Reynolds-Bailey

Geno - 6 year old Hahn's Macaw

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 60

Rocco Male Eclectus
Photographed by Terry Bagatella

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 61

 Mario one year old Rainbow Lorikeet
Photographed by Meera

Theo, my (then 10 week old) male Eclectus

Passwell Handrearing, Nicholas Hunt

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 62

 Another Eclectus Owner said: Sarah Richardson - owner of a beautiful
“It is so important to read your bird: female Eclectus named FLINT (pictured),
reading the signs when they aren't in the has this to say:
mood to come out or if they're having an off- “I have a perch area set up where they can
day or off-week. When my girl bites hard, she toilet freely. Learn the cues and take your
goes straight in her cage and I'll leave her for 5 parrot to the area you want them to go, tell
mins and then let her out again. It gives her them to 'do poo' or any other command and
time to chill out and for me to chill out.” praise them when they do it. My eckie squats
Kerry Lee owner of a red-tailed black and wiggles her bum before she does it, if I see
Cockatoo named ANGUS (pictured), says: that, I pop my hand over her and carry her
“Put your finger on top of the birds beak and straight to her perch. Many birds will still have
say “no” when they bite, you can also return it the odd accident.”
to its cage, this will work with patience.”
Nikki McGuirk (owner of the Eclectus Jimmy
How long do you formula feed your pictured) says: “My boy will poop when I say
young Eclectus even if they are eating do a poo, I have paper on the floor , he will fly
back to the same spot and poo when he needs
chop?
to, it took a little patience and persistence, but
it paid off, no more bird poop around the
One Eclectus Owner says: house They are clever birds.”
“My girl is 5 months old, and she's still on a This Parrot owner says:
formula feed. Sometimes twice a day.” “I have toilet trained my Cockatiel,
Blue Quaker and Sun Conure. They all have
Another Eclectus Owner says: different commands though, because I didn't
“My boy Murphy has just been weaned off his want one accidentally doing a poo, if they
formula and he's 8 months old.. nothing to be were in the wrong spot.
ashamed about! It's when they want to!! It's It started by accident with my Cockatiel. I just
actually really bad to force weaning upon kept putting him in his cage every 15mins or
them! It's something they'll do in their own so and when he went, I praised him. Now
terms! Obviously still offer chop/sprouts 2x a when you ask him if he wants to come out, the
day if not 3x but always wean when the bird is first thing he does is do a poo, I give him the
ready.. not when you are!!” verbal command saying – “Poos”
The Blue Quaker's verbal command is “Yucky
How to Poop train your Parrot? Poopies?” Its hilarious when he asks, and he
sits on the toilet and poops in it. Everyone
We asked Eclectus owners how they do it: says “great now we have to wait for the bird.”
One Eclectus owner says: The Sun Conure's verbal command is
“Use a small tea towel on your body when you “Toilet”. I just keep her on my finger and hold
have your bonding time then every 30mins or her over the toilet. (She finds it too slippery to
so walk them back to the cage and say "poop" stand on).
to them and praise once they do it. I don't have an Eckie yet but will toilet train
It is rare that mine will poop anywhere apart that one too. Just need another poop
from his cage with that method of training. command.”
Mine associates the tea towel with no
pooping allowed.”
Abdul Chaarani another Eclectus owner
says: “Treats, Persistence and patience. Mine
used to poo everywhere till I rewarded him
every time he poo'd in his cage, it then
became a habit and I taught him how to poop
on command too.”

