Its a disturbing sight to see, and bird experts say its not a good thing for specialist nectar and pollen feeders to be gorging on minced meat. Because of this, its a good idea to grow a mix of plants that will complement each other and that will give your birds an array of foods to choose from. already took the bird to the vet twice, but insist nothing is wrong with the respiratory and digestive system or the heart. By What flowers can Lorikeets eat? (Complete Guide), Rainbow Lorikeet Nesting: A Complete Guide, What is a Group of Parrots Called? You can also feed your lorikeet shredded or diced vegetables, although they should not constitute more than a fifth of your birds diet. Then kiss and make upLol! Ensure is available over the counter from the local Pharmacy. Lorikeets are happiest if they can paint nearby walls. Thanks, Nance. (Yes, heres how). Rainbow Lorikeet eating Eucalyptus flowers. Theyre also fierce protectors of these resources, and their breeding sites, which drives out other native species native to Perth. However, these birds need a lot of attention and should be fed a wide variety of fresh, healthy foods. They may also enjoy fruit and insects as well. Sunday Closed substitutes can be complicated, as their high, sugar content makes them susceptible to rapid spoilage once mixed with water, from nectar and pellets and should not be left to sit out for more than a couple of hours due to the risk of spoilage. Pollen and nectar are frequently confused, but theyre not the same. In small quantities, along with a decent diet they can be very useful. Lorikeets: Four things you didnt know about them, Image credit: Norman Allchin/Shutterstock, Okay, we know this is hard to believe, but, even native species can be classed as pests if they extend their ranges. When it comes to what flowers can lorikeets eat, there are a few plants that you should definitely not feed your pet to avoid them having an unplanned nest of their own. They eat a dry food mixed with water, which they really love, Browns Lori Food! pic.twitter.com/PSdGHyXhXa Ashley Russell, Marquis d' Russell four x (@Ashrides) July 30, 2019 When this happens, you will soon know that you have a wonderful garden that you can show off to your friends. Rainbow lorikeets, a listed pest species, . Cut fruit into small pieces no bigger than a half to a quarter inch cube (6 mm to 12 mm). selects one type of fruit preferentially, of a lory or lorikeet's diet. how to remove stains from silicone spatula; mississauga rebels home arena; can rainbow lorikeets eat nuts. A bird needs to be healthy and on a good diet if training is going to be effective. And this is the case for the rainbow lorikeet. There are a number of excellent commercially availablenectar and pollen substitutes available forfeedinglories and lorikeets. For a full list of foods to avoid you should contact your local avian vet. Some of their favorite fruits that are also easily available . However, they do not usually eat seeds or bread due to the thickness of the shells and amounts of fibers that they are not good at digesting. Pollen is secreted by male seeding plants, and is not the same as nectar - it has a much higher protein content. And theres the scaly-breasted lorikeet, which looks markedly different from other lorikeets as its covered in green feathers with little streaks of yellow. Think again. 2023 - Bird Fact. They will want to explore every nook and cranny of your garden to get a feel of the whole environment. If you have a pair of the same age, the male will be a little bigger. (Diet + Behavior), What Do Kookaburras Eat? Lories and lorikeets have highly specialized dietary needs. There are many ways to attract lorikeets to your garden, including planting fruit and nectar-rich flowers like bottlebrush and grevilleas as well as providing a source of water and hanging feeders filled with fresh fruit. Some of the insects that lorikeets like to feed on are aphids, worms, and beetles. Getting the diet right is definitely an important start for any training that you want to do. thank you in advance. What Do King Parrots Eat? Its definitely safe, but needs to be kept in moderation. None of this business of a nice clean drop straight through a grille at the base of a cage! If you have a pet Rainbow lorikeet, it will appreciate a diet rich in natural pollen and nectar-producing blooming plants. They eat mostly fruit and nectar and can be found clambering all over the nearest flowering eucalypt tree. Many pet store brands of Lori Wet or Dry are no more than sweetened flour rice flour and glucose and are vitamin/mineral deficient. A large variety of diced fruits (seelistbelow)should becut up in pieces andoffered every dayalong with nectar substitute or pellets. This pet is usually found in the wild in Thailand and other Asian countries. Once you have managed to put all these arrangements in your garden, you must continue with the maintenance. Home Topics Wildlife Lorikeets: Four things you