Caique as first bird

[glutes]

Wow... All the smaller Amazon species, Pionus, and dusky conures are not available in my area[emoji24][emoji24][emoji24]


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[glutes]

I think I am going to take the advice given and get a pryyhura conure. They really do sound right for me. Playful, cuddly, challenging, but not overwhelming. I'm especially drawn to the Crimson bellied conures. There is a few breeders around, and they sound like super amazing little birds. Such sweet faces, not to mention the colors!!!


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[RavensGryf]

I would so love a Pyrrhura genus conure. The store near me has all sorts of GCC mutations, and the turquoise cinnamon are much more beautiful in person than pics, wow I wanted one badly! So cute and playful. I can definitely see what made them so popular. The Crimson Belled are gorgeous birds. The black capped are pretty too.

To me, size of the parrot doesn't so much matter, as long as you click with the bird, and the general traits are what you're looking for.

You can get most any species if you don't mind getting a bird shipped. It's safe, and I've done it several times before, but the big drawback is the additional cost. Hope to hear updates if you talk to a CBC breeder!

 

[glutes]

I would so love a Pyrrhura genus conure. The store near me has all sorts of GCC mutations, and the turquoise cinnamon are much more beautiful in person than pics, wow I wanted one badly! So cute and playful. I can definitely see what made them so popular. The Crimson Belled are gorgeous birds. The black capped are pretty too.

To me, size of the parrot doesn't so much matter, as long as you click with the bird, and the general traits are what you're looking for.

You can get most any species if you don't mind getting a bird shipped. It's safe, and I've done it several times before, but the big drawback is the additional cost.

I don't want to ship a bird simply because it doesn't give the bird the option to choose me. What if we aren't a match? I think I can probably get used to the size, after all, they aren't that much smaller than what I like best. Obviously, there's a reason these charming clowns are so popular!


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[RavensGryf]

You have a point... I got Raven shipped, and it took over 2 years for him to start thinking I am okay. He likes me now, but it was ridiculous at first.

 

[LeaKP]

I think I am going to take the advice given and get a pryyhura conure. They really do sound right for me. Playful, cuddly, challenging, but not overwhelming. I'm especially drawn to the Crimson bellied conures. There is a few breeders around, and they sound like super amazing little birds. Such sweet faces, not to mention the colors!!!


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I've always wanted a crimson bellied conure. The GCCs are great I've had one and he was exactly as you described, cuddly, fun, challenging! Pics when you get your new baby please!

 

[glutes]

I met another caique today. I just can't imagine how such a sweet, trusting creature could change so quickly. This is so frustrating!


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[BeatriceC]

Birds are moody in general. I've gotten much better at reading Leo's body language (soooooo different from Goofy, our YN amazon) and now he's "less moody". In other words, I'm better able to tell when he wants to play, or when he's done playing, so he's not as likely to lash out anymore. To some extent, you're going to have to learn that with any bird you get, but the learning curve is steeper for some.

 

[glutes]

Birds are moody in general. I've gotten much better at reading Leo's body language (soooooo different from Goofy, our YN amazon) and now he's "less moody". In other words, I'm better able to tell when he wants to play, or when he's done playing, so he's not as likely to lash out anymore. To some extent, you're going to have to learn that with any bird you get, but the learning curve is steeper for some.

This is true. I just don't want to regret the bird I get.


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[41Gryphon]

Do not forget that there are a lot of birds in needs of homes too, and a lot of them are as sweet as any other bird. Both my conures are rehomes. Eris is very cuddly and well-behaved once you learn to read his body language. Diell is as cuddly and sweet as any baby conure from a breeder, and she will snuggle up to anyone and has never bitten anyone. The best part is that I was able to give two birds a good forever home.

Rescuing is not your only option and a breeder is DEFINITELY the safer option, especially if it's your first bird, but there are a lot of good, well-behaved, cuddly birds in need of homes out there. It might be worth it to go check them out and see if you click with any.

 

[glutes]

I don't know what to do. I feel as though I won't be happy with any bird unless it is a caique. However, I know it could be excruciatingly difficult owning such a bird. Would I be better off with a different animal entirely? Perhaps I could wait several years and when I am more mature, up for the challenge, and have more time, I could reconsider a caique. Please give me advice, it really is helpful.


