Cape Parrots?

EAI · Aug 19, 2014

I heard about these guys before and found them so fascinating and now they're getting into my "Idealistic Dream Bird" because all my other dream birds like Vasas' and Caiques' are illegal

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Anyways, to the point. Are there any Cape Parrot owners? And if so, how would you describe their attitude and cuddliness? And how are their bites? I mean just looking at their beaks is so intimidating.

There's not a lot of info on these guys based on personal experience (besides Truman).

Kiwibird · Aug 19, 2014

Haha Truman is the only cape parrot I've ever seen, and to be perfectly honest, I am not fond of that high pitched "EEEEEEP" noise he makes:52: Just a personal thing, I don't like "shrilly" noises from parrots

I wish I could help you more. They are really pretty, and I've been pretty intrigued by them since I first saw Truman too. I *think* they are a type of poicephalus and I *hope* the resident "POI expert" (ravensgryf) sees your thread and can tell you more

RavensGryf · Aug 19, 2014

Yep. They're Poi's

. The largest member of the Poicephalus genus.

I see them from time to time at the bird stores here in SoCal. They're super cute with prettier colors in person than in photos.

They're supposedly the "gentle giants" of the Poi's. I've read that they aren't as quick to communicate with the beak as other members of the family are. I can tell you all the other Poi's are known to be pretty nippy by nature.

Poi's are (in general) cuddly. But just like Conures, you can get an individual who's just not. Usually if they're used to lots of handling during weaning, they'll be a bird you can touch all over. I've seen them lay in people's hand on their back as many Poi's will. One GREAT thing about Poicephalus is they can be both super cuddly AND super independent. I bet Capes are no exception.

They are significantly more expensive than other Poicephalus even though they're not really rare anymore. Raven's breeder specializes in Capes, and she sells them at a lower price than I've ever heard of... $1750. Usually closer to $2000. So with that... Maybe your parents need to be on board too

EAI · Aug 19, 2014

Kiwibird said:
Haha Truman is the only cape parrot I've ever seen, and to be perfectly honest, I am not fond of that high pitched "EEEEEEP" noise he makes:52: Just a personal thing, I don't like "shrilly" noises from parrots

I wish I could help you more. They are really pretty, and I've been pretty intrigued by them since I first saw Truman too. I *think* they are a type of poicephalus and I *hope* the resident "POI expert" (ravensgryf) sees your thread and can tell you more

I'm on the same boat for the shrills, I'm more of a "quacking" bird but any noise is okay for me as long as it's not extremely loud.

Their colors really intrigued me the most, with the softer pallet of colors and subtle reds

.

EAI · Aug 19, 2014

RavensGryf said:
Yep. They're Poi's . The largest member of the Poicephalus genus.

I see them from time to time at the bird stores here in SoCal. They're super cute with prettier colors in person than in photos.

They're supposedly the "gentle giants" of the Poi's. I've read that they aren't as quick to communicate with the beak as other members of the family are. I can tell you all the other Poi's are known to be pretty nippy by nature.

Poi's are (in general) cuddly. But just like Conures, you can get an individual who's just not. Usually if they're used to lots of handling during weaning, they'll be a bird you can touch all over. I've seen them lay in people's hand on their back as many Poi's will. One GREAT thing about Poicephalus is they can be both super cuddly AND super independent. I bet Capes are no exception.

They are significantly more expensive than other Poicephalus even though they're not really rare anymore. Raven's breeder specializes in Capes, and she sells them at a lower price than I've ever heard of... $1750. Usually closer to $2000. So with that... Maybe your parents need to be on board too

They're the perfect size for me, but I'm not too sure how to compare them. Maybe between a CAG and a Maxi Pi? I swore I heard something about their speed to bite and I was pretty much taken lol.
Their price is because of their rarity, correct? I'm double checking because the video I've seen was a bit old and I'm not sure on their conservation status.
If anything I'll be getting a Cape when I'm in my 30s, or if I suddenly become rich now xD!

Birdman666 · Aug 19, 2014

I've only ever played with one, and he didn't really know me well enough to let his guard down. So, I really can't give any advice on these guys...

Poi's are generally playful with attitude.

