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Feeding Lories and
Lorikeets
Lories and lorikeets are fascinating hook-bills. These are unique
small to mid-sized hook-bills. Their plumage is startlingly vivid;
bright, colorful and almost iridescent. Despite the fact they can
mimic well, they are not as noisy as some of their cousins. Their
playful antics are almost clownish and extremely entertaining.
On the surface, these delightful birds would seem to be the ideal
pet bird. The one big drawback to owning these delightful creatures
is their diet. Despite their parrot-like hooked bill, they are
primarily nectar eaters. Their tongue is covered with bristles
which they use to extract nectar from flowers. Generally they do
not eat seeds. Fresh fruits and nectar are the foundation of their
diet in the wild. Because they consume a diet that is primarily
liquid, their droppings are also very soft and watery. Frequent
cleaning of the cage and the surrounding area are absolutely
necessary.
Quiko Lori is a nutritionally complete nectar in a powdered form.
It is water soluble. Mix one part Lori powder with four parts water
and offer it at all times. There is another Quiko product that can
help firm up the loose droppings. Place a small quantity of Quiko
Rusk in a bowl. Pour the nectar/ water mixture into the Rusk and
allow the Rusk to absorb the liquid. Feeding this nectar soaked
Rusk fulfills the nutritional requirements in a semi-solid form
rather than the liquid nectar. This will cut back on the watery
droppings produced by feeding straight nectar. The mixture can be
prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to one week.
Fresh fruits like apples, nectarines, grapes, bananas and kiwi
should also be given daily. For variety, fresh raw vegetables like
broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini squash and greens like romaine and
leaf lettuces should also be offered on a regular basis.
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