didnt know about them. Rainbow lorikeets drinking water from a tap in the outback. . a few days later and the birds demeanour has completley changedno longer that interested in fruits and the nectar mix but crazy about seeds.not active at all, sleeps all day, does not play with their toys, no baths, some poops now and then but nothing like before. Before you consider having one as a pet, you should be familiar with their nutritional requirements so thatyour bird can be healthy and thrive. Its also a good idea to provide your lorikeets with a source of water because they tend to drink a lot from the bird baths that you supply to them. Even when the yeast and sugar are baked, it still remains too dry for lorikeets to consume. Drunken birds? Lorikeets are primarily nectar-feeding birds and have a unique brush-tipped tongue that helps them to extract nectar from flowers. Welcome to my blog!My name is Andy, and I work as a scientist in biology. Pale vegetables, with ahigh watercomposition (, iceberg or head lettuce, celery), have very little nutritional value, vegetables must be washed thoroughly to remove chemicals. In Melanesia, coconut plants are their primary dietary staple for nectar and pollen. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'outlifeexpert_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outlifeexpert_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'outlifeexpert_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',177,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outlifeexpert_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-177{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Lorikeets can eat fruits such as oranges, limes, grapes, bananas, apples, and pears. This is because nectar is harder to come by during winter, and lorikeets need to adapt. One thing that many people dont realize about strikes is that they enjoy eating berries, nuts, and seeds. In captivity, they also need to consume a nectar based diet. They live so close to us that we think we know everything there is to know about the iconic bird. Most parrots eat mostly nuts and seeds, using their strong beaks to break open the shells, but Lorikeets are different. This is true for birds that ingest seeds whole, shell and all. . Mel Vincent works as an animal rehabilitator out of Australia. It just isnt healthy. Other examples are Melaleuca (from the myrtle family), Angophora (shrub-like trees), Bauhinia (large flowering plants), Xanthorrhoea (grass trees), Bombax (trees in the mallow family) and Verticordia (featherflowers). Thats an important characteristic that people need to understand when working with lorikeets because it is a characteristic that bird food manufacturers often exploit. How can you tell a male from a female lorikeet? The effects usually last for a couple of days, far longer than you would expect if it was just alcohol-related. Rainbow lorikeets have high water demands, partly because Australia is often very hot, and partly because they need to water down their sugar-rich diet. So, what flowers can lorikeets eat? In the wild they feed on the nectar (pollen) of native flowers such as bottlebrush and grevilleas. Lorikeets can eat apples, and they actually enjoy them quite a bit. They can eat the soft interior of tomatoes, but there are better fruits to feed Rainbow lorikeets, such as grapes, apples, pears, mango and sultanas. They also do well in indoor environments. Both coconut and Eucalyptus flowers are large, easily accessible, and provide nectar and pollen in abundance. Chocolate, coffee and avocado are toxic to many birds, including Rainbow lorikeets. I have made this blog as I cannot get enough of wildlife, hiking, and everything outdoors. Rainbow lorikeets will never be able to thrive on commercial feed alone. As an option, you can provide your lorikeet with soft seeds every so often. (Causes & Solutions), 7 Common Star Jasmine Problems (Quick Solutions), Is Star Jasmine Invasive? Set up your myVCA account today. For your rainbow lorikeet to have a healthy and active lifestyle you should make sure that it gets plenty of insects, leafy greens, and the right amount of calcium and other nutrients. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? (or a sweet beak, as they actually don't have any teeth at all!). Rainbow lorikeets might crack seeds for fun but tend not to eat them. we had a lost lorikeet just come into our lives randomly. Most types of bread contain yeast, which lorikeets do not benefit from in their diet. There are many stories which explain how the creatures came about in this form but one thing is for sure, they are very cute and fun to watch. If lories and lorikeets eat spoiled food, they can beprone to developinggastrointestinal tract infections with yeast and bacteria. Fresh clean water must be available at all times. Yes, frozen cucumber is excellent for Rainbow lorikeets and also has high water content. If you do not know what flowers can lorikeets eat, consider taking a class or searching on the Internet. Too often,owners assume they are feeding a proper diet to theirbirdswhen,in fact,they are not. