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Introduction:
The Rainbow lorikeet is without a doubt a most beautiful looking bird,
kept here in Australia by a wide range of bird enthusiasts from the
beginner to the more experienced. In its group it has many sub species,
along with the nominate race, the Red collared lorikeet is the other
species widely kept. Other sub species known to me are, the
Green-Naped, the Mitchell’s, the Weber’s, the
Edward’s, the Rosenberg’s, and the
Massena’s. These birds are kept in very small numbers, some
as little as two birds only. Of these sub species the only one native
to Australia is the Red collared lorikeet.Other
known names: Other names given to the Rainbow Lorikeet are
Bluey, Lory of the Blue Mountains, and Mountain Lory.Size & Distinction: The
Rainbows overall length is around 26cm, the forehead, lores and chin
are of a blueish colour, with the rest of the head sometimes showing a
darkish brownish tinge. The nape reaches around the back of the neck,
and is of a greenish yellow colour. The breast feathers differ in
colour from reddish, yellowish, and orange. I believe this differs from
areas where the birds are found. The lower abdomen is blue, with the
under parts of the wings being yellow/orange. The upper parts of the
wings, the tail, and the rest of the body is a darkish green colour.
The bill is a bright orange colour.Breeding:
Rainbow Lorikeets are usually good breeders, although some are renowned
to eat their eggs. This can usually be overcome by giving them a
calcium supplement, such as Calcium Sandoz, or Calcivet, or by taking
the eggs away and placing them under foster parents. Most lorikeet
species have only two eggs, and the incubation period is around 23days,
although I have had eggs hatch after 26days, and have had birds lay
three eggs. Many breeders take the young away from the parents after
around three weeks for hand raring, but if left with the parents they
will fledge after 56 to 64 days. Young stay dependent on the parents
for a further 2 weeks.For nesting boxes, a recommended type to use is a
standard type box, measuring 350mm x 200mm x 200mm. A good nesting
material to use for Rainbows is a mixture of wood shavings and peat
moss potting mix, and it is recommended to clean the nest boxes out
every two weeks whilst young are in the nest. After cleaning them out
they should be sprayed with Coopex, to kill all types of mites.In
captivity, when given the right diet and housing, Rainbows can breed
all year round, although as mentioned only having two eggs at a time,
this can mean they can have around 6 babies per year. When taken the
young away for hand raring, they can have more depending on the parents.
Housing:
Housing for Rainbow Lorikeets is recommended by the way of suspended
cages, although they are kept in conventional type aviaries as well. In
my experience, the better way is the suspended cage, as they can be
better maintained and set up in rows for breeding individual pairs.
This gives you a better breeding programme, and there is no fighting or
confusion. The minimum size cage would be 2m x 0.6m x 0.9m, but of
course a larger one would be more suitable.
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