While they are significantly different in size, both animals make extraordinary pets that will love you for a long time. Raising parrots might not be as easy as you think. You need to show them a ton of affection and provide them with top-notch care. Food is crucial for their well-being. For this reason, Macaw food should be as diverse as possible. Lorikeet food, however, consists of nectar and pollen. There are a lot of brands that offer packs of food that can be served both dry or wet.
Parrots are primarily omnivorous. The perfect food for your pets should always be tailored to them and their unique situations. It's highly recommended that you discuss this with an experienced avian veterinarian, as not all veterinarians specialize in caring for exotic birds. The general rule that works for all healthy adult parrots is to have an intake of about 60 to 80 percent of pellets you can get in the store, and the rest should be fresh produce and nuts.
How Much Macaw Food Is Enough for Your Parrot?
Macaws are large parrots, meaning they need to eat about 15 - 20 percent of their body weight. When you are feeding your parrot, make sure the majority of its diet is pellets. This step should be easy because most pet shops will point you in the right direction when you mention Macaw food. As for the rest of your Macaw's diet, you must ask your veterinarian first and foremost. Consider feeding them a mix of seeds, nuts, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Is Lorikeet Food Hard to Find?
Lorikeet food might be more problematic to find than the regular parrot mix, but luckily you can always search the internet for your pet's favorite combination. And the best part is you can have it delivered to your door without any extra effort. At the same time, the food might get a little expensive compared to the regular Macaw food, which Lorikeets can't survive without nectar and pollen. Unlike other birds, Lorikeets are not exactly interested in seeds in nuts. Instead, they have a brush-like tongue that helps them extract nectar and pollen.
The nectar is essential because it gives them energy, as it's incredibly high in sugars, and the pollen is high in protein. Both of these are the key to keeping your Lorikeet in perfect health. If you can't find Lorikeet food at the pet store for whatever reason, it's alright to give them fruits like apples, oranges, or various berries. A Lorikeet's diet is significantly different from a regular bird's diet. For this reason, they might be considered high-maintenance, but the love they give in return is worth all the extra attention.
Are Birds Good, Low-Maintenance Pets?
Depending on the person's lifestyle, a bird could be a great pet. If you are the kind of person who wants a companion, but the typical dog or cat seems like too much work because they need a larger space, getting a pet bird should do the trick. Or so you would think. Contrary to popular belief, pet birds are not as low-maintenance as people claim. They, too, need a ton of attention and special care. Most people get Macaws, thinking the food would be the only expense. It's true, Macaw food is not that expensive, especially compared to Lorikeet food, but the food is not everything.
If you want a long and happy friendship with a healthy bird, providing food is not the only expense you should expect to cover. Birds are known for being highly social animals. This means buying just one bird might not be ideal, and some birds, like the Lorikeet, can cost up to 500 U.S. dollars. Aside from ensuring they stay social, birds need a cage, a harness, toys, mirrors, plants, and many other things that help them stay active and occupied. You don't want your pet bird ever to get bored because that stress can lead to severe problems.
Can You Feed a Lorikeet Macaw Food?
As mentioned before, a Lorikeet is a remarkable parrot with a brush-like tongue that can only survive when a considerable portion of its diet consists of nectar and pollen. Therefore, Lorikeet food is not made primarily with seeds, nuts, and various plants like the Macaw one. Instead, the Lorikeet mix is usually a fine powder that can be either offered dry or mixed with water and offered to your bird as a thicker paste. These two are crucial for the health of your Lorikeet. Therefore, it is strongly advised not to substitute these 2 with food for other birds because their situations differ.
How to Get a Lorikeet to Like You?
A Lorikeet is a smaller exotic bird that can live up to 25 years if you take good care of them. It's relatively easy to keep a Lorikeet happy if you realize there are certain boundaries that you can't cross. Keep in mind all animals have different "patience meters" and can eventually get tired if they feel like their space has been invaded. Most of the time, animals will let you know if they are not in the mood to play. It's also important to remember not to disturb an animal while it is eating, birds included.
They need to trust you to get a Lorikeet to like you. Show them you don't mean any harm and offer them treats like small berries and other things recommended by your veterinarian as suitable Lorikeet food. You will never go wrong with the classic apple, though. Another way to prove you come in peace is to give them space and allow them to come to you. If the Lorikeet is still skeptical, consider purchasing some toys. Birds are brilliant animals, and they love intricate "mind games." Even a simple "hide and seek" game will spark their interest and help them bond with you.
