Breeding

[Totalsweety]

Ok so I have been kind of thinkng about breeding my lori. I havent been seriously thinking about it, just wondering really.

So anyway. Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to breed them? What kinda things I will have to do, and what I'm in for if I do breed.

Thanks

Mandy

[Emmilyy]

Would this be your first experience in breeding birds? Whats your motivation? I myself dont have any experience in breeding birds, but you should take your time considering this. Think about all the birds in rescues, all the birds without homes. You could just be adding to the problem..

[WhiteRaven]

If you are wanting to breed your lorikeet, I found the book Lories and Lorikeets by Matthew M. Vriends (Barron's) to have a lot of good info on breeding.

First your bird needs to go well with another lorikeet, put him/her with another lorikeet and study their reactions for a week. If there is no reaction or interest then try with another lorikeet. And make sure you certainly have a male and female. They should be housed in an aviary by themselves for breeding.

The nest box is best if it is L shaped with thick wood planks and an inspection hatch. Or find out what type of nestbox your lorikeet was raised in because it may prefer those too. If possible, have a nest box with a false floor (mesh floor that you cover with nesting material) or drill 1/2 inch (1cm) drain holes in the bottom due to the lorikeets' very messy and liquid droppings. Install them as high up as possible, but still be able to inspect and clean.

That's just the very basics and there is much more to it, I have not bred lories, this is just from the book I mentioned. I've heard the Trichoglossus genus are easier to breed, but don't quote me on that.

If you are planning on handrearing (which is difficult and quite precise, small mistakes can equal injury or death to the baby bird), do tons of research and make sure you are confident with the idea. Find a local experienced breeder who can take you under their wing and help you along the way.

Things to consider:
* Do you want your lorikeet to remain tame and bonded towards you? Chances are it may still be friendly (except when there are bubs in the nest, he/she could even attack you!) but won't have that bond with you anymore if you pair and breed with another bird
* Why do you want to breed? If your bird has behaviour problems or is hormonal and you think this will help, it is not reccomended to take this route and will not help. Behaviour problems can be fixed in better ways. A pet lorikeet can still live a very happy life and never breed.
* What are you going to do with the babies?

I hope that helps a little. :) Anyone feel free to correct me on any of this, as mentioned I have never bred lorikeets and am basing this on other people's experiences and what I have read. I have handreared once but they were Zebra Finches.

[Totalsweety]

thanks so much its nothing im going to rush into thats for sure.

[Ashling]

I have these thoughts every now and then too :) I would love to start breeding larger parrots. I just bought a nest box for my tiels!

[Totalsweety]

Originally Posted by Ashling

I have these thoughts every now and then too :) I would love to start breeding larger parrots. I just bought a nest box for my tiels!

Aw thats so cool. Yeah t was just a thought I had. If I did end up doing it it wouldnt be for a long time yet lol and after plenty of research of course

[DeguMom]

I think the important question for everyone to ask themselves is "why do I want to breed my bird". I know some do it because they love birds, but, if that's the case it might be more loving to wait for there to be less homeless birds in shelters and sanctuaries. Especially imagining if it was one of your babies relinquished to a shelter, or living in a neglectful home. Because you never know what will really happen to one of your babies once you sell it.

Just a few more thoughts to ponder. =)

[Totalsweety]

Originally Posted by DeguMom

I think the important question for everyone to ask themselves is "why do I want to breed my bird". I know some do it because they love birds, but, if that's the case it might be more loving to wait for there to be less homeless birds in shelters and sanctuaries. Especially imagining if it was one of your babies relinquished to a shelter, or living in a neglectful home. Because you never know what will really happen to one of your babies once you sell it.

Just a few more thoughts to ponder. =)

Yeah I think that is why I wouldnt want to breed. I'd probably become really attached and want them to have a perfect home lol. So then i'd never sell them and end up with heaps of noisey Lori's flying around

[WhiteRaven]

Originally Posted by Totalsweety

Yeah I think that is why I wouldnt want to breed. I'd probably become really attached and want them to have a perfect home lol. So then i'd never sell them and end up with heaps of noisey Lori's flying around

That's the situation I'm in. >_> My birds sometimes breed but I've never sold any of the babies. I can't stand the thought of someone not looking after them properly. Plus I grow so attached to them, hehe. I just buy more aviaries. D:

[Abby]

I'm about to set Pip and Olly up for their first time. Both are 3yo now and Pip is totally jumping Olly whether she wants it or not. I'll let you know how I go with my guys. I'm using a normal box type that is melanine coated, gotta love lorikeet poop so will see how things go with that.

There's another Aussie here with lorikeet breeding experience. Hopefully she'll chime in soon.

Just think very carefully about this, blah blah, you know the drill.

Ok think it's pretty obvious that I am a breeder, however I am also careful with who I sell my birds to. I also allow myself to keep the odd one here and there that I've formed a real bond with or I don't feel they're sellable. That satisfies my need to just enough to stop me keeping all my babes. Just have to try and emotionally cut off whilst still giving the babes love and affection so I don't set myself up to have my heart broken.