Eclectus parrot are very special birds, and to many owners, they are often like small children. They definitely each have their own personalities, but they also have two growing stages that can be quite trying. These growing stages are similar to a human child’s terrible twos and puberty. Here is a breakdown of both of these growing stages.

The Terrible Twos The terrible twos for Eclectus parrots occurs between the ages of three and five months. It is during this time that they are generally naughty and into everything. They will essentially test the boundaries set by the breeder, the owner, or their actual parent. It is during this time that the young Eclectus parrot needs to learn who is boss (you).

It is very vital to your bird’s future behavior that you do not tolerate his bad behavior during the terrible twos. For example, you must make him do what it is that you want him to do, instead of allowing him to do what he wants to do during training sessions. This does not mean, however, that he should be punished. Essentially, you need to show him that you are dominant. During this period, experts advise that you should not let the bird sit on your shoulder, as this puts him above your eye level, which in his world means that he is dominant.

Puberty When your Eclectus parrot is about nine months old, he will start going through what is essentially puberty. Just as human teenagers have raging emotions, these birds also have raging emotions, and they look for a way to deal with them. This stage, unfortunately, can last until the bird is about two or three years old.

Of the two growing stages, this one is often the hardest for the owner to deal with, because it lasts the longest. The good news is that unless your Eclectus parrot has been demonstrating poor behavior before this period, he will grow out of it, just as most teenagers do. During this time, you may notice extreme mood swings, screaming that takes place more often, shadow boxing, and even masturbation. It is also during this time, of course, that the Eclectus parrot will start showing obvious interest in the opposite sex.

The key to getting through both of these trying times is patience just as though you were dealing with a human child. However, discipline really isn’t suggested, since the Eclectus parrot won’t understand it. Instead, encourage more appropriate behavior, and understand that your beloved bird will outgrow these awkward stages, and he will become the bird that you’ve grown to love once again.

Eclectus parrots nails’ needs to clipped about every six months. This is important for your health and his, and for the health of your furnishings. Those nails can get very sharp and very dangerous.

This really is something that you can do yourself. Just make sure that you are prepared with the right tools. You need Kwik Stop, in case the nail bleeds. You also need a good thick towel, and a good pair of cat nail clippers. Do not attempt to clip your bird’s nails without having Kwik Stop, or some other styptic powder. Even just cutting into the quick of the nail, and causing that nail to bleed, can easily and quickly lead to your Eclectus parrot bleeding to death.

You will be nervous the first few time that you do this, and your Eclectus parrot will pick up on that. You are about to find a good use for that thick towel. You need to wrap the bird in the towel in a way that leave his head exposed, but his wings held against his body. Also make sure that there is enough material to prevent him from biting your hand as you clip his nails.

It is important that you understand that just as you don’t feel pain when your nails are clipped, this task doesn’t hurt your Eclectus parrot either unless you cut too far, and hit the quick. If you’ve ever cut your nail too short, you know how painful this can be. You want to make sure that the bird cannot move as you clip. Understand that he is nervous and that he doesn’t like this but know that you aren’t hurting him. This should help you relax a bit.

The only part of the nail that you need to clip is the sharp point on the end. Again, you don’t want to cause your bird pain by cutting down into the quick, and this is easily avoided by just cutting off the sharp tip of the nail.

While you are clipping your Eclectus parrots nails, make sure that you are talking calmly to him. He knows the sound of your voice well, and this will comfort and calm him, making your job easier.

Make sure that you work as fast as you can, while being safe. Don’t get in such a hurry that you hurt the bird. If you are a bit slow in the beginning, don’t worry. As time moves on, and you become more experienced at nail clipping, you will be able to do it very quickly, causing the Eclectus parrot less stress and anxiety. Get those nails clipped, and let him go.

Once you are finished clipping your Eclectus parrots nails, you can expect him to pout a bit. He may not want much to do with you for a while. Give him time to sooth his ruffled feathers and it won’t be long before he is perched on your shoulder once again with nicely trimmed nails.

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