New caique owner

Hello all!

I just adopted a BHC and this is my first bird as an adult. Had a few birds as a child. I have done countless hours of reading and research to be sure I know as much as possible to provide my new family member with a safe and loving home. But I wanted to hear from other owners what things they have learned on their own with experince you may not necessarily read about online. Any additional tips would be wonderfully helpful. I look forward to making some new aviary friends.

I don't have any suggestions, but I wanted to welcome you. Share pics when you have time and let us know your new friend's name.

A caique? And a black-headed one at that?! Oh, you poor, poor soul...it's the end of your life as you know it!

Seriously, hearty congratulations! From what it sounds like--your research and the care you put into it--your new baby has hit the jackpot. As I think of it, you and I don't sound all that dissimilar: I hadn't had a bird of any kind for years and years, and--like you--I did a lot of research before Eliza adopted me. (I bet SHE didn't do any research!)

Maybe I got lucky with the materials I chose and read, but all of the research I did turned out to be quite accurate in terms of the caique experience. In other words, I don't think I can offer much else that would be of any help. One might be my observation that--just like people, and animals in general!--while there are species-specific traits, every caique is different. For example, I was well-prepared for "hair-surfing," when I got Eliza. She's never shown the slightest bit of interest in it. (She doesn't hop, either.) Henry (white-bellied), on the other hand, HAS to hair-surf at least twice a day. Plus, when he's in a hurry, he'll do the run/hop thing. At first, I was slightly concerned that maybe there was something amiss with Eliza because she didn't do the traditional caique behaviors I'd read about. Then I realized that's the way she is--she has her own personality (boy, does she EVER), and her own way of doing things.

Sorry to go on and on. I'm looking forward to photos of your new baby, and--once again--congratulations! And I should add that one of the best resources you'll find is right here. (Meaning these forums, not me in particular!) There are so many knowledgable, enthusiastic and friendly people here who are always willing to help.

Derek

PS I'll share one more thing about caiques, although I know it's not specific to them. I've posted some (hopefully) cute and funny photos of Eliza and Henry over the past several months. What those photos don't capture is how incredibly loving and affectionate caiques can be. For example, if I watch a movie in the evening, E&H can't wait to curl up on my chest, snuggle up against my hands, grind their beaks, make little noises, get skritched, and eventually go to sleep. It's the sweetest thing you can imagine. Oftentimes, I'll find myself thinking "Boy...if life can get any better than this, I'm not entirely sure how!"

Thanks for the reply. I'm really looking forward to building a good relationship with my new "man" in my life. I'll be sure to post with any questions that may come up. Would love to post a pic or two but not sure how since I only have a tablet at the moment.

I was recently doing some reading that was classifying birds. It said this on Caiques:


I had a good laugh. Welcome to the forum and enjoy your little guy.

-Joel

Jowelbg said:

I was recently doing some reading that was classifying birds. It said this on Caiques:

They are best noted for their spunk and are not recommended for the owner who likes tranquility.​

I had a good laugh. Welcome to the forum and enjoy your little guy.

-Joel

Click to expand...

Gee...I dunno. I put E&H in their cages, run out of the house before they realize what's happening, jump in the car, and drive a couple of miles to the library. Plenty of tranquility there.

Oh wait...do you mean when I'm actually in the house with them?
Derek

Welcome to the caique-club! It's very exclusive and elite! Haha

I chose a caique based off the information I read online and this forum. I met one caique at a pet store and played with him for maybe 30 mins and I HAD to get one of my own!! The bird at the store got sold before I could afford him, but I got a white bellied from a breeder. I so enjoy watching him, playing with him, loving him and showing him off!!! He is the best bird ever!!!! (I'm a little biased hah) I hope he doesn't change too much when he matures, but I doubt he will. I absolutely love caiques. <3

P.S. Where's the pictures!?!!?!