Collared Lory: Pairing, Breeding, Diet, Eggs
Collared Lory: Breeding Collared Lories (Phigys solitarius), a species native to Fiji, requires a specific setup and care to ensure successful reproduction. These small and colorful parrots thrive in warm, tropical environments, so replicating these conditions is essential in captivity. Here’s a guide to help with breeding them:
1. Collared Lory Pairing and Maturity
- Breeding Age: Collared Lories typically reach breeding age between 1-2 years. Ensure that both the male and female are mature and healthy before attempting to breed.
- Bonded Pairs: These lories often mate for life, so it’s important to let them naturally bond. Forced pairing may lead to aggression or unsuccessful breeding.
2. Housing for Breeding
- Cage Size: Collared Lories need a spacious aviary to move around and maintain health. An aviary of at least 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 6 feet tall is ideal for a breeding pair.
- Nest Box: Provide a nest box measuring around 10x10x20 inches, with a 3-4 inch diameter entrance hole. Line the box with soft materials like wood shavings or coconut fibers to mimic natural conditions.
- Humidity: They come from a tropical climate, so maintaining moderate humidity (50-70%) is beneficial for breeding success.
3. Breeding Diet
- Nectar-Based Diet: Collared Lories are nectarivores. Offer commercial lorikeet nectar along with fresh fruits like papayas, apples, and pears to provide essential nutrients.
- Fruits: Fresh fruit, especially soft fruits like bananas, mangoes, and berries, should be a significant part of their diet during breeding.
- Calcium: Females need a good source of calcium to prevent egg-binding. Supply cuttlefish bone or calcium supplements.
- Protein Supplement: Breeding lories may benefit from additional protein in the form of boiled eggs or small insects like mealworms to support chick development.
4. Egg Laying and Incubation
- Clutch Size: A typical clutch consists of 2 eggs, although occasionally there may be 3.
- Incubation Period: The eggs are incubated for 23-26 days. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks.
- Hatchling Care: After hatching, the chicks will rely heavily on their parents for the first few weeks. The chicks typically fledge after 7-8 weeks, though they may continue to be fed by the parents for a few weeks afterward.
5. Collared Lory General Health and Hygiene
- Cleanliness: Lories tend to be messy due to their liquid diet, so regular cleaning of the nest box and aviary is important to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold.
- Monitoring for Illness: Keep a close eye on the health of both the parents and chicks. Lories are prone to yeast infections and digestive issues, particularly if their nectar or fruit is not kept fresh.
6. Breeding Challenges
- Aggression: While Collared Lories are generally sociable, they can become territorial during breeding. It’s important to give breeding pairs their own space, separate from other birds.
- Clutch Mortality: Inexperienced pairs may have difficulty with their first clutches. Ensure the breeding pair has a stable, quiet environment and proper nutrition to increase their chances of success.
Collared Lory Conclusion
Breeding Collared Lories involves providing a suitable nest box, maintaining their specialized nectar-based diet, and ensuring a clean and stress-free environment. Proper nutrition, especially calcium and protein during the breeding season, is essential for healthy eggs and chicks. With patience and care, these colorful birds can successfully breed in captivity.
Other lorikeet and lory species are discussed on our website.
You might also be interested in breeding Black-capped Lories.
In-depth discussion about Breeding Lorries and Lorikeets.