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[glutes]

Bump


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[GraciesMom]

Sounds like you're really having an inter battle. Not sure if it helps or makes your decision worse but here goes. For me whether its a bird species, cat/dog breed or some other critter I consider the good, bad & ugly. While keeping in mind that individuals vary I always pay particularly close attention to the bad & ugly. If I feel that I can handle those possible behavioral, instinctual, character traits and know I can still provide a great home & have a good relationship and if I feel confident that I have the experience, knowledge and support to correct, overcome, train etc. some of the really bad traits then it's a go. If I know I can't handle the bad & ugly then I can't/won't gamble that I'll get lucky and not have to deal with them.

Some of my dream birds are Caique, Goffin, B&G Macaw, IRN, Amazon just to name a few but they just don't fit for my family including Gracie at this time & I don't feel as if I have the knowledge or experience yet to take that kind of chance.

I guess what I'm saying is consider all possibilities and probabilities and hopefully that will alleviate doubt & give you peace of mind with your decision.

 

[RavensGryf]

I agree with GraciesMom about taking an extra close look at the "bad and ugly" parts of the equation (that goes for anything in life really).

I know that with animals, the decision is an emotional one too, and there is many times an extremely strong pull there, that is almost impossible to tear yourself away from. That is coming from the more emotional side of looking at it. If you make yourself look at it from the purely rational side, and looking at your life now and in the coming future, you'll be better able to make the decision. I think you're mature enough to make the right decision in your heart. If you don't follow that, you know there can be consequences! I speak from experience... I'm someone who for much of my life was very impulsive with decision making, and it took a lot of years to be able to control that with logical thought.

For example, for myself, thinking of a dog breed for a later time, the ones which are my absolute dream breeds I have researched extensively, and I know that my schedule, yard size, and how much time I can dedicate to another high maintenance animal, it is just more than I'd be happily willing to handle. Maybe in the future with a different yard and circumstances... then I may be much too old by then haha.

Anyway, although we can't always accurately predict the future, just keep in mind that the negatives or more challenging aspects of certain animals, in this case bird species, there is a very real possibility that these attributes you are seeing as negative, will be present eventually. You might be able to 'handle it' sure, but will you be happy? I know 'now' what bird species, dog breeds, animals for pets, are more of a match for my lifestyle and personality, vs what would make me want to tear all my hair out. Sure, I'd handle it, unhappily, grudgingly. If you have any more concerns, keep asking .

 

[glutes]

Thank you both for those insightful responses. It sounds like you guys really understand where I'm coming from. The emotional side of me says get the caique, while the logic says get the conure. If I do go with a conure, what happens if I am not satisfied?


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[greytness]

Not all caiques will have that Jekyll/Hyde personality. If your heart's set on getting a caique, then get one. Your eyes are open as to their quirks and good attributes. You just have to learn to ride through those times when he/she becomes hormonal or whatever and learn to read its cues.
All birds have both good days and bad days.

 

[Blancaej]

This is what I'm afraid of as much as I love the species, I just fear that I won't be able to handle it for my first bird. Do you think a female Senegal is a better alternative?

I can tell you as a long time Poicephalus owner and lover, that Senegals (all Pois) are species who have the same tendencies toward somewhat unpredictable biting after they reach sexual maturity. That's not saying anything bad about them, it's just a fact that they're wired a bit differently from some other species, and it's not just something that can be trained out of all of them. I've seen, heard of, and experienced this temperament often in male Pois, but I've also heard enough times of mature female Senegals with as much attitude as the males. The have strong beaks that are oversized for their body. The Poicephalus family (Senegals) really vary a lot as individuals as far as energy level, playfulness, cudliness, etc. You never fully know what temperament they have until they hit puberty and the adult personality starts taking shape. They're really independent though.. not too prone to plucking or behavioral problems from needing to be alone for the day. They love their people but aren't needy by nature, and not too loud.

Are you still thinking of conures? Every time I go to the bird store I'm tempted by the Green Cheeks, and would actually consider one myself if I could have more birds now! I can definitely see why they're so popular.

