{"id":12464,"date":"2024-09-29T11:15:47","date_gmt":"2024-09-29T11:15:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/?p=12464"},"modified":"2026-06-08T08:29:46","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T08:29:46","slug":"lory-and-lorikeet-feeding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/lory-and-lorikeet-feeding\/","title":{"rendered":"Lory and Lorikeet Feeding: Top 5 Plus recipes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Lory and Lorikeet Feeding<\/strong> requires a unique approach due to their specialized dietary needs. Unlike many other parrots, lories and lorikeets are <strong>nectarivorous<\/strong>, meaning their primary food source in the wild is <strong>nectar<\/strong>, along with <strong>pollen, fruits, and some insects<\/strong>. Their diet is liquid-based, which makes it quite different from seed-eating birds. Here&#8217;s an overview of their feeding requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"833\" height=\"527\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/weaning-baby-lorikeets.png\" alt=\"Lory and Lorikeet Feeding\" class=\"wp-image-12474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/weaning-baby-lorikeets.png 833w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/weaning-baby-lorikeets-300x190.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/weaning-baby-lorikeets-768x486.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/weaning-baby-lorikeets-50x32.png 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 833px) 100vw, 833px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Courtesy Kellie Stewart<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Nectar<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Primary Diet<\/strong>: In the wild, lories and lorikeets feed on <strong>nectar from flowers<\/strong>, which provides them with energy-rich sugars. In captivity, you can provide them with <strong>commercially prepared <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/breeding-lorries-and-lorikeets\/\">lorikeet nectar<\/a><\/strong>, which mimics their natural diet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Homemade Nectar<\/strong>: You can also prepare homemade nectar by mixing <strong>sugar, honey, or glucose<\/strong> with warm water. However, commercial formulas are often fortified with vitamins and minerals, making them more nutritionally complete.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Fruits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Soft Fruits<\/strong>: Fresh fruits should make up a significant portion of their diet. Recommended fruits include:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Apples<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pears<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Grapes<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Berries<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Melons<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Papayas<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mangoes<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These fruits provide vitamins and natural sugars. Avoid fruits that are high in acidity, like citrus, as they can upset their stomachs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Pollen<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Natural Source<\/strong>: In the wild, lories and lorikeets consume <strong>pollen<\/strong>, which provides protein. In captivity, <strong>bee pollen<\/strong> can be sprinkled over their food as a supplement to mimic this natural behavior.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Lory and Lorikeet Feeding <strong>Vegetables<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Though not a large part of their diet, lories and lorikeets can benefit from a small portion of <strong>vegetables<\/strong> like:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Carrots<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sweet potatoes<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spinach<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Broccoli<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These vegetables provide additional vitamins and fiber, but they should be offered in small amounts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <strong>Protein<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Insects and Egg Food<\/strong>: During breeding or chick-rearing periods, they may benefit from <strong>additional protein<\/strong>. You can provide <strong>boiled eggs<\/strong> or a small amount of <strong>insects<\/strong> (like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/live-food-for-finches\/\">mealworms<\/a>), though this is generally not a large part of their regular diet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. <strong>Water<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fresh Water<\/strong>: Always provide fresh water. Despite their high nectar intake, they still require a source of clean drinking water, which should be changed daily.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"356\" height=\"243\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Lory-and-Lorikeet-Feeding-2.png\" alt=\"Lory and Lorikeet Feeding\" class=\"wp-image-12470\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Lory-and-Lorikeet-Feeding-2.png 356w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Lory-and-Lorikeet-Feeding-2-300x205.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Lory-and-Lorikeet-Feeding-2-50x34.png 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 356px) 100vw, 356px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Courtesy Kellie Stewart<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Lory and Lorikeet Feeding <strong>Foods to Avoid<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Seeds and Grains<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chocolate, Avocado, Alcohol, and Caffeine<\/strong>: These are toxic to all parrots, including lories and lorikeets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. <strong>Lory and Lorikeet Feeding Frequency<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Due to the <strong>high metabolism<\/strong> of these birds, they require <strong>frequent feeding<\/strong>. You should provide fresh nectar at least <strong>twice a day<\/strong> and fruits throughout the day. Avoid leaving nectar out for too long, as it can ferment, especially in warm weather.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. <strong>Mess Management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Feeding Behavior<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"259\" height=\"245\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Lory-and-Lorikeet-Feeding.png\" alt=\"Lory and Lorikeet Feeding\" class=\"wp-image-12473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Lory-and-Lorikeet-Feeding.png 259w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Lory-and-Lorikeet-Feeding-50x47.png 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 259px) 100vw, 259px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Courtesy Kellie Stewart<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7709226522417656\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-format=\"autorelaxed\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7709226522417656\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"6409717486\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lory and lorikeet feeding recipes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few <strong>Lory and Lorikeet feeding recipes<\/strong> that