I want to adopt a caique

[Shyld]

(Im reposting that here where it is more relevent)
I want to adopt a little feathered friend and I kinda fell in love with caiques... But I've read a lot about them and I am a bit weary of their agressivity. I am wondering if behavioral issues can be avoided/alleviated with a combination of all of these:

• A big cage with lots of destroyable toys and foraging toys to challenge their intellect
• A toy rotation im the cage so it doesnt become boring
• Lots of out of the cage time to play and explore
• Training (like target training, flight excercises, tricks, drop it for if they try to play with forbiden things, fetch, recall, and the like)
• Walks outside to socialise
• Paying attention to their body language, understanding their boundaries and not pushing them if they dont feel comfortable
• A good diet made of pellets, lots of fresh fruit and vegetable, and lots of variety

Am I missing something? Would that be helpfull in dealing with their sometime devilish tendencies? If not, what more can I do?

 

[Begone]

Am I missing something?

That they should be in pair? That is the best for both them and also for to avoid aggression.

 

[Shyld]

That they should be in pair? That is the best for both them and also for to avoid aggression.

I dont know, I've heard the contrary! That they can even attack flock members of their own species and that they were more noisy when in pairs...

 

[AkasyaEllric]

I've also read that a lot of times caiques don't do well together. The one breeder of my Mom's said that they're so expensive to buy because it's hard to get them to breed because of that reason.

 

[Begone]

I dont know, I've heard the contrary! That they can even attack flock members of their own species and that they were more noisy when in pairs...

That is wrong. They are themselves when they live in a flock. And IMO, it is much easier to have several then to have just one.
If they are not noisy at all it's probably because they are so sad to being alone.

 

[Shyld]

Yea, I thought about it... Unfortunatly, I dont have the space for 2 hyperactive birbs ><

 

[Milestone]

It all depends on various things like how old the birds are when introduced, personality, if they are very protective of the caretaker, how big the cage is, gender. Two Caiques who grew up together would probably hit it off better. I think birds are happiest with a bird buddy but some just won't have it. Maybe some time down the line if you get one you'll be able to get another, even if in separate cages birds still benefit from the company. But you've listed some good things that are necessary for a healthy parrot. Time and time is what those type of parrots really need.

And even then, a parrot will be a parrot. Your going to get bitten no matter what, it will happen. Your on the right tract . But there is definitely no guarantee you won't have to deal with some hard things.

 

[Shyld]

It all depends on various things like how old the birds are when introduced, personality, if they are very protective of the caretaker, how big the cage is, gender. Two Caiques who grew up together would probably hit it off better. I think birds are happiest with a bird buddy but some just won't have it. Maybe some time down the line if you get one you'll be able to get another, even if in separate cages birds still benefit from the company. But you've listed some good things that are necessary for a healthy parrot. Time and time is what those type of parrots really need.

And even then, a parrot will be a parrot. Your going to get bitten no matter what, it will happen. Your on the right tract . But there is definitely no guarantee you won't have to deal with some hard things.

Do not worry, I know they are wild animals after all, all intelligent and sweet they are. Im just a bit scared because of the "The good, the bad and the ugly" thread ><

 

[Milestone]

When I was thinking of getting a Senegal (actually it was something very similar to one) I looked at the Good the bad the ugly. It saved me from getting into something I wasn't 100% sure on. If you feel it's maybe not what your ready for then there is no shame in waiting. Perhaps looking into other parrots would be good, if your new to birds maybe try one that's not as scary? Like a small conure, or maybe try visiting some Caiques if possible and get a better idea.

 

[BirdManDan]

to the HOOD. We have had and still have caiques and we have never had any issues with aggressiveness. They are absolute clowns. My wife's favorite birds. Everything you mentioned is excellent if any companion bird. You will make a great Parront. Where Billy sleeps at night

 

[Shyld]

When I was thinking of getting a Senegal (actually it was something very similar to one) I looked at the Good the bad the ugly. It saved me from getting into something I wasn't 100% sure on. If you feel it's maybe not what your ready for then there is no shame in waiting. Perhaps looking into other parrots would be good, if your new to birds maybe try one that's not as scary? Like a small conure, or maybe try visiting some Caiques if possible and get a better idea.

Well Im not very "scared" oer say, its more of a... doubt? Im very doubtful that they are that bad, you know?

 

[Milestone]

I get it. Your just unsure. My advice is to take your time and keep learning about them like you have been.

 

[BirdManDan]

Another great thing to do with our birds is to desensitize them do different things on a daily basis. Try introducing a new item every day to your bird and reward them with a treat when they relax with that new item and get it closer and closer until it gets to where the bird will touch it with no fear. Don't rush any of it. If you need to work on an new thing for a couple of days, that's fine.

 

[Irishj9]

Best in pairs
Best introduced young
Their baby playful personality Will change

 

[BeakyBird]

My girl struggled in a pair, but I think she's an odd one out. Because all of the other caiques I saw do amazing in a pair. They can be aggressive to one another, so most of the time I recommend separate cages. But I feel so sad that I can't wrestle like another caique does with my girl.

 

[JosienBB]

My friend had a caique and she did all the things you mentioned. She did everything right. But she still had to rehome him in the end, after struggling 8 long years with him. Caiques are difficult birds, I really recommend, if you have your heart dead set on them, that you get a pair. People who have a pair seem to deal with fewer aggression issues.