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 63

Jimmy 16 months old male Eclectus Parrot

Photographed by Nikki McGuirk

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 64

 Duke and Duchess 16 weeks old in harness
Photographed by Mel Roxas-Camat

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 65

Why harness train your parrot? W hen should your parrot start
harness training?
Answer: It is for their safety.
Everyone's experience is different.
An Eclectus owner commented: Kerry lee owner of ANGUS a gorgeous
“Our boy is clipped (too many windows in our R e d Ta i l e d B l a c k C o c k a t o o s a y s :
house, that's how we lost our first darling!) he “Harness train as young as possible - the
can glide up to 8 meters and land gracefully. younger the better - especially if not clipping
We travel in the caravan and love him being the birds wing feathers.”
able to interact with others, he is more An Eclectus Owner of IRIS - Heath
confident with his harness on I have noticed. Ridley says: “The earlier the better. Just so
Plus, I feel better that he won't jump when she is used to it being placed on. I would let
scared when out of his comfort environment. her build her wing strength before flying with
Some people don't restrain their dogs so this it on. We let our girls settle in and then had 3-4
also gives us control. When he wants to be days of her playing with the harness with lots
with us in a crowd he is more comfortable of treats and encouragement. The actual
with the harness on, I take him in to see my process took 4 weeks every day. We also spend
Dad in a retirement home and I find he time everyday doing recall training in the
responds to people better with the harness house.” (Read about Iris in the story in this
on.” magazine: Parrot Training Success Story: Iris
the Rainbow Goddess)
Eclectus Owner Sarah Richardson, proud Shirree Grochowski an Eclectus
owner of FLINT (pictured) says: Parrot owner of LOU (pictured) says: “I got
“Birds are prey animals and have a strong my boy at 16 weeks old, I let him settle into his
'flight' reflex when spooked. You see all these new surroundings for 2 weeks first. Then by
lost birds posts for a reason. It takes 18 weeks we started on the harness training.
s i g n i fi c a n t t ra i n i n g t o p e r f e c t re c a l l Our boy was super chilled when we got him,
behaviour and free flighting. I have a conure there was no issues with the harness and was
who doesn't fly…. She can but doesn't, and I wearing one by the end of the week.”
still don't take her out unleashed. Both my
parrots are also microchipped.”

Here is a video of how to put a harness on your parrot (in

this case Eclectus)
https://www.australianparrotmagazine.com.au/how-to-
put-a-harness-on-your-parrot.html

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 66

Photographed by Kerry Lee

Young male black cockatoo - Harness Training

Iris enjoying the garden in her harness

Photographed by Heath Ridley

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 67

Photographed by Shirree Grochowski

Lou -Male Eclectus in Harness

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 68

Sarah Richardson Owner of the beautiful animals) he doesn't complain- even if he
female Eclectus in harness: FLINT hasn't had it on for a couple of months. Just
(pictured) says: talk them through putting it on. “
“I highly recommend building a rapport with Lilly Scott owner of OLLIE a Meyer's
your bird and start a slow de-sensitisation Parrot (Pictured) says:
process. Many young birds put up with a lot “I got my Meyer's Parrot quite young, around
and are forced when they are babies, then 6 months old, after target training, harness
when they become older they put their foot was one of the first things I taught him. Firstly,
down and become aggressive. Slow and getting him comfortable with touching under
steady wins the race. Initially just showing the his wings and lifting them as well as touching
bird the harness and draping it over their his head. I don't recommend touching a
back. Start clicker and target training at the bird's back or under their wings for any other
same time, look up Bird Tricks on YouTube for reason then getting them comfortable with
some training advice. My girl was taught at lifting them up to check the wings or harness
age 18 and I'm currently teacher to her training as it causes hormones and isn't
Conure friend who is 6.” healthy for the bird. After he was comfortable
Caitlin Reynolds-Bailey says: with touching, I used treats and positive
“Harness training is a must, especially if you reinforcement to get him learning how to put
move your bird from an indoor cage to an his head through using target training. Once
outdoor cage a lot, or even if you want to go he could do that it's all we did for a while
outside with your feather baby to enjoy the before introducing the wing section, I would
sun. Nearly all my birds are harness trained - put his wings through the harness and then
the younger you start the better - but you can took it off, all while offering treats during the
train older birds, it just takes a lot of patience. whole process. After this same method he was
My hand reared birds start harness training at comfortable wearing it. To distract him from
about 5 to 6 weeks so the feeling of the chewing the harness when he was first getting
harness is completely normal for them.” used to it, I did training sessions in the
Another parrot owner says: harness AKA getting him to spin, wave, etc.
“Once they trust you, could be any age! Our Just to get him used to it, after he started
current darling was 4 mths old, I only put it on coming outside though he stopped chewing
when needed (camping, and around other the harness and was more interested in his
environment then the harness.”

