Caiques

Personality: They tend to congregate in pairs, family groups, or small flocks of 30 birds or less. Very noisy, they vocalize often, whether resting in a canopy or traveling from one part of the forest to another.

Black-headed Caique & White-bellied Caique
Considered by many to be the class clown of the parrot world, Caiques are playful and always on the go. They love exploring new objects, which can include a newly purchased curio box or the hair of a new guest they have not met before. They can also react with unexpected fear or anger to new situations, objects, or even habitual practices such as being put down or back into their cage.

Caiques are extremely intelligent, posing a challenge for their owners to keep them entertained and stimulated mentally. They do best when handled frequently by many different people and taken on a variety of regular "outings." Caiques may display territorial behavior, even toward people. Do not be intimidated. Removing the Caique prior to cleaning the cage will result in fewer confrontations.

Bird Facts

Country of Origin: Amazon Basin in South America

Average Lifespan: 20 years

Size: 9-11 inches tall

Diet: High quality pelleted diet supplemented with equal amounts of vegetables with some fruits. Include legumes, greens, berries, greens, and occasional nuts and seeds. Also enjoy an occasional cricket. In the wild, fruits, berries, seeds, and flowers.

Notes

Sleep: 12-14 hours daily

Care: Regular wing and nail clipping are required to maintain these birds

Cages: Daily cage cleaning is a must

Foods to Avoid: Chocolate, Caffeine, Alcohol, Avocado and Apple Seeds