Lory or Lorikeet - Feeding

General Information

Our knowledge of bird nutrition is constantly evolving. This is due to heightened awareness of the importance of nutrition plus increased research. As with all other animals, birds need a proper balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins, minerals and water. Lories or Lorikeets are also known as 'Brush Tongued Parrots' due to their unique tongues adapted for their highly specialised dietary needs - they are nectar feeders. Lories and lorikeets have a high moisture diet and a relatively short digestive tract, which make for a very quick transit time. This means your lory or lorikeet will eat a LOT and likely have frequent and often very loose projectile droppings. It is NOT uncommon to have blue droppings 15-20 minutes after eating blueberries!

Should I be concerned about what my lory or lorikeet eats?

Nutrition is commonly neglected with pet birds. Too often owners assume they are feeding a proper diet to their lory or lorikeet when in fact they are not. This is a common reason for many health problems. Lories or lorikeets have highly specialised dietary needs. It is important to continually strive to improve your bird's diet. This involves constantly educating yourself and a certain degree of common sense. It is not sufficient to feed a lory or lorikeet just to maintain life; instead, your goal should be to help it thrive and flourish. Your bird's health depends on how well it is fed.  Discuss nutrition with your veterinary surgeon. 

What does my lory or lorikeet naturally eat?

Lories or lorikeets eat nectar and pollens in the wild. They will also consume soft foods like fruits, berries, blossoms, and buds. They are not seed eaters in the wild.

What should I feed my lory or lorikeet?

There are a number of excellent commercial nectar and pollen substitutes available for lories and lorikeets. These products should be mixed in small quantities and changed at least twice daily, as they will spoil readily. These foods will spoil if not kept fresh and in clean dishes. Do not mix up more then needed for one feeding. Because their diet is very high in simple carbohydrates rather than complex carbohydrates and fats, these birds must feed almost continuously. Therefore someone must be on hand most of the time to ensure this constant food supply

Fruits and vegetables

A large variety of diced fruits should be offered every day and should constitute a greater portion of the diet. You may find your lory or lorikeet prefers softer slightly overripe fruits (ensure there is no rot on the fruits). Cut them into manageable pieces depending on the size of the bird and offer a fruit salad. Offer fruits and vegetables in a separate dish. If your bird appears to develop a particular fancy for one food item, stop feeding it temporarily to promote the eating of other foods.

Various sliced, shredded or finely diced vegetables may be offered but this should NOT be a large part of a lories and lorikeets diet. Pale vegetables, with a high water composition (i.e. iceberg or head lettuce, celery) offer very little nutritional value. Avocado is reported to be potentially toxic.

Fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly to remove chemicals.

• Treat your bird like a small child; offer a small piece of a variety of food items daily and never stop trying.
• A well balanced diet must be maintained at all times.
• Consult your veterinarian if encountering any problems with diet or the health of the bird.
• Remember that you train the bird, do not let it train you.

Water

Fresh clean water must be available at all times. Depending on the quality of your tap water, consider the use of bottled water. Dishes must be cleaned thoroughly every day with soap and water. With Lories and Lorikeets, the water will be used to bathe in as well. Keep it clean.

Do I need to use a vitamin-mineral mixture?

Does your bird need extra vitamins, minerals or amino-acids? One opinion suggests that a bird eating 75-80% of its diet in the form of nectar food may not need supplements. However, specific vitamins or minerals may be more important at various times during a bird's life (e.g. egg laying - requires calcium supplementation). Your veterinarian can help you assess your bird's diet and its particular needs.

Tips

• Always monitor the amount of food eaten every day by each bird.
• Offer fresh water every day.
• Offer a variety of fresh foods every day.
• Offer fresh fruits and vegetables every day.
• Clean all food and water dishes daily.

No to a food item one day does not mean no forever - KEEP TRYING!