Just got a Caique!

[Tswift]

Ok, so it is still being weaned, but I will be able to bring it home around May 11th! I am saying "it", of course, because he/she isn't DNA sexed yet... I should get a phone call any day now regarding the results.

I am getting it from my local exotic pet shop. I have been visiting the caiques here for more than 3 years! I have the huge cage, toys (half of which I have made), tree stand, bowls, and more... basically everything I need except the food!

I have a few questions though... what is a good time to start harness training? What tricks can you teach first? How soon should you potty train? I don't want to overwhelm him/her or wait too late! And a really weird question: what temperature should the water be if you shower with your bird once a week or so? Room temperature seems like it would be too cold.

I am having trouble picking a name too. I have been calling it Skittles... but I am thinking that I want a more gender-specific name. Here is what I have been thinking about... what do you think?

Female:
Ava, Ella, Maya, Kiki, Chiquita (chickie for short), Mia
Male:
Dexter, Jack, Toby, Buddy, (I need more male names!)

Please help me pick which name or suggest others! I feel like Skittles is so common.... but they really do look like Skittles lol.

Also, last time i visited, it was really nippy... i have literal holes in my fingers! looks like a snake attacked me. The owner told me to drop my hand while firmly saying no, and it seemed to be a temporary fix. Is this a stage thing? It seems like it is going through phases... a day before it didn't even nibble my hand... maybe he/she was hungry? I tried giving him/her foot toys, but it didn't help. I feel like it hates me already It was sweet to me the visit before

The first pic is my birdie trying to impress my mom by body surfing her

 

[Melissa]

name ideas. Female: Linda (means pretty or lovely in spanish),
Male: Rio, Pablo, Pedro, Coco, Lindo(masculine for Linda), Paco, Pancho, Antonio, Kiko, Mac, Sunny.
or if you don't want to name her or he Skittles think of another candy name like: Tootsie, Wonka, Twix or even Candy (for female). Type of music: Jazz, Reggae, Pop, Rock, Tango, Bolero, Samba, Mambo etc. But I like Chiquita and Buddy for the names you mentioned.

 

[Melissa]

I like Skittles too! Lucky Charm (another suggestion).

 

[MikeyTN]

The name Skittles sounds good, whatever name suites the bird.

Harness training can be done when the bird starts to trust you. Potty train can start right away. Water should be luke warm, daily bathing is preferred!

Birds are like people, they can have a bad day like we do. You were probably forcing him doing something he does not want to do at that instant. He was letting you know to back off, partly because he doesn't know you well enough yet. He's in a pet shop environment where all kinds of people come around to visit. They can be frightened easily in a environment like that, especially when there's kids involved...Once you get him/her back into your environment and he still does it, then training is needed. Training is needed regardless since you want to do so many things with him/her. But take your time and be patient, don't push him too hard to learn everything at once. One step at a time!

 

[Tswift]

Thank you for the answers and advice Mike!

When I was handling him/her, the bird store was quite busy (it was a Saturday), and looking back, I think that was a good reason he/she was biting me so hard... but every time i tried to put him back in this cage, he flew up onto my arm. I'm sure that when I am able to take him/her home and spend time with him/her in a quiet environment, he will trust me and become less nippy.

Oh, after discussion with the boyfriend, I have a new names list! Thoughts?
Female: Ava, Sora, Kira
Male: Dexter, Rio, Aiur (pronounced ai-er), Zoro

 

[kitt]

Is this your first bird?
Caiques are VERY beaky birds....they use their beaks for everything. They love to nibble on fingers and clothes...it is part of who they are.
When my caique gets to rough with the biting or nibbles, I give him a small earthquake and firmly say the word "gentle" if he keeps it up, then he gets put back in his cage. He usually quits because he loves to be out with us.
Also, Caiques are extremely stubborn. They are easy to spoil when they are young but you have to resist the urge to spoil him/her to much...yep, you will want to handle him/her but you also want him or her to feel comfortable playing on its own in its cage.
With all of that said, I am excited and happy for you and I hope you have done all your homework on this species they are very unique indeed.

 

[merlinsmom13]

The cutest, he/she kinda looks like a Skittles, lots of color. Congrats!

 

[Tswift]

This is not my first bird. My mom had a parrotlet a couple years back and I was the one that handled it the most, but gave it away to a family friend. I have also had a budgie, but I was around 9. I have been researching caiques ever since my mom sold her parrotlet (about 4-5 years now) and now that I am going home from college for the summer and getting my own apartment in the fall, I can finally get one!

I dont mind the nibbling, and I have been to the bird store probably a hundred times (seriously, they know me by name lol) and have handled the caiques every time. I almost fell in love with an eclectus, but I thought a caique is more appropriate for a first bird and for an apartment. It surprised me that he was so beaky last time I saw him. I think it was because he didnt get to go out and play with the others that day as it was Saturday and they dont let bought birds play out when its crowded and hectic. I STILL have the holes in my fingers and hand and they keep breaking open and bleeding again... I think they are just now healing lol.