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Purpose-made Rainbow lorikeet food is also widely available. If a lorikeet were to try to eat sunflower seeds, it would pass right through its digestive system without being broken down at all. Rainbow lorikeets eat fruit, nectar, and coconuts. http://animals.mom.me/adaptations-lorikeet-9218.html, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/lories-and-lorikeets-feeding, http://www.faunarescue.org.au/bird-lorikeets.htm, http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/TheDangersOfFeedingLorikeets.htm, https://www.beautyofbirds.com/feedingwildbirds.html, https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/species/rainbow-lory/. Fruit makes up most of the rainbow lorikeet's diet. Lorikeets need to be fed a diet that is similar to what they would eat in the wild. Rainbow lorikeet eating berries from a tree in the wild. Theytend to have firmer stools when eating a pelleted diet. nectar and pollen substitutes available for. Make miniature mechanised minions with teeny tiny tools! Some of the most common houseplants that you can feed to your Lorikeets include: You may also be able to feed your pet daffodils, daisies, and even tulips. Below they are clambering all over my red flowering gum (that flowers in pink ::rolls eyes:: ) . However, in your garden, they will eat most of the foods present in a normal bird feeder, including seeds, bread, nectar, and honey. The site contains tips on how to feed your likes, what foods to provide, and other important facts and information about lorikes. Hi Im to hand feeding baby rainbow lorikeets. ABC revealed a population of rainbow lorikeets were eating meat from a backyard feeding station on a property at Elimbah, north of Brisbane. Get incredible stories of extraordinary wildlife, enlightening discoveries and stunning destinations, delivered to your inbox. forgot to mention, bird has been vomiting every day a few times but only in the afternoons or evenings. In general,birdseating 75-80% oftheirdiet in the form of nectar, pollen, or pellets, donot need supplements. My guys eat a lot of fruit and vegetables. For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, including how to maintain health and safety standards for your avian friend, read on! Since your garden will now be full of colorful and unique flowers, you must make sure that you give them enough space to move around and explore. The question of what flowers can lorikeets eat may also need to address what sort of nutrients you should be feeding them. A diet that is too high in seeds can lead to health problems such as obesity, malnutrition, and fatty liver disease. However, try to cut the fruit into chunks no bigger than a half inch cube. Lorikeets typically feed on nectar and pollen and . We got a 45 day old rainbow lorikeet. You can always ask your vet what specific diet you should feed your lorikeet, if you dont have a regular vet then you can search online for an avian veterinarian near me and make an appointment for a visit. Theyve had a big impact on agriculture as they feast on cherry, apple, pear, stone fruit, grape and vegetable crops. Experts initially dismissed the birds as strange outliers. If you find yourself needing to change how a birds digestive system works in order to live with that bird then perhaps you chose the wrong species of bird as a pet? successfully maintained on several commercially available brands of. Personally, I dont entirely dismiss the dry lorikeet pellets that are available. Apples are a good source of vitamins and minerals for lorikeets, and they help to keep them healthy and active. Image Credit: sandid, Pixabay Exercise But on some occasions theyve been spotted eating mince and other meat products left out by bird feeders for local kookaburras and magpies. Theyll even eat other vegetation thats not insects, like bushes or grass. In Australia, eucalyptus flowers provide a large percentage of the pollen Rainbow lorikeets require. In flight a yellow wing-bar contrasts clearly . Open bills in sideways are brushed up and down. Theyre also partial to manuka flowers as well as gum blossoms. ood and waterdishesshould be cleaned every day with hot, soapy water, and rinsed thoroughly before use. Can rainbow lorikeets eat peanut butter? We have the red-collared lorikeet, which, as it names suggests, is defined by the red ring of feathers around its neck. One of their favorite things is dried fruit, which I cut up into small pieces. You have to be careful with serving them honey as they may get infected by the clostridium botulinum (botulism) spores that are sometimes present in honey. % of people told us that this article helped them. Yes, rainbow lorikeets can eat watermelon. