Caique info please

[Misty15]

I am looking for a new parrot and had decided GCCs were right for me however I just realized that I don't know much about caiques I don't want to discount them without knowing a lot about the species. I am looking for a hands on bird that like to be cuddled and played with. Thanks for the help!

 

[ParkersMom]

I can tell you that a well socialized, caique fits that description to a tee... my little Juno is an absolute dream super sweet, not too clingy, super cuddly. And she is fine being handed off you new people.

 

[Misty15]

Are they prone to things like screaming or plucking? What problems do they commonly have? What is their noise level? And do they like to be scrached and petted?

 

[MissSissy]

I can tell you that a well socialized, caique fits that description to a tee... my little Juno is an absolute dream super sweet, not too clingy, super cuddly. And she is fine being handed off you new people.

I have to agree with ParkersMom. Our WBC is very loving and quite the clown. The breeder we got him from had him well socialized before we brought him home. We continue to have him handled by friends and family with no issues whatsoever. He is our little sweetheart.

 

[MissSissy]

I am not sure that they are prone to screaming and plucking (someone with more experience hopefully will chime in) but IME, our WBC (Kiwi) doesn't pluck or scream. Not to say he hasn't screamed (when he does, it is a tolerable level for us), but generally, if he does, we ignore it. Then when he isn't, we reward him with a treat (catch him being quiet or whistling, etc). I also find, that if they have plenty to keep them busy with like foraging, toys, plenty of time outside of the cage, or with us, he doesn't scream at all.

Kiwi loves us cuddling him, rubbing his head, belly, playing with his feet, etc!! I don't recall him getting upset with us for giving him any kind of love.

HTH

 

[ParkersMom]

I dont know thwm to be pluckers, not that they couldn't but they are overall a well adjusted species. As far as noise level Juno can be quite loud but as a general rule she isn't. Juno will actually rub her head on you if she is wanting to be scratched.

 

[Misty15]

What do they generally go for price wise? Ive seen some wonderful handfed and socalized ones for $1300 which is 300 more that what is nomal for a goffin cockatoo that is handfed and socalized as well, is that usual?

 

[ParkersMom]

I got a steal on Juno. She was 550 at a bird show. Most breeders I have seen are between 800 and 1000.

 

[punkindave]

In our area I've seen Blackheads babies start at $600 and they can go as high as $1100. Re-homes can be less expensive. Two of ours are older re-homes.

I've only seen one that plucked but not to the degree that I've seen other breeds (Cockatoos, CAGs etc).
We've got 4 Caiques and they are a total hoot!! As others have said, they are compelte clowns and just love playing!! I find they don't require the constant attention that a Cockatoo or many other birds require, they tend to entertain themselves and as long as they have a lot of out of cage time they're totally happy!! They don't hold a grudge if you come home late or don't have time to spend an hour of "one on one" time with them.

Each of ours has their own personality, They all love to climb and surf us and follow us around from room to room. They get quite loud and squeaky when we come home and give us a HUGE welcome when we walk through the door!!

Chica is the sweetie of the group and is completely content to cuddle all night long.
Ringo is the adventurous sort and wanders around looking for things to get into. He also torments our CAG by hopping across the back of the couch to jump her!!
Scooter is a snuggler or an adventurer depending on mood.
Skittles is the scrappy little guy who picks fights and thinks he's a 30# eagle

There has only been one or two situations where one of ours reacted poorly and bit somebody. Chica had a distinct hatred for a friend and would actually go out of her way to bite him! (He's a bird person with his own Caique too!) For the most part, they are well adjusted and will go to anybody!

 

[dskidd]

Just chiming in to agree with all the caique comments. They really are constant entertainment, very loving and are happy to play with you, with each other, on their own, or any combination thereof!

 

[Misty15]

What would be the minimum cage size for one bird? (i know largest is best) And could their noise be compaired to smaller conures? or are they noisier? Thanks for all the replies!

 

[ParkersMom]

They are so energetic that literally the biggest you can get is best..I know they say that for all birds but for caiques it is especially true ill check Junos cage when I get home...and even it could be bigger...I know that her cage is bigger than one of my BF amazons cages

 

[ParkersMom]

If you look at my albums you can see how big it is compared to her. But when you add all the toys gey gets smaller quick

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Hi,you have called all us caique owners hands down [love my birds] but would recommend my caiques over the conures.I like a big WIDE cage [one that doesn't go all the way to the floor].These guys like to play on their backs [and will get more use of the floor ,if its short] They love the boings and swings ,tons of toys and don't forget the foot toys. Fill it up .Also the are hearty eaters . So do your research and give them a big variety. Greta was my first bird [my blk hd caique.] I feel so fortunate [I had know idea how great things were going to be !

 

[Misty15]

I'm leaning a little towards Caiques right now. However College looms in the future and while I have a sister who is willing to commit while I'm away I still don't want to leave one behind even for a year or two. Yet I can't go bird less until afterwards it simply is not possible. I can't live without one. What should I do?

 

[Kisota]

I'm leaning a little towards Caiques right now. However College looms in the future and while I have a sister who is willing to commit while I'm away I still don't want to leave one behind even for a year or two. Yet I can't go bird less until afterwards it simply is not possible. I can't live without one. What should I do?

You're going to hate me for saying this, but I'd try to wait. TRUST ME, I know how awful that feels. My cockatiel passed away over summer break one year while I was in college, and after the pain subsided, I wanted SO SO badly to replace her. It was like a gaping hole in my heart, and I couldn't imagine not having a bird, even though I'd be at college most of the year.

But it IS possible to get by. If you're going to be living in dorms, then you almost certainly can't bring the bird with you (though there are rare exceptions - still, you don't want to be choosing colleges based on which will take pets. Bad idea). Even if you can afford an apartment (and your school doesn't require you to live on campus for a while like many do), you'll likely have roommates to deal with. And not all apartments take pets anyway.

So that means leaving your bird behind. And THAT means having to ditch an animal that is already strongly bonded to you. That's not a good thing for any bird. It can work, though, I'll admit. My cockatiel was ALWAYS delighted to see me. They can be pretty forgiving, though.

And you'd have to hope your bird didn't just bond to your sister instead.

Would your sister be financially responsible for the bird during all that time? And what about after college? Would you be certain you could find income and a pet-safe apartment after that? Life changes frequently at this age.

I really think you and your future pet will be happier starting your lives together in a more stable circumstance. It doesn't do the animal any favors to come into your life if you have to leave it behind so soon.

There's no easy answers here. It kind of looks like you'll have to choose between getting a bird and leaving it behind, or waiting even though it's hard. I think waiting is the healthier choice, even though I know how bad it sucks.

 

[KBEquine]

I'm leaning a little towards Caiques right now. However College looms in the future and while I have a sister who is willing to commit while I'm away I still don't want to leave one behind even for a year or two. Yet I can't go bird less until afterwards it simply is not possible. I can't live without one. What should I do?

I agree with Kisota, but even if you don't have a bird of your own (who you will have to leave for extended periods, which will break its little heart) how about volunteering at a rescue? Putting an ad on craigslist to babysit someone's birds while they are out of town?

No cost to you, you would help a rescue or bird owner & be ready for your own when your time is more your own.

 

[Irishj9]

I have 8. Eight totally different personalities, and all are under 3 years old. I see them quiet down a bit from the manic baby energy as they get older.

However, I did have a plucking incident start. Long story, it was down to emotional issues, and cleared up when I took action. Mine are in a flock and fly freely in an aviary

 

[Misty15]

So do they get quieter, less rambunctious as ther get older?