LORIKEETS

Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus moluccanus)

  Description:

• Length: 30cm.
•  Weight: 140 gm.
•  First illustration of an Australian parrot published in 1774.

Habitat:

• Common along the east coast of Australia, from Tasmania to Northern Queensland.
•  Isolated population in and around Perth suspected to originate from aviary escapes.
•  Seen flying in small groups, forming large noisy flocks at feeding and roosting sites.

Sexing:

• No true visual way of sexing.
• Reliable methods: Surgical sexing or DNA (Blood/Feather).

Diet:

•  Wet mix in the morning, fresh fruit and veggies.
•  Dry mix always available.
•  Fresh drinking water; Lorikeets love to bathe.
• Commercially available diets supplemented with fresh fruit and veggies.

Housing:

• Suitable for beginner lorikeet breeders, easy to care for, and breeds freely.
• Cage/aviary size depends on the owner’s budget, as long as it’s not too small.
• Suspended aviaries preferred for ease of feeding and cleaning.
• Minimum recommended suspended aviary size: 1.2m x 0.6m x 0.9m.
• Accepts various nest boxes or hollow logs.

Breeding:

• Breeds from approximately 12 months and throughout the year.
• Lays 2 eggs with a 1-2 day interval, incubation period of 24 days.
• Rarely lays 3 eggs.
•  Hatch with fine wispy, white down, eyes open at 14 days.
• Fully feathered at 40 days, fledges at approximately 60 days.
• Parents may pluck chicks; observation is crucial during development and fledging.
• Various mutations developed, including Grey Green, Cinnamon, Blue Fronted, Mustard, Olive, Lutino, and Pied.

Summary:

• Popular lorikeet in Australia, known for amazing plumage and mimicry.
• Fantastic pet and aviary subject, suitable for beginners and experienced Loriculturists.
• Breeds freely, contributing to knowledge and experience in Loriculture.