Rainbow Lorikeet: Complete Care Guide

In this guide

One of the most vividly coloured parrots in the world comes with a completely different diet and daily routine from almost every other bird in this series.

The rainbow lorikeet is instantly recognisable, its plumage moving through deep blue, green, yellow and orange in bold, clearly defined bands. Unlike almost every other parrot covered in this series, it is not a seed or pellet eater by nature, and understanding this before bringing one home matters more than with almost any other species.

Characteristics and behaviour

Rainbow lorikeets are bold, playful, highly active and often described as having an intense, larger-than-life personality. They are naturally social and vocal, capable of a shrill, piercing call that is not well suited to noise-sensitive households. Some individuals oddly sleep lying on their backs, a behaviour that looks alarming but is normal for this species. Lorikeets can mimic sounds and words when kept close to people.

Diet: the single biggest difference from other pet parrots

Rainbow lorikeets have a specialised brush-tipped tongue adapted for feeding on nectar and pollen, and their diet in captivity needs to reflect this: a commercial lorikeet nectar mix, prepared fresh at least twice daily, forms the core of their diet, supplemented with fresh fruit and vegetables. They cannot be fed a standard parrot seed or pellet diet as their primary food. This diet also produces much wetter, more frequent droppings than other parrots, which owners should be prepared for.

Habitat and maintenance

A spacious cage or aviary, ideally at least 36 inches in each dimension, with secure locking given how capable an escape artist this species is, suits rainbow lorikeets well. Food and water dishes need cleaning at least once, ideally twice, a day given how quickly nectar spoils and grows bacteria.

Lifespan

Rainbow lorikeets can live 30 years or more with excellent care, though outcomes vary considerably depending on diet quality and consistency.

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