Lorikeet Food Complete Guide for a Happy and Healthy Bird

 

Lorikeet is an exotic bird of small stature and it is known by everybody for its colourful plumage and its playful personality. It is originally from the tropical areas of Australia and South East Asia and this bird has an unique digestive system therefore you have to pay attention to its diet and feed it special lorikeet food because it is used to consume soft fruits and nectar. Unlike other species, the lorikeet does not eat seeds even though this is the most common choice of bird food when it comes to a bird pet which makes the diet a little more complicated. A balanced alimentation is essential to maintain this bird’s health because otherwise there can occur nutritional deficiencies which can lead to health problems.  

The Nutritional Needs of a Lorikeet 

The Lorikeet is a bird with special nutritional needs that are quite different from any other bird pet such as Parakeets for example. Their digestive system is used to consuming soft food almost liquid or liquid because in the wild their diet consists of nectar, soft fruits or pollen. This is the reason why a Lorikeet does not does not digest the solid foods or the seeds which can cause digestive problems that can lead to serious health issues. This species has a fast metabolism and a high level of energy for daily activities which means that it needs a constant energy supply. 

The Lorikeet food has to be rich in natural carbohydrates obtained from fruits and to contain equilibrated quantities of essential minerals and vitamins for their immunity system, for a beautiful and colourful plumage and the well functioning of their nervous system. In captivity, the Lorikeet has to be fed with a special mix of a nectar powder mixed with water and completed with fresh and soft fruits. The alimentation needs to be adapted with care in order to be able to offer your litter feathered companion a balanced diet that can satisfy its needs.

Britannica also mentions ‘In the dry scrub of southern Australia, breathtakingly colourful purple-crowned lorikeets (Glossopsitta porphyrocephala) gather in small nomadic flocks to eat fruit, pollinating the flowering mallee in the process. Along with a deep purple cap, the head has red-and-yellow cheek pads. The chin and chest are sky blue, and the green wings are ornamented with red, blue, and green on the undersides. Colonies of these lorikeets nest in tree holes. Though both members of a pair may roost in the unlined hollow, only the female incubates the two or three eggs.’

Natural Lorikeet Food: What Does a Lorikeet Eat in the Wild?

In the wild the Lorikeet has a special diet perfectly adapted to their nutritional needs and their fast metabolism but also suitable for their active style of life. The main natural lorikeet food is the nectar from flowers which they extract with their special adapted tongue that is pen shaped. The nectar offers them a rich source of carbohydrates essential for them to boost their energy levels that they need on a daily basis. Besides the nectar the Lorikeet also consumes pollen which represents an important source of vegetal proteins. This classic combination of nectar and pollen is essential for the health of their digestive system and for maintaining a colourful plumage. 

The Lorikeet also eats a lot of soft fruits such as wild figs, bananas or mangoes which provide them with fibre, vitamins and natural antioxidants. Soft fruits are easy to digest and complement the diet with essential nutrients. However there are some cases when the Lorikeet also consumes small insects or larvae when it is breeding season because they need an additional supply of animal protein that are needed to grow the baby parrots. This balanced natural diet supports the bird's immune system, energy and longevity in its natural environment. 

What Bird Food You Should Feed Your Lorikeet Pet

In captivity, the alimentation of a Lorikeet bird should be adapted so that it reproduces the natural diet as well as possible. These birds can not digest dry seeds the way Parakeets do this being the reason why they need liquid and soft bird food which is rich in natural sugars and essential nutrients. The best bird food option for your Lorikeet is the one especially made for them available as a powder which is basically a mix of nectar that needs to be combined with water to create a formula like the natural nectar. There are also options in the form of gels or paste which provide a balanced intake of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. 

Besides the prepared bird food it is important to offer your feathered companion its daily dose of fresh fruits. You can go with mango, papaya, watermelon, bananas, apples but without the seeds and grapes. The fruits should be ripe, well washed and cut into small pieces. It is essential to avoid toxic ailments such as avocado, coffee, and chocolate and so on. Also the citric should be avoided or given in small doses from time to time. A proper diet ensures health, energy and a shiny plumage.

Gladesville Veterinary Hospital also mentions ‘Lorikeets are an amazing and entertaining addition to any person or family. They are full of character; their antics are amusing and endless. Lorikeets can also be quite stubborn and sometimes aggressive towards other birds. You should always be cautious when introducing your new lorikeet to existing pet birds, especially if they are of the same species, as they may fight for dominance. This behaviour is normal – it is a way of establishing who is in charge.’

Conclusion 

In conclusion, a Lorikeet needs a special bird food based on liquid or semi-liquid food because it can not digest seeds or hard foods. In the wild their diet consists of pollen, nectar and fresh and soft fruits but in captivity it needs a diet that can reproduce their natural one as closely as possible. Anyways, the special Lorikeet food prepared for them is the ideal solution because it is high in carbohydrates and vitamins.