Foot stomping?

kc_y0 · Aug 6, 2012

I've just noticed Audrey is stomping her foot.. She's only done it a couple of times and its not continuous, its just one big stomp as she sits on my shoulder. This wouldn't be anything to worry about would it, as I've read about problems with eccy toe tapping

While she does it she is sitting happily on my shoulder making happy clucks and preening my hair so she doesn't seem upset or anything.. she just lifts her foot up and then STOMP down on my shoulder.

Alisana · Aug 6, 2012

Some birds stop or tap their beaks against things to see what happens. Think of a child that taps different shaped glasses.

The stomping may be a similar behaviour. She might be doing it to see if it makes a sound. Palm Cockatoos are known for their foot stomping behaviour - they use it as apart of their 'show' with impressing a female.

Alisana · Aug 6, 2012

Extract from Exotic Pet Vet, they mention the 'stomp'

Eclectus Toe Tapping

Eclectus sometimes present with a strange complaint of toe tapping, foot stomping, foot clenching or unilateral wing flipping. This usually occurs sporadically. The cause of this is unknown, but I believe that it is a neuritis secondary to something else going on. Some colleagues believe that it has to do with hypovitaminosis A, hypocalcemia or protein deficiency (or excessive protein in the diet!) I think that it may occur after a bout with polyomavirus, which can be fatal in unvaccinated adult Eclectus, or maybe even chlamydiosis (which can cause neurological signs), aspergillosis or a toxin. We definitely need to do a lot more work on this problem.

Alisana · Aug 6, 2012

"Everyone needs to see Nature "Parrots in the Land of Oz" (PBS). It spends considerable time on wild Eclectus in Australia - they have a unique social system, where males fly huge distances daily and mate with lots of females, females are also promiscuious (sp.) and the male "taps" as a way of communication. It is a normal behavior. Our captive eclectus housed as pairs are frustrated (the females mate with lots of different males) and the males mate with lots of females. It is not a Male:female pair bond social system.

When the male is "toe tapping" he's calling and declaring his position for other males - with none answering, he keeps doing it.

I'm going to buy the dvd and invite all eclectus owners to come see it. And we need to re-think medicating or whatever for a "normal" behavior. I have a feeling those eclectus getting the spirulina were actually in better reproductive health and therefore getting quite frustrating tapping and drumming with no birds answering.

You can order the dvd for 19.95 US dollars at the Nature TV website

It's well worth it."

Cathy Johnson-Delaney, DVM, DABVP-Avian
President, Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians

HARRISON'S BIRD FOODS: Eclectus, commercial bird food diets and "toe-tapping"

If you think it might be hypovitaminosis, check with an avian vet. Keep an eye for the toe-tapping, clenching or wing flipping. It could be either situation.

kc_y0 · Aug 6, 2012

Thanks for the responses guys. She only did it about 3 times in the hour or so she was on my shoulder. She's never done any of the other things though.. I'm going to keep an eye on it, if it becomes more constant I'll take her to a vet. She might not be getting enough sunlight though. I'm going to get her a lamp with a light that will give her more vitamin D, any tips on what kind of light I should be looking out for?

Trina · Aug 6, 2012

Its a full spectrum bulb, pet stored that sell birds will have them.. I havent seen petsmart or petco with them. I actually purchased my bulb from a mom and pop pet store that sells exotics

Alisana · Aug 6, 2012

The other alternative is a carrier cage, outdoor cage or even harness training.

Free light from nature.

I've seen a few people who have birds indoors that use a carrier cage to take their companion outside in the morning/afternoon to soak up some sunlight. Just bring out a book to read - keep an eye on your bird though to ensure that they aren't overheating.

Mare Miller · Aug 6, 2012

Mi Amigo does the foot stomp just before he tucks that foot in for a nap. It's weird, actually, the house will be quiet and he will hit his foot on his perch, loud enough to hear, and tuck it up into his belly while at the same time, grinding his beak. That's when I know it's nap time

Pedro · Aug 6, 2012

KC how much direct sunlight does Audrey get? She only needs about 10 to 15 minutes a day to keep her healthy. As far as the stomping goes. I don't think it is anything to worry about. My eclectus sometimes stomp for no reason. I would think you have Audrey on a well balanced diet without added supps.

Toe tapping is something totally different.

When I sell a baby eclectus i recommend 2 cages a sleep cage indoors & a enrichment cage outdoors.

Virtual Silver

kc_y0 · Aug 6, 2012

Thanks for the responses everyone. She definetly gets 10-15 minutes a day unless its a stormy overcast day lol, I keep reading they need 6 hours a day so it freaked me out, in fact I lost a little sleep over it lol!

I think I will get a light bulb just for her in case, but yes she has a good diet and no added supps. I would LOVE to have a cage for her outside to get some sun but sadly I don't have a backyard

I do have the place (and windows so its not filtered) opened every day for her. I have watched videos on Toe tapping and wing flipping and I am 100% certain she isn't doing that. She just randomly stomped on me lol!

Foot stomping?

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