Caique "killing" food

[BruceTheQuail]

Hi. We have had (and have) a number of parrots but are new to Caiques. I have to say that our little girl is huge fun.

One behaviour that I've noticed that none of our other parrots have exhibited is that when we give Akeela (1 year old black headed caique) a stick of food (eg apple or capsicum) she shakes it madly, like a butcherbird or magpie might do to a piece of meat etc.

Is that typical?

 

[BruceTheQuail]

Well I take it not a typical thing. The breeder used to feed her mealworms, so maybe she used to give them a bit of a beating.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

I don't know about when mine were being weaned .As young birds and adults .They Love their food and are called "Foodies" of my flock.I have 4 Caiques

 

[GaleriaGila]

That reminds me of the Roadrunners we used to enjoy as "lawn pets"... as so many New Mexicans did. If you hand them a scrap, they WHACK it, to KILL it (as they do the little skink lizards, which are a staple for them.

 

[BruceTheQuail]

This one goes nuts, and it isnt just with food. When she plays with things she shakes them madly as well, even bits of your shirt, like a dog. But then she is very odd compared to our other birds. Her latest attention seeking device is to put herself flat on her back against the bars of her cage, holding on with her legs, then turn her head around to look at you. It is like something from "The Exorcist".

 

[BruceTheQuail]

grotesque but effective

 

[Blancaej]

That is too funny! Caiques are funny little characters aren't they?!

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[BruceTheQuail]

Just revived this to put on a picture of Akeela and her new partner Topper. We picked up Topper on Friday and after a (too short) introduction in side by side cages, let him in to her cage. This photo was taken about 3 minutes later, and they were feeding each other last night.