Feeding Your Nectar Eating Birds

Within the parrot family, there are some nectar eating birds. Lorikeets and lories have adapted to feed naturally on nectar and pollen. Let’s look at ways and means of feeding these unique little parrots.

Lorikeets are high-energy, hilarious pets making them suitable for high-energy, owners!

Lorikeets are definitely the most playful member of the parrot family and are one of the best talkers of birds their size.

They can live for 7 to 9 years. Identical feathering and coloration make it impossible to discern a male lorikeet from a female. If you have a pair of the same age, the male will usually be slightly larger. The only way to tell with certainty is to have your veterinarian perform a DNA test using droppings or feathers.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Nectar Mixes For Nectar Eating Birds

Lorikeets and lories are nectar eating birds and have special tiny rushes on the tongue to sweep up the pollen granules into their mouths so they can be swallowed easily.

Pollen is a valuable source of protein, but the carbohydrate content of the diet that comes from nectar comes from various sugars.

In the past, bird-keepers were forced to rely on homemade nectar mixtures using ingredients such as honey, which would often attract bees to the drinker. The birds were therefore in danger of being stung when they fed.

Today, a good range of proprietary nectar mixtures is available in powdered form. They simply need to be mixed with water. The combinations are supplemented with vitamins and minerals and contain all the necessary ingredients to keep birds in the best health.

There are several different types available for the various groups of nectivores. Besides those suitable for lorikeets and hanging parrots, specific mixtures are formulated for hummingbirds and other small nectivores such as sugarbirds, sunbirds, and white-eyes.

Do not be tempted to change brands suddenly, particularly when acquiring a new bird. Instead, stick to its regular diet, offering the new food in increasing amounts over a fortnight or so. This should avoid causing any digestive upsets, which may prove fatal in this group of birds.

Nectar foods are not as widely available as seed, and you will probably need to obtain them from a bird farm or specialist. You can also purchase some online for convenience.

Here are a few great examples of nectars you can purchase online easily and conveniently. To find out more, simply click on the picture.

Most nectar feeders will have a bright color to attract the birds to feed. Try to find something with tinted glass to protect the vitamin value of the food.