good idea or bad?

[shell87]

Hi
I'm pretty new to birds but I'd love to bring home one of these guys just want to see if you all thought it would be reasonable given my limited experience?

I live with 4 lovebirds,2 I bought for a friend about a year ago and 2 chicks they produced this year, I'm aware that their care is much different other than that I spent my childhood around an African grey but was not my bird

Do you think it would be reasonable to think that as new as I am to birds I could care appropriately for one of these guys given some time To review their diet? Surely much the same as any other pet?

I just don't want to get myself in to something I may not be able to deal with and have the bird suffer for it or is there something I'm missing as to why pretty much everything I read says they are not for novice keeper

Many thanks

 

[Glacier313]

Hi
I'm pretty new to birds but I'd love to bring home one of these guys just want to see if you all thought it would be reasonable given my limited experience?

I live with 4 lovebirds,2 I bought for a friend about a year ago and 2 chicks they produced this year, I'm aware that their care is much different other than that I spent my childhood around an African grey but was not my bird

Do you think it would be reasonable to think that as new as I am to birds I could care appropriately for one of these guys given some time To review their diet? Surely much the same as any other pet?

I just don't want to get myself in to something I may not be able to deal with and have the bird suffer for it or is there something I'm missing as to why pretty much everything I read says they are not for novice keeper

Many thanks

Lorikeets do have a very particular diet, I don't know all of the requirements but I don't think they would be a very good bird for a novice owner. Maybe something like a Green Cheek Conure would be better? They are about the same size I think but have a less-specialized diet. I would say depends.

 

[sunnysmom]

Have you read the good, bad and ugly about lorikeets section? They are beautiful birds, but I believe their diet is pretty different than other parrots' and have you read about the projectile poops?

 

[shell87]

Thanks, I don't really want a conure and if it turns out that they really won't be manageable for me ill just wait until such a time as I'm strongly drawn to another species

 

[shell87]

Have you read the good, bad and ugly about lorikeets section? They are beautiful birds, but I believe their diet is pretty different than other parrots' and have you read about the projectile poops?

Yes I've read through the good the bad and the ugly that's the thing there's not a single thing in there that made me change my mind so I thought I'd ask for folks opinions on it as I find myself very drawn to them

 

[Hankmacaw]

I'm a believer in that a person should always get the bird they want. Of course, you should know what you are getting into before you do and you should make sure that you are physically and emotionally able to care for them.

 

[sunnysmom]

I agree with Hankmacaw. : )

@JAM ?

 

[shell87]

I know I have the time to spend caring and occupying an intelligent and curious bird but like I said I'm not sure if there's something I'm missing that makes them particularly hard to care for I wouldn't want to bring one home at the birds expense if that's the case

I'm not talking about brining one home next week, I'm thinking months down the line so I can make myself sure on the diet, I have a few reptiles all with very specific requirements on husbandry, I'm not adverse to spending my time getting the specifics down if it seems like I could have one

Thanks again for taking the time to respond

 

[Glacier313]

Thanks, I don't really want a conure and if it turns out that they really won't be manageable for me ill just wait until such a time as I'm strongly drawn to another species

I'm not saying no, but you better do a heck of a lot of research! Maybe upload some pictures of where you are thinking the lori will go?

 

[shell87]

I'm not saying no, but you better do a heck of a lot of research! Maybe upload some pictures of where you are thinking the lori will go?

As I've said I'm more than happy to put the time into reseching their dietary requirements in length if that's the only thing people think would be a sticking point

Space is not an issue also I understand that they can be agressive to other birds and as such would not be housed in the same room as my lovies even after the quarenteine period and not in the room with the reptiles for obvious reasons as a couple would be licking their lips

 

[expressmailtome]

I have no first hand experience owning one, however in a addition to @JAM , @CheekyBeaks is also very knowledgeable. They are both very helpful.

Matt

 

[JAM]

Have you been able to go to some places to interact with older lorikeets? Which lorikeet species are you looking at as well?
Are you looking at one bird or two at this stage?

The cleaning ritual is the area of husbandry that I find the most taxing as cleanliness is paramount and having them indoors means you can't just get a hose to the bottom of the cage which would be an ideal method of getting all that squirted poop away! Unless you have easy access to outdoors then go for it! (I have stairs to negotiate to the back yard).
Utilising plastic sheeting and lots of paper helps but still doesn't negate the need to have the area cleaned daily. A day or two of them hanging out on top of their cages can provide an artistic surrounding of liquid poop for your viewing pleasure. Almost almost like a moat of poop at times lol.

I used to have lovebirds but unable to house them separately in another room and as a result it became very clear that complete separation would be a safer option and I was very lucky to know a passionate friend who now has the lovebirds and they are flourishing in an environment dedicated just to them and without the danger of being eaten by Red!

Lories and lorikeets are very rewarding in terms of interaction, I don't know of many other species where you can almost fight with them whilst playing and it can get very fierce but afterwards a cuddle and scritch is due!
They're loud, very loud and it can range from a screechy squawk to a very high pitched WEEEEEEE, mine register 100DB on a regular and daily basis when they want to.

Despite having specialised food, it can be easy to prep fresh veggies if you are able to find a combination that works in wet mix then you can make wet smoothies all the time which is easier than chopping but they do like to gnaw on carrot is and lettuce and others during the day.

Ann Marie has an awesome aviary set up with hers which I wish we had the space to reciprocate, but ours are indoor spoilt brats so that won't be changing anytime soon! LOL

 

[shell87]

Thanks for the response folks

It was the rainbow guys that I found absolutely striking but we are having a could be issue with our lovies at the moment that would be making me hesitate making any decisions at the moment

The plan was a few months down the line if it seemed it was doable. I think if the diet was the main concern I would be capable of it also I know that they can become I'll if they are not cleaned out daily, I would just add it to the list at the end of the night when I do all the spot cleans on the reptile vivs

I want to make sure meme is ok before I commit to making another adition to the family but it's good to know there is no other reason I was missing as to why they aren't for novice keepers

Again many thanks for taking the time to respond

 

[CrestieLover]

I have had several different species & it took me YEARS to find the bird that suits me best. I am owned by a black headed caique. And this is the one for ME!

I would suggest trying to find someone in your area that you could actually go visit & see for yourself the care they require & their quirks. Each species have their good & bad qualities - it's just WHAT CAN YOU live with.

A conure's call really hurts my ears. I think they are beautiful but I can't own one. Lovebirds are great, but for me....almost too clingy. Parrotlets are so amazing but I just have not found one that I totally bonded with. Cockatiels are sweet but I prefer to have a parrot that can ride on my shoulder/back/arm or whatever is convenient while I am doing stuff around the house.

You could also volunteer to be a foster for a bird rescue. I did that with Phoenix Landing & I really enjoyed it - that way you could have hands on experience.

Just make sure - whatever you decide, if it does not work for you & your lifestyle .... you have a backup plan to make sure the fid will have a good home to go to that will take care of him/her.

Good luck & happy researching.