Caique Questions

[birdlover912]

For awhile my sister and I have been tossing around the idea of a caique, but we have some questions that we can't seem to find the answers to.


1.How suitable are they for the novice bird owner? We have owned small birds for almost a decade, but nothing larger than a conure. We understand the importance of out of cage time, training, toys, foraging experiences, etc. Would larger bird experience be a necessity to own a caique?

2.How do they get along with other birds? I've heard they can be aggressive toward other birds, but other sources contradict that. Does it depend only on the individual bird, or is it an entire species thing? Would they be considered dangerous to smaller birds, no matter the individual?

3.Do they get to be 'demons' when they are sexually mature? Like make you bleed repeatedly? We understand all birds get moody around this period of their life, but are they as horrible as people say they are?

We have had a bit of hands on experience with baby caiques and they were the sweetest things, but we want to research them to see if they are right for us.


Noise and space aren't issues at our house. I am doing college from home while my sister is homeschooled, so the birds are out for much of the day.

[Freedomoflight]

I'm on my way out but I really wanted to address question #2. Yes they can be extremely dangerous to smaller- and larger, birds. Caiques have napolean syndrome and will not hesitate to lunge at a bird 100x's their size. My male caique has never hesitated in lunging at my amazon. I would never get a caique as a companion for a different bird species- too risky.

[Chloe's Mom]

I have 2 BHC, one male and one female. They play together very well, only sometimes getting a bit rough with each other. Given the chance, they will harass my cockatiel like crazy. I simply don't let them out when the cockatiel is out- As FreedomFlight mentioned, the caiques have the napoleon syndrome. That being said, I have never let them get any where near my African Grey- I know that would go very badly. From what I've read on BirdBoard and from other sources, they are good companion birds for each other but not necessarily for other species.
As for the hormonal thing, my male is about 2 1/2 years old and he can be a bit beaky at times. You learn to gauge their moods quickly and can figure out when a bad bite might be imminent. I give all of my birds several hours of play time outside of their cages and this is especially beneficial for my caiques. They spend the time playing, climbing, hanging, etc. and usually burn that energy off- By the time I sit down to play with them they are much calmer and ready to have some "people" time with me.
They are really fantastic little birds and I have enjoyed every moment I've had with them. I didn't have any big bird experience before I got them- Just be prepared for highly energetic little clowns!

Wendi

[cheerprncess]

Well its good that you are doing your reseach on the right bird for you. They all have such different requirements and needs. Caiques are very very playful and need a lot of toys---thats the most important thing. As far as a beginer bird they are fine. but they are very moody and like to get their way so it is important to learn about thier behaviors and how to handle them so you can maintain a healthy relationship and have a happy owner and bird lol. Also like large birds they need a LARGE cage because they are soooo playful.
Getting along with other birds...well its not smart to ever put birds together....you never know what can happen unless you smart them both off when they are young. Caiques get along well with other caiques but im not to sure with other birds..i have read they dont but i have no expierence with that. I keep mine apart because once my caique tried to attack my other bird I didnt want to chance anything happening so i never put them near each other again.
as for the demons hahaha ohhhhh boy let me tell you...at first my caique was the sweetest little chicken ever...i mean she still is but when she wants her way she wants her way...she will scream soooo loud to let you know to back off she wants this thing or that thing or she doesnt want you to touch her....and if i insist she will bite...not hard though....although honestly im use to her bites and nibbles....only once she has bit me extremely hard and that was only because she got caught in a toy and i had to get her out. They are very moody at certain times but i think if you do your reseach and learn as much as you can about birds and thier requirements you will do just fine :) caiques are great birds with great personalities...they are also very friendly which makes it good if you and your sister want a bird together and not worry about bonding issues....good luck and let me know...if you have any other questions feel free to ask me

[RingneckedPrincess]

Those are the emotions of being owned by a caique. Yes they are awesome birds and are darling little angels...when THEY want to be. I love mine but sheesh talk about living off of drama!

They do have a very annoying sounding call that sounds like nails to a chalkboard and will do it for fun. They are beaky, some of the most beaky birds I have worked with. They use that thing for EVERYTHING so you cannot fear a bite if you own a caique. You get used to this and can teach them to be gentle when playing.

I will warn you that caique bites are some of them most painful ones I have recieved. The tips of the beak are sharp and the edges are like razors. Yes they know how to use them.

Despite the noise and the mess and the general chaos of having them in my home...I would do it again! I love them...they have a personality like no other bird out there. They are clowns and loveable to those they adore. They are very expressive and will clearly show their intent (except when they are luring you in for attention and then bite the ever living crud out of you and laugh as you run for a bandaid...or maybe that is just Lu )

If you decide to get one...find an excellent breeder or even better try a rescue! As long as you respect the bird for who they are and not force them to be a sterotype I think you ought to do just fine.

[Freedomoflight]

Everyone here gave great advice and summed up a caique very well. Great job

OP please do tell us if you get a caique or not, we would love to be updated!