Advice needed

[Foxstone07]

Hi everyone. I had some questions about the pros and cons about starting with a hand fed baby or purchasing and older Caique. There is a 4 yr old White Bellied Caique that has just come back into the bird store on consignment but also some new babies white bellied and black heads. My question is. My boyfriend and I currently live together with our French Bulldog puppy. We went in and spent some time with the 4yr old for about an hour and he was extremely sweet stepped up right out of his cage and went back and forth from us with no problem or hesitation. My concerns/questions are would it be easier to bringing up a baby to learn our schedule and get comfortable around the dog. I just don’t know how adaptable the 4yr old would be. My worst fear is that he would get stressed out and over whelmed with all the change. Is it easy to acclimate an older bird, I know he is only 4 but still. Also the hormonal changes, when do those normally set in? We are very excited to begin our journey into Caique ownership. We have lots more questions but figured this would be a good start Any information/advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Owlet]

Do not hand feed unless you are experienced in it. When you get an older bird you also know what you're getting in a lot of cases while babies still have the hormonal phase and their personality can wildly change.

 

[Foxstone07]

Thank you for you response. The babie would stay at the store and would be hand fed by them until weaned and ready to come home. We can visit throughout that time to bind and get to know him/her. At what age do the hormones start to show. And how long do they normally last for. Thanks again

 

[wrench13]

I would go with the 4 yr old. He's well into puberty, and you'llonly have a year or so to go before its over,til next spring. But caiques are high energy parrots, and need lots of stimulation, toys, and one on one (or on on2 ) time.More maybe than even cockatoos. Caiques never stop playing, whether its a chew toy, or vena paper cup. Cauques move to learn tricks lov,love love them, and they love showing off. Make sure you have the time for a cauque, or any parrot for thatmatter, as you will have hime long past the time you are popping out kids and grandkids.

 

[LordTriggs]

with an older bird you will find their personality is more set

the thing with a baby is that they can be all sweetness and cuddles, then 1 day they grow up and in some cases can become nasty little *****! when puberty arises, which because of your own feelings being hurt can be reinforced.