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How to Rear Rainbow Lorikeets

Rainbow lorikeets are native to the forests of eastern Australia. These beautiful birds are best known for their striking plumage. Rainbow lorikeets are draped in bright-colored feathers that include vivid shades of blue, green, red, orange and yellow. Rainbow lorikeets also have an appealing, playful personality that can make them a pleasure to own. While rearing rainbow lorikeets can be a fun and rewarding challenge for experienced bird owners, it is not for everyone. Successfully rearing rainbow lorikeets requires hard work and a keen understanding of the birds' unique needs.

Things You'll Need

Large cage
Bird toys
Liquid nectar
Bird seeds
Fruits
Flowers
Honey
Oats

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a cage that is at least 36 inches high, 48 inches long and 24 inches wide to accommodate these energetic and active birds. Rainbow lorikeets typically measure about 10 to 11 inches and weigh between 3.5 to 5.5 oz. Limit your rainbow lorikeets to one bird per cage to prevent potentially dangerous confrontations over territory, toys or resources.
- 2
  Feed your rainbow lorikeets the proper foods. Provide your rainbow lorikeets with a daily diet of fresh liquid nectar, seeds and fresh fruits such as apples and grapes. Rainbow lorikeets also like to eat oats, honey and flowers such as pansies and dandelions. Be sure that any fruits or flowers that you feed your rainbow lorikeets are free from pesticides.
- 3
  Provide enrichment. Rainbow lorikeets love to play. Place several different types of toys in your rainbow lorikeets' cages that vary in size, shape and function. Include toys that make sounds such as small bells and toys they can chew and dismantle with their beaks. Add ropes and swings for climbing and hanging.
- 4
  Monitor your birds' health. Replace any fruits and liquid nectar in your birds' cages several times daily to ensure your birds are always eating food that is fresh and unspoiled. Check your birds regularly for signs of disease such as unusual feather loss and beak deformities.

Animals & Science