I'm picking up my 11 week old female eclectus this Friday and had a few questions about weaning. (I have experience with hand feeding U2)

1: The breeder told me to NOT have any toys for her until she is fully weaned, as the toys will distract her and slow down the weaning process. I wasn't sure if that's really necessary...

2. I have a VERY large cage set up for her (approximately 7ft high by 4 ft wide) she is still learning her balance and grip but is doing very well, when can I transfer her to the larger cage? (she is being kept in a smaller, temporary cage)

3. At what age do the eclectus parrot fully wean (approx)? The breeder told me 12-14 weeks, just wanted to be clear on what to expect.

Lastly... this is not really a question but I had a great idea. I picked up a clear shower curtain from Target today ($5.99) and cut the curtain to the size of the tray pan for both the cage and the travel carrier and Vua La you have a cheap, durable tray liner! It's perfect in replacing newspaper!!! It is water proof, easy to clean, eco friendly and in my case where I don't get newspaper... it saves quite a bit of money from wasted paper towels. Just a cool idea I thought I would share

Hello and welcome! I can only answer question 3, someone else should be able to give you the other answers, but yes eclectus are usually fully weaned by 12-14 weeks.

I have never heard of keeping toys away from a bird that is being weaned. In my opinion I think that is silly. I would give her lots of choices in toys. My breeders advice was always to have different types at the same time. Something plastic, something wooden, shreddable & shiny/noisy. I think that the shower curtain idea is good but makes for alot of extra work. I am a germaphobe and would worry about trying to keep it germ free. I would ask around for newspapers. Perhaps a coffee shop or store that keeps newspapers around would give you the left overs. I think that it makes life alot easier to just throw it away. Good luck on your baby, I love eckies!

I, also have never heard of keeping Toys away from a Bird during the weaning stage!!

I wouldn't listen to that one and put some Toys in her Cage

I maybe able to help here.

My babies have a stuffed toy in their baby cage to cuddle into. Also any hanging toy is always enjoyed. I doubt it will distract her at all. Just be careful when introducing a new toy because sometimes the colours can scare them.

It's a great idea to keep her in the temp cage untill she has learnt to fly & land correctly. I put my chicks in a big cage at around the 14 week age. Using a smaller cage as a sleeping cage at night can also give them a bit of security at night & will lessen the likely hood of falls during sleep. I also cover all my cages at night.

As far as weaning goes each baby is different. Don't be to quick to wean, although 12 to 14 weeks can be normal age but in my experience it can & does take longer. I let my babies decide when they don't want the formula. Once they start to become independent at around the 12 to 14 week mark, I offer a sooky feed late afternoon & give it to to them until they refuse it. Some will enjoy their sooky feed for a few more months, some just a few weeks.

Thanks for the replies. I have never heard of keeping toys away from unweaned birds before, but after the breeder mentioned it I just wanted to get some clarification.

To Pedro, I liked your suggestion on feeding soaked veggies to help her wean. I definitely don't want to rush her on the weaning process. What are some of your suggestions for the mashed/soaked veggie mixed ingredients.