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So my local bird store has a female eclectus that is 21 years old that someone needed to rehome. Physically, her feathers look really good but they showed me the diet she has been fed for at least the past 4 years (the person who surrendered her was the second owner so they were unsure of what she was eating for the first 17 years) and it was a seed and pellet mix with no fresh fruits and veggies. She is also so overweight that when she tries to fly (because she is fully flighted), she drops like a rock. I did not see any toe tapping or wing flipping though.
What are some common issues older ekkies develop when on a poor diet. If I were to get her, I would definitely be feeding fresh chop daily and getting her weight down, but how would her past diet effect her? If I were to change her diet now, is it likely she'd live another 10 years? |
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Re: Common Issues to Look for in Older Ekkie?
Hello and welcome!
Ekkies on seed diets may develop fatty liver disease or atherosclerosis. But there could be nutrient deficiencies as well. However, Rather than speculate on what “might” be wrong, the smartest thing you can do is take her to a certified avian vet for a full work up, including full blood panels. Hard to say how well her body can bounce back without knowing if there is even any trouble to begin with. But if she generally appears in good condition I can imagine another 8-10 years wouldn’t be out of the question.
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SailBoat ![]() |
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Re: Common Issues to Look for in Older Ekkie?
Hello and welcome!
Ekkies on seed diets may develop fatty liver disease or atherosclerosis. But there could be nutrient deficiencies as well. However, Rather than speculate on what “might” be wrong, the smartest thing you can do is take her to a certified avian vet for a full work up, including full blood panels. Hard to say how well her body can bounce back without knowing if there is even any trouble to begin with. But if she generally appears in good condition I can imagine another 8-10 years wouldn’t be out of the question. |
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Re: Common Issues to Look for in Older Ekkie?
There are absolutely treatments. Fatty liver disease stands a chance of full reversal/cure. I’d be more worried about viral diseases.
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Re: Common Issues to Look for in Older Ekkie?
Regarding flight. With the first 17 years being unknown. It is very possible that it is more an issue of not knowing more than being 'overweight.' Even a Parrot that is seriously underweight cannot fly if it doesn't know how.
Check the Amazon Forum and take a look at the Huge Thread near the top that is titled: I Love Amazons - ..., you will find tons of information regarding caring for older Parrots. The only segment that is defined to New World Parrots is the Diet segment. It would be my hope that your Avian Medical Professional will also expand the Blood Screen to include testing the chemical status of the cardiovascular system. Is she interested in you?
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Re: Common Issues to Look for in Older Ekkie?
I agree with the no cold turkey off pellets if you decide to get her. When I got Mel (she's 13 or 15 I'm not sure) she was eating fruits and veggies and pellets at her foster home but when I got her she'd only eat the Zupreem naturals. At first I transitioned her to a better pellet and kept offering chop everyday, and then less and less pellets as she was eating her fruits and veggies more and now she's off of them completely. Such a big part is figuring out HOW they like to eat, Basil likes big chunks he can shred up and then eat and Mel likes smaller pieces but not so small that it's food processor, they're super specific. Check with your vet, but if all viral diseases are clear, then I vote you go for it!
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diet, eclectus, ekkie, health, old age |
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