Scaly-breasted lorikeet: Pairing, Breeding, Diet, Prices
Scaly-breasted lorikeet: Breeding Scaly-breasted Lorikeets (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus) can be a rewarding experience but requires a specific understanding of their needs for housing, diet, and breeding behavior. Here’s an overview to help guide you through the process:
1. Pairing and Mating
- Pair Compatibility: Scaly-breasted Lorikeets form monogamous bonds, so selecting compatible pairs is crucial. These birds reach sexual maturity around 1-2 years of age. It’s best to allow them to bond naturally.
- Pre-Breeding Behavior: Before breeding, pairs will engage in mutual grooming, head bobbing, and “feeding” each other as part of their courtship behavior.
2. Scaly-breasted lorikeet Nesting Setup
- Nesting Box: Provide a wooden nest box measuring about 12x12x18 inches with a 3-inch entrance hole. Fill the nest box with wood shavings or shredded paper as bedding for the eggs.
- Breeding Season: In captivity, they can breed year-round if conditions are optimal, but in the wild, they tend to breed in the spring and summer (August to January).
- Seclusion: The breeding pair should have access to a quiet and secure location for nesting. Place the nest box in a sheltered, low-traffic area of the aviary to reduce stress.
3. Egg Laying and Incubation
- Clutch Size: The female typically lays 2-3 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 22-25 days.
- Incubation: Both parents share incubation duties, although the female often does most of the sitting. During this period, it’s important to minimize disturbances to the nest.
4. Feeding During Breeding
- High-Nutrient Diet: Scaly-breasted Lorikeets are primarily nectar feeders, so during breeding, it is essential to provide them with a high-energy diet. Include:
- Commercial lorikeet nectar
- Fresh fruits like apples, grapes, pears, and papayas
- Protein supplements such as soaked seeds or egg food to aid in chick development.
- Calcium Supplementation: Provide calcium supplements like cuttlebone or calcium blocks to ensure healthy egg production and prevent egg binding in the female.
5. Chick Rearing
- Chick Care: Once the chicks hatch, both parents will feed them a mixture of regurgitated nectar and soft foods. The chicks will remain in the nest for about 6-8 weeks.
- Fledging: Chicks usually fledge at around 8 weeks old but may continue to rely on the parents for food until fully independent at around 10-12 weeks.
6. Scaly-breasted lorikeet Common Challenges
- Aggression: Scaly-breasted Lorikeets can be territorial, especially during breeding. It’s advisable to separate breeding pairs from other birds to avoid conflicts.
- Messy Birds: Due to their liquid-based diet, these lorikeets produce a lot of liquid droppings. Frequent cleaning is necessary to maintain a healthy environment for the chicks.
- Health Monitoring: Keep an eye on the health of the breeding pair, especially the female, for signs of egg binding (a condition where the egg gets stuck inside the female). Consult an avian vet if issues arise.
7. Post-Breeding
- Weaning Chicks: As the chicks grow, gradually introduce them to solid foods like fruits and nectar. Once they are fully weaned, separate them from the parents to prevent overcrowding and territorial aggression.
Scaly-breasted lorikeet Final Notes:
Breeding Scaly-breasted Lorikeets requires commitment, especially in terms of providing the right environment and diet. Ensuring that their aviary is spacious and well-maintained is key to fostering successful breeding outcomes. With proper care, these colorful, playful lorikeets can breed successfully in captivity.
Scaly-breasted Lorikeet prices:
In general, the selling price of Lories in New Zealand is higher than in many other countries. This is a reflection on the relatively few breeders in New Zealand and the small population of breeding lories.
Pricing varies depending on immediate availability, recent sales both from pet stores and from Breeders suggest the following prices for single birds, pairs (cock and hen), and mutations in New Zealand dollars:
To learn more about Lorikeet mutations and Genetics.
In-depth discussion about Breeding Lorries and Lorikeets.
