Lorikeets as Companion Pets: Care & Training Guide

Few things bring us more joy than sharing our lives with an animal companion. That’s the key word here, too – companion. Choosing the right pet can fill a heartwarming role in your life, and a Lorikeet, especially the popular Rainbow Lorikeet puppies, might be the perfect fit for those seeking something unique and vibrant.

A Crash Course in Lorikeets

Native to Australia, Lorikeets are colourful and chatty parrots with eight distinct types. Each Lorikeet has a predominately green body, differing in colourful feathers across their heads and chests.

• Rainbow Lorikeets are the largest and most familiar, with brilliant red, orange, blue, and green plumage.
• Coconut Lorikeets resemble Rainbow Lorikeets but have black bellies and shorter tails.
• Red-Collared Lorikeets are named for their striking red band below a blue head.
• Scaly-Breasted Lorikeets are mainly green, blending for a subtler look.
• Varied Lorikeets have predominantly green bodies with vivid heads mixing red, violet, and blue.
• Musk Lorikeets are recognised by a red eye mask on their green bodies.
• Purple-Crowned Lorikeets are small with a distinctive purple patch above the eyes.
• Little Lorikeets are tiny and mainly green with red faces.

Among these, the Rainbow Lorikeet remains the most popular Lorikeet breeder choice. Their lively personalities and vivid colouring truly enliven any household.

Specialised Care for Lorikeets

Lorikeet care requires attention to their unique dietary and environmental needs, especially in the UK. Their primary diet consists of nectar and pollen, with fresh fruits and vegetables as supplements. Commercially prepared nectar blends, like Wombaroo Passwell, provide essential nutrients. Since nectar quickly spoils, feeding should occur twice daily, always with fresh supplies.

Cages must be ample in size—ideally 36 inches wide, 48 inches tall, and 24 inches deep—to accommodate their active nature. Due to their liquid droppings, daily cleaning is essential to maintain hygiene. Rotate toys and perches weekly to prevent boredom and encourage mental stimulation.

Regular supervised out-of-cage play for 3 to 5 hours daily is crucial, as Lorikeets are energetic and curious. Providing bathing facilities such as a shallow bath or misting sprays helps maintain their plumage and well-being. Due to their intelligence and playfulness, Lorikeets flourish in enriched, interactive environments.

Training and Behavioural Insights

Rainbow Lorikeets are friendly and highly interactive companions. They benefit greatly from early hand-feeding and regular positive reinforcement training. Use treats like small fruit pieces to encourage desired behaviours in short, frequent sessions. Avoid punishment, as these sensitive birds respond best to cheerful praise and rewards.

Lorikeets are amongst the most talkative of parrots, mimicking human speech and sounds, sometimes even colourful language! Training your bird to use specific areas for droppings is possible due to their intelligence, making them quite similar to puppies in trainability.

Providing a stimulating environment reduces negative behaviours such as feather plucking, which Lorikeets may develop when stressed or bored. They do not adapt well to homes with other pets, often resulting in stress or aggression, particularly between males.

Is a Lorikeet Right for You?

Lorikeets can live up to 30 years, representing a long-term commitment. They are affectionate but demanding pets that require time, attention, and dedication. Prospective owners in the UK do not need a permit to keep these birds but must ensure purchasing from reputable, licensed breeders to guarantee healthy, well-adjusted pets.

If you have experience with birds and seek a vibrant, playful companion who thrives on interaction and fun, a Lorikeet may become your lifelong friend. Their affectionate nature means they want to become a part of your family and daily life.

Where to Find a Lorikeet

When looking to bring a Lorikeet home, consider purchasing from reputable Lorikeet breeders known for ethical and healthy breeding practices. This ensures your pet starts life with the best care and socialisation.

Questions Prospective Owners Ask

Can I keep a Lorikeet with other pets?

Quick Answer: Lorikeets generally do not do well living with other household pets like cats or dogs, as they become stressed or aggressive.

Lorikeets seek undivided attention and can be easily stressed by the presence of other animals. Male pairings often result in fights. It is best to keep them as sole pets in a secure, interactive environment to promote their happiness and well-being.

What does a Lorikeet eat?

Quick Answer: Their diet is mainly nectar and pollen, supplemented with fresh fruits and specialised formulated mixes.

Due to their specialized gizzards, Lorikeets cannot digest hard seeds and nuts like many other parrots. Feeding them high-quality nectar blends twice a day and fresh fruit treats encourages health and energy. Avoid toxic foods like avocado and chocolate.

How long do Lorikeets live with proper care?

Quick Answer: Lorikeets can live up to 30 years with dedicated care and proper environmental conditions.

Their longevity is linked to good nutrition, mental stimulation, hygiene, and social interaction. Committing to a Lorikeet means a decades-long companionship filled with activity and affection.