Thinking about getting a Caique

[Crash_Davis]

Hello, I am a previous bird owner. My Sun Conure recently passed away unexpectedly and I am still pretty heartbroken about it but I have decided I am not ready to give up on providing a happy/healthy home to another bird. I have been doing some research and think a Caique might be a good one for my situation. I would like feedback.

I am a single/divorced Dad with a 9 year old who absolutely adored our last bird, (he loved her too) and I work a general 9-5 job, home some days for telework. With my Sun I gave him 2-3 hours of attention per day, taught him to potty before step up and quite a few tricks. I love Conures but some times the noise was well..CONURE Noise.

I've seen several Caiques online and their temperament seems nice. I was wondering if one would be a good fit and if so, does anyone know of a place/breeder (besides TJ Feathers) in Northern VA?

I love TJ Feathers but a lot of times their birds can be a little nasty, mainly I think because customers are always poking and prodding at them. (can't blame the birds)..

I want a hand raised baby if I commit. Would just like some general feedback on Caiques from real owners.

Thank you all!!

Kevin

 

[LaManuka]

Welcome back Kevin! I don’t know much about caiques other than they look pretty energetic & love to play. But I know plenty of people here with tons of experience will advise you wisely. Whatever species you choose I’m sure it will have a great home with you

 

[Owlet]

Be warned that caiques require LOTS of play and LOTS of toys. They can easily become nasty if their energy levels aren't managed but if all is done well they can be super sweet jokesters. We have a caique in the store I work at and he's super sweet goofball but can be kinda pesky.

 

[Crash_Davis]

Be warned that caiques require LOTS of play and LOTS of toys. They can easily become nasty if their energy levels aren't managed but if all is done well they can be super sweet jokesters. We have a caique in the store I work at and he's super sweet goofball but can be kinda pesky.

Thank you for the info. I have a box of new and old toys. One thing I always provided my Conure with but he wasn't much about toys, he liked to shoulder surf most of the time (hours). I would love to have a bird that likes to play. My sun wasn't like that very much.

Are Caique's toy lovers in general? A new toy a day? Something to rip apart?

 

[Laurasea]

Welcome,!!! I see lots of cute caique vids but haven't met one in person, seem playful..will be fun to follow your journey!!.hoobly sometimes has breeders on , you can check their site.

 

[Owlet]

The one we have at the store honestly isn't huge on toys but I don't know his history and some babies never really learn how to play. If you're getting from a breeder make sure the breeder is introducing them to lots of toys.

 

[noodles123]

I hate to be the brat with the rude question...but do you know the cause of death in your last bird?
If it was a virus, they can linger for a LONG time...and if it was chemical, it would help to figure that out before getting a new bird, just so that you can avoid exposure etc.

 

[Crash_Davis]

I hate to be the brat with the rude question...but do you know the cause of death in your last bird?
If it was a virus, they can linger for a LONG time...and if it was chemical, it would help to figure that out before getting a new bird, just so that you can avoid exposure etc.

You are NOT a brat at all and I have thought this through and through, made sure my house was clean of all contaminants, air fresheners, etc. I really DO NOT know and I've been beating myself up over it but I got rid of everything everyone says to get rid of (cookware, etc) and tried to do everything right. I do not think I did anything wrong. My home was built in 2000 in a very nice area of Northern Virginia, all good house codes. Worth over $600k.. My vet told me the bird just could've had a birth defect that was unknown. I really do feel your concern though. I just hope it isn't warranted and I want to prove I am worthy.

 

[noodles123]

Based on your replies,

I don't doubt that you are (unworthy)---you sound very "worthy" ! I just wanted to make sure you considered the details.

