BREED INFORMATIONS AT A GLANCE -

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The lorikeet is a playful and energetic bird and in its natural environment eats nectar and fruits rather than seeds. It requires a specialised diet of a nectar mix, fruit and vegetables. Lorikeets are very untidy eaters and spoil the cage and its surrounds with their large, wet droppings. These messy eating habits require a diligent owner who is willing to clean the cage every day to prevent bacterial and yeast (thrush) infections. The smaller lorikeet varieties (varied and musk) make better pets because of their soft bite, but well-trained rainbow or red-collared lorikeets are good talkers and a lot of fun. Lorikeets are extremely playful and love to listen to music and dance. They form strong bonds with their owner and make excellent pets for those willing to provide the specialised care required by the lorikeet.

FEEDING LORIES

FRUITS & VEGETABLES: While commercial products are considered to be "total nutrition" your birds can benefit from the added nutrients of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Some of the best items to offer a lory are papaya, cantaloupe, mango, pears, apples, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, squash, bell pepper, jalapeno peppers, dark leafy greens such as kale and peas. Cooking foods destroys many of the nutrients so these food should be served fresh. Because of their natural curiosity, most lories will accept new diets readily. Fresh foods can be given in a chopped mix. If the bird seems to reject the chopped fresh foods, try pureeing the fruit and even the veggies and adding it to the nectar. Remember, VARIETY is essential.

SPROUTS: Freshly sprouted seeds are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, protein, enzymes and antioxidants. When seed begin to sprout they are at their peak nutritional level and they are easy to digest. Because they are soft, they are suitable for lory consumption. Avoid sprouts purchased in the store as they my be older and less nutritious and they can contain harmful levels of E. coli. Seeds & beans to include in your sprout mix are: sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, mung beans, wheat berries, lentil, adzuka beans and corn.

FRESH WATER: Fresh, clean water is essential to the health of any bird. Be sure to provide plenty of it and change it daily. Lories can adapt to water bottles, however, they should be changed daily and the stoppers cleaned and disinfected frequently.