Pellets and Toe-Tapping....

[New Ekkie Mom]

I hesitate to say that Eclectus do fine on pellets. Not all of them do. Some can eat all the pellets they want and never have a reaction. Others can't touch one without a bad reaction. Some can eat one brand/type of pellet but not another brand. From all the research I've done, I would just say that Eclectus have a tendency to be much more sensitive to pellets than other species. If you have an Ekkie that can tolerate it, great. If not, then at least you know what the cause is, so you can adjust the diet appropriately.

Also, I have heard the owner of the LOV website say that young birds can tolerate pellets more easily than an older bird. Just because a bird can eat them at 6 months of age with no problem, doesn't necessarily mean that they can eat them at 4 yrs of age with no problem.

Just keep an eye on your bird.

Another thing to keep in mind...pellets are not the only cause of toe tapping and wing flipping. Any fortified foods, foods made with enriched flour, pesticide residue from non-organic food, chemicals/inhalants in the air, etc. have all been known to cause toe tapping and wing flipping in Eclectus.

[shellbeme]

While I'm fully in support of fresh diets-and really prefer a varried diet with pellets, the only reports I've read about from eclectus owners when it comes to toe tapping has been caused not by the pellets but by the combo of fresh foods/grains they serve their birds. I'm not saying pellets don't cause it, just that I've not read of it happening.

[Patti J]

I eliminated Solomon's toe tapping by removing all preservatives from his diet. He doesn't get pellets...only fresh food, no seed either.

[sodakat]

Originally Posted by Patti J

I eliminated Solomon's toe tapping by removing all preservatives from his diet. He doesn't get pellets...only fresh food, no seed either.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but please tell us about your birds, Patti!

You could start a new thread, in fact. Would love to see more pictures also!

Kathy

[Monica]

Originally Posted by Jess89

every bird is different; just like every human is different... Jasper eats COLOURED pellets.. and despite many rumours he doesnt toe tap.. it doesnt turn his poop odd colours... infact since I put him on these coloured pellets ive noticed his eyes are brighter and his feathers are brighter; and bright eyes is the number 1 way of telling your eccy is healthy... so pellets are fine for eccys; you just have to make sure they get the right kind...

ie- get pellets esspecially designed for eccys

Originally Posted by New Ekkie Mom

I hesitate to say that Eclectus do fine on pellets. Not all of them do. Some can eat all the pellets they want and never have a reaction. Others can't touch one without a bad reaction. Some can eat one brand/type of pellet but not another brand. From all the research I've done, I would just say that Eclectus have a tendency to be much more sensitive to pellets than other species. If you have an Ekkie that can tolerate it, great. If not, then at least you know what the cause is, so you can adjust the diet appropriately.

Also, I have heard the owner of the LOV website say that young birds can tolerate pellets more easily than an older bird. Just because a bird can eat them at 6 months of age with no problem, doesn't necessarily mean that they can eat them at 4 yrs of age with no problem.

Just keep an eye on your bird.

Another thing to keep in mind...pellets are not the only cause of toe tapping and wing flipping. Any fortified foods, foods made with enriched flour, pesticide residue from non-organic food, chemicals/inhalants in the air, etc. have all been known to cause toe tapping and wing flipping in Eclectus.

My thoughts exactly, Ekkie Mom! Was pretty much going to reply to Jess that it's possible for her ekkie to be fine on them for now, but in the future, this could change. I've heard of it happening, that an eclectus is fine on pellets for years, then one day starts toe-tapping and wing flipping. Pellets are removed, bird stops.

[jimpierce7]

it is frequently the corn in the pellets that are the cause as well. More fiber!! Ekkies need lots and lots of fiber.

[New Ekkie Mom]

Originally Posted by Monica

My thoughts exactly, Ekkie Mom!

Wow! I am honored! I have always respected your posts, and you give such thorough info. I learned a lot from your posts when I was bringing home my Ekkie this time last year. It's cool to know you were thinking what I was thinking. :)