RavensGryf · Aug 19, 2014

EAI said:
They're the perfect size for me, but I'm not too sure how to compare them. Maybe between a CAG and a Maxi Pi?

Their price is because of their rarity, correct?

Size of course varies between individuals, but adults are about like a Timneh Grey.

They are well established in captivity and the pet trade now. They're uncommon but not rare. A lot of the piece is because of demand I'm guessing?

For example, my Ruppell's (Poicephalus) is the rarest Poi in captivity and not often seen for the pet trade. He was only $750. Not that much more than the more common smaller Poi's which can go for $600.
There is just not the demand for the small gray Ruppell's like there is for the larger more eye catching Cape.

EAI · Aug 19, 2014

RavensGryf said:
EAI said:

They're the perfect size for me, but I'm not too sure how to compare them. Maybe between a CAG and a Maxi Pi?

Their price is because of their rarity, correct?

Click to expand...

Size of course varies between individuals, but adults are about like a Timneh Grey.

They are well established in captivity and the pet trade now. They're uncommon but not rare. A lot of the piece is because of demand I'm guessing?

For example, my Ruppell's (Poicephalus) is the rarest Poi in captivity and not often seen for the pet trade. He was only $750. Not that much more than the more common smaller Poi's which can go for $600.
There is just not the demand for the small gray Ruppell's like there is for the larger more eye catching Cape.

If I only knew how large a Timneh was :20: .
I'd have guess the demand as well, there's probably a waiting list for the babies much like Vasas, or what I've heard.
I forgot you had a Ruppells, I'm so jealous, they might have been the parrot that got me into Poicephalus'. The blue on them are my favorite.

riaria · Aug 19, 2014

There are three different types of Cape Parrot. We've got the "real" Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus), which is very rare and not really found in captivity apart from for conservation purposes. The Cape Parrot Project do some great work, and their Facebook page has got some amazing photos of the wild Capes!

The two other types are supposed to be called Brown-necked Parrot (P. fuscicollis fuscicollis) and Grey-headed Parrot (P. f. suahelicus), but most people just call them Cape Parrots, too (which makes it a bit confusing sometimes!). These two species are found in the pet trade, but they're fairly rare. Though less rare in the US, I believe

Truman is one of these two, but I can't remember which now - I think he's a fuscicollis, which seems to be more common than suahelicus.

Basically, in order to know what type of Cape someone is talking about, you need to know the Latin name.

(I've met a fuscicollis once - he was smaller than an average (Congo) African grey, but with a much much bigger beak. So beautiful, and so adorable! One of my favs!)

RavensGryf · Aug 19, 2014

I'm glad we stopped going by the name Un-Cape :20:. Since it's known that what we have are not "real Cape" parrots, I think just calling them Capes is fine with me!

As riaria pointed out, common or rare is not always the same depending on what part of the world we're talking about. In the US, both subspecies are readily available, though I do believe we see more of the "Brown-necked" P. fusicollis fusicollis.

thekarens · Aug 19, 2014

Old World Aviaries breeds both

EAI · Aug 19, 2014

Wow, three subspecies. Now it makes sense seeing some in darker colors than the other LOL.
I'd be sticking to Capes now too, much much easier.

I wish I was closer to that Aviary, *sighs*, I'd sneak my way into visiting everyday. Not to mention, the prices seem really reasonable.

SoCalWendy · Aug 19, 2014

All I can tell you is when they make their call sound you better be wearing ear plugs. It's deafening. I met one at one of our local bird stores here in San Diego, he was so cool. But as soon as it was feeding time, he made his presents known!

EAI · Aug 20, 2014

SoCalWendy said:
All I can tell you is when they make their call sound you better be wearing ear plugs. It's deafening. I met one at one of our local bird stores here in San Diego, he was so cool. But as soon as it was feeding time, he made his presents known!

