Hello all! My name is Robin and I am the proud mommy of a beautiful, half naked two month old BH Caique named Pilot. As he is so young, I will not be able to bring him home for another 4-6 weeks--when he gets all his clothes on! He lives 1.5 hours from my house and and I am able to visit him 3-4 times a week to spend lots of quality time together. It has been a real treat to watch his personality take shape and witness some milestones such as trying out (i.e. playing with, tasting) "big boy" food for the first time and stepping up on my fingers and flying to the ground. I used to have a Lilac Crowned Amazon (one of my most favorite pets), but this is my first experience with a baby anything so I am both super excited to nurture and train him and watch him grow. I am also terrified of not knowing what to do and making mistakes. But, hopefully with lots of help from you all (and all the training videos I just purchased), I will be able to raise a very happy and healthy little guy! I've posted a couple of pictures so you can see how super adorable he is and why I am so smitten! I am, however, a little worried about turning him into a "dependent" bird and am trying to find out all I can about the right amount of time, cuddling, etc. I give him now and once he is at home. ...so please feel free to offer any comments or guidance in this area. Thank you and I look forward to being a member of this forum!

Hi Robin and welcome to the forum! Congrats on baby pilot! It is great you live so close to his breeder allowing you time to bond and experience his baby steps! Caiques are so much fun. Truely I think they all have ADHD! LOL!
I would go over past threads in the caique section. As far as making him dependant on you, positive reinforcement for wanted behavior and ignore the bad. If he tends to want to be on you all the time, which sometims happens, encourage him to play on his playstand or cage. Provide lots of toys and foraing oppotunities. Caiques love to climb so seek out hanging toys, ladders, and a great buy would be a medium climbing cargo net.
Here is a great site to an on line store. I personally know the owner.
www.mybirdsafestore.com/
I can't wait to hear all about Pilot!

Hey Robin, welcome, we are glad to have you joining us.
Such an exciting time, becoming a guardian to a young bird. Getting the cage ready, all the toys etc etc.
You are in for such a life changing experience, many changes talking places daily.
Great that you are bonding with Pilot, "high Five"
Make sure you have the ready he arrives.
Good luck

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Congrats Robin... I know you will have years and years of love coming your way.

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Life is too short not to live it as a TEXAN.

Good morning and thank you all for your very thoughtful welcomes...how fun!! I posted a couple of pictures on the "caique" forum page and will continue to do so, so I hope you will take a look at all his sweetness!! Thank you again!

Hi Robin and welcome to the forum, Congrats on your new fid (fid=feathered kid) Pilot, stick around and enjoy your stay, lots of great folks here with plenty of useful info

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Bob
" To Protect And Serve"

The time you spend with Pilot now will be invaluable! We were able to do that with both Jade and Ruby and it made their transition to our home so much easier.

Congratulations, welcome and enjoy!