When feeding pets, there are many feeding options one may be tempted to give a trial. Lorikeets are small birds that belong to the lorry family which is most time kept as a pet.
So, can Lorikeets eat bananas? Or is it advisable to feed lorikeets with bananas?
Here in this guide, we have prepared an answer to that, we have also taken note of other information you need to know from pet nutrition experts.
Trichoglossus moluccanus is a member of the true parrot family Psittacidae, which includes the rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus) because of its rainbow plumage, which incorporates all three primary colors (blue, green, and red) as well as various shades of mauve, yellow, and orange.
Rainbow lorikeets’ appearance is well-known, but what do they eat?
When it comes to their diet, rainbow lorikeets rely heavily on nectar and pollen from flowering plants. Flowers, such as eucalyptus, banksia, hibiscus, coconut trees, Grevilleas, and Callistemon, make up about 87% of their diet (bottlebrushes).
Soft fruits and berries, as well as insects and invertebrates, are also eaten by rainbow lorikeets
To attract pollinators, such as birds and insects, nectar is a sweet substance that is extremely high in sugars and gives a great deal of energy.
Male seeding plants secrete pollen, which is distinct from nectar because of its increased protein content.
Pollen and nectar are important to rainbow lorikeets, but they also require fruits in order to survive and thrive.
Can Lorikeets Eat Bananas?
Yes, Lorikeets are known to eat bananas safely without causing any health issues if consumed moderately. It is important you include bananas in their diets because it contains viable nutrients and vitamins that the body of your feathery little friend will be needing.
Native flowers like bottlebrush and grevilleas are the primary sources of nectar and pollen for rainbow lorikeets, however, they also eat sap, fruit, and a few seeds.
But in your backyard or garden, they’ll eat bread, seeds, nectar, and honey from a standard bird feeder.
What Fruit Can Rainbow Lorikeets Eat?
Fruits including limes, oranges, bananas, grapes, apples, and pears are all edible to lorikeets. Watermelon and cherries are other of its favorites. Lorikeets can only consume ripe fruit since unripe fruit is too hard for them to digest.
Wild lorikeets prefer fruit that has been peeled or sliced into little cubes, rather than whole fruits.
Lorikeets’ Winter Diet: What Do They Eat?
When it’s cold outside, rainbow lorikeets may begin to nibble on a variety of evergreen flora and fruit. Nectar will become a smaller portion of their diet, while fiber will become a larger portion.
During this period, they may even search for smaller insects. During the winter, nectar is scarce and lorikeets must adapt.
Like other members of the old-world parrot family, lorikeets are fussy eaters who are more sensitive to their surroundings than the more common omnivores like the Rose-ringed parakeet.
Can Lorikeets Eat Unripe Bananas?
No! to simply answer that, feeding your birds with unripe bananas may pose a health threat to them. Usually, when feeding Lorikeets, it is advisable to make use of ripe fruits, owing to the fact that ripe fruits come with much juice which is needed by your birds.
It comes with mature vitamins and nutrients that are most beneficial to the birds.
Can Lorikeets Eat Banana Peels?
No, it is not advisable to include the peels of banana in your bird’s meal. This may be too hard for them in ingest, it may cause the birds to choke and cause severe medical problems to the bird.
Can Birds Eat Raw Bananas?
Yes, you may feed your Lorikeets with raw banana provided it is ripe. Your lorikeets will eat and enjoy ripe bananas.
Also, ensure you peel the banana before serving or including it in your bird’s diet. This is because banana peels will cause issues with your lorikeet’s digestion.
Can Lorikeets Eat Dried Bananas?
No, feeding Lorikeets with dried bananas is tantamount to serving them choking materials, the amount of saliva produced in their mouth is very little to be able to lubricate their throats to swallow a dried banana.
So, do not try including dry bananas in Lorikeet’s meal.
Benefits of Banana to Lorikeets
When feeding your birds bananas, bananas contain a high level of protein which is needed for their daily metabolism, it contains high potassium which is needed for the development of the bird. Banana contains sugar which is needed to power your bird with enough energy for the day.
How to Prepare Bananas for Your Lorikeets?
To serve your lorikeets with banana ensure you do the following;
- Get a ripe fresh banana that does not have any holes or insect-affected spots.
- Wash the banana so as to get rid of common bacteria and germs that may be present on the peel. This will also help get rid of preservatives and other additives that has being added to the banana either from the farm or from the store.
- Peel the banana, then serve it to your bird.
Are Bananas Toxic to Lorikeets?
No, bananas are a safe food for lorikeets. Bananas should be a regular element of their fruit consumption, thus they should be included in their daily diet. Our feathery friends don’t have to worry about bananas, unlike many other fruits (including apples, which parrots cannot eat).
What Can I Do to Attract Lorikeets to My Backyard?
Lorikeets can be attracted to your garden in a variety of ways:
Plant nectar- and fruit-producing flowers: Oranges, limes, grapefruits, and figs are among the preferences of lorikeets, who eat a wide variety of fruits. Manuka and gum blossoms are other favorites of theirs.
If you want to attract rainbow lorikeets, make sure you have a source of fresh water nearby. When it rains, the water droplets on the leaves attract them.
You may attract lorikeets to your garden by hanging a feeder full of fruit. Perches on the feeder will allow them to recline comfortably while they eat.
Adding nectar to the water dish will also entice them to come over for both feedings. If you don’t have any fruit or flowers in your garden, lorikeets will happily eat commercial nectar.
Conclusion: Can Lorikeets Eat Bananas?
Flower nectar and pollen are among the many foods that rainbow lorikeets consume. Fruit and insects may also be a part of their diet.
However, the thick shells and high fiber content of seeds and bread deter them from eating them regularly.
Lorikeets are unable to eat bananas because they produce diarrhea, and tomatoes are harmful to them.
You may attract lorikeets to your garden by growing fruit and nectar-rich flowers like bottlebrushes and Grevilleas, as well as providing a water source and hanging feeders packed with fresh fruit.