How to Breed Lorikeets

The colorful lorikeet occurs throughout Australia, the Pacific Islands, New Guinea, and the islands around Indonesia. Within their natural habitat, the lorikeet consumes a variety of saps and nectars from trees and plants. In captivity, the birds will breed throughout the year with ease. They reach sexual maturity at two years of age and will mate for life. The female lays two eggs per clutch. The eggs take approximately 25 to 26 days to gestate. Over the course of 50 to 55 days, both parents will lovingly care for the young until they fledge. Lorikeets will normally breed when provided with adequate room and a nest box.

Things You'll Need

  • Suspended aviary cage
  • Perches
  • L-shaped nest box
  • Sawdust
  • Wood chips
  • Commercial lorikeet food
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Stainless steel bowls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place one bonded pair of lorikeets into a suspended aviary that measures 9 feet 3 inches wide by 6 feet high. Lorikeets make a large mess when eating and their liquid fecal matter can cause diseases, if not removed daily. Birds kept in aviaries outdoors will need an indoor shelter to retreat to during inclement weather. Maintain breeding lorikeets at temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 2

      Place perches of varying diameters in the cage. Place the perches away from the bird's water bowl and feeding station. Clean perches daily to remove any fecal matter. Replace the perches as needed.

    • 3

      Affix an L-shaped commercial parrot breeding nest box to the side of the aviary. Line the bottom fo the nest box with sawdust and wood chips. The lorikeets will throw out some of the nest material until they decide on the exact amount they desire in their nest.

    • 4

      Place the food and water dispensers near the door to the cage for easy access. Feed a commercial lorikeet mixture daily. Provide the birds with fresh water daily. Lorikeets benefit from adding chopped up cherries, bananas, pears, celery, cucumber,strawberries, watermelon, passion fruit, mangoes, grapes or sweet potatoes to their food. The birds will squeeze the juice from fruits and vegetables.

    • 5

      Hose down daily the floor below the suspended aviary and also the aviary's wire floor to maintain cleanliness. Clean the nest box when the nest bedding becomes soiled. Avoid handling the eggs or young birds. Gently scoop out the material and replace with fresh nesting material.

    • 6

      Allow the young birds to remain with their parents until they reach 10 weeks of age.