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What Should You Know Before You Purchase Lorikeet Food? 

Teresa

Maybe it sounds surprising, but the popularity of birds, as indoor pets, has risen significantly in Australia in the last couple of years. Based on the latest estimations, our country is currently home to no less than four million pet birds, who are scattered in one million of our households. And it’s quite easy to see why. Aussie homes are unfortunately becoming smaller; a significant percentage of landlords implement strict rules against conventional animal companions such as cats and dogs, while at the same time, our free time is becoming more limited with each passing year.

What exactly can you do when you desire the companionship of an intelligent animal that can form genuine connections with their handler, but you don’t have the means required to properly take care of a cat or a dog? Well, for many Aussies, the answer is to get a pet bird. Intelligent, communicative and affectionate, some bird species, like Lorikeets, are known to have a cognitive function similar to that of four-year-old children. They are smart enough to recognise faces and voices, they can learn words, they use their whole body for communication, and in some cases, they can even hold a grudge, which some say is one of the most underrated signs of intelligence.

Birds like Lorikeets don’t ask much from us. They are easier to take care of than other types of animal companions, they don’t need walks, they are comfortable with their own personal space and their ownership costs are much lower than those of pets such as dogs. However, this isn’t to say you’ll not be required to invest in accessories or products that can contribute to their development. Purchasing bird feeders will be a must, and so will be going for high-quality Lorikeet food.

What Is Special About the Diet of Lorikeets?

To start with, as you have probably guessed by now, Rainbow Lorikeets are vastly different from other types of birds commonly found in our local pet shops, as they are what are called Nectarivores. They belong to a specialised tribe of parrots called Loriini, which has evolved the ability to feed exclusively on nectar and pollen found in indigenous Australian plants. Lorikeets are not rare, as they are actually the most commonly spotted bird in our country. However, their diet is peculiar, and for novice bird owners, it can prove to be a challenge. 

In the wild, lorikeet food mainly consists of flower nectar, pollen, the occasional leaf buds, and sometimes, soft fruits. In other words, they have evolved to function on a high-sugar diet that would be pretty toxic to other parrot species. Unlike African Greys, for example, or other types of commonly found pet parrots, Lorikeets cannot properly process the fats found in seeds. They cannot grind them efficiently, seed mixes are not nutritious enough for their caloric necessities, and they have a weak gizzard that’s adapted to soft foods. They simply evolved differently.

As for what high-quality Lorikeet food you should get, the honest answer is that the easiest option is to purchase commercial nectar powder, which you’ll mix with water. Vetafarm, for example, commercialises plenty of mixes for Lorikeets that can be given either wet or dry. But, besides the nectar powder, it’s also important to feed your Lorikeet with the occasional soft fruit and vegetables. You should, however, avoid giving him honey, as in some cases it can cause yeast infections.

Should You Purchase Bird Feeders?

Well, yes, in fact, premium-quality bird feeders are one of the first things you should buy after you get your bird and you secure a spacious enough cage. The most common options available in Aussie pet shops are cage feeders, which can be made either from stainless steel or BPA-free plastic.

You should aim for simple but durable bird feeders that are easy to clean, simple to install, and manufactured by a brand that’s recognised at the national level. The products made by Birdie are a safe bet. However, you can also go for feeders made by Avico, Lixit, Living World, or SeedMate. In fact, most feeders available in local Aussie pet shops will probably do a good-enough job.olumns in the parameters of this section. Make your own website in a few clicks!

Bird feeders don’t have to be anything too special. But it helps if they are made to last and also if they are not too expensive. As for capacity, it would be ideal to have one cup for nectar mix, one for water, and one for the occasional small fruits you want to provide to your bird. A good idea would be not to go for a large-capacity feeder, as nectar ferments surprisingly fast and lorikeets don’t eat as much as other parrot species.

What Are the Characteristics of High-Quality Lorikeet Food?

It can be quite hard to pick quality Lorikeet food. When I was a young kid, one of my childhood buddies had a small Lorikeet he called Butters, after the character from South Park. He genuinely was one of the most affectionate birds I ever interacted with, but at the same time, my friend (and his parents) had real trouble finding the right diet for it. The Internet wasn’t really a huge thing at the time, and most people around assumed that Lorikeets should mostly be fed whole fruit pieces and sometimes honey mixed with water.

The poor Lorikeet ate whatever it was fed, but after a while, his droppings became waterier, and his plumage started to suffer. Eventually, they brought Butters to the local vet, who finally told my friend’s parents to start him on an exclusive nectar mix diet. And that was a bit of a struggle, as there weren’t nearly as many brands available in local pet stores as there are nowadays. My point is, even if you have the right intention, Lorikeets can prove to be a challenge.

Lorikeets nutritional needs are a bit more complex than those of other parrot species. But nowadays it’s easier than ever to pick a nectar mix that will cover all their nutritional requirements. What should you look for? Well, a good place to start is to choose formulas with added Vitamin A, Calcium and Phosphorus. Then, you should pay attention to the ingredient list. Never go for brands that utilise too many grains or artificial sweeteners in the nectar composition. Likewise, you should choose reputable brands. Vetafarm products are a great choice, but if they are not in stock at your local pet shop, you could also go for AVIONE, Shep’s or Passwell.