How to Care for a Rainbow Lorikeet

The rainbow lorikeet is a small parrot native to Australia with boldly colored green, yellow, blue and orange-red feathers. These birds grow up to 14 inches long and feed mostly on fruit juices, nectar and pollen in the wild. Rainbow lorikeets learn quickly and are full of energy. They are superb talkers and imitators, but can be a bit loud and boisterous at times. The birds mate for life and may live up to 30 years.

Things You'll Need

  • 24-by-48-by-36-inch cage
  • Newspaper
  • Perches
  • Toys
  • Food and water cups
  • Lorikeet pellets or nectar
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Fruit juice
  • Filtered water
  • Bird bath
  • Cage Cover
  • Dish detergent
  • Household bleach
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a cage that is a minimum of 48 inches long, 24 inches wide and 36 inches tall. Make sure there is no more than 3/8 inch of space between the cage bars.

    • 2

      Line the bottom of the cage with newspaper printed with black and white ink, as color ink could be harmful. Change the liner every day.

    • 3

      Place two or more perches at various heights in the cage. Select perches that are different sizes and textures and position them so that food bowls won't be contaminated by droppings.

    • 4

      Put two or three toys designed for pet birds inside the cage. Rainbow lorikeets are especially fond of swings and other toys that allow them to climb.

    • 5

      Position food and water cups in a location not easily contaminated by droppings. Provide bowls for water and pellets or nectar as well as one for fresh fruits or juice.

    • 6

      Place the cage in a busy area of the home that is protected from drafts. Situate the cage in a corner because rainbow lorikeets tend to get nervous if people or other animals can circle their cage.

    • 7

      Feed lorikeet pellets or nectar each day in the amount indicated on the package. Also offer vegetables and fruit every two or three days, such as sweet potatoes, corn, melon and grapes. Cut fresh foods into pieces small enough for the bird to easily consume. Provide natural fruit juice once every week or two. Always remove nectar, fruits, vegetables and juice within four hours to keep them from spoiling.

    • 8

      Provide fresh filtered water two times each day.

    • 9

      Offer a bird bath filled with warm water three or four times each week.

    • 10

      Allow the bird time to play outside the cage each day. Provide an environment safe from hazards such as open doors or windows, other pets and hot surfaces.

    • 11

      Cover the cage at night to protect the bird from cool drafts and allow it to rest undisturbed.

    • 12

      Wash food and water bowls daily with dish detergent and hot water. Rinse and dry them well before refilling.

    • 13

      Disinfect the cage and all accessories each week with a solution made of 1/2 cup household bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water. Wait 10 minutes before rinsing the solution away to ensure that all germs are killed. Dry the cage and accessories well before placing the bird back inside.