Flint - Female Eclectus she is 18 years old

Photographed by Sarah Richardson

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 69

 Photographed by Jasmine Baldacchino

Baby sun conure in a harness

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 70

Merlin - Male African Grey Parrot in his harness
Photographed by Taous Boussouira

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 71

Milly Dowton owner of a sun conure Moss - Green Indian Ringneck
and an Indian ringneck named
Photographed by Milly Dowton
MOSS (pictured), both harnessed
trained says: “Teach them its ok to
handle head, wings and body. Then
slowly get it over their head. Then
t a k e o f f . Re p e a t u n t i l t h e y ' re
comfortable. Then try one wing.
Then take off. Then both wings. Can
take months.”
Ariana Bickle has a turquoise
pineapple conure named BEAN (see
photo) and when asked how she
trained her conure her reply was: “I
just held him and took it very slow
when putting him in it the first time
and he never had a problem with the
harness. He's just very friendly.”
Kimmi Byrne owner of the beautiful
Blue & Gold Macaw – Pandora (see
photo)says:
“So first we let Pandora get used to
seeing the harness without trying to
put it on her. When she touched it we
rewarded her. We did this for over a
week. Then we held an almond
through the head hole and let her
reach in to get it with her beak. Once
she was comfortable to do that, we
started just repeating that step and
taking it back off. We gave lots of
positive reinforcement when she did
what we wanted. Then we started to
put her wings in. We didn't leave the
harness on her for very long each
time. Eventually once we got her
used to the harness we started to take
her outside wearing it, giving her
treats and lots of scratches. This had
to be done everyday for at least a
month so she became used to it.
Then we slowly decreased the
amount of food treats and continued
to use scratches and then positive
reinforcement to encourage her to
want to put the harness on. She now
knows that when we get the harness
out she will be able to go outside. It
sounds reasonably easy but it takes
lots of patience. And if they don't
respond as expected, you must stop
and try again later.”

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 72

 Pandora - Blue & Gold Macaw on a harness
Photographed by Kimmi Byrne

Thalia - Cinnamon Green Cheek Conure

Photographed by Milly Dowton

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 73

 Ollie - a Meyers Parrot wearing his harness.
Photographed by Lilly Scott

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 74

 Bean - Turqoise pineapple conure in harness
Photographed by Ariana Bickle

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 75

 Chilli - a Green Winged Macaw in harness
Photographed by Mileidy Rojas - Cuban Aviaries https://www.facebook.com/groups/730547884460207

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 76

 Jimmy Choo - Black Headed Caique
Photographed by Maura Martin

Australian Parrot Magazine | June 2021 Page 77

 Starter Guide to the care of your budgerigar
Price: $7.95
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Pixie Paws Pets (Author Kirralee Nardi) has come together with Australian Parrot Magazine (Co-
author Andrea Prince) to create you a "Starter Guide to the care of your Budgerigar", 26 Page
downloadable ebook for you to read and learn all the necessary requirements you will need in the
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including links (for more in-depth information) and photographs.

Download Requires 14MB of free space. Usable on all devices - PDF.

All Files & Downloadable book is : copyright:Copyright to Pixie Paws Pets.

Content Includes:
First 24-48 Hours
A. Eating and Drinking
B. Handling
C. Noises/Stress
D. Covering your Budgerigars cage for Bed Time
E. Identifying the Sex of your Budgerigar

Safety and Precautions

A. Your Bird Can Fly
B. Clipping Your Birds Wings
C. Put your Pets Away
D. Correct way to hold your budgerigar

Budgerigar/Parakeet Requirements
A. Your Cage
B. Toys and Foraging
C. Budgerigar Feed/Water
D. Treating For Scaly Mite, Lice and Worming

Hand-Taming Your Budgerigar

A. Respecting Your Bird
B. Bringing Your Bird Home - In the Beginning
C. Read to your Budgerigar
D. Teaching your Bird Step-Up
E. Teaching your bird to Fly to you (Video Included)
F. Teaching your bird to Talk & Whistle (Videos Included)
 Issue 1 OUT NOW!!! Bursting with over 135
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