Lorikeet cage and aviary setup: planning for liquid, scattered droppings
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
Choosing a cage for a lorikeet is not just about size or bar spacing, already covered in our article on bird cage bar spacing. The species' nectarivorous diet has a direct consequence for cage setup: droppings that are noticeably more liquid and more frequent than in a granivorous budgerigar or canary, with a real risk of splatter on surrounding walls and floors.
Contents · 5 sections
A direct consequence of digestive physiology
The lorikeet's nectarivorous specialisation, documented by McDonald in 2003 in Seminars in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine, comes with a shortened digestive tract and fast transit, consistent with a liquid, water-rich, low-fibre diet (see the study). In practice, the bird eliminates more often and more liquidly than a granivore of similar mass, which is not a sign of illness but an expected feature of the species, provided the diet stays consistent with what our article on lorikeet diet describes.
Choosing materials that are easy to clean
A cage or aviary with smooth metal bars and tray, free of corners or raw-wood structures in direct contact with splatter, makes realistic daily cleaning possible. A deep, removable tray, with the cage floor replaced every day rather than briefly rinsed, limits the build-up of decomposing organic matter in corners.
Protecting the space around the cage
Splatter from liquid droppings and nectar often extends beyond the cage's own footprint. A washable mat or sheet laid on the floor all around, and positioning the cage away from walls, furniture and electrical outlets, prevents long-term damage. Also avoid stacking perches and feeders directly above one another, to limit cross-contamination between levels.
Aviary or large cage: think about circulation
The lorikeet is a highly active bird that needs room to fly and climb. An outdoor aviary or a large indoor cage should include several feeding stations spaced apart, to spread droppings out rather than concentrate them in one spot, making the daily upkeep covered in our article on lorikeet cage hygiene more manageable. The rest of our setup guidance is gathered under bird bedding and habitat.
Frequently asked questions
Does a lorikeet need a different cage from a budgerigar's?
Size and bar spacing follow the same general rules, but smooth, easy-to-clean materials matter even more given the liquid splatter.
Is an absorbent mat on the floor enough under the cage?
A washable mat helps, but it does not replace daily cleaning of the cage floor and nearby surfaces.
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This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Birds universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.