rainbow lorikeet ((help)/

hello
I just got a pair of rainbow lorikeet
can you help me with tip on breeding and safe food to eat?
thing I souldnt do??
thanks ross
Hemel Hempstead UK

Lorikeets requires a very specific diet of nectar, fruits and veggies, etc. Did you get some nectar from the person who you got them from???

Do you have any knowledge what so ever in breeding birds period?

IF you don't even understand the species of birds you have, why would you want to breed them?

Learn and understand the species FIRST before attempting to breed!!!

Lorikeets eat nectar, fruit and small insects/grubs found in flowers (whilst collecting the nectar). They have a brush type appendage at the end of their tongues to facilitate this. DO NOT feed them seeds or anything hard as this will damage the bristles on their tongue and then they cannot eat properly which will lead to a slow death. Provide them a good brand of wet and or dry lorikeet mix and supply as per instructions on the packet. Don't feed honey as it really isn't that good for them. OK to use in an emergency or as a weekly treat but not more than that.

They are highly intelligent, social birds which are easily tamed however they can get quite aggressive to anyone who is not of their flock or even a person in the household who is not their "mate". I found a young lorrie at work and had it eating from my hand in a few minutes (it probably hadn't eaten for all day) however the next day it was dive bombing my cockatiel which had committed the audacious crime of sitting flying onto my shoulder.

I suggest that before trying to breed them that you learn to care for the adults properly and then after a year decide if you want to breed them.

I couldn't agree more. There can be nasty pitfalls of breeding before you know and understand your birds intimately. Both parents need to be at their peak of physical fitness and nourishment; they need to have very specific diets, nesting materials and housing and the chicks need to be monitored very carefully to ensure they're being fed enough and growing correctly.

It's honestly not something a new bird owner should undertake.

I have kept birds all my life and have only bred lovebirds a few times to replenish my flock numbers. I feel no need to profit from breeding my birds and I certainly don't want to add to the problem of unwanted birds flooding the market. That's just me, though, and of course you will do what you feel is best. I would strongly encourage you to wait at the very least for one (even two) seasons before you attempt to breed your new birds. In that way, you give them and their offspring the best chance of good health and success.

Are lorikeets common in England? They are quite common here, being native, but even then I wouldn't take them on lightly because of their special needs. You do need to know what you are doing with them and need to make sure you have a local reliable source of their special food. I couldn't think of anything worse than having a batch and nothing to feed them with. Unfortunately, I've never kept them, so can't give you any specific advice, but if there's something in particular you need to know and there isn't a forum member who answers, I can ask up at my pet food place, they've got a "shop lori" and so they'd know a lot about them to know how to look after Calvin.

Hello
I had bird From age of 4 and I'm 24 now
I no abit about bird and breeding
And yes I do have special food from old owner
All Iv given them special food and fruit
I have a shed aviary
I just asking tip on what not to do?
As don't want hurt them or make them unhappy
Thanks ross

They can be very temperamental so it's not advised going into the aviary of a breeding pair. They will not hesitate to attack. They can not be kept with other birds either, have to keep them alone as a single bird or pair if they're a mated pair.

HelloI do have a pair 5years old..
They are not going in aviary with other birds
They will have there own aviary.. 8ft x 3ft aviary with shed to get away from cold wind/weather..
What would this pair be like with another pair?
Thanks for your advice
Ross

They can kill one another! When Lories mate and raise chicks they can be quite vicious even towards members of their own kind. If they're not used to your cold Temps outside I wouldn't advice it....

They have been in out side aviary befor..All I want is them to be safe and life happy

Are they in a outside aviary now or before you got them?