Caiques Nature (Adult)

[Parrotlet]

Just a question for long term owners of Caiques. How steady have you found their temperament as I've heard a lot of contradiction. Some people say they become biting unpredictable monsters after puberty and others say they remain sweet, playful and easy to handle into old age.

So really this is a question for people who have had their Caiques since babies, how has their personality changed, have they become 1 person birds, any information like that would be appreciated.

Not so interested in tales from Caiques that have been adopted as we don't know if they have been abused in the past which may have negatively impacted their personality.

 

[Birdman666]

I've worked with them. I don't own any. I do love them.

There is no big secret. If they get handled, and socialized they don't bite.

Really, they are not one of those species I associate with huge hormonal differences. They are strong personality, independent birds.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

I have 3 ,2 from babies and a rehome . I do believe they go through this thing called the terrible Twos.After that they settle in. The trick with Caiques is to let them out and run around for a bit then see if they want to come see you . They don't like to be forced to do anything they don't want to and deem everything theirs. So don't let them get a earing or pen and think your getting it back . Ill tell you what I love about these guys is they know how To play ! They keep themselves busy ,are not afraid of toys like my Toos .They are hearty eaters and are very affectionate to family members that make time for them . I was pleasantly surprised that my rehome was just like them . Great birds, Greta was my first bird and WOW was I lucky what a great first experience.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Also don't trust them out around other birds very aggressive [ok with their own species]

 

[punkindave]

Like people, it varies with the bird..
I've got 4 of the little buggers and two of them we've had from weening and are 2+ years old and have never gotten to biting any more than a playful nip.

The two re-homes are a bit different, the 5 year old has never broken skin but plays rough sometimes, the 8 year old hen goes into "stalk, latch on and bleed" mode periodically (to me only) when at most times she's the sweetest of them all. Go figiure..

Bottom line is that they are birds and they can sometimes go off the deep end, it's to be expected and you just can't take it personally.

 

[Irishj9]

I have eleven. 8 are almost three years old and have started egg laying. There was no terrible twos.

There are some hormonal mood swings which you need to be aware of

 

[Parrotlet]

I have eleven. 8 are almost three years old and have started egg laying. There was no terrible twos.

There are some hormonal mood swings which you need to be aware of

How bad are the mood swings?

Thanks for all the input so far

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Like any bird ,if they don't want to do something don't make them . They let you know you just have to really open your eyes to birds [they try to tell us].