Lorikeets and honeyeaters, unlike other birds, have a brush-like appendage at the end of their tongue. This brush tongue is an adaptation for gathering pollen, plant secretions (nectar, manna, honeydew) and insect secretions (lerp). Lorikeets and honeyeaters also include fruit and insects in their diets. They obtain essential protein and fatty acids from the pollen or insect component of their diet and carbohydrate from the simple and complex sugars found in plant and insect secretions. They spend much of their time foraging for food and have an absolute requirement for carbohydrate, this being evidenced by the low protein to energy ratio in the diet and the high intestinal disaccharidase activity associated with their digestive physiology.

Dietary nutrients vary in proportion and concentration throughout the year so a substitute food can only represent an average composition of the annual diet.

Wombaroo Lorikeet & Honeyeater Food contains additional levels of the essential nutrients lysine, methionine, arginine, EPA, DHA and a-linolenic acid. If unopened, or opened and correctly resealed, the powder remains stable for up to 18 months if stored below 30^o C and protected from moisture.

Available in 300g, 1.5kg, 4.5kg and 9kg packs

Nectar - Shake 'n' Make

 MAINTENANCE OF PLUMAGE COLOUR

Wombaroo have been conducting research into plumage colour loss in nectarivorous and insectivorous birds which has lead to the development of specialised colour maintenance diets for these birds.  The green, yellow and red colours in feathers originate from carotenoids, flavones and pterins found in plants and insects.  Some of the carotenoids identified in feathers are lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, rhodoxanthin, capsanthin, astacin, a-carotene, b-carotene and astaxanthin.  After absorption these pigments may remain unaltered or be modified before being incorporated into the feather at keratinisation.

Wombaroo have identified and extracted a carotenoid mix that maintains the yellow/green and the red colours in the plumage of nectarivorous and insectivorous birds.  Two special formulations of Wombaroo Lorikeet & Honeyeater Food are now available containing the correct concentrations of carotenoids to maintain the yellow/green and the red colours of your birds. 

Yellow Colour Enhanced (for Yellow/Green plumaged birds) Product
now Available in 4.5kg and 9kg packs

Red Colour Enhanced (for  Red plumaged birds) Product
now Available in 4.5kg and 9kg packs

Wombaroo Lorikeet & Honeyeater Food is an ideal supplement for attracting native birds into the garden. Set up an elevated feeding station on a pole or suspend it from the branch of a tree. Dispense the prepared food in a shallow, glazed bowl. Ration daily feed to no more than 10ml per lorikeet or 5ml per honeyeater. Always limit the amount of food offered because other people in your neighbourhood are probably feeding the same birds. Remove the bowl after feeding and thoroughly clean it. Be aware that when you attract birds into your garden you may also attract bird predators.

TO FEED CAPTIVE BIRDS

Wombaroo Lorikeet & Honeyeater Food will adequately maintain captive lorikeets or honeyeaters, however for breeding success the following is strongly recommended.