caique vs. pionus

We keep reading everywhere how pionus are wonderful family birds. But I'm in love with the playful nature of the caique. I think it will be a blast both training the caique, playing with his toys, and it will be very entertaining for the kids. Where as I've heard pionus can tend a lot more toward the sit-there-quietly-so-much-they-can-get-overweight. However, caiques tend to have mixed reviews as toward kid friendliness. One website was suggesting that they can act up when bored, so maybe working a lot on learning things and lots of playtime will help? I am so interested in this bird but I want to do everything to prevent aggression issues. I was thinking maybe there will be less issues with a female.

Is there any other bird that would be a good compromise? Will it most likely work out if we just be consistent with training and discipline? (I'm raising four kids and have had much experience in the "being consistent, consistent, consistent")

Oh, and I gotta admit having a persistent interest in African Greys. I just worry that our rambunctious house would be too much for their quit nature. But I finally met one at the pet store. I talked to him/her and there was such intelligence in those eyes when I talked to him/her. She/he listened to me talking and making noises and totally tried to make the noises. There are really a few grey breeders here in Oregon . I just am hesitant about the fit with our house. I know if we got one they'd get lots of attention from multiple people.

I am also interested in Meyers. No chance to meet one in person, though.

Pookamama said:

Oh, and I gotta admit having a persistent interest in African Greys. I just worry that our rambunctious house would be too much for their quit nature. But I finally met one at the pet store. I talked to him/her and there was such intelligence in those eyes when I talked to him/her. She/he listened to me talking and making noises and totally tried to make the noises. There are really a few grey breeders here in Oregon . I just am hesitant about the fit with our house. I know if we got one they'd get lots of attention from multiple people.

I am also interested in Meyers. No chance to meet one in person, though.

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I have a Meyers. Sweetest little thing in the world. Never, ever bites (she did a little when I first got her). She doesn't need a whole lot of attention, though I'm around a lot. Not quite as nutsy as my Senegal so less of an entertainment factor.

Caiques are definitively more active and suitable for a busy family. I own both species(2 Caiques: WBC and BHC and 2 Pionus: Blue Headed and Dusky). The Caiques are a lot of fun and really hyper. Love to play with everyone and always on the go.

To consider: If they are over- stimulated they can bite and their bite is pretty painful.
They can be aggressive and dangerous with smaller parrots (if you thing you might want to add to the flock later on)
They can be VERY LOUD! (They are louder than my Grey, Pionus and GCC Conures)...although to me, they don't bother my hears as much as a Jenday or Sun (Mine can be that loud sometimes)....I fostered both Jenday and Sun so I can compare.

We had the WBC first and she was relentless and a nuisance trying to engage the other birds in rough play (they play rough!) and going a bit too crazy with us as well...we couldn't keep up with her energy! So we added the BHC, and since then it's been great as they can both play roughly together and get a bit tired out and be calmer with us and the rest of the flock. It was the best decision for us to have both. And I do believe that a lot of Caique owners do end up with 2!

Well I'm biased but I would say Pionus!! All birds are different, but I wouldn't call my White Capped lazy.. He loves to play with me or by himself with his toys. He's also very sweet with me. He loves attention, but can also entertain himself quite well. He's also just starting to talk up a storm! His voice isn't all that clear (kind of robotic sounding) but I can make out most of what he is saying... "Hey you, pretty boy, Whatcha doing, Hello, ect...."

I just love him to pieces : )

I don't have any experience with Caique's ...

Pookamama said:

(C)aiques tend to have mixed reviews as toward kid friendliness.

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Unfortunately, so do Pionus. And with most birds, you won't know if they'll be kid-friendly until you are already attached to them.

I've heard good reviews of cockatiels for kids, if the kids aren't too young.

Best of luck, whatever you choose!