cater to their specialized dietary needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Homemade Nectar Recipe<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ingredients<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1 tablespoon of sugar (can use glucose or honey as a substitute)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 cup of warm water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\/4 teaspoon of vitamin\/mineral supplement (optional)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Instructions<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dissolve the sugar or glucose in warm water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let it cool and serve to the lories or lorikeets in a clean dish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Change the nectar at least twice a day to prevent fermentation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can also add small amounts of fruit puree for flavor and nutrition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Fruit and Veggie Smoothie<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ingredients<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1\/2 apple<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\/4 papaya<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\/4 carrot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A handful of blueberries or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/can-birds-eat-strawberries\/\">strawberries<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A small amount of spinach or kale<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Instructions<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Blend all the ingredients into a smoothie-like consistency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serve fresh in small amounts, and store any extra in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This mixture provides a variety of vitamins and fiber essential for their diet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Protein Boost Recipe (for Breeding Birds)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ingredients<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1 hard-boiled egg<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 tablespoon of commercial insect mix or finely chopped mealworms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\/2 tablespoon of grated carrot or sweet potato<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Instructions<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mash the hard-boiled egg thoroughly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mix in the insect protein and grated vegetables.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serve as a supplement, especially during breeding season for added protein.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Fruit Salad<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ingredients<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1 small slice of mango<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 small slice of banana<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 small cube of watermelon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 small slice of apple or pear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A few grapes (cut in half)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Instructions<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cut the fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mix them together in a bowl and serve fresh.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid citrus fruits due to their high acidity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <strong>Lorikeet Wet Mix<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ingredients<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1 tablespoon of commercial wet mix (available at most pet stores)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 tablespoons of water or homemade nectar<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Instructions<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mix the wet mix with water or homemade nectar until it forms a thick paste.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serve in a clean bowl and refresh it regularly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lory and Lorikeet Feeding Tips:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nectar and Wet Mix<\/strong>: These are the base of their diet and should be provided fresh daily.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fruit Variety<\/strong>: Ensure you rotate fruits to offer a wide range of nutrients.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mess Control<\/strong>: Lories are messy eaters, so clean the feeding area regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;s preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"471\" height=\"627\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Lory-and-Lorikeet-Feeding-Lisas-Lories-and-Lorikeets.png\" alt=\"Lory and Lorikeet Feeding\" class=\"wp-image-12472\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Lory-and-Lorikeet-Feeding-Lisas-Lories-and-Lorikeets.png 471w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Lory-and-Lorikeet-Feeding-Lisas-Lories-and-Lorikeets-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Lory-and-Lorikeet-Feeding-Lisas-Lories-and-Lorikeets-50x67.png 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 471px) 100vw, 471px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Courtesy Lisa&#8217;s Lories and Lorikeets (plus featured image)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Lory and Lorikeet Feeding<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldwidepets.online\/blog\/bad-food-for-pets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Food to avoid.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>References:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.kcbbs.gen.nz\/lori\/ar\/feeding.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Lory-link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lisaslories.com\/articles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Lisa&#8217;s Lories and Lorikeets<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/category\/lories-and-lorikeets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Other lorikeet and lory species<\/a> are discussed on our website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want a quick visual breakdown of this guide? Watch our video explanation here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/lory-and-lorikeet-top-5-video-guide\/\">Lory and Lorikeet Top 5 Video Guide<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12471,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[276],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12464","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lories-and-lorikeets","pmpro-has-access"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12464","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12464"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12464\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14620,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12464\/revisions\/14620"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12471"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12464"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12464"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wwbirds.co.za\/dir\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12464"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}