How To Know if Lories and Lorikeets Are Right for You
The colorful plumage and sociability of lorikeets makes them a popular companion bird.If you aren't prepared for the responsibilities of looking after them, they can become a handful.Before you commit to adding a lory or lorikeet to your family, you need to get to know them, consider the care and attention they'll need, and take into account the costs of caring for them.
Step 1: You should give your bird a lot of attention.
The lorikeets are happy among other members of their species.You should be prepared to spend a lot of time with your bird.If you have a demanding schedule that requires you to be away from home a lot, you should consider adopting at least two birds.Llorikeets can live between 10 and 20 years in captivity.If your long-term plans include relocation, marriage, starting a family, or other changes that could be difficult for a companion animal, this is quite a responsibility.
Step 2: Prepare to clean.
You can't teach a bird how to use a litter box.Whether they're in their cage or not, they poop where they please.Bird droppings can carry diseases that can be breathed in.Expect to clean inside and around the cage with non-toxic sterilants like animal safe dish soaps.You have to clean the food bowl, toys, perch, and water bowl.
Step 3: The water will be replaced several times a day.
The lorkeets like to drink and bathe in the water.They are capable of getting food, feathers, and even poop into their water.They should check their bowl every few hours.When you see something floating in the water, replace the bowl with fresh water.
Step 4: You should be familiar with the diet of lories and lorikeets.
The lories and lorikeets thrive on flowers.Their diet needs to be at least 75 to 80 percent nectar.Substitutes from your local pet store need to be regularly mixed.You can also feed lories and lorikeets with fruits and vegetables.You need to know how to avoid certain foods.Exotic bird species can be harmed by eatingavocados and chocolate.Pale greens are not as dense as lories and lorikeets.
Step 5: You have to figure out how to recreate their natural habitat.
The lorikeets are used to flying between the branches.They will get a bird's eye view of the room if they create perches.As they do in the wild, give them places to hide.If you can't give your bird at least four hours of sunlight a day, you should buy a full-spectrum UV lamp from your local pet store.
Step 6: Read about diseases in lories and lorikeets.
Understand prevention, treatment, and cures.If you want to learn more, visit your local library or read veterinary journals.For a better idea of what diseases are common in your area, talk to your local vet.There are diseases that have no cure and can be devastating for lories, lorikeets, and their parents.Are you prepared to deal with this possibility?
Step 7: Talk to people that have experience.
Parents of lories and lorikeets can be found through friends and/or social media.They'll be able to relate.Make sure you understand the benefits and drawbacks.You should talk to the members of the local bird society if you have one.
Step 8: If you can, foster a lory or lorikeet.
You can determine if bird parenting is for you by fostering.There is a bird rescue in your area.If necessary, complete the necessary paperwork and agree to a background check.To prepare your home, talk to the staff.If you don't adopt the bird, honor any obligations you have to return it within a certain period of time.The lorikeets are friendly.You need to have time to spend with them because they like people and love to socialize.It is possible to give an idea of this commitment by caring for a foster.
Step 9: Take your initial costs into account.
The adoption fee for each bird will be between $200 and $300USD.Add the cost for their cage and UV lamp.Buying a mister is a good idea for daily showers.You'll need to buy one bowl for water, one for nectar, and a third for fresh fruits and veggies.
Step 10: Estimate recurring costs.
Figure out how much you spend each month on food and toys.You'll have to pay for regular checkups and emergency visits if you add the fees.Don't forget the cost of cleaning supplies.
Step 11: A budget can be created.
Take the total income out of your household each month.Subtract your current expenses and amount of money you save or invest from them.The amount of money you can dedicate to your lory or lorikeet is different.
Step 12: Understand the difference between lories and lorikeets.
Large birds with short, blunted tails are called larks.They have red, yellow, green, and purple patches.lorikeets have long, pointed tails.Their feathers are mostly green.
Step 13: You can read about lories and lorikeets.
There are books and magazines written by veterinarians at your local library.You can search for articles from scholarly journals.Information on lories and lorikeets can be found on government websites in Australia and the South Pacific.
Step 14: You can visit an exotic bird rescue.
Exotic birds are housed in many zoos.Spending some time observing your houses lories and lorikeets is recommended.Get hands-on experience at an exotic bird rescue by volunteering.Talk to employees that have advanced knowledge of lory and lorikeet needs.