LIKE A RAINBOW

The many lories and lorikeets, with their striking colors, have long fascinated bird lovers. These birds possess unbounded energy. Constantly at play, they seem very much like feathered monkeys.

Seed or mynah bird pellets should not be fed. This sort of diet will eventually kill these special parrots. In nature, lories and lorikeets consume nectar and pollen from flowers. Fruits, greens, and insects are also included in the diet.

Since lories and lorikeets have such unusual dietary needs, for years they were not popular as pets. Now complete diets are available that simplify caring for them. A mix is sold that, added to water, provides complete nutrition. Powdered diets now are also prepared for lories. These are designed to be fed dry, with water available in a separate dish. The dry diets have the added advantage of making the bird’s droppings more solid. When given a liquid and fruit diet, these parrots will soil the area around their cage. With the powders, cleaning is not as much of a chore.

Soaked monkey chow is a terrible food. Monkey biscuit develops a high bacteria count as soon as it is moistened. This even takes place in the refrigerator. Many birds have been poisoned by rancid food.

Lories and lorikeets often enjoy mealworms. Only about five a day should be fed.

As these birds are bathing beauties, give them an opportunity to wash every day. A large ceramic dog dish makes a very good tub. The bird will jump in and splash about in obvious enjoyment. Remove the dish when the birds are done, so they don’t drink the dirty water.

Lories and lorikeets birds have very shrill voices. Nothing changes this fact. Do give the noise factor careful consideration before buying one. For a pet, only a hand raised bird will do. Wild caught Lories and Lorikeets, not only don’t become friendly, but will frequently attack humans. Their razor sharp beaks deliver especially painful bites.