Lory or Lorikeet

General characteristics

There are approximately 50 species of lories and lorikeets (subfamily Loriidae) distributed widely throughout southeastern Asia, Papua New Guinea, Australia and Polynesia. These birds come in a delightful assortment of sizes and brilliant, glossy colours. These intelligent birds are not known for their talking but make up for it with their extraordinary personalities and inquisitive natures. They can be fun loving, loud, cocky, comical, obnoxious trouble making clowns all in the same day. These high strung mischievously playful birds are well adjusted to captivity and make charming pets. They are highly entertaining and affectionate as well. They spend a lot of their day hopping, jumping, hanging upside down, playing and exploring. They need a large spacious cage or play area with various hanging and 'grabbing' pet safe toys to accommodate their needs. The disadvantages of lories and lorikeets as household pets are: they consume special liquid or high moisture diets, are messy eaters and have rather liquid, often projectile droppings. Bathing is one of their favourite daily occupations. They are reasonably high maintenance pets.

Purchasing a lory or lorikeet

Lories or lorikeets may be purchased from a reputable breeder. When selecting a lory or lorikeet, try to choose a young bird as it may be easier to tame and train. Older colony or parent raised birds may prove difficult to tame. Hand raised babies often make better pets since they have been completely socialised with humans. Young birds are easier to tame and adapt readily to new environments and situations. Your new bird should be exposed early to different events (young and old people, males and females, other pets, car trips, visits to the veterinary surgery, etc.) to help promote a calm, well adjusted pet. The lively, alert bird that is not easily frightened is more likely a healthy bird. After purchasing your new bird, have it examined by your veterinary surgeon.

Veterinary care

Lories or lorikeets require regular, routine veterinary health check ups. Your veterinary surgeon can perform a physical examination, grooming (beak, nail or feather trim) and laboratory tests as needed. During these semi-annual check ups, health, nutritional and maintenance issues can be identified and addressed. Veterinary check ups help prevent disease and will aid in the maintenance of a long lasting, healthy relationship between you and your bird.