Congratulations on your new kak. You will love him. They are great birds. I have three. The problem is that, there's not much information on them ( especially when I got my first one 2 years ago, so it was learn on the go) My first two were clipped when I got them, and my older male chewed off his tail. So, yes, don't clip them. They get bored very easily, they are intelligent birds. Need to forage. Like to eat their food from bowls on the bottom of the cage, I have bowls on the bottom and also at the top as well. They are true aviary birds and needs to fly. Mine aren't big on toys, but does like the shredding kind. Their nails grow very quickly, needs trimming at least every three months.
Diet is the most difficult for me, as there's conflicting information out there. I feed mine a mix of pellet and seed. Don't feed cockatiel, as sunflower seeds have too much oil for kaks and are not good for them. I offer them parakeet seed and small parrot seed, and mix it. I give them roddybush pellets, only one of the kaks will eat it. They love food, especially fresh food, and tend to overeat , and if they don't get much excercise, can become obese. They also love to throw food!!! Mine loves raspberries, and my birdroom looks like a bloodbath! They are not the cleanest birds!
They do talk, some info says sex doesn't matter, but my males talk, and my female doesn't yet ( she's still young though). You are lucky to get a hand fed baby, easier to train. However, since they are very smart birds, you still can train parrent raised birds ( I have both). They are my quietest birds. don't make much noise.
Even though they are fully flighted,they like to walk as well, so don't step on them! Mine are busy birds, not ones to sit on play stands for hours ( not even minutes) Mine don't sleep in huts, they sleep on high perches. My female plays more then my males, she likes to get into open drawers, boxes, ect...
In summary, they are not "cage"birds, needs a lot of time out of their cage. Mine aren't cuddly,but likes my attention and likes to talk to me, asking me what I am doing. They say about twenty five words. They need to forage. I suggest to take them to an aviary vet, not just a generalized vet if you can, as they are still not common in north america ( they're from australia). Even my aviary bird doesn't know too much about kaks. You need to keep their minds active, they will pluck if bored. They are colony birds, and do get a long in groups, but be careful if you have a male and female, and don't want to breed, as they are very prolific breeders. I am lucky my female hasn't laid eggs yet ( I have no nests or nesting materials avialable, but it will probably happen as they are kaks.) They do have attiitudes and will bite hard.
There is a kakariki forum, most members are from europe and australia. They are helpful, but it's a small forum, and the responses are always late coming because of the time difference. Most kak owners in europe and australia has them in aviaries.
This is what I have learned about my kaks. Some people may disagree with my comments, but this is my experience. They are one of my favourite birds, and you will love your kak! I am still learning something new about them everyday.
What kind of kak are you getting? Yellow fronted or red fronted? I am jealous. I want another kak. There is one for sale at the petstore right down the street, where I go Bo. I do love my kaks. They have wonderful personalities.
Debbie
