New Mom To Caique

[SUSIEJO]

Hello, my name is susiejo and I adopted Madeline about a month ago, she is a 3 yr old caique and she is a sweet heart. I have never been a bird person but when i met her I instantly feel in love with her. but I have a few questions. I was told that she is a "she" but how can I find out for sure. she has a band on her leg is there any way that i can trace her back to her breeders? I tried getting a hold of her previous owner but he won't call me back and he only had her for 6 months and some friends had bought her for him for christmas and he doesn't know where they bought her from.
Also, I cant seem to get her to play with any new toys. everytime I try to introduce a new toy she acts like she is just scared to death of it and i don't want to do anything that will upset her.
I have more questions and hopefully I will be able to learn alot here because I really love Madeline and want this to be a good home for her, but for now I have to go.
Please help me.

thank you!

[Keibird]

Originally Posted by SUSIEJO

Hello, my name is susiejo and I adopted Madeline about a month ago, she is a 3 yr old caique and she is a sweet heart. I have never been a bird person but when i met her I instantly feel in love with her. but I have a few questions. I was told that she is a "she" but how can I find out for sure. she has a band on her leg is there any way that i can trace her back to her breeders? I tried getting a hold of her previous owner but he won't call me back and he only had her for 6 months and some friends had bought her for him for christmas and he doesn't know where they bought her from.
Also, I cant seem to get her to play with any new toys. everytime I try to introduce a new toy she acts like she is just scared to death of it and i don't want to do anything that will upset her.
I have more questions and hopefully I will be able to learn alot here because I really love Madeline and want this to be a good home for her, but for now I have to go.
Please help me.

thank you!

Hello, the only way you can make sure is to get a DNA test done. You should bring her to an avian vet anyway so you can just ask the vet about it. A lot of birds are scared of new toys. Just leave them out where they can see them but not in thier cage and let them get used to them for a few weeks before introducing it. There are sites that you can find breeders on but I can't think of any now.

[SUSIEJO]

Thanks Allison, I'll try that with the toys.
Do you have any idea how much a DNA test costs?
I believe there is an avian vet in Louisville (Ky.), that would probably be the closest one to me. I'll try to get the number and give him a call.

~susiejo

[CandyCat21]

Hi there,

Congrats on your new fid! She sounds adorable. DNA tests aren't that expensive at all...the most I've been quoted was $30

[SUSIEJO]

Thanks Candycat21,
WOW that really is cheap. BTW, what is a fid?

~susiejo

[Machelle]

I would LOVE a cauque! They are such clowns from what I hear! Fid is a feathered kid.

[SUSIEJO]

Caiques are wonderful. I don't know if this is true for all caiques but Madeline is very headstrong and can be tempermental, but even with that she is a joy to have her as part of my family.
And thanks for explaining fid. That is sooooo cute!

~susiejo

[Buteo]

Some pet animals, birds included, have forgotten how to have fun with things (many humans have too).
You need to build interest in the toys and to teach Maddie how to play with them.

When you know Maddie is watching you, start out by examining one or 2 toys yourself. Look each of them over. Reach out & start to carefully manipulate/rotate the toys.
Smile often.
Talk softly, but with building excitement as you do so. Use your bird's name. Slowly play with the toy yourself while describing how much fun you're having.
Mention "out loud to yourself" how you think Maddie will enjoy it when she's playing with it.
If there are certain motions that you know Maddie likes to do, demonstrate that the toys does that. If the toy has destroyable bits (paper, cardboard etc.,) destroy some yourself. (It may seem boring but just think of it as popping bubble wrap).

If Maddie comes over to watch, make sure she can clearly see what you are doing. After a few mins, take the toy you're playing with and carefully set it down between you and her. Pick up the other toy and repeat the *OIP* that you were doing with the first toy. *Observe, Investigate, Play*

If Maddie comes forward to check out the toy, give her praise & encouragement. If she picks it up to check it over, give her more praise & encouragement.

It may take a little bit, but Maddie should get the idea and start to investigate the toys & play with them herself.

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by SUSIEJO

Caiques are wonderful. I don't know if this is true for all caiques but Madeline is very headstrong and can be tempermental,
~susiejo

ummmmmmmmm yep..so is Ollie.