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. While they have some, We all know that waterproof jackets are essential for staying dry in the elements but not everyone knows just how, I was really excited to try out the Naturehike Mongar 2 Person Backpacking Tent for my latest camping trip. Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM. Last Updated: October 21, 2021 Rainbow lorikeets that live in the wild have a specific diet of nectar and pollen from native flowers such as bottlebrush and grevilleas (their favorite food), but they also eat sap, fruit, and some seeds. A rainbow lorikeet confounds bird experts by eating meat. This combinationmakesfor a very quick transit timeof food through the gastrointestinal tract which is whylories andlorikeets eatoftenand producefrequent and very loosedroppings. This will also ensure that your rainbow Lorikes will not become bored and stay in just one place. Also, fruit is a major supplement to your lorikeet's nectar diet, so you should feed it things like apples, plums, figs, and grapes. Previously, it was believed that grit was necessary for the mechanical breakdown of food in the gizzard to aid in digestion. Because of their diet, lories and lorikeets have a weak gizzard and crop compared to other parrots. Like other birds, you want to avoid foods such as avocado and chocolate. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 29,001 times. ICYMI: Meat-eating rainbow lorikeets shock and baffle bird experts http://t.co/lx1OipPnpo pic.twitter.com/6bXyUATgEV. Instead, feed them a diverse selection of soft, sweet fruits and cool, fresh water. In the past the phenomenon has been treated as a joke, but now, wildlife carers are becoming increasingly concerned for the birds during this time. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy and regurgitation. In most cases, you will be able to find out quickly and easily. Yes, were serious. "Feeding nectar and pollensubstitutes can be complicated, as their highsugar content makes them susceptible to rapid spoilage once mixed with water.". Papillae are extended while eating to soak the nectars up and gather pollens. Shes been licking on watermelon, but I also let her slurp up some electrolyte drops. On average, Rainbow Lorikeets nest for around to 57 days. What is a Rainbow lorikeets favourite food? These include the orchid and any variety of berries. However, meat from invertebrates makes up a tiny proportion of their diet. 8am 6pm Monday Friday The site is also monetized with affiliate programs from LinkShare, CJ, ShareASale, and other networks. Sunday Closed Lorikeets are beautiful tropical birds that make great pets. it is so weird, just like a completely different bird. Pale vegetables, with ahigh watercomposition (i.e.,iceberg or head lettuce, celery), have very little nutritional valueand should not be offered. A rainbow lorikeet is a beautiful bird, but it can become obese if it is overfed. The Rainbow Lorikeet mostly forages on the flowers of shrubs or trees to harvest nectar and pollen, but also eats fruits, seeds and some insects. As an option, you can provide your lorikeet with soft seeds every so often. Some good options include fruits, vegetables, supplements, and even pellets made especially for lorikeets. Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. Hang a feeder: If you want to attract lorikeets on a regular basis, then hang up a fruit-filled feeder. Fruits, nuts and seeds among other natural options are a necessity. Lorikeets are somewhat more picky and sensitive compared to more widespread omnivorous parrots like the Rose-ringed parakeet of the same family of old world parrots as the lorikeets. It doesn't discriminate between commercial orchards and wild fruits, which has resulted in some being called a pest by farmers. Most birds need to be feed a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables, dry and ripe seeds, nuts, live food and depending on the species, nectar and/or meat. That sounds like common sense but I cant emphasize enough, just how well some of these products are marketed. Breeding behaviours. My wife keeps giving her Nutribird A19 mix and I keep insisting on her getting a bit more fruit. Maybe you would like to know if the Blue Jay or Cardinal dominates in the bird feeder hierarchy or how birds such as seagulls sleep at night? Yes, a Rainbow Lorikeet can be a good option for a pet if you are looking for a medium-sized parrot and have the time and space for it. The fruit needs to be ripe when being eaten by lorikeets as they are otherwise too hard for the lorikeets to digest. They do this using their unique brush-like tongue. Lorikeets cannot eat bananas as they will cause diarrhea and tomatoes because they are toxic to them. There have also been observations of urban or semi-tame birds eating meat scraps and leftovers. gastrointestinal tract infections with yeast and bacteria. There are actually a few choices that you might want to consider. Lorikeets should be fed a balanced diet like any other bird. Poor nutritionis a commoncause