I am excited to bring him/her home next Thursday, though!! They said that the DNA results will probably be in by then too! Any last-minute advice on the types of toys they like? I have the materials to make about 15 more or so

Kitt, what is the brand of food that you feed your caique and the feeding schedule? I think they are feeding him/her zupreem. I was thinking pellets throughout the day, and then feed some fresh fruit/vegtables and such around dinner time.

 

[mtdoramike]

I sure hope you klnow what your doing. I have seen a few videos of this particular species and they can get quite loud. I mention this because I see you are an apartment dweller and most neighbors aren't fond of squawking screaming or squealing birds unless they are outside and in trees. Just something to think about.


Mike

 

[kitt]

I am so HAPPY you have done your homework...there is so much more to caiques then just what you see up front. They can be moody but are amazing....
I did a survey on them about a month or so ago and had about 20 people take part and answer around 80 questions. Some questions were silly while others were about behaviors. If you are interested in a copy, just let me know or send me your email so I can send it to you.
There is a lot to learn about this species and I will be glad to help in anyway I can.
Mine gets fed zupreem fruity pellets....he loves them except for the grape ones. LOL He always leaves those in his dish. I use a water dish instead of a water bottle because he likes to dunk his food and I don't want to take that away from him.
Caiques LOVE toys and lots of them. Foot toys are a must. You may want a variety of different perches for your bird so his feet has different textures to feel. Also, a good rope perch is perfect for a young caique so they can get better grip....you may also want to keep perches low in the cage at first until you are sure of your little ones balance.
Mine will be four years old this summer and he is still very beaky but he doesn't bite hard enough to draw blood when he is nipping. He saves that for when he is in his "lucifer" mood....told ya they have many interesting things about them..the good, the bad and the ugly...but I would have a house full of them...good luck
Oh and I almost forgot, mine also gets birdie bread, and fresh fruits and veggies, brown rice and cooked beans etc...just remember that avacados are poisonious to them as is chocolate. Lets see, what else? Oh, no regular candles, air fresheners and be very careful with any teflon pans...I only use staniless steel and cast iron...
No, I do not know everything, just trying to help from the things I have learned....I wish you nothing but the best and I want you to be well informed.
My ultimate goal is to become an advocate for this little critter....the industry tries to sell them as a clown bird so they can make money but there is so much more then that and not a lot out there about them. I just try to share information where I can.

 

[Tswift]

One reason I picked a caique is because they are more challenging than normal... I know that sounds odd, but I really want a breed that requires a lot of attention, but isn't as clingy as, say, a african grey. I also like the process of learning

I am really interested in that survey, I will send you my email in my private message. It sounds informative!

The zupreem fruity pellets are exactly what the bird store is feeding my bird! They look like fruity cereal haha. Where do you get yours? I was looking online and it does not look any cheaper than getting them from the exotic bird store. I have about 50+ toys. Some are bought, some made myself, and some that were used and thoroughly cleaned. Lots of plastic foraging toys and foot toys!! I also have 3 or 4 natural perches and 2 rope perches in the cage right now.

I dont mind nibbles as long as they dont make me bleed I cant wait to "hand wrestle" with my caique (probebly with a foot toy too haha)!!

I am going to make sure to stay away from candles and chemicals and I have cast iron pans I am also going to make sure to put the bird in a separate room while I cook.

Thank you for all of the information! Its nice to know that there are people to go to when I have species-specific questions

 

[kitt]

You are welcome....
I have learned with my little guy that seed sets him off into his "lucifer" mood. Sense I have stopped giving him seed, he is a whole different bird...Back to being very loving and cuddly...I love it.
I am excited for you and I commend you for doing all the right things ahead of time. I sent you the survey, I hope it helps...good luck.

 

[Tswift]

My boyfriend's parents visited the bird store and played with my caique Remember, I am finishing up college 3 hours away... I would be at the store every day if I was able to! Anyways, they said that he/she was extremely sweet, was showing off his wings, and "purring" and fluffing up while they scratched his head. I'm so glad that hes doing so well

Only 5 more days and Ill have him/her!!! I cant wait

 

[Wysteria Peacock]

Any updates? I love new bird stories!

 

[BHCowner]

