|
WHITE BELLIED CAIQUE
A couple of years ago I invested in a pair of caiques. I was fascinated by the incredible coloration and lively antics of the birds. As it turned out, I had little idea of the scope of those personalities. The little dynamos are a two-bird entertainment team that never fails to make me smile.
Caiques (pronounced kye-eeks) are small birds, averaging 9-11 inches in length. Indigenous to South America, there are two species, the white bellied caique and the black-headed caique, the latter of which is most commonly sold in the U.S. These little birds are unique for their beautiful coloration (black or white cap, apricot/yellow throat, white belly, vibrant green back and wings, apricot/yellow thighs, black beak and feet) and exuberance. They are always busy, hopping, swinging, climbing, playing with their toys. They are comical rascals who require extra cage space to accommodate their antics. These birds are happiest with lots of toys.
Caiques are good eaters. Because of the energy they expend, they require a solid diet of fresh fruits and vegetables (especially those high in vitamin A), sprouts and pellets. Additionally, every few days they can be given lory food mixed with fruit juice. My caiques will eat just about anything. When a special treat is offered to them, they express their joy with a throaty "reeeeeeee." This is a variation of the ear-splitting "REEEEEE-HA!!" that means "glad to see you; now let us out of this cage!"
Caiques are among the most loveable of birds, but need to have firm behavioral boundaries set. They can sometimes be nippy, often just because of their excessive energy. They need to be taught that this behavior is unacceptable by substituting a toy for a body part, or putting them back into their cage, or by simply diverting their attention. These little birds require a loving "alpha leader," as they can be aggressive, even the tamest ones. Of my two caiques, (Peanut and Pistachio) Peanut is the more aggressive and needs guidance on a regular basis. If there is trouble to be found he will find it without fail.
Even so, caiques make wonderful pets, being affectionate and wanting to spend time with their caretakers. When birds are paired in a cage, they can become more interested in each other than in their human friends, but caiques are an exception. Pet quality is not lost by pairing them.
Caiques are not known for their ability to talk, but are able to acquire a modest vocabulary. When neither of my caiques seemed inclined to speak, I assumed that was the way it was until one day I distinctly heard one of them mumble "UP!" It makes me wonder what is said when I'm not there. Although these delightful birds are not common fare in pet stores, it's more than worth the effort to find a reliable breeder who will have hand fed them as babies and started the socialization process with them. With TLC, caiques will brighten every day with their comical, busy behavior and their obvious enjoyment of being with you.
|
