JAMES HARRIS, DVM
Probiotics won't hurt - or help - lory's diet
 When choosing commercial dry and wet lorikeet mixes, what sort of ingredients should I look for on the packaging to ensure adequate nutrition for a rainbow lorikeet? What ingredients (apart from seeds) should I avoid? How much insectivore powder should I be adding to the wet mix? How often should I add this? Is it okay to feed a small amount of citrus such as orange and pineapple every day? What about dried figs, dates, and raisins? I am adding a probiotic to the drinking water every day. Is this a good idea? Should I be using any additional vitamins or mineral supplements in the diet? If so, which ones, and how often? I am aware that lorikeets require company. If I am unable to find another lorikeet as a companion for mine, would a different species of a similar size be okay? I would be very grateful if you could help me with any of my inquiries.
-- Oliver Allen
 The nutritional requirements of birds are poorly understood except for the domestic chicken, turkey, and duck, which we've studied because of their economic value. We've been guessing at how to feed nondomestic species including parrots; however, that may soon change. One researcher at the forefront of parrot nutrition, including lory diets, is Debra McDonald of Australia. (Her Web site is www.DrMacs.com.) While they should do no harm, there is no scientific evidence that probiotics - bacterial supplements of supposed "good" organisms - have any beneficial value. Vitamin and mineral supplements may help birds with unbalanced diets; however, overuse can poison your bird. For tips on selecting a companion for your bird, see the ParrotChronicles.com article Should You Get Another Bird?
James Harris, DVM is owner and medical director of the Mayfair Veterinary Clinic in Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia. He founded Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, Calif., and has served as medical director and chairman of the board for the International Bird Rescue Research Center in Berkeley. Dr. Harris' numerous professional honors include California and National Bustad Companion Animal DVM Awards.
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