I am so HAPPY you have done your homework...there is so much more to caiques then just what you see up front. They can be moody but are amazing....
I did a survey on them about a month or so ago and had about 20 people take part and answer around 80 questions. Some questions were silly while others were about behaviors. If you are interested in a copy, just let me know or send me your email so I can send it to you.
There is a lot to learn about this species and I will be glad to help in anyway I can.
Mine gets fed zupreem fruity pellets....he loves them except for the grape ones. LOL He always leaves those in his dish. I use a water dish instead of a water bottle because he likes to dunk his food and I don't want to take that away from him.
Caiques LOVE toys and lots of them. Foot toys are a must. You may want a variety of different perches for your bird so his feet has different textures to feel. Also, a good rope perch is perfect for a young caique so they can get better grip....you may also want to keep perches low in the cage at first until you are sure of your little ones balance.
Mine will be four years old this summer and he is still very beaky but he doesn't bite hard enough to draw blood when he is nipping. He saves that for when he is in his "lucifer" mood....told ya they have many interesting things about them..the good, the bad and the ugly...but I would have a house full of them...good luck
Oh and I almost forgot, mine also gets birdie bread, and fresh fruits and veggies, brown rice and cooked beans etc...just remember that avacados are poisonious to them as is chocolate. Lets see, what else? Oh, no regular candles, air fresheners and be very careful with any teflon pans...I only use staniless steel and cast iron...
No, I do not know everything, just trying to help from the things I have learned....I wish you nothing but the best and I want you to be well informed.
My ultimate goal is to become an advocate for this little critter....the industry tries to sell them as a clown bird so they can make money but there is so much more then that and not a lot out there about them. I just try to share information where I can.

Are you sure you dont live in the same house as me and have the same bird? lol. uncanny how correct you are about everything. Lucifer is damn right... sometimes you just have to know when to leave them alone and chill out a bit. Will take a bit of practice reading the birds "look", but you should know when they want to be left alone! lol.

Enjoy your little one. Its like having a real person to look after, great fun.

 

[kitt]

LOL, to funny....the mood swings can really be something..You have to be really good at reading them.
I talked to a bunch of owners on a caique site and asked about "change on a dime behaviors" and if they believe in such a thing...usually owners can come up with something that may have set the bird off but most say that sometimes there is no rhyme or reason to the change...
Being able to read you bird is a must and even then they can be tricky...
So glad you have a little jekyl/hyde in your house....hold old is he...

 

[BHCowner]

He is just coming up to a year old i think maybe just over.... so its mating season and he is maturing lol....

I learnt about his anger the hard way getting bitten on the face just under my eye.... from then on i have been able to read the signs of anger.

It is rare he gets angry, which i am happy about.

 

[kitt]

I have had one of those bites and I'm sorry you got one too.
Leroy didn't start giving me trouble with mood swings until he was just 3 months shy of turning two.....then holy hell broke loose but you have to understand that I was afraid of him after that nasty bite and he took the ball and ran with it...he knew he could intimidate me.....not anymore.....I have learned to deal with and over come my fear and we get along great....if he is in lucifer mode....I leave him be...it isn't very often but still...I don't bother him when he is like that..I actually hate to see him so upset....
When it is hormone season for him now where he is lucifer for about four to six weeks, I use a stick to move him from place to place.....stick training is always a good idea....
I am so glad to talk to other caique owners on here and try to help out where I can....I do belong to a caique site and I have found that 80% of the birds are five years of age or younger...If you really think about it, caiques are new to be owned as pets...opps, sorry, didn't mean to write a book. I am passionate about caiques. LOL

 

[BHCowner]

lol no problem. i know what you mean. steep learning curve most of the time. They are fantastic pets, just got to remember that they can have their off days just like we can.

 

[Tswift]

Hehe, I have been soooo busy posting on the caqiue forum that Kitt recommended to me that I forgot to post here!

I got my caique of course Her name is Ava, and she is everything I hoped for and more! In fact, she was so cute that my boyfriend got her sister (who has yet to be named). Ava is outgoing and curious about everything while my boyfriend's caique is more reserved and shy, but still just as adorable

Everything is going great. Both caiques let us touch them all over, lift their wings, grab their beak.... they are extremely tame! I feel like I have already bonded with Ava too. They love to play together and are just too cute rolling around with paper towels and blankets together. They get to have play-dates almost every day and I love how they still like being with humans while they are together too!

I have been teaching Ava some tricks and she knows spin, kiss, come here, go back, and flip. They are so smart and catch onto everything! She seams to enjoy training and any attention I give her I just got the aviator harness and will start training with that soon, and she is still learning how to lay on her back to play and snuggle. I cant tell you how glad I am to get her (and that I picked a caique as the breed I wanted). She loves baths, loves snuggles, loves playing, loves all toys, and loves treats! She is so easy to please and entertain I feel like my entire lifestyle has changed- for the better of course!

They are both extremely quiet too! They only scream if they see each other for the first time for the day or if they run out of food. I think they will be perfect in the apartment and I cannot wait until they can be caged together. They have been playing inside the cage I have every day and show no signs of territorial aggression and love to play in it.

She loves baths, loves snuggles, loves playing, loves all toys, and loves treats! She is so easy to please and entertain

So as you can see, getting Ava (and my boyfriend getting her sister) was one of the best decisions of my life. I just want to say for anyone looking at getting a caique... they might be more expensive than some of the other birds, but you really get what you pay for. I couldn't have asked for a better pet and companion! Oh, and if you are able to get two... the more the better with this species (usually!) I know that you never know if they will get along, etc... but if everything works out... its just simply amazing and words can't describe how fun and rewarding they are to have.