I WOULD buy some f10 SC (the yellow kind--NOT THE GREEN) and spray it around on anything your other bird contacted +vacuum etc...F10 (at proper dilutions) kills lots of bird diseases and it is avian safe (again, at proper dilutions). DO NOT LET THE TINY BOTTLE FOOL YOU---it is cheaper than Windex BY FAR, even at higher concentrations (It makes a TON). That having been said, it does need to sit for 10 minutes or so, but it doesn't need to be wiped off---just dry (before bird contacts it). It has never irritated my skin, my bird, my clothing or my carpet...and everything has been drenched in it (MINUS THE BIRD---DON'T SPRAY THE BIRD---even though some people have).
It has a weird/scary warning label in the USA as of late, which TERRIFIED ME AT FIRST...It is safe though--multiple emails/calls confirm that it is very safe as long as it it properly diluted. Many vets even use it to nebulize birds with respiratory issues (DON'T DO IT UNLESS YOU ARE A VET...BUT IT IS SAFE as a surface cleaner and can even sterilize surgical equipment)... EPA just requires certain classes of chemicals to have SCARY labels.

 

[Crash_Davis]

I don't doubt that you are! I just wanted to make sure you considered that. I WOULD buy some f10 SC (the yellow kind--NOT THE GREEN) and spray it around on anything your other bird contacted +vacuuum etc...F10 (at proper dilutions) kills lots of bird diseases and it is avian safe (again, at proper dilutions). DO NOT LET THE TINY BOTTLE FOOL YOU---it is cheaper than Windex BY FAR, even at higher concentrations (It makes a TON). That having been said, it does need to sit for 10 minutes or so, but it doesn't need to be wiped off---just dry (before bird contacts it). It has never irritated my skin, my bird, my clothing or my carpet...and everything has been drenched in it (MINUS THE BIRD---DON'T SPRAY THE BIRD---even though some people have).
It has a weird/scary warning label in the USA as of late, which TERRIFIED ME AT FIRST...It is safe though--multiple emails/calls confirm that it is very safe as long as it it properly diluted. Many vets even use it to nebulize birds with respiratory issues (DON'T DO IT UNLESS YOU ARE A VET...BUT IT IS SAFE as a surface cleaner and can even sterilize surgical equipment)... EPA just requires certain classes of chemicals to have SCARY labels.

You do know that you just melted my brain right??

I power-washed my other bird's cage and wiped it with a bleach rag...you think that will work??

 

[noodles123]

I don't honestly know...Maybe, but not all bird viruses are killed by Bleach...most, but not all....Then there is the controversy (if you did use bleach do not go over it with another cleaner unless you re-wash it and let it sit in the sun etc.) Most assert that residuals break-down over time (in sun etc) but this isn't a universal belief. Bleach is the best germ-killer, next to f10, but it is bad for birds if they inhale the fumes and it can leave chemicals behind that are equally bad..even after sitting...Opinions are mixed on if/when these chemicals breakdown enough to prove safe. Dilution ratios also play a role there.

F10 is my "go-to" (again, yellow, not green)....It kills some pretty crazy bird viruses...and it is safe---DO NOT APPLY OVER BLEACH unless you are sure you have washed the Bleach off and allowed time for it to break-down. This is just because chemistry can create some nasty fumes when acids and bases meet.

Hope you brain re-solidifies haha. Your future parrot will need yours to be intact LOL.

 

[Crash_Davis]

I'll power-wash it again then.

 

[Sunnyclover]

Next time you have a bird pass away (hopefully that doesn't happen again) please get a necropsy before getting another bird. My worry isn't about diseases as much as about possibly chemical fumes or environmental factors that you weren't aware we're bad for your bird including but not limited to the fact you did not know you should not wipe down a cage with bleach..ever ever ever if you plan to have a bird live in it. Please be more careful with things like this and also make sure your child knows too because it's possible they were unaware that fumes, smoke, candles and cleaning products or air fresheners can kill your bird in seconds. People always go on about Teflon being so bad for birds but there are so MANY other dangers that are just as bad. I am very sorry you lost your little one to an unknown cause...I have not yet lost a bird and the thought of it is unbearable.

 

[Crash_Davis]

Next time you have a bird pass away (hopefully that doesn't happen again) please get a necropsy before getting another bird. My worry isn't about diseases as much as about possibly chemical fumes or environmental factors that you weren't aware we're bad for your bird including but not limited to the fact you did not know you should not wipe down a cage with bleach..ever ever ever if you plan to have a bird live in it. Please be more careful with things like this and also make sure your child knows too because it's possible they were unaware that fumes, smoke, candles and cleaning products or air fresheners can kill your bird in seconds. People always go on about Teflon being so bad for birds but there are so MANY other dangers that are just as bad. I am very sorry you lost your little one to an unknown cause...I have not yet lost a bird and the thought of it is unbearable.

