My rainbow Lorikeet needs companionship -Breeding advice / capabilities, please help!

[roosta]

Hello all!

I am new to these forums but have been caring for birds since I was a small child. Over the years I've had finches, canaries and mostly budgies. That was a good decade and a half ago...

Right now at home, I have a 14-16yr old rainbow lorikeet (hand tame) who has been a great addition to the family over the years. I've been feeling a bit guilty - as being busy with work, I've been fearing he hasn't been getting as much attention as he would probably like/need, so I have been bringing him out of the cage more often for play time, a quick flap and usually for a small feed of fruit.

On top of that, I have recently just purchased him a much larger cage (for the yanks who don't know common-world metrics, my apologies! LxWxH cm's 76x46x92) and put his favourites toys in there to give him a decent work out to get to his drink (near bottom) and food (near top) when he's not out of the cage with me. I'm seriously contemplating getting him a female companion. In terms of his interactivity with other birds - he's previously been in a large avairy before with untamed rainbows and as a bub was raised around lots of birds and I've never noticed any issues.

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I'm aware most Lorie's don't become sexually mature until around 2 years of age.. In my book, a relatively tame female between 12-36 months old that's comfortable around other birds would be my ideal solution for my birds companionship.

So here's the thing. I've never bred Lorie's before and don't intend of making a trade/career out of it; but want to know my options before going further...as having offspring of my long-time Lorie would be fantastic. If you're a Lorie owner/breeder and have valuable experience, I'd love to hear from you and your opinion/answers to these questions:

1. Am I LESS likely to breed with this 'suggested' pair?
If so, would it be becuse of the cage size, pickyness/lifestyle, being tamed and uninterested in mating? I have been told some breeding pairs will still continue to mate/lay fertile eggs even after 20yrs old!

2. Have you successfully bred Lories in a cage set-up like this?
The idea with breeding box (outside of cage, attached)
Nestboxtype3ccbb_zps788fc242.jpg Photo by BudgiesBuddy | Photobucket
Here's the cage I have (measurements aboveor on website):
Large Stand-Alone Bird Cage on Wheels | Crazy Sales

3. If I purchase a female, what do you propose is the best way to introduce the pair? I don't exactly have 2 separate cages - the only one was deplorable and has been thrown out.

4. Question for any AUSTRALIAN LORIE owners: Where are all the breeders?! I struggle to find them...I'd love to loo into mutated variations in Lories. Any help for MELBOURNE VIC would be appreciated!

Thank you for your time.

 

[roosta]

Active board...sheesh...

 

[getwozzy]

Active board...sheesh...

There are not very many lorie owners here, so I've moved your thread to a more appropriate section-- your patience would be greatly appreciated when waiting for responses.

I personally would not recommend going the breeding route since you could essentially lose your companionship once he becomes a breeder.

 

[Betrisher]

G'day Roosta and welcome to Parrotforums!

We have members from all over the world and the sad fact is that while you and I are awake and posting, much of our membership is roosting. In addition, people can sometimes not feel confident to answer specific questions like yours and it might take a day or two for an answer to pop up. It all depends who's online, who knows the answer and who posts. Be patient, OK?

I'll have a go at responding to your questions, but please bear in mind I'm an Alexandrine/Galah/Lovebird owner.

1. My personal opinion is that it's much kinder to birds to keep them in opposite-sex pairs, especially when you're not always around to occupy them. Many would disagree with me and say you lose something of the bond with your birds that way, but all I can say is I've never experienced that. My Beaks are strongly bonded to me and to each other (as far as Alexes will do, that is - ).

Most bird pairs will breed if you provide the right environment for them. For some (eg. lovebirds, the hormonal little stinkers) all that might be is a snuggle hut or a pile of paper. Others, not so much. Generally, if your cage is large enough, the food is good and the birds feel secure, they will breed. Whether or not they'll sit and produce offspring for you is another matter. I haven't bred with my Beaks and so I can't say any more than that.

2. The cage you show is a bit on the snug side for a pair of Lorikeets, IMHO. At the very least, it should be large enough for them to be able to fly (not hop) from one point to another. I got a great big double cage (roughly 2m x 2m x 1m) on ebay for about $600 and it's just perfect for my big Beaks (the long tails need consideration: a too-small cage will end in bendings and breakages ). For Lorikeets, I'd consider something say 2m x 1.5m x 70cm at least. That's just my opinion, though.

The nest box you show seems OK to me. Some birds like a deeper, darker box, but you'd need to speak to someone who's actually bred Lorikeets for your answer there. Sorry I can't help further with that.

3. Most members would say to keep the two birds in side-by-side cages for a few weeks and introduce them gradually during out-of-cage time. I have to say, I've never done that: I usually just put the pair together (in a freshly cleaned and completely rearranged cage) and hope for the best. Of course, you'd need to watch them closely but after a few initial peckages and establishments of Rules and Guidelines, there's no reason they shouldn't get along. This assumes, of course, that your cage is large enough for each bird to retreat and be far enough away from the other not to feel threatened. Now, if that doesn't work out, you're gonna need another cage to cope with contingencies. Secondhand cages are easy enough to find on gumtree or trading post etc etc, but if you go that route, make sure you clean it scrupulously before using. Australia is a hotbed of PBFD and you don't want diseases being transferred to your healthy bird(s)!

4. Finding a specific bird breeder in Australia is not easy, IMHO. They're there, only there doesn't seem to be a specific place where they advertise. You generally have to hear of a breeder through word-of-mouth. Having said that, though, you can check out gumtree etc and local classified ads. Even google sometimes turns up breeders in unexpected places. In my experience, facebook has been my friend and allowed me to link up with several good local groups of bird fanciers. The only other avenue I can think of would be to ask at local petshops if they know of breeders in your area.

