Lories And Lorikeets
Care and Hygiene
Unlike other members of the parrot family that eat seeds, the loriinae sub-family have a brush-like tongue that enables them to collect plant nectar. Because of their liquid diet, their droppings are messy. These beautiful birds command high prices outside their native geography of Australasia and S.E. Asia. The question of whether novice birdkeepers can successfully maintain these birds is sometimes hotly debated due to the complexities of feeding and caring for them.
Lory Diet
Maintaining a supply of fresh nectar in liquid form and feeding it to lories can be a time-consuming process. In recent years, dry nectar, nectar in pellet form and powder to which water can be added have become available, making the task somewhat easier. Nutrients are contained in some pellet forms, and apple sauce, fresh fruit and vegetables can be added to make the alternatives more attractive to the lories and lorikeets. Fresh nectar should still be provided occasionally and many breeders and keepers still prefer to feed fresh nectar only. Even with liquid nectar available, water is still required for the birds. Any changes in diet should only be made gradually, especially with new birds.
Lory Cage
Even with the diet alternatives, lories and lorikeets are still messy birds. Concrete floors are to be preferred, as these are relatively easy to keep clean and hygienic. Cleaning droppings and any undigested fruit from the mesh or walls of a cage can be very time-consuming, so acrylic panels with holes to allow airflow are an alternative, whether forming most of the cage itself or to cover walls or other surfaces.
Lory Hygiene
Regular cleaning is a must to maintain the health of lories and lorikeets. Undigested fruit or pellets and the droppings all create opportunities for bacteria to form and create infection. Nectar itself deteriorates quickly, especially in hot weather. Litters need changing and all dishes need washing out on a daily basis. Any feeders, especially drinkers used to feed liquid nectar, will also require to be cleaned very regularly.
These birds are naturally very sociable and benefit from interaction with their keepers. It is also a good idea to get them used to being handled to enable examinations and hands-on care when necessary. Encouraged in this way, they will show their comic and sometimes mischievous nature. They can also be taught to speak, albeit to a more limited degree than prolific speakers such as African grey parrots or mynah birds.
By the way, what is the principal difference between lories and lorikeets? The answer is the tail feathers, with lorikeets having longer and more slender tails, accentuating the colour and display of these beautiful birds.
Rainbow Lorikeet
|
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles