Hi,
I have recently been given a Lorikeet. It was part of a pair but during transfer to a smaller cage for transportation purposes one of them escaped. He/She seems happy enough but is it advisable to get another one as it is used to having a mate. Please advise.
Thanks,
JAckie
Are you keeping the bird in an aviary? Lorikeets don't like small cages (no birds do for that matter).
But to answer your question, yes a second one will be needed unless this is to be a companion bird for you (unlikely since it would have been bonded to its mate).
You will need to find out what sex it is. Unless you are prepared for mating behaviour you will not want to mix M/F birds. At the same time, introduction of a new bird should be gradual and monitored.
Do you have any experience with keeping birds? It is not as easy as just putting them in a cage and thats it.
Also lorikeets have a very particular diet and that does not include bird seed.
They are messy birds and are prone to infection due to their dietary requriements. They require a lot of cleaning and maintenance to avoid contamination and bacterial growth in their environment.
Without being rude, if you have no experience with birds then it would be best to find a home with someone who does - they could put it into an aviary with other lorikeets.
Hi magpie,
Thanks for getting back to me so promptly. Okay, to answer your questions in sequence. The cage is 430deep x 430w x 550h.
My galah lived happily in it for 7 years. I do have an aviary which i am going to erect in the next month or so. It was my brothers and they had them for quite a few years...she fed them wild bird seed and apples. I have been giving him a mixture of apple, pear and banana. I have only had it since friday night. I understand it is hard to tell the sex of the bird as there is little distinction b/w the sexes. I change the newspaper daily so there is no risk of infection from his droppings. So I have had a bit of experience with birds but maybe not enough. I am an animal lover and thought it would have a better chance of a long and happy life with me than them as they didnt give them much attention. I am happy to get a few more lorikeets when the aviary is put up if that is whats required. Ultimately I dont like birds being caged up. My Galah roamed around the house and spent a lot of time walking around with me on my shoulder...!!
I have read that you can buy nectar specifically for Lorikeets, is this true?
I suggest doing some reading and speaking to an avian vet..
This is a good site to start at:
http://www.birdhealth.com.au/bird/lorikeets/lorikeets.html
This guy is a top notch avian vet, located at Carlingford in Sydney. If you are in NSW then consider paying him a visit.
Note some important facts on his site about lorikeets:
"The lorikeet is a playful and energetic bird and in its natural environment eats nectar and fruits rather than seeds. It requires a specialised diet of a nectar mix, fruit and vegetables. Lorikeets are very untidy eaters and spoil the cage and its surrounds with their large, wet droppings. These messy eating habits require a diligent owner who is willing to clean the cage every day to prevent bacterial and yeast (thrush) infections."
"They form strong bonds with their owner and make excellent pets for those willing to provide the specialised care required by the lorikeet. This includes providing wet mix or nectar as a food source and ensuring the cage is kept clean despite a very messy bird."
"Lorikeets particularly like eucalypt branches in the aviary."
"Compatibility with other species: Not recommended with other parrot species due to special feeding requirements."
"As with any lorikeet species, they have special dietary requirements, and must be provided with nectar and wet/dry mix."
"The larger lorikeets make excellent talkers but can become extremely noisy and require a committed owner who is willing to provide continuing obedience training."
"The boisterous nature of the larger lorikeet species demands an aviary no less then four to six metres long and one to two metres high."
Good morning,
Unfortunately I live in Melbourne but I will definitely do some research. I wonder how they have lived so long with no special care.
Thanks for taking the time out to help me you are an angel.
Cheers,
jackie
Does anybody know of a good avian vet in Melbourne? I have needed one before but have only had a local vet who seemed to know next-to-nothing about birds.
- soakes
soakes
Olinda, Victoria, Australia
hello,
A good avian vet in Melbourne is Highbury Veterinary Clinic...phone number 9808 9011.
Thanks jacleen64,
not too far from where I work.
- soakes
soakes
Olinda, Victoria, Australia
You are most welcome...the vets name is Pat, hope she is still there.
Looks like it. I found this:
http://www.birdclinic.net/
- soakes
soakes
Olinda, Victoria, Australia
There you go...!!
Good luck, she's fantastic :)
Good luck with it and great to see a bird owner who is keen to actually see a vet - many don't.