Are you a bird lover looking for a beautiful, smart, cheerful, happy, and sometimes mischievous bird to be a part of your family? If you are, the Caique species might be the right choice for you. Today, our Turlock vets tell you all you need to know about a Caique.
*Please note that Monte Vista Small Animal Hospital does not provide services for avian species. This post is for informational purposes only.
Is a Caique a Good Pet?
Caique parrots can make great pets and will keep you entertained for years. They are wonderful to look at, and do not get very big, so they do not require a large cage.
Caiques are often known as the clowns of the bird world because they are very energetic, playful, and generally colorful.
These birds are attention-seekers who love to dance, play, hop, and enjoy showing off. They are also affectionate and don’t mind spending peaceful time with their humans.
How Big Are They & How Long Do They Live?
Another reason the caique makes such a good pet is that they can live for 25-30 years. With a high life expectancy, these birds will bring joy to your life for a long time.
Caiques come in two different species, namely:
- White-bellied Caique
- Black-headed Caique
Most bird owners keep both species as pets. Apart from the color, the white-bellied and the black-headed parrot are almost identical in appearance, with a combination of yellow, green, white, and orange feathers covering their bodies.
Both species stand at about nine to ten inches tall.
It will also be important to your bird's well-being to have a regular veterinarian and take them in for regular checkups.
How Much Attention Do They Require?
Your Caique parrot will need at least two hours of attention each day. Parrots love to watch other birds, and enjoy their daily routines of sitting quietly ,amusing themselves with a toy on their T-stand.
Just taking a few minutes to talk or hand out a treat will help remind your bird that they are an integral part of the family.
What You Need to Care for Your Caique.
Housing: It’s always the best option to build an aviary spacious enough for your bird and with proper bar spacing. Keep in mind to include enough wooden perches so that your Caique can hop around freely and also chew on them. Your bird will become distressed if they do not have enough space.
Food: When it comes to their diet, Caiques will not survive on seeds alone because seeds are low in vitamins and nutrients. This species needs pelleted food of a high quality that is vitamin and mineral-rich. It also has to be enriched with protein, fats, and fiber. They also enjoy snacking on things like kale, watercress, or swiss chard.
Toys: Being such a playful bird, your Caique will want to have some chew toys in its cage. Your bird will chew these toys apart, so they will need to be replaced to avoid choking. You want to keep your bird entertained, otherwise it can become loud and pluck out its feathers.
Note: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Monte Vista Small Animal Hospital does not provide services for avian species.