09/26/2024
When it comes to feeding our birds, we ultimately want what’s best for them. In the 12 years that I have been raising Lories/Lorikeets, I have tried my best to address diet myths and nuances. Photos below are birds that have been fed IMO, diets that are of low quality and or improper. Something to note: NO commercial diet is “complete”. Wild birds do not have “compelte” diets in the wild. There is simply no “pellet tree” that birds flock to. This post is based on my experience.
PELLETS: not only are they highly processed, they are filled with artificial colors, and ingredients. There are brands that do not use artificial colors, but they do use artificial sugars like Sucralose. Pellets are marketed towards species across the board. Some Lory species can tolerate such diets more (Rainbows), compared to sensitive species (Stella’s, Blue crowns, Goldie’s). Sensitive species simply won’t thrive on pellets. I have seen and acquired birds fed pellets that displayed physical abnormalities. Overgrown beaks, transparent beaks, poor feather quality, overgrown nails, inflamed abdomens to name a few examples.
DRY POWDER: Like the above, Some species can tolerate dry food more than others. Because “convenience” is pushed towards pet owners, the average pet owner is made to believe an all dry diet is a cleaner, more convenient alternative versus feeding a wet nectar diet. There are brands that push these gimmicks stating such diets will “solidify Lory droppings” to lessen their mess. I have experienced cases where birds strain to defecate because they are not getting enough moisture in their food, regardless of how much water is consumed. If feeding dry powder, I highly recommend doing so in conjunction with low iron fruits for moisture, or mixed into a fruit chop.
WET NECTAR MIX: Lories can gain proper moisture intake and pass the contents they consume properly with a wet nectar mix. There will be no need for them to run back and forth to a water source to swallow those contents. It’s easier on their digestive system, and they can pass/defecate contents far easier. I personally feed all of my birds wet nectar mix, and occasional fruits for fiber and enrichment. Birds on a high quality nectar mix with proper beta carotene/vitamin A, will look far better and thrive much longer.
There is one Lory species in US Aviculture that consumes and prefers more solids compared to straight nectar. The Iris Lorikeet (Psitteuteles iris) is a frugivorous species which consumes small seed, nuts, vegetable matter, fruits, and little nectar.
“LOW SUGAR” diets are another marketing gimmick and are usually substituted with artificial sugars (sucralose). Sucrose and fructose (not high fructose) are natural sugars. Fructose is also low glycemic. While high sugar diets can be a problem, it is wiser to feed the birds in portions of what you’ll know they’ll consume in 4-6 hrs. When lories reach their energy requirements (varies by species) they will stop eating. An enclosure which allows plenty of flight and exercise space to burn off that energy, will keep the birds healthy and from becoming overweight.
COMMON EXCUSES: “pellets are all my bird will eat”, “nectar is too messy”, “I don’t have time”, “some brands are too expensive”, “it’s not in my budget”, “my bird won’t touch wet food”, “dry powder is easier for me” and so on…. Birds that have come into my aviary fed pellets or dry powder have converted to wet nectar mix, within DAYS. Picky eaters can be converted! One must be persistent and not give up. For picky eaters I’ve recommended using blueberry baby food or organic applesauce, mixed in with some wet nectar for easy conversion. Lories are taste sensitive, and these “tricks” usually get the job done. The below photos are very real, and the common denominator on why they look that way is a result of sub par diets.
“VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE”: fresh, whole fruits, vegetables (low iron/vitamin C) fresh, non toxic foliage, vegetable matter, flowers and a high quality Lory food are some of the best things one can do to enrich your pet bird’s life. Solely relying on a pelleted or dry diet is not in their best interest. The “easy way”
Is not always the “best way.” Lories are not for everyone, and most people seeking a pet bird have misinformation at their fingertips. Seek information from those that specialize, work with, and raise whatever species you’re looking for and gain their knowledge (straight to the source). You will learn far more from them compared to a source that pushes a “complete diet”, of colored pebbles in a bag.
‘Lories choice’ is a small business and lory breeder, which makes lory/lorikeet food for pet own