I remember hearing something about that, or something similar to that, like getting temporary hearing loss but I'm not too sure anymore.
I'd hope that Cape's scream rarely, much like what you experienced but I can't blame a bird for that

RavensGryf · Aug 20, 2014

Also keep in mind what one person considers loud, another person might not. They may be loud generally speaking, but not nearly as loud in volume as most other species of similar size.
Some people think Pionus are ear splitting too. I can see how people can say that, but in comparison to other parrots, they are not as loud in volume. Like the Capes, it's more because of the pitch. They're still considered "quiet parrots".... If you want loud, listen a Macaw or Cockatoo! Amazons, Eclectus, large conures are all way louder also.
I heard a B&G Macaw scream near me at a bird store (in a big room) and it really blew my hair back and deafened me a bit. Now THAT was loud! :52:

EAI · Aug 23, 2014

RavensGryf said:
Also keep in mind what one person considers loud, another person might not. They may be loud generally speaking, but not nearly as loud in volume as most other species of similar size.
Some people think Pionus are ear splitting too. I can see how people can say that, but in comparison to other parrots, they are not as loud in volume. Like the Capes, it's more because of the pitch. They're still considered "quiet parrots".... If you want loud, listen a Macaw or Cockatoo! Amazons, Eclectus, large conures are all way louder also.
I heard a B&G Macaw scream near me at a bird store (in a big room) and it really blew my hair back and deafened me a bit. Now THAT was loud! :52:

I think I should agree with the Pionus on some degree. I think someone in an apartment complex near my school has one and I can hear him around 2 o clock from outside.

I had to abandon my dreams of Toos and Amazons. I heard them call in Waikiki and I literally said "nope, nope, nope" and tried to avoid them, which is ironic because I lion dance and I have my ears being blasted for 15-3 hours at a time.

But then again, I'm not sure which noises I can handle yet since I haven't been around a lot of different parrot species (hoping that will change).

RavensGryf · Aug 23, 2014

EAI said:
I think I should agree with the Pionus on some degree. I think someone in an apartment complex near my school has one and I can hear him around 2 o clock from outside.

I had to abandon my dreams of Toos and Amazons. I heard them call in Waikiki and I literally said "nope, nope, nope" and tried to avoid them, which is ironic because I lion dance and I have my ears being blasted for 15-3 hours at a time.

But then again, I'm not sure which noises I can handle yet since I haven't been around a lot of different parrot species (hoping that will change).

Remember it doesn't have to even be real loud in volume in order for sound to carry outdoors. Especially higher pitched screeching or piercing sounds. I think the pitch really makes all the difference as to whether the call carries far or not.

I had a neighbor in an apartment once with a Goffin's Too, and I could just barely hear it when the house was closed up. When the door was open, WOW it was super loud. It screamed in a raspy lower pitch, and I honestly never heard it much. A Sun Conure could easily be heard through walls, yet isn't as loud in volume as a Goffin's. Same holds true as to what you can stand up close in your own home. What one person can stand, may really grate on another person's nerves!

EAI · Aug 24, 2014

RavensGryf said:
EAI said:

I think I should agree with the Pionus on some degree. I think someone in an apartment complex near my school has one and I can hear him around 2 o clock from outside.

I had to abandon my dreams of Toos and Amazons. I heard them call in Waikiki and I literally said "nope, nope, nope" and tried to avoid them, which is ironic because I lion dance and I have my ears being blasted for 15-3 hours at a time.

But then again, I'm not sure which noises I can handle yet since I haven't been around a lot of different parrot species (hoping that will change).

Click to expand...

Remember it doesn't have to even be real loud in volume in order for sound to carry outdoors. Especially higher pitched screeching or piercing sounds. I think the pitch really makes all the difference as to whether the call carries far or not.

I had a neighbor in an apartment once with a Goffin's Too, and I could just barely hear it when the house was closed up. When the door was open, WOW it was super loud. It screamed in a raspy lower pitch, and I honestly never heard it much. A Sun Conure could easily be heard through walls, yet isn't as loud in volume as a Goffin's. Same holds true as to what you can stand up close in your own home. What one person can stand, may really grate on another person's nerves!

I should have taken that into consideration as well. I used to live in a drywall Town House, so having a bird then would definitely got us kicked out.

That's also why I'm trying to choose the "quiet" ones, just to make sure it doesn't bother anyone. It's also not too bad because it helps to narrow down choices or I'd still be deciding on every species of bird :jumping40

Cape Parrots?

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