Black Head vs. White Belly Caique

[Stizby]

Well, as these things tend to go, once I settled on wanting a caique -- and there being only 1 (a Black Head) in the shop I've been visiting -- I have just learned of a White Belly that is available too. The Black Head is female and about 13 months old. The White Belly is around 4 months old and its sex is unknown.

So, for all of you with either or both, I'm just wondering if you had a choice between the two, which would you go with, and why?

[GingerR]

Personality wise, they're about the same so far as I know from people who own both - the big difference in personalities is between individual birds, not so much between the two species. I own two black heads and they are very different from each other in personality.

I'd go with whichever one I felt the best about or felt like they'd bonded to me most. I got mine at 5 and 6 months respectively, but they were both well socialized prior to me getting them, so socialization is definitely a factor.

And make sure to save up for toys. Lots and lots of toys.

[Lisa B]

We went with White bellied. At the time, they were a bit harder to find around here. We drove to NC to get him in 2002.
He was the oldest of the group there and he was about 9 months.
George really made the final choice as Ollie is his bird. We were not married at the time.

[Freedomoflight]

No behavioral differences between the bird- some people will say yellow thighs are more laid back, some will say BHCs are. Really it varies from bird to bird, and which ever you decide will be an energizer bunny!
I guess in this case.. its more of a color preference.

[sassie]

Im in the process of adopting a BH now! Im so excited to finally be adding a funny bunny to our flock! The rest of My birds are laid back, dont care to much about playing ect.

[Chloe's Mom]

I recently added a baby boy BHC named Henry to my flock- Prepare to become TOTALLY enamored of these little guys!!! I absolutely fell in love with my TAG, Chloe- She was my first parrot and has a special place with me. I love that she is laid back and loves to just chill out with me and watch some TV. Then there is Henry- He has my entire family wrapped around his little foot, even my big teenage boys! All he wants to do is rough house and finger wrestle and hop everywhere as fast as he can- He keeps us entertained 24/7! Chloe often watches him with a very snooty look on her face and it cracks me up! I would love to have another caique one day...

I chose the Black Headed caique because the breeder from whom I bought Chloe also breeds BHC and he is only about an hour drive from my house- I think no matter which you decide on you are in for a wonderful time!!

[Irish]

I hope dvelardi (Deb) steps in on this one. Just last night she was saying how she prefers the personalities of the white thighs (she has 2). She didn't say why. She also cares for a black headed one and a white thigh in the Hut, so maybe she can compare their personalities from her perspective.

She's at work 'til 5-ish, PST, so no way for her to see this before then....

[Stizby]

Originally Posted by Irish

I hope dvelardi (Deb) steps in on this one. Just last night she was saying how she prefers the personalities of the white thighs (she has 2). She didn't say why. She also cares for a black headed one and a white thigh in the Hut, so maybe she can compare their personalities from her perspective.

She's at work 'til 5-ish, PST, so no way for her to see this before then....

Deb and I have been PM'ing each other with all my questions!! She is a true fan of this species. I am drawn more to the looks of the black head but I am reading more and more that the white belly is a bit more mellow and sweeter. Decisions, decisons.....

And oh, so much for that theory of letting the bird pick you -- both of these seemed to have "picked" me. Gosh darn it, they are both so darn cute!!!

[cfulhage]

Well Kelly, it seems the only thing to do is to bring both of them home! Then you can tell us all about the personality differences between the 2!

[Tiki]

Kelly, I would buy both if I could afford them. How can you choose between them if they BOTH chose you? You could always give me one for Christmas!