ofmany health problemsin birds. The Wombaroo diet can alternated with a nectar mix based on Ensure. My lorikeet is sneezing heaps but she still is playing and acting like normal, does the sneezing mean much to her health? tend to have firmer stools when eating a pelleted diet. Information supplied by (c) Currumbin Valley Vet Services August 2010. Rainbow lorikeets are susceptible to lorikeet paralysis syndrome, a condition in which birds are unable to move their body, wings, legs, or head. In the wild, lorikeets feed mainly on nectar and pollen from flowers and . Rainbow Lorikeets require larger cages or aviaries, and they love to play and be social. Like most parrots, Rainbow lorikeets mate for life and both parents feed the chicks. Dont forget that plants also have seeds and the likes are very attracted to seeds. In addition, its recommended to feed lorikeets fruit two to three times a day; grapes, pear, sultanas, pomegranate, and sultanas are all great choices. Rainbow lorikeets do not solely feed on plant foods - they do also consume some insects and invertebrates. Rainbow lorikeets forage food from the canopies of trees and bushes as well as low-lying shrubberies. Never feed dairy products butter, cheese, milk etc. If you want to learn more about how to care for your lorikes, there is a comprehensive website devoted to lorikeet care. Water dishes must be refilled often to keep them clean. He said lorikeets usually eat nectar and pollen which they obtain from native plants and shrubs. . As with all other animals, birds need a proper balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, including how to maintain health and safety standards for your avian friend, read on! No, lorikeets do not normally eat bread in the wild. When you buy with our links, we may earn a commission. Citrus fruits are also fine in moderation, but most Rainbow lorikeets prefer sweeter fruits rather than strong citrus fruits. This is someone who specializes in making arrangements for gardens and has knowledge about the different kinds of plants that will make your garden look beautiful and attractive. Some people try to attract them with bread soaked in honey, but honey does not provide the nutrients that Rainbow lorikeets need to thrive and can stunt their growth. Yes, lorikeets can eat bananas. A variety of fresh, seasonal fruit should also be made available apple melon, grapes, citrus, pawpaw, banana, mango, lychee, stone fruit etc. Rainbow lorikeets also consume soft fruits and berries and some insects and invertebrates. Specific vitaminor mineral supplementsmay be more important at various times during a bird's life (e.g., egg laying requires calcium supplementation). They may also enjoy fruit and insects as well. , and if organic produce is available, it is preferable. can rainbow lorikeets eat nuts. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. But now this almighty raptor, affectionately known as The Red, has become our nations rarest bird of prey. Frozen fruits provide a cooling snack on particularly hot days. Therefore, you will need to have time each day to spend with them and give them mentally stimulating toys. The parrots are large colourful birds with powerful bills for cracking seeds and nuts and also feed on fruit, nectar and sometimes insects. From experience lorikeets are a lot friendlier when theyre not constipated! I feed my Rainbow Lories an ear of corn every morning. The purple-crowned lorikeet features the namesake pale purple-coloured crown, yellow-spotted cheeks and greeny-blue breast. Lories and lorikeetsoftenusetheirwaterdishesto bathe in. The odd behaviour first came to attention when the ABC published images of two lorikeets feeding on meat. One of the most common types of flowers for a pet lorikeet to eat is a houseplant. As far as vegetables go, Rainbow lorikeets also enjoy vegetables like carrots, pumpkins and dark leafy greens. Ill ask if theyve tried a wet lorikeet mix, fruit or vegetables? Observational studies have revealed that Rainbow lorikeets eat the pollen and nectar of over 43 flowers. leap 2025 grade 6 ela practice test. All rights reserved. They. Overall, their winter diets are not much different to their regular diets. People who work with lorikeets tend to regularly complain about their birds poo. If your birdselects one type of fruit preferentially,reduce its volumeor stop feeding it temporarilyto promoteconsumptionof other foods. Since with cockatiels stinky poop was indicative of illness Im quite worried. You can but lorikeet mix from most pet shops, and from supermarkets. Red-collared lorikeets, native to the northern parts of Australia. Rainbow lorikeets eat pollen as its highly nutritious and contains a high percentage of protein. Okay, we know this is hard to believe, but even native species can be classed as pests if they extend their ranges. Many people have tried to convince me that they have found a amazing diet especially for lorikeets that is dry and designed to