-->

• Caiques are a species of parrot native to South America that have become popular as pets in the United States. Caiques are medium birds that weight approximately five to six ounces. They are known for being funny, playful and daring. There are two species: the slightly larger white bellied caiques and the black headed caiques.Caique Crazy: Caique Information Birds of a Feather: Caique

• Fast Facts

  1. Two species: White-bellied and black-headedBirds of a Feather: Caique
  2. Black-headed caiques are slightly smaller than white bellied caiquesBirds of a Feather: Caique
  3. Acrobatic and daringBirds of a Feather: Caique
  4. Require behavioral guidance from a young ageBirds of a Feather: Caique
  5. Known to hair-surf by holding on and rubbing it's breast on a person's hairBirds of a Feather: Caique

• Clipping Wings

  As with most birds, caiques may startle and try to fly. They may injure themselves by flying into windows, mirrors, water or hot surfaces. Clipping the wings can prevent sustained flight. The first clipping should not be done before the caique knows how to fly, as flying gives chest strength, balance and confidence. Learning to land is also essential as it prevents injuries when falling. Once a bird is able to fly several feet it's time to clip its wings. With adult birds, clipping should be done once or twice a year after molting is complete.Caique Crazy: Caique Information

  Clipping feathers carries some risk. If a blood-feather is cut, the bird may profusely. If considering clipping a caique at home, get advice and instructions from a veterinarian before proceeding. Usually clipping five to seven flight feathers is enough to keep a caique from flying. Always clip symmetrically.Caique Crazy: Caique Information

• Nail Clipping

  Clip birds' nails as needed to prevent injury to its handlers. There are some manicure perches available which will wear down nails. Occasionally it will still be necessary to trim even if a manicure perch is used. Get some bird nail clippers and have some styptic powder handy in case of bleeding. Get someone to help hold the bird. Clip about two millimeters off of the end, being careful not to clip past the quick, the flesh underneath the nail. Use a nail file if the nail is still sharp. Apply styptic powder if any bleeds happen. Work quickly and carefully to prevent the bird from getting too stressed.Caique Crazy: Caique Information

• Related Mahalo Pages

  How to Care for a Parakeet | Great Tits | Boobies | Parrots | Parakeets | Budgerigar | Cockatiels | Cockatoos | Poicephalus Parrot

Categories

• View History
• Discuss on the Message Board
• Embed this Page
• Share this page