Lory and Lorikeet Feeding: Plus recipes
Lory and Lorikeet Feeding requires a unique approach due to their specialized dietary needs. Unlike many other parrots, lories and lorikeets are nectarivorous, meaning their primary food source in the wild is nectar, along with pollen, fruits, and some insects. Their diet is liquid-based, which makes it quite different from seed-eating birds. Here’s an overview of their feeding requirements:
1. Nectar
- Primary Diet: In the wild, lories and lorikeets feed on nectar from flowers, which provides them with energy-rich sugars. In captivity, you can provide them with commercially prepared lorikeet nectar, which mimics their natural diet.
- Homemade Nectar: You can also prepare homemade nectar by mixing sugar, honey, or glucose with warm water. However, commercial formulas are often fortified with vitamins and minerals, making them more nutritionally complete.
2. Fruits
- Soft Fruits: Fresh fruits should make up a significant portion of their diet. Recommended fruits include:
- Apples
- Pears
- Grapes
- Berries
- Melons
- Papayas
- Mangoes
- These fruits provide vitamins and natural sugars. Avoid fruits that are high in acidity, like citrus, as they can upset their stomachs.
3. Pollen
- Natural Source: In the wild, lories and lorikeets consume pollen, which provides protein. In captivity, bee pollen can be sprinkled over their food as a supplement to mimic this natural behavior.
4. Lory and Lorikeet Feeding Vegetables
- Though not a large part of their diet, lories and lorikeets can benefit from a small portion of vegetables like:
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- These vegetables provide additional vitamins and fiber, but they should be offered in small amounts.
5. Protein
- Insects and Egg Food: During breeding or chick-rearing periods, they may benefit from additional protein. You can provide boiled eggs or a small amount of insects (like mealworms), though this is generally not a large part of their regular diet.
6. Water
- Fresh Water: Always provide fresh water. Despite their high nectar intake, they still require a source of clean drinking water, which should be changed daily.
7. Lory and Lorikeet Feeding Foods to Avoid
- Seeds and Grains: Unlike most parrots, lories and lorikeets do not have the digestive system to process seeds and grains efficiently. A seed-based diet can lead to malnutrition.
- Chocolate, Avocado, Alcohol, and Caffeine: These are toxic to all parrots, including lories and lorikeets.
8. Lory and Lorikeet Feeding Frequency
- Due to the high metabolism of these birds, they require frequent feeding. You should provide fresh nectar at least twice a day and fruits throughout the day. Avoid leaving nectar out for too long, as it can ferment, especially in warm weather.
9. Mess Management
- Feeding Behavior: Because of their liquid-based diet, lories and lorikeets tend to be messy eaters, often squirting their food. Regular cleaning of the cage is necessary to prevent buildup of waste and to maintain hygiene.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your lory or lorikeet remains healthy and well-nourished. Providing a varied diet with appropriate nectar and fresh fruits is crucial to mimic their natural feeding habits and support their active, vibrant nature.
Lory and lorikeet feeding recipes
Here are a few Lory and Lorikeet feeding recipes that cater to their specialized dietary needs:
1. Homemade Nectar Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (can use glucose or honey as a substitute)
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1/4 teaspoon of vitamin/mineral supplement (optional)
Instructions:
- Dissolve the sugar or glucose in warm water.
- Let it cool and serve to the lories or lorikeets in a clean dish.
- Change the nectar at least twice a day to prevent fermentation.
- You can also add small amounts of fruit puree for flavor and nutrition.
2. Fruit and Veggie Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1/2 apple
- 1/4 papaya
- 1/4 carrot
- A handful of blueberries or strawberries
- A small amount of spinach or kale
Instructions:
- Blend all the ingredients into a smoothie-like consistency.
- Serve fresh in small amounts, and store any extra in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours.
- This mixture provides a variety of vitamins and fiber essential for their diet.
3. Protein Boost Recipe (for Breeding Birds)
Ingredients:
- 1 hard-boiled egg
- 1 tablespoon of commercial insect mix or finely chopped mealworms
- 1/2 tablespoon of grated carrot or sweet potato
Instructions:
- Mash the hard-boiled egg thoroughly.
- Mix in the insect protein and grated vegetables.
- Serve as a supplement, especially during breeding season for added protein.
4. Fruit Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 small slice of mango
- 1 small slice of banana
- 1 small cube of watermelon
- 1 small slice of apple or pear
- A few grapes (cut in half)
Instructions:
- Cut the fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Mix them together in a bowl and serve fresh.
- Avoid citrus fruits due to their high acidity.
5. Lorikeet Wet Mix
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of commercial wet mix (available at most pet stores)
- 2 tablespoons of water or homemade nectar
Instructions:
- Mix the wet mix with water or homemade nectar until it forms a thick paste.
- Serve in a clean bowl and refresh it regularly.
Lory and Lorikeet Feeding Tips:
- Nectar and Wet Mix: These are the base of their diet and should be provided fresh daily.
- Fruit Variety: Ensure you rotate fruits to offer a wide range of nutrients.
- Mess Control: Lories are messy eaters, so clean the feeding area regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
These recipes offer the nutrition required for maintaining healthy lories and lorikeets. Feel free to modify the recipes based on seasonal fruits and the bird’s preferences.
Lory and Lorikeet Feeding: Food to avoid.
References:
Other lorikeet and lory species are discussed on our website.