Well you are amazing and thank you for the kind comments...I will make sure to heed your words.

 

[Sunnyclover]

Wonderful.
And honestly I think perhaps a Caique is a bit much for your schedule. I have 3 different types of conures including a sun and I know what you mean about them not being terribly playful especially after they grow up a bit. My recommendation would be a little GCC...I was not ever going to get one myself but I ended up with my little girl Paris and she is just so playful, quiet (even though her big brothers scream their ever-living heads off lol) and cuddly. Green Cheeks are great little birds and I think they would make a perfect addition to your home and little family. Plus they would be more likely to talk than a sun Conure or Caique (I think). Just make sure you get one that seems at least friendly when you hold them at the store/rescue or breeder and life with them should be a smooth transition and lots of fun.
Warning: They can be a little nippy but just give them a small time out with your back turned and a firm "no bite" and that should set them straight in a couple weeks! Hope I helped.

 

[Crash_Davis]

Wonderful.
And honestly I think perhaps a Caique is a bit much for your schedule. I have 3 different types of conures including a sun and I know what you mean about them not being terribly playful especially after they grow up a bit. My recommendation would be a little GCC...I was not ever going to get one myself but I ended up with my little girl Paris and she is just so playful, quiet (even though her big brothers scream their ever-living heads off lol) and cuddly. Green Cheeks are great little birds and I think they would make a perfect addition to your home and little family. Plus they would be more likely to talk than a sun Conure or Caique (I think). Just make sure you get one that seems at least friendly when you hold them at the store/rescue or breeder and life with them should be a smooth transition and lots of fun.
Warning: They can be a little nippy but just give them a small time out with your back turned and a firm "no bite" and that should set them straight in a couple weeks! Hope I helped.

OK, great advice, thank you SO MUCH.

 

[tdwhitman123]

You sound like a great candidate for a caique. I've had mine 4 years. If your tough (their beaks can be tough), you will be fine. The BEST birds ever. Good luck.

 

[Breeze]

As an owner of a very rambunctious caique, they can be much of a handful. My caique, Indi, is a little under a year old and let me tell you she is a handful. She absolutely loves to play and balls, balls, balls. Every thing with her is hop, hop, hop and what yours is mine and what mine is mine. But through all of that I love her to death, she is my little mad hatter and I would not trade her for the world. She is great to watch and play with sometimes I think she is a puppy. But when it comes to a night time she is the biggest snuggle bug, I’m pretty sure she could sleep all night with me. I don’t think I could of ask for a better personality of a parrot. Although she is very very clingy but I don’t mind.


I dedicate all of my spare time towards my parrots (all 4 of them) and though out the day during and after school they will get 4-5 hours out each day. I’d say if you are willing to commit the time especially for a caique, you will be a great owner.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Crash_Davis]

Checking in all. I got a female WBC. I had her shipped to me from a breeder in Florida who hand raises them and has a reputation of shipping almost 100% sweet birds. He shipped her in the morning and she was in my cage by 4pm. I took her to my bird vet and she gave her some liquids because she thought she might have some dehydration but she has been absolutely thriving the last 3 weeks. I don't want to speak too soon but so far she is the biggest cuddle bug I've ever seen in a bird. Very curious and very smart. Already getting potty training and gives me a wolf whistle when she wants me to get her.

My goal right now is to introduce her to every person I can and make sure they treat her like the doll baby she is. She likes to play and has a soft beak, loves scratches, and likes to dive under my chin. Working on nice nibbles of the ear. So far she is very quiet and loves to whistle back at me. Has only screamed once when I got home and got on my shoulder. Think she was just happy. I will tka a photo or two soon and plan to keep working with her training. I named her Newt.

 

[Terry57]

Congratulations on your new baby! Newt is a great name Looking forward to those pictures!