Lorikeets make wonderful pets but they require a lot of specialized care. They produce extremely wet droppings that can damage walls and furnishings so many owners line their cages with plastic. Lorikeets have a very specific diet consisting of nectar and pollen. They should be fed commercially available or homemade nectar mixes two to three times a day. Supplement their diet with fresh fruit, oats, flowers and green vegetables.
Characteristics
Lorikeets are intelligent birds that can be playful and engaging. However, these birds are high-maintenance because of their need for a special liquid diet and messy eating habits. They also love bathing, which is a way to help remove waste from their digestive system. Because of their messy eating and bathing habits, lorikeets need a cage that can be easily cleaned. They are capable escape artists, so a cage with a lock is essential. They may become aggressive towards other pets and humans if they are not properly tamed. Some lorikeets are nippy, which can cause discomfort for their owners. This behavior is normal and can usually be corrected after some training.
These birds are active and enjoy spending time hopping, playing and hanging upside down from the cage bars. They require a large cage or play area that can accommodate their activity needs. They can be extremely noisy, as they often squawk or speak in a high-pitched voice and will not stop until they get the attention that they need.
When selecting a parakeets vs lorikeets, it is best to purchase one that has been hand-reared since they are already familiar with humans and have adapted well to captivity. A lorikeet that is not hand-reared will need time to get used to its new home and people. It will likely be very shy at first, but this will quickly disappear as it realizes that people mean no harm. It is important to see a veterinarian regularly as lorikeets are experts at hiding illness. Signs of illness include fluffed feathers, eyes closed and lethargic behavior.
Habitat
Lorikeets are the clowns of the bird world. They can be loud, cocky, playful and mischievous making them fun to watch. They are excellent talkers with a high-pitched tone and frequent squawks. Their vocalizations can be abrasive and disruptive to those sensitive to loud noises so they are not suitable for close neighbors.
They are a very active bird and require a large cage with plenty of hanging and “grabbing” toys. They are messy eaters and produce very liquid droppings that need to be hosed down often. Aluminum aviaries are preferable to wooden structures as they are easier to clean.
As with all birds they need exposure to full-spectrum light to manufacture vitamin D in their skin which they need to absorb dietary calcium. It is recommended that the lory or lorikeet spend 10-12 hours each day in an escape-proof outdoor habitat with a full-spectrum UV lamp.
A lorikeet that is not receiving enough exposure to sunlight may develop a condition called sour crop (an overproduction of food in the food storage pouch located at the back of the throat). It is also important for a lory or lorikeet to have access to fresh water and fruit daily. Be sure to clean all perches, food and water dishes, and a lory or lorikeet will be healthier and happier.
Feeding
Lorikeets are opportunistic omnivores and eat nectar, fruits, berries, pollen, and flowers. Their long tongues have a brush-like growth at the tip that sweeps the surface of blossoms for pollen and nectar, similar to how bees harvest honey. The beak is sharp enough to tear apart flowers and fruits, and they supplement their diet with insects.
Hand-reared lorikeets that are accustomed to humans can be trained to talk and most learn to copy whistles and bells well. These birds are active and require a lot of attention from their owners as they love to play and chatter. They also need to have plenty of exercise and perches for them to stretch their wings.
For best results, a hand-raised lorikeet should be introduced to new people, places, and experiences early, so they become used to these things. This will make them less stressed, which is important for their health. The minimum cage size recommended for lorikeets is 18x18x24 inches. It is better to have a larger cage, as these birds like to fly around and need lots of room to spread their wings.
The most important thing for a pet lorikeet is a well-balanced diet of fresh food and water. This should be offered throughout the day, as lorikeets eat quickly and need constant nourishment. The food should be changed every morning before the birds start to decompose it and lose nutrients.
Care
Lorikeets have a great deal of energy and require regular exercise. They love to climb, play, and explore, so a large cage with plenty of hanging and “grabbing” toys is necessary. They are capable escape artists, so a cage door lock is recommended. Lorikeets are very intelligent and can be trained to talk. Hand-reared birds should be exposed to other lorikeets, if possible, as soon as they are weaned so they learn not to be overly dependent on human company.
In the wild lorikeets feed on nectar and pollen, which they gather using their unique brush-like tongue. They also eat berries, fruits, and greens.
Fruit should make up about 40% of your parakeet’s diet. It’s important to avoid citrus fruits as they are toxic to lorikeets. Other safe foods include figs, grapes, bananas, apples, pear, pomegranate, soaked sultanas and apricots, and kiwifruit. Lorikeets can also be fed commercial nectar mixes.
Because lorikeets are highly social, two birds are ideal companions for each other and provide each other with mental stimulation. They also tend to be more docile than single lorikeets. If a lorikeet is bored, it will create its own entertainment by picking at its feathers and chewing on wood or paper. You can prevent this by providing your lorikeet with lots of interesting toys, including swings, ladders, perches and ropes, and rotating the toys daily.
