Are you a bird lover looking for a smart, cheerful, happy, sometimes mischievous, and beautiful bird to be a part of your family? If you are, the Caique species might be the right pick for you. Today, our Des Moines vets tell you all you need to know about a caique.
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 generally referred to as clowns of pet birds for quite a real reason. This is because they are very energetic, playful, and generally colorful.
These birds are attention-seekers. They love to dance and hop and enjoy showing off. They are also affectionate and like to play, and at times, they don’t mind spending some peaceful time with their humans.
How Big Are They & How Long Do They Live?
Another reason they make such good pets is that they can live for 25-30. 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 features an almost identical appearance.
Both species measure 9-inch to 10-inch long. In addition to that, the mixture of their color is yellow, green, white, and orange.
How Much Attention Do They Require?
Your caique parrot will need about 2 hours of attention each day. Parrots love to watch other birds and their daily routines while 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 he is 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: This article is for informational purposes only. Des Moines Veterinary Hospital does not provide medical care for birds.