New to Lorys

[ROBSCONURE]

just wondering on a few things as from owning a sun conure to a Rainbow Lorikeet diet are different, ie, Im feeding Jessy the lori her wet diet along with mashed banana and a pear on a stick in the afternoon, and also have a feeder with Necter pelets.

am I doing this correctly in terms of diet or should I be offering her/he something else.?

Also do these types of birds require a sleeping tent?

And ive noticed since lastnight she chirps when I go out of the room and then when i return she comes all the way down to the bottom of the cage and head bobs and jumps up and down whats this mean?

Also do these type of parrots make good talkers?

[cydney]

Diet - I really wouldn't feed pellets. I know they're marketed for lorikeets and whatnot, but I'm not a fan. A good quality nectar is a good base. Other good fresh foods include papaya, cantaloupe, sweet potato, carrot, mango, bell pepper, peas, squash and many others. Watch the iron content, though, as they're prone to iron storage disease. I personally don't feed citrus either, as it aids in iron absorption. Try making a puree out of fresh healthy (organic if you can) foods. I make a large batch as needed and freeze it in ice cube trays for easy use later. Microwave it until it's room temperature to cool and he's good to go. He gets a couple cubes a day in addition to a fresh chopped fruit/veggie lunch and another meal consisting of his Avico nectar. I'm also currently growing Marigolds and Nasturtiums (again, organically!) so he can have the flowers to do with as he pleases. He also occasionally gets a branch or two of an unsprayed budding willow which he loves to destroy. He might eat some of it, too. :)

Sleeping tent - Kai has one but doesn't really use it yet. Some do, some don't.

Talking - Again, some do and some don't. Depends on the species, too. Most of the species have some capacity for talking. Don't expect a Grey, though!

As the the head bobbing and jumping, that's usually an excited behavior (she's happy to see you and wants to come out). I've included a few links for you; not sure if you've seen them before or not!

FEEDING LORIES
HEMOCHROMATOSIS IN LORIES
Loriinae.com - Diet Information
Loriinae.com - Enrichment
The Lory Link

[Ashling]

There are quite a few differences between these birds in relation to food, habits, temperament and behaviour. Cydney's has answered perfectly so I won't add much. Pellet food ruins the palette on the roof of lories mouths (used to scrape nectar of the tongue- so very important! Without this, if I remember correctly, they starve slowly) More variety with the fruit and vegies would be good too, as cydney suggested! ^_^ My lorikeet also gets native flowers and eucalypti branches (I live in Australia and fortunately they grow everywhere in my area)
Lories usually enjoy sleeping tents, I will be getting one for mine asap! Ashling says a few words and funny noises (eg sneezing!) so it's possible for them to talk... especially if you make it FUN!
The chiping and bopping means he doesn't want to be left alone, and wants to come out and play! :)

[ROBSCONURE]

Also what can be given as a treat while in training.

[cydney]

I usually use a thinly sliced piece of pear. He gets a bite of it as a reward. Basically any prized food can be used. Since Kai loves his pears, that's what I use as training incentive or as a special reward. I've also used apple since I don't feed it often.

[angelicarboreals]

I have also use apple as a treat during training, as well as a little agave nectar on a small spoon, or a little juice (my lory has his own little cup, lol.)

[Abby]

Just going to touch on the talking thing. I have one that talks up a storm (I didn't actually know lorikeets could talk until I she started prattling away one day) and another who very rarely says anything. Olly started talking at 4 months, Pip, well after nearly 3 years you're more likely to get a high pitched squeal then anything else.

My son has managed to recall train the lorikeets, very handy as they do get out of their aviary on the odd occasion. Now keep in mind they are very bonded to him. He uses lots of kisses and berries or grapes as a reward. The recall training happened by accident here but has been a real life saver on the few occasions it's had to be put into practice.

[ROBSCONURE]

Can anyone tell as to how old Jessy mite be , I'm not to sure as I adopted her.

[cydney]

It's really hard to tell just by looking at an image. Have you had her vetted? The vet may be able to give you a rough estimate, though I don't know exactly how accurate they could get.

[ROBSCONURE]

Originally Posted by cydney

It's really hard to tell just by looking at an image. Have you had her vetted? The vet may be able to give you a rough estimate, though I don't know exactly how accurate they could get.

Ive booked her in for a full health check and DNA test and nail trim as there quite long and killing me when she tries to grab my ear so she can clean my ear . lol.

In terms of cleaning Ive noticed that she now since I got her last week is always grooming me now.