Trying to decide what type of parrot will make a great pet can seem like a challenge, especially if you’re not familiar with some of the main characteristics and personality traits of each kind.
Doing your research and weighing all your options is crucial before bringing a pet home for both pet and owner.
For example, I came across Rainbow Lorikeets the other day, and I thought they were notable for their medium size and brilliant color.
This interaction made me wonder: are Rainbow Lorikeets good pets?
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. Rainbow Lorikeets require larger cages or aviaries, and they love to play and be social. Therefore, you will need to have time each day to spend with them and give them mentally stimulating toys. You may consider purchasing Rainbow Lorikeets in pairs so they have a companion. Rainbow Lorikeets also have a specialized diet consisting mainly of nectar, although they also eat fruit, vegetables, and pollen.
Rainbow Lorikeets are the most popular choice out of all Lories and Lorikeets to take as pets.
They are popular due to their size, bright coloring, and energetic nature.
Like many parrots, they can become heavily attached to their owner after they have bonded.
How much space does a Rainbow Lorikeet need?
A Rainbow Lorikeet needs to be kept in a cage that is at least 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide, or preferably in an aviary if possible.
They need to have enough room to move freely about, climb, play, and dance.
Vendors exist that can engineer custom aviary solutions to suit your specific needs, but you could also go to a pet store or pet supply company.
Rainbow Lorikeets are intelligent so ensure there are locks on the cages so they cannot learn to escape.
Do not get a Rainbow Lorikeet if you do not have the room for it.
Not only is it not fair to your animal, but you will find this harms their overall health and social ability.
If you are hoping to add a Rainbow Lorikeet to your aviary, you may want to be cautious.
While they have an overall friendly disposition, Rainbow Lorikeets aren’t always the friendliest to other birds.
They are quite territorial and have even been known to attack other unfamiliar Rainbow Lorikeets in extreme cases.
A word of caution is not to leave Rainbow Lorikeets unattended with birds they are not familiar with.
Related – Rainbow Lorikeet – Profile With Photos
How much time does a Rainbow Lorikeet require?
Like any pet, Rainbow Lorikeets require a certain amount of attention from their owner throughout the day.
Some might say that they are a little bit more high maintenance than other birds, though.
This assertion is due to their need to socialize throughout the day, their dietary restrictions, and the fact that you might have to accommodate your other birds around your Rainbow Lorikeet.
On average, Rainbow Lorikeets need about 3-4 hours of supervised, out-of-cage play per day.
If a Rainbow Lorikeet does not get enough mental stimulation, they might turn to feather tweezing, which is not a good habit for them to form.
Feather tweezing is a sign of depression in birds and needs to be addressed immediately.
Overall, Rainbow Lorikeets are busybodies who love to be in the middle of the excitement.
You can train your Rainbow Lorikeet to talk, and they can acquire quite extensive vocabularies through training.
Take some time each day to work with your Rainbow Lorikeet on a new word or sound.
However, do not move on until they have mastered that word or sound, so they do not get confused.
Rainbow Lorikeets can also whistle, so you may try to teach them a simple tune to repeat back to you.
Along with this training each day, you will want to give your Rainbow Lorikeet toys to keep their minds and beaks busy.
Rainbow Lorikeets love to chew and their favorites are toys that can be chewed up or foraging toys.
What else should I know before getting a Rainbow Lorikeet as a pet?
One thing people often consider when getting a new pet is the noise level.
Rainbow Lorikeets can be pretty loud between their shrieks, squawks, and chattering, so it might not be ideal if you have close neighbors.
Once again, though, it shouldn’t be a problem if you have space for it.
There are no physically discernible differences between male or female Rainbow Lorikeets.
So to find out the gender, you would have to do genetic testing if you don’t know.
Typically hand-reared birds are easier to deal with as pets since they are familiar with people.
So keep in mind to hand-feed your young Rainbow Lorikeet throughout their training.
However, a wild Rainbow Lorikeet can also be tamed and trained over time.
By hand-feeding your pet, they will become accommodated to the human touch, which will help solidify the owner-pet bond more easily.
Rainbow Lorikeets are intelligent, have unique personalities, and thrive in pairs or flocks.
If you cannot provide a Rainbow Lorikeet with constant attention, getting them a companion can help keep them socially stimulated.
Typically parrots are known to bond with one primary caretaker.
However, since Rainbow Lorikeets are such social animals, you might find they have an affinity for many visitors besides just their central bond.
Don’t worry though, Rainbow Lorikeets are loyal pets and will excitedly greet you whenever they see you.
Since Rainbow Lorikeets require lots of space, attention, and a specialized diet, they are not generally recommended for first-time bird owners.
For an experienced bird owner though, they can be a beautiful addition to the family.
As with all decisions, it is essential to be aware of and weigh all the different factors so you can ensure that getting a Rainbow Lorikeet as a pet is right for you.