Seriously considering a caique

[Scooter]

Hi - I have 5 caiques and I cannot imagine my life without any of them. Yes, they can be all that everyone has said - but - you need to be the strong one and set the boundries. Or, as I have done when they get in "that mood" (which I believe is a surge of hormones) is put them back into the cage for a few minutes until it passes. I have a long cholla perch which I use mostly for Cricket. I can tell when she gets in that attack mode and it saves us both from any harm. Once it passes she is just her sweet little self again. Sometimes it can just be the crinkle sound of me rolling up newpapers while cleaning the cages. I think having caiques is the same as having children - difficult and strong willed children who want to do everything their way. It takes much effort to deal with those children properly and much consistancy. If you are willing to put in that effort, it makes life much easier. They are not one of the easiest birds - but they do bring so much happiness and joy and are full of personality.

I hope all goes well with yours and I know you will just love it. I do have to juggle all of mine and definitely be watching them when they are out. I do not want injuries, so watch them very closely. After 3 warnings (and believe me, they do know when they are not supposed to do something) they have to go back to their cage. They are very smart but also very stubborn and strong willed.

I would love to see photo's of your little one and know you are going to have the best time. My 2 naughtiest ones are the 2 that I finished hand feeding and did let them get away with things I shouldn't have. I spolied them. My 3 that I got a little older and rehomed are great birds. But I have learned who can be out with who. I have a sun conure who will go after my amazon because he is jealous of him and doesn't want him in the living room which has been the sunny's home since a baby. He also will go after one of the caiques. So I have to keep him trimmed enough that he can't fly after them - or other people. He will attack other people too - he protects his flock very well. So they all have their little quirks.

[safarichick101]

doesn't it seem that the caique owners are on here less than the non-caique owners. I believe we have a sign.... They are just to demanding in terms of time and attention and they probably don't like it when their owner is talking about them on BB instead of paying FULL attention to them and laughing at their antics. Lol, its just my observation. :D

I would actually love to halve a caique. Good luck with with yours.

[Sadielade1994]

Just a few thoughts. My two WBC girls are nice birds. Nadia, age 6 and Puff, age 3. Nadia is really a sweet girl and goes to anyone. Puff is the juvenille deliquent...LOL.

They are very busy birds so have numerous play areas in their cage. Have playstands with a lot of interactive things to do. Let them play. Now, Nadia will lay on her back in my hand and hold her feet together and we say our prayers LOL. she loves doing this. They are fun to teach tricks to as it keeps them busy also.

Don't expect a big cuddle bug. They might for a short time but then they must be off as they have things to do. This is not bad. If you are sick and don't have time to interact a lot (at least with mine) they are fine as they have things to do and places to go.

They are (from my experience and from friends that breed or have pets) very food motivated. Boy, they love to eat and they make appropriate sounds to go along with it.

Girls seem to be a little less nippy than the boys. I have dealt with amazons and as sweet as they can be I enjoy the caiques more.

Their call can be annoying to some. It is not loud or grating but their is something in the pitch that people don't like. They are not big talkers although my Nadia says about 10 words.

Books are fun to read but I also encourage you to go to youtube and watch some of the caique videos and you can get a good insight to their behaviors and sounds.

Now about bathing. they are leaf surfers. Throw in a wet cabbage leaf or wet washcloth and watch them roll around taking a bath. They just love to do this. Mine do it on me!

Good luck and you will have fun.

Sadieladie

[sailorkelly]

Have you decided about getting one?

[Abby]

Originally Posted by sailorkelly

Have you decided about getting one?

Yep, will be getting one little boy at some stage. Instead of keeping one of the hahns girls their breeder has agreed to swap for a caique. Hubby is quite excited at getting his own bird again.

[Ashling]

They sound so much like lories...

[Freedomoflight]

Very cool, Abby. You'll have to join the caiqueforum now *big grin*

[Abby]

It's on the to do list Emily. Oh stuff it, I have a few spare minutes, i'll get it done now.