Early Bird Development

[Jowelbg]

I was looking up early bird development, and the only thing I found on Caiques was the puberty milestone. I was hoping for some other stories and milestone on development.

I've been discussing potty training in another thread. I know there's a thread on talking. When did these type of things happen for other Bird owners?

Our boys are about 4 months old. I know that all birds are different. I was hoping to get a glimpse of the future, though.

-Joel

 

[Julianna]

I don't have answers for you, but my caique is about the same age as yours, and I've been wondering the same things. Everyone keeps asking me if/when she'll be able to talk/mimic, and I haven't been able to answer. If anyone has information on this, it'd be appreciated.

And thanks for the post, Joel!

 

[MikeyTN]

Each individual bird is different, I've had one talking while still being handfed at 5 weeks old. Then there's the late bloomers, so you just never know....

 

[Luke252]

Each individual bird is different, I've had one talking while still being handfed at 5 weeks old. Then there's the late bloomers, so you just never know....

Mikey is right. With most types of behaviour it comes down to the individual bird. I know birds who have gone through their entire life without saying a single word, some who have started learning, like Mikey said, at around only 6 weeks out of the nest. But to be honest, as far as I am concerned, I don't mind if my birds want to learn to talk or not. As long as they give me their, close, to unconditional love, that fine by me.

 

[antoinette]

Each and every bird, no matter what species chooses either to talk or not to.
It is entirely up to the bird, but the guardian must also make a effort to encourage the bird to talk.
If the bird is eager and showing signs of talking especially when young (blabbing) talk as much as you can. Begin with small simple words.
I had taught an AG who was 16 years old to talk who had never spoken before.

 

[Jowelbg]

Thank you all for the inputs. I was wondering about what you guys experienced during the different developmental stages. I've read a frak-ton on puberty, and I know that will be a difficult time. The descriptions on juvenile vs adult parrots and the changes from one to the next are a bit limited, though. I'd love to know more about your fids transition from one to the next. Not so much the puberty part, but how did their personality develop?

On a side note, this really is one of the friendliest forums I've ever been a part of. You guys should be really proud of the community you've created here. :-D

 

[Pinkbirdy]

I know with my Caiques as they aged [their very headstrong little guys].I went through a period where I had to see if the wanted to come out to me. As long as I didn't make them things went great. I find when I take them first out ,I let them play together on top of their cages [they don't share a cage] once that's out of their system .They want to see me.At night and in the morning [I get up at 4:30 I have 12 birds !]. The Caiques do not want to be messed with at all. Their clocks seem to be set with the sun.They seem cranky around molting time [sore from those pinfeathers].Love their baths .I think Caiques have a good way of letting you know what they want.

 

[Julianna]

Yes, they certainly let you know what they want.

Mine hasn't gone through any of these stages and I've been a little worried for what it'll be like, so thanks for the advise, Pinkbirdy. I haven't been able to find anyone with personal experience with caiques before.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

Your caiques are babies [so enjoy them ]. About a year to a year and a half [they have their "Monster" stage . Oh and my Male talks more than my female [she says hi] .It was about when the were over a year I noticed this.I love how the imitate sounds with me [most interactive of my birds].

 

[dskidd]

Your caiques are babies [so enjoy them ]. About a year to a year and a half [they have their "Monster" stage . Oh and my Male talks more than my female [she says hi] .It was about when the were over a year I noticed this.I love how the imitate sounds with me [most interactive of my birds].

First of all, many thanks to all for this thread. I'd like to ask a related question. Eliza is roughly four (she was a rescue bird, and was a little over three when I got her last year). Henry is eight and a half months old. I've read about the "monster" stage and puberty issues. In anyone's experience, would having an older, more experienced bird have any sort of tempering effect on the younger one, or do things happen the way they will no matter what other birds are around?

Many thanks,
Derek