How to Stop Eclectus From Regurgitating
Regurgitation is a common complaint of Eclectus owners with birds who are reaching sexual maturity. This occurs around three years of age. Regurgitation is a courtship behavior. If your Eclectus regurgitates when interacting with you, it thinks you are its mate or a potential mate. This behavior is natural but can be discouraged through distraction and management.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Stopping Regurgitation in Eclectus
-
1
See a veterinarian to confirm that your parrot is regurgitating, not vomiting. Regurgitation is the expulsion of undigested food from the crop. Vomiting is the expulsion of partially digested food from the stomach. Both can indicate a health problem, but vomiting is typically more serious while regurgitation is more likely to be a voluntary courtship behavior.
-
2
Ensure that your parrot is healthy by having a veterinarian examine it for a crop infection or digestive blockage. Regurgitation can be a symptom of either of these health problems. If a health issue is discovered, the regurgitation should be eliminated with treatment.
-
-
3
Avoid behavior that encourages your Eclectus to court you. Do not stroke female Eclectus on the back or sides. Avoid offering mushy foods that resemble regurgitated meals, like moistened cereal. These food items may trigger your parrot to reciprocate by attempting to feed you with regurgitated food.
-
4
Distract your Eclectus with treats or toys if it begins bobbing its head straight up and down, particularly if its beak is open. This often means that the bird is preparing to regurgitate food from its crop in an attempt to feed you, its "mate." Nip it in the bud by moving a favorite treat or toy horizontally across the bird's field of vision, causing it to focus on that item rather than on courting you.
-
5
If distraction does not stop the head bobbing or if your Eclectus begins to regurgitate, return it to its cage immediately, turn your back and leave the room. This sends a clear message that you do not want to be courted.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Seek out an experienced and knowledgeable veterinarian who sees parrots long before your bird is actually ill. This ensures that you will not be scrambling for a vet when a problem like regurgitation appears. Try clicker training with your Eclectus to expand the range of interactions you can have with your bird beyond just play and cuddling that may be misinterpreted as courtship. Some Eclectus will regurgitate on your visitors and houseguests. Don't take these parrot "crushes" personally; it's completely normal, if a bit embarrassing. If your Eclectus regurgitates to an inanimate object like a towel or stuffed animal, remove that object and replace it with a toy it finds less attractive.
Never hit or shout at an Eclectus for regurgitating. Do not encourage regurgitation, even if you find the affection flattering; it may lead to other hormonal behaviors including aggression. Be aware that your bird's first few hormonal phases immediately following sexual maturity are likely to include regurgitation, biting, territorial behavior and other frustrations. Don't give mirrors to Eclectus who regurgitate. They may attempt to feed their reflection.
