LPM 222: Diversified poultry production and current concepts in poultry management and marketing [Livestock Production Management (Regional Interest)] (1+1)

LORIES AND LORIKEETS

• These parrots form a distinctive group in terms of their feed¬ing habits, mid are usually extremely colourful in appearance. They have a lively, jaunty manner and many species are quite noisy, with high-pitched and far-carrying calls, although they do not rival the larger parrots in this respect.
• The term `lorikeet' is usually applied to species with long tails, contrasting with the short-tailed lories.
• The most significant common feature of these birds is unlikely to be immediately apparent, however, unless they are watched closely. They feed largely on nectar and pollen gathered from flowers, and their tongues are tipped with brush like protrusions known as papillae that serve to gather their food efficiently.
• Particles of pollen are effectively rasped from the flowers and accumulated on the tongue, where the microscopic granules re compressed into pellets of a suitable size to be swallowed. They are also known as `bush tongued parrots'.
• The dietary habits of lories and lorikeets tend to render them unsuitable for close confinement in the domestic environment. Their droppings are extremely fluid, while the predominantly sticky nature of their foodstuffs is a further problem.
• In an out side aviary, a pair of these birds will be seen to good effect, how¬ever, and most species prove keen to nest in aviary surroundings. Provide an enclosure that is easy to clean, with a solid floor that can be hosed down regularly.