Quaker or Caique Parrot?

[suzetteG]

Since I had to return my little Quaker, I am trying to decide whether to get another Quaker or get a Caique?

I want a parrot that talks, playful, great personality, likes people, and a little mischeivious? Any suggestions???

Thanks everyone

Suzette:

[Eliza]

Talking is never a guarantee in any species of parrot, even those that are known for talking (ex: African greys, quaker parrots, budgerigars, etc.). It's one of those things to hope for when bringing a parrot into your life but should not be expected.

As far as playfulness, personality and liking people? Parrots are just like people: every individual is going to vary in temperment.

Quaker parrots, from what I understand, are more likely to talk than caiques. Everyone I know who has (or has had) a quaker or caique has described them as playful and mischievous so either one would likely be a good fit :)

[LovelySydney]

My Oliver is a great candidate to talk, but he never does and hasn't yet, although we think we have heard a few words here and there, but nothing confirmed. He just "talks" to his new bff Emi! I would take either bird, I love them both! As far as their personality goes, that lies within each individual bird as well as how they were brought up from the nest (a breeder who does well socializing and hand taming would be best).

[slic102]

Is this going to be your first bird? If so, I would NOT recommend a caique for a first parrot unless you've had experience in the past. They are super little birds (I have 2), but are seriously a handful.

Can I ask why you had to return your other quaker? My quaker was my first parrot and I honestly cannot imagine life without a quaker now....he is awesome. Don't get me wrong, they can be quite the handfull as well, but honestly caiques are totally different than any other bird. Caiques are not known to be good talkers. My younger one can say "step up", but he is more of a sound mimic than a talker. He will mimic all the other birds calls, plus household noises....even the squeak of my hubby's sneakers on the kitchen floor!!

My older caique will attack anyone and everyone but me and my hubby. He is quite a handful. Honestly all birds are their own individual and you just never know until you get one. My quaker (and most) are quite the talkers, BUT that is not a guarantee as I do know a few who never do talk.

[hsmoscout]

Originally Posted by slic102

Is this going to be your first bird? If so, I would NOT recommend a caique for a first parrot unless you've had experience in the past.

I agree 100% there!

[slic102]

By the way, I read your post about why you had to return your little blue baby on the other thread....so sorry to hear that. I've never heard that about blues not being as healthy as greens. They are a hybrid, so I suppose it makes sense, but I know lots of people who have had blues for many years with no problems so I'd not let that stop me from getting one. A blue is on my list of birds I'd still love to have for sure!

[hsmoscout]

Originally Posted by slic102

They are a hybrid

Don't let Monica hear you say that! They are a *mutation*

[suzetteG]

Wow, where did my reply go? I was writing one and poof!. Oh well.
The vet said my "little blue's" heart and lungs sounded muffled. Also he said she was weak for her size and stayed puffed which signaled him that she did not feel good. Also, her eyes were not symetrical(that did not bother me). She was such a quiet bird. She is 14 weeks old and she did not play with her toys and she only made sounds very rarely. Watch the next one I get, never shut up. I am going to look at another little Blue this weekend. It is not sexed yet. I am hoping for a male because they said females have problems sometimes with egg laying.

Thanks to everyone for all your help. You guys are great!

[Greycloud]

I do not recommend a caique for beginners either. They have ADHD and are constant movement. They actually do better when you have 2. They are not known for talking ability.
That being said I will comment on quakers. Quakers are great first birds. They can be cage territorial, excellent talkers (though remember every parrot is different), Can nip very hard, but are alot of fun, definitely chewers and nest builders.
As far as the blue mutation is concerned there is one fall back. It has been proven through studies (one avian vet who did the study is extremely well known and thought of in the avian field , esp here in Md.) as having a much shorter life span. Between 8-9 yrs. Most greens live well into their teens and some into their twenties. Blues are beautiful though.