eliminate the dreaded poo problem. can rainbow lorikeets eat nuts. One thing Ive noticed which Im concerned about is that my 3 week old baby does not poop that often and his poop stinks. These include everything from a lack of food for an overly abundant bird to bird feeders putting more meat on the menu. This is particularly true of the African violet, which has very strong flavors. (Matt Watson)Professor Jones said lorikeets and other parrots were specialist nectar and pollen feeders that required protein at certain . Its generally not recommended. Never feed tea, coffee, alcohol. They do not have the beak to open and chew these seeds. However, meat from invertebrates makes up a tiny proportion of their diet. To feed a lorikeet, you can purchase pre-made nectar from a pet store, which is the main source of food for lorikeets. Im pretty sure it isnt because they think that constipation is a healthier alternative to normal digestive function. In the past the phenomenon has been treated as a joke, but now, wildlife carers are becoming, increasingly concerned for the birds during this time, The odd behaviour first came to attention when, the ABC published images of two lorikeets feeding on meat. Additionally, aim to feed your bird twice a day, ideally in the morning and late afternoon, to match its natural feeding habits. Rainbow lorikeets must be fed with a lorikeet-specific feed. What should you not feed Rainbow lorikeets? Around 87% of their diet consists of flowers, including Eucalyptus, Banksia, Hibiscus, coconut plants, Grevilleas and Callistemon (bottlebrushes). Birds dont have the metabolism to cope with these foods. While the likes do enjoy eating insects, most species prefer eat seeds. Junk food, includingchocolate,caffeinated products,alcoholic beverages, and foods high in salt or fat should notbeoffered. stuff floating on top of boiled water. Feeding lorikeets can cause disease and death Necrotizing enteritis A bacteria called clostridia is the organism responsible for the disease Necrotizing enteritis in lorikeets. Rainbow lorikeet amongst the callistemon or bottle brush tree flower, feeding on the nectar. Lorikeets are nectar feeders. Rainbow lory (also known as the rainbow lorikeet) is part of over 130 species and subspecies of the Loriinae subfamily and is one the most beautiful and stunning . The rainbow glories must also feel safe in your garden. may be more important at various times during a bird's life (e.g., egg laying requires calcium supplementation). Lorikeets should be fed a combination of fruit, blossoms and a well-balanced nutritionally sound, nectar mix. The lazy person in me has discovered that organic pureed baby food comes in friendly little ready-to-go jars, so I usually mix those in. They will also feed on berries and fruits and sometimes greens. If youre caring for a lorikeet as a pet, its important to provide them with a balanced diet that is appropriate for their nutritional needs. In the wild, Rainbow lorikeets eat predominantly nectar, pollen and fruit, as well as small quantities of invertebrates. Yes. The first step in how to attract rainbow likes to garden is to have at least one natural source of food in your garden. . The belly is deep blue, and the thighs and rump are green. In the winter, they become very slowidious and can survive on a single type of plant. Australias red goshawk once ruled the skies. Never leave nectar or pollen substitutes out for a long time due to risk of spoilage. , such as difficulty flying, running into things and becoming friendlier towards humans. arrots" because of their unique tongues which are adapted for their highly specialized dietary needs. By subscribing you become an AG Society member, helping us to raise funds for conservation and adventure projects. Lori my Rainbow Lorikeet plucking privet berries off foliage. Offer fresh fruits and vegetables every day. However, many birds remove the shell before ingesting the seed kernel. The rainbow lorikeet is a medium-sized parrot, with the length ranging from 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in) including the tail, and the weight varies from 75 to 157 g (2.6-5.5 oz). , and all are equally as beautiful as their cousin. The more natural their diets are, the better. It is not possible to see a male lorikeet from a female. Theyre pretty nimble and will hang on small branches, spooning pollen and nectar from flowers with their specialised tongues. Read more about me and the blog on the About page. What do Rainbow lorikeets eat in captivity? can rainbow lorikeets eat nuts. If given a dry mix or a pellet, theyll drink more to compensate and youll either have a constipated bird, or one who poos a lot of clear liquid. The smallest of all the lorikeets, the little lorikeet is bright green with a red face mask that encircles their beak. However, bananas will give your lorikeet diarrhea if it eats too many of them too quickly just like any human who eats excessive amounts of fruit.