They are not great for first-time bird owners, but they will
always keep you entertained. They enjoy playing on their backs, hopping around
the house, and just being comical. They are mischevious, stubborn, and need
clear boundaries or they may become nippy.
They aren't good talkers, but they like to learn tricks and most
will be friendly with everyone in the family. They can be noisy, so they are
best kept in a house. Because of their strong personalities, it's best to make
sure you get a hand-fed and properly socialized baby.
If you live in a house and are prepared to care for a medium
parrot with a strong personality (and put up with some bites here or there),
then you just might be the right owner for one of these energetic bundles of
fun.
Fast Facts
|
|
Name
|
Caique (Pionites)
|
Origin
|
Amazon Basin
|
Size
|
9", 170-200 grams
|
Color Differences
|
There are two species of these birds and the most
notable difference is that the top of the Black-Headed's head is black while
the White-Bellied's is yellow.
|
Owner
|
Need a more experienced bird owner because they
can become nippy if not taught correct boundaries.
|
Average Cost
|
$400-800
|
Lifespan
|
Up to 25 years
|
Noise
|
Moderate--They can be noisy at times, so they are
more suited living in a house.
|
Qualities
|
High energy, big appetite, vocal, love to chew,
like to roll around with toys, tendency to skip and hop around, like to learn
tricks, good at mimicking sounds, can be noisy, get into mischief, can become
nippy, active, comical, playful, can be very stubborn, fearless, intelligent,
most will be friendly with everyone in the family, some may become one-person
birds, like to bathe.
|
Abilities
|
Good--Some can learn to talk a limited amount
(with small voices!), but all are good at learning tricks.
|
Interaction/Time Requirements
|
They should be handled daily in order to keep
them socialized and from becoming nippy.
|
Diet
|
They need a diet for medium birds.
|
Supplies Needed
|
They need supplies for medium birds.
|
