The energizer bunny in feathers, a windup toy that never runs down and clowns of the parrot world are just a few of the descriptions that come to mind when describing a Caique (pronounced Kigh-Eeek). How else can you describe a fearless bird that is in constant pursuit of fun? Anything you have learned about the average parrot can be left at the door because a Caique is anything but average!
This seemed like a good place to start since Caiques are all personality. Any human would be lucky to have so much ce the fun to have two of them. Unlike other species where having two birds would either result in both competing for the human's attention or both birds ignoring the human to be with each other, Caiques prefer the best of all worlds. They will happily spend their days having way too much fun wrestling and playing with each other while their human is at work, only to invite the pet human into the games upon his or her arrival home. The Caique cuddle factor tends to be a bit backwards. Some will appreciate a good head scratch, but most Caiques prefer to be the one doing the petting. Many enjoy preening their pet human's hair, some just enjoy standing in it and getting tangled in it! Hope you are not ticklish. Caiques love to rub their faces on everything including your neck if they happen to be on your shoulder. Caiques will spend time with you while you are watching television, just don't expect them to stay still. Couches were meant for rubbing their faces on and hopping across!
Speaking of hopping, Caiques can be amusing just getting from here to there. No, they don't just walk over like a normal parrot. They have to put more fun into it. Caiques usually hop from place to place. That's where their windup toy reference evolved from.
Caging Recommendations
The bigger the better. They need plenty of room to
play Tarzan, wrestle, bathe in their water dishes and cause general mayhem.
Horizontal bars are recommended since they like to climb.
Remember those articles you read about spraying a gentle mist and allowing it to fall gently over your bird so as not to frighten him? Forget it. Load your spray bottle and fire! Most Caiques will dive into the path of the water stream to get hit with as intense a spray as possible. The few who do not like to be sprayed will usually be happy to jump into a bowl of water instead. Got some lettuce leaves around? For some reason, Caiques like to roll around on damp lettuce leaves after bathing. Don't ask me why.
Why would anyone include a section on sleeping? So you don't mistakenly think your Caique passed away during the night of course. Caiques even had to improve upon sleeping. Unlike other parrot species who sleep perched on one foot, if provided with a nest box to sleep in, Caiques sleep on their backs with their feet in the air. You've never seen a parrot look so comfortable.
Caiques are not generally big talkers. Some say a few quiet words. Talking ability is not usually a concern a person who is interested in a Caique. Most get them for their wonderfully playful personalities, and they almost never fail to deliver.
While young Caiques appear to get along with anyone, human, bird or otherwise, adult Caiques can be extremely aggressive to other birds, especially other adult Caiques. I had a Caique who's best friend was a Lovebird. They got along so well that the Lovebird slept in the nest box with the Caique. However, the results vary greatly from bird to bird, so please be very careful when introducing a new bird to your Caique.
Caiques fall into the middle of the noise scale. They make their biggest racket in the morning when they are awaiting breakfast. Most are usually quiet during the day as playing takes priority over noise making. Some get a bit noisy at dusk, but usually not for very long. One thing worth mentioning. A Caique in a multiple bird household will tend to be more noise than one kept alone. They tend to make a game out of joining in with whoever is doing the noise making.
Again not a problem area. Caiques are pretty good eaters. Most will at least try whatever is given to them. They adore fresh fruits and will usually express their gratitude with pleasing jungle sounds while they're digging in to their feast. They can stand a higher seed content than some parrot species since they are such a high energy bird, but as always moderation is the key. Remember chocolate, avocado and alcohol are toxic and should not be given to birds.
Pretty simple. If you are looking for a playful little clown with a charmingly optimistic outlook on life, a Caique is the bird for you.