I hope this has been of some help to you? With luck, another more experienced member will chime in and answer you more coherently, but in the meanwhile, welcome aboard and I hope you enjoy discussing your parrot(s) with us!

PS. Pics of your birdie would be nice!

 

[roosta]

Thanks for the comments thus far. Looing forward to more opinions for those with Lories!

Does anyone know what mutation breed of Lories is the most rare in such places as USA/Australia, or is that dependant on the continent - eg Dusky's sell for $1000+ in AUS, but natively in Indonesia, I'd assume they're fairly cheap?

What is typically the more expensive type of Lorie?

RoOSTA

 

[roosta]

Disappoining no one else has chimed in. Might have to ask elsewhere.

RoOSTA

 

[Doublete]

Honestly might need to find a lorrie specific site.
There are quite a few Australian members here but I can't think of many lorrie owners.

 

[Bandespresso]

I've come to this thread a few times trying to formulate a polite response. I don't advocate breeding especially not as a solution for lack of companionship. If you don't have the time to give one bird the care he needs, you really shouldn't bring another into the mix. Not to mention the fact that breeding and raising birds will take up even more time.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[getwozzy]

My rainbow Lorikeet needs companionship -Breeding advice / capabilities, plea...

If you don't have the time to give one bird the care he needs, you really shouldn't bring another into the mix. Not to mention the fact that breeding and raising birds will take up even more time.

Excellent point!

Breeding can be very time consuming- if the parents are unable to care for the chicks, do you have the time to feed them every few hours around the clock?? If you currently don't have enough time to spend with your current bird, how would you make this work??

We don't mean to be party poopers, but getting another bird and breeding is not really a solution for your situation :/

 

[Flboy]

:54:"......for the yanks who don't know common-world metrics, my apologies! LxWxH cm's 76x46x92....."
2.54 cm = 1 inch, so 30x18x36 for the normal folks!:22:

 

[Scott]

Count me in with the chorus of avoiding breeding for the sake of breeding.

Are you familiar with "Lorikeet Landing" zoo exhibits? They have been set up globally as a venue for offering an unforgettable interactive experience. Folks enter a room and feed cups of nectar to free-flighted Lorikeets, while facilitators and signage offer education.

At one time, and perhaps currently, Lorikeet Landings were set up and managed by independent contractors who may be a wealth of information. I've enjoyed Lorikeets at the San Diego Zoofari, a sister park to the San Diego Zoo. Check out this link to their Lorikeet blog; you'll find others with an online search! San Diego Zoo Safari Park Provides Sanctuary for New Birds at Lorikeet Landing

 

[roosta]

Re: My rainbow Lorikeet needs companionship -Breeding advice / capabilities, plea...

Thanks Scott. Appreciate that info. I have a yearly pass to all Zoo's and wildlife sanctuaries in my state, so I'll be making use of every minute I visit the bird avairies at each...the weather down here is pretty poor at the moment, which has affected my motivation to have a day out at one of the venues on the weekend.

I've come to this thread a few times trying to formulate a polite response. I don't advocate breeding especially not as a solution for lack of companionship. If you don't have the time to give one bird the care he needs, you really shouldn't bring another into the mix. Not to mention the fact that breeding and raising birds will take up even more time.

So you've equated "been busy with work over the years" to being equal to "you don't have time for 1 bird"? That's not the case.

In many ways any medium/large bird are like kids? Is 2 going to be more time/work/effort than 1? Of course. The point I made in OP was 'over the years' (previously), when I haven't been home, I've felt a bit guilty not being able to interact with my little buddy and so, whilst I give him as much attention as I possibly can mornings, late arvos and nights, I want to NOW ensure that is around the clock...and his attention and curiousity would be diverted having a companion.

But point taken. Don't bother trying to breed for the sake of breeding. I'd put the time into it and provide the specialist care needed as required making sure i'm skilled in the area before getting into it as well.

Excellent point!

Breeding can be very time consuming- if the parents are unable to care for the chicks, do you have the time to feed them every few hours around the clock?? If you currently don't have enough time to spend with your current bird, how would you make this work??

We don't mean to be party poopers, but getting another bird and breeding is not really a solution for your situation :/

I'm aware of how many times parrots need to be fed in the first few weeks of their life if they are hand-reared or rejected/forgotten by the parent/s. So yes, in this instance; and to continue by little buddies' lineage, I would dedicate the time required. Again, there's that assumption I'm struggling to find any time to give to my current pet. I give him plenty of time - I'd just like "more of me" to go around and sinceI can't clone myself, a companion was next on the list and provides a good distraction around the clock.

No one is party pooping. I'm taking all of this on-board and who is for/against the idea and their reasoning...but perhaps some might think differently now that I've explained my situation further.

RoOSTA

 

[Bandespresso]

My apologies. I was under the assumption that the whole point of looking into a companion was because of lack of time. Please don't take offense! 2 birds is definitely more work than 1...especially double the clean up which is even more so with lorries. I'm looking into a buddy for my buddy as well because constant interaction is really the best for most parrots.

Have you considered a same-sex companion for your little buddy? It would definitely give him the extra interaction while you're looking for without breeding.

 

[roosta]

It's all good...not offended. Why do yo suggest same sex?

RoOSTA

 

[Doublete]

I'll pipe in and answer although she is who you directed the question to
Same sex pairs that way they have companionship and friendship but no possibility of breeding.

 

[Bandespresso]

Exactly. Companionship without babies!

 

[roosta]

So the 'benefits' arrangement vs 'benefits with a possibility of sex' arrangement. Whilst there's no pressure, the possibility of lory offspring for my little guy is more appealing than same-sex companionship...especially since he has previous got along with male and female lories.