Dusky lory: Pairing, Breeding, Diet, Eggs
Dusky lory: Breeding Dusky Lories (Pseudeos fuscata) requires attention to specific needs, including housing, diet, and breeding behavior. Here’s a guide to help with successfully breeding Dusky Lories:
Alternative common names are the white-rumped lory or the dusky-orange lory. They are also known as “banded lories” or “duskies”.
1. Pair Bonding and Breeding Age
- Sexual Maturity: Dusky Lories generally reach sexual maturity around 2-3 years of age.
- Bonded Pairs: It’s essential to allow natural pair bonding as they typically form strong monogamous relationships. Successful breeding depends on a compatible pair.
2. Dusky lory Breeding Environment
- Nest Box: Provide a nest box measuring about 12x12x24 inches, with an entrance hole of 4 inches in diameter. Line the box with softwood shavings or a mix of shavings and peat moss to create a comfortable and natural nesting area.
- Quiet Environment: Ensure the breeding pair has access to a quiet and undisturbed area in the aviary, as too much stress can negatively affect their breeding.
3. Egg Laying and Incubation
- Clutch Size: The female will typically lay 2 eggs per clutch. These eggs are incubated for about 24-28 days, with both parents involved in the incubation process.
- Parental Care: After hatching, both parents will participate in feeding and caring for the chicks.
4. Diet During Breeding
- Nectar and Fruit: Dusky Lories, like other lories, are nectarivorous. Ensure they have access to commercial lorikeet nectar and a variety of soft fruits such as apples, pears, papayas, and berries.
- Protein: During the breeding season, protein becomes more crucial. You can provide a protein boost through insect larvae, boiled eggs, or commercial egg food. This will support the chicks’ growth.
- Calcium: Calcium is important for female lories during egg-laying to avoid egg binding. Offer cuttlefish bone or calcium-enriched supplements.
5. Chick Development and Fledging
- Feeding: The chicks will be fed regurgitated nectar by their parents. Ensure a continuous supply of fresh nectar and fruits for the parents to pass on to the chicks.
- Fledging: Chicks typically fledge at around 8-9 weeks but may remain dependent on the parents for a few weeks after fledging for food.
6. General Housing
- Aviary Space: Dusky Lories are active and require a spacious aviary where they can fly and exercise. They are social birds, but territorial behavior can arise during breeding, so give breeding pairs their own space.
- Cleanliness: Due to their liquid diet, they can be messy eaters, so frequent cleaning of the nest box and surrounding areas is necessary to prevent bacterial growth.
7. Dusky lory Common Breeding Challenges
- Aggression: During the breeding season, Dusky Lories can become aggressive toward other birds, so it is important to keep the breeding pair separated from other lories or parrot species.
- Chick Mortality: It’s not uncommon for inexperienced pairs to lose their first clutch. However, after a few attempts, most pairs become successful breeders.
Dusky lory Conclusion
Breeding Dusky Lories is an enriching experience, though it requires careful attention to their dietary, environmental, and social needs. A healthy pair, given a proper environment and adequate nutrition, can breed successfully with minimal intervention. Regular monitoring and ensuring a clean and peaceful breeding space are essential to raising healthy chicks.
You might also be interested in breeding Black-capped Lories.
In-depth discussion about Breeding Lorries and Lorikeets.