Biting I can handle. It's when they get so horribly aggressive to the point of being a scary animal. All birds have their problems, I just don't think I would manage a caique properly, especially since this will be my first bird. I like the green cheeks, but I think I like a bit more size. I feel like the conures are just a bit too small for me. I always feel like the conures are so fragile even though they're not really. At the same time, I don't want the bird to be so large it's intimidating. 9-12 inches with a stockier build is what feels comfortable .


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Have you looked into Blue Crown Conures? They are one of the largest Conures, have great temperaments and are just fun to have around. Mine is a rehome and doesn't like hands and doesn't like to be touched but loves sitting on my shoulder. I absolutely loves my little guy. He nibbles but never bites hard and my kids can hang with him, too. I've always wanted a caique, too. But there high energy is why I've hesitated. I have 4 birds so taking on a high maintenance bird is out of the question. This is from someone who has had birds 18 years! Good luck.

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[glutes]

I can tell you as a long time Poicephalus owner and lover, that Senegals (all Pois) are species who have the same tendencies toward somewhat unpredictable biting after they reach sexual maturity. That's not saying anything bad about them, it's just a fact that they're wired a bit differently from some other species, and it's not just something that can be trained out of all of them. I've seen, heard of, and experienced this temperament often in male Pois, but I've also heard enough times of mature female Senegals with as much attitude as the males. The have strong beaks that are oversized for their body. The Poicephalus family (Senegals) really vary a lot as individuals as far as energy level, playfulness, cudliness, etc. You never fully know what temperament they have until they hit puberty and the adult personality starts taking shape. They're really independent though.. not too prone to plucking or behavioral problems from needing to be alone for the day. They love their people but aren't needy by nature, and not too loud.

Are you still thinking of conures? Every time I go to the bird store I'm tempted by the Green Cheeks, and would actually consider one myself if I could have more birds now! I can definitely see why they're so popular.

Biting I can handle. It's when they get so horribly aggressive to the point of being a scary animal. All birds have their problems, I just don't think I would manage a caique properly, especially since this will be my first bird. I like the green cheeks, but I think I like a bit more size. I feel like the conures are just a bit too small for me. I always feel like the conures are so fragile even though they're not really. At the same time, I don't want the bird to be so large it's intimidating. 9-12 inches with a stockier build is what feels comfortable .


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Have you looked into Blue Crown Conures? They are one of the largest Conures, have great temperaments and are just fun to have around. Mine is a rehome and doesn't like hands and doesn't like to be touched but loves sitting on my shoulder. I absolutely loves my little guy. He nibbles but never bites hard and my kids can hang with him, too. I've always wanted a caique, too. But there high energy is why I've hesitated. I have 4 birds so taking on a high maintenance bird is out of the question. This is from someone who has had birds 18 years! Good luck.

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I love the blue crowns, but noise.... How loud are they?


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[RavensGryf]

There is always that risk there, regardless of species, after all... with a living creature with a unique individual personality, you might get an individual who may be more of a challenge than 'average', or decide they don't like like you once they mature, or a plethora of other unseen less than perfect situations that you'll have to deal with one way or another.

I didn't expect Griffin to be such a handful for the species, and develop his uncommon phobic disorder which took a year and a lot of work to get him even 'halfway' normal again... and I didn't expect that Raven's accident at his breeder's house would predispose him to expensive long term medical problems.. or the fact that it took him over 2 years to really like me. I mean, I'm "satisfied" with the birds because I so love them, but you could say I was definitely not happy, even disappointed with what happened. Just like with any higher animal or human, there might be unforeseen circumstances. So to answer your question of what if you're not satisfied? We love them so we do the very best that we can. Then sometimes rehoming becomes truly best. So we need to make the most responsible decision we possibly can to really try to avoid that.

Not to be too OT from your original question... but I wanted to throw this out there as food for thought. What if 'any' bird (of any species) turned out to be less than 'perfect' or had an individual personality that was not what you expected or turned out to be special needs? I won't sugar coat it, it's not easy and it can be disappointing. Even in situations like that, there can be a lot of joy to come from it as well! It took me a lot of years and a lot of maturity to be able to look from this angle at keeping companion animals. And wild exotic animals, no less!

 

[Blancaej]

I love the blue crowns, but noise.... How loud are they?

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He can be loud but it's not constant. Usually when we get home he is the worst. But if I call out to him that usually helps. But he doesn't squawk all day long. But definitely loud!