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Feeding:
Rainbow Lorikeets are natural nectar and fruit eaters, they should not
be fed on seeds of any type. There are a lot of commercial lory dry
formulas on the market these days, these are usually made up of
glucose, rice flour and a range of other different ingredients. People
with a large amount of lorikeets or lories may make up their own
formula, saving them costs on feeding. Any Lory dry formula should be
kept in a sealed airtight container, so it does not go off and then be
harmful to the birds. Stainless steel dishes are a great way to feed
and water lorikeets, they are very easy to keep clean, a smaller one
for the lory dry and a larger one for water. Rainbows will take the dry
mix and mix it with water themselves, this causes it to become a wet
mix, and also gives the birds a type of activity to do. Along with
this, a good wet mix formula can be given, there are also commercial
formulas available.
As well as the main diet, fruit and vegetables should be given such as
apples, pears, oranges, and corncobs. There are a range of other fruit
and vegetables that can be used. I feel that one half of a piece per
pair per day is quite sufficient, but more can be given. To have good
success with lorikeets, both lory dry and fruit should be given each
and every day, with a good wet mix given every other day.
Mutations:
There are a range of mutations now established in aviculture, with
others coming through. The mutations that are known to me are as
follows, Grey/green, Jade, True olive, Aqua, Cinnamon, Mustard, Pied
(different variations), Blue fronted(different variations), and Lutino.
There was once a blue mutation, but this bird soon died from
complications.
Compatibility:
Rainbows mix well with their own kind, and other species of lorikeets
and lories when placed in bigger cages. They should not be in the same
cages as seed eating birds, they will get on good enough with these
sort of birds, but are then introduced to seeds.
Conclusion:
The Rainbow Lorikeet is a truly Australian icon, known all around the
world as such. Although very common in Australian aviculture, it is
great to see them in their natural environments in coastal areas. They
are not an expensive bird to buy, and when placed in the right housing
is a colourful inclusion to any collection. They can be kept both in
pairs or together as a colony, this is an individual choice. Although
the normal race is a truly colourful specimen, there is a range of
mutations now available. They make great pet birds, but kept in small
inside cages can become somewhat messy. Along with their cousins, the
Scaley Breasted Lorikeet, they would be what I would recommend as a
great starters bird, they are easy to breed, therefore keeping an
interest in them. Lorikeets are a great favourite of mine and I can
only speak highly of them, to have them in my collection of birds is
truly something I will have for quite some time.
Yours in aviculture: Paul Stevens.
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