Caique Parrots

Let’s talk caiques. You’ve seen them hopping and stomping around on social media, but what is the real scoop on keeping them as pets? We are here to tell you what we have learned about them from a rescue standpoint, as well as sharing what the experience of owning one has been like for some of our volunteers. Although they may smell as sweet as funnel cake and act as goofy as clowns, things are not always “carnival fun” with this particular species!

What we love about them:

Caiques are the Energizer bunnies of the parrot world. Adorable and bright-eyed, these puffy little birds will provide you with endless entertainment. Filling up their cages with toys and watching them play like a kid at Chuckee Cheese is a favorite past-time of caique owners. Caiques are busy and do not have time to worry about how much money their toys cost, so be prepared to provide them with a monthly allowance for such things. In addition to play-time, these birds also LOVE water and have a unique behavior called “surfing,” a natural instinct where they rub their bodies on surfaces. This behavior is thought to be related to bathing in the wild, mimicking the rubbing of their body against wet leaves. As vessels for a caique’s many whims, owners must be ready to provide surfing surfaces to a caique at all times, whether that be human skin, a TV remote, couch pillows, or soda cans. Simply put, if you are a “fun-hater”, don’t bother getting a caique.

What we find challenging:

While playful and fun-loving, a caique’s boundless energy can easily turn from “good” to “bad” in a split second, making these cute little fluffballs hard to predict. Bites are not an “if” but a “when”, and this is something to seriously consider before bringing one home. These birds don’t do anything halfway, including biting, and are best kept away from younger children who may not be old enough to respect boundaries just yet. Caiques are notorious for being tough to get along with, so if you have a flock, you would not be able to allow them to interact without close supervision. There is a LOT packed into their tiny bodies, so if you have a quiet home and enjoy your sanctity, adding a caique might not be the best idea.

Shana O.

I added a Caique to my already 2 bird flock. He is completely different than my two birds or any bird I have fostered. He’s rumbustious, rowdy, and fearless. I don’t trust him out of my sight once he’s out of his cage. He’s an expert flyer, hopper, and mischief maker!! He also brings me hours of joy. He makes the best noises and chirps when he’s happy and always gives me praising whistles when I’ve made yummy chop or provided a treat he approves of. He loves to play or be on my shoulder to make any mundane chore a circus of fun! Whether it’s entertaining me by hanging upside down from hangers while I’m doing laundry or showing off his big wings and tossing all my pens out of my cup holder when I’m working, he is always there to entertain. He does have his occasional moods when his eyes turn to a ring of fiery rage letting me know he might give one of his nasty bites if tested. Luckily, those moments are few and far between. I am completely in love with my Caique! Even though he might be a bit stubborn at times and willful, he’s still an affectionate companion and my best buddy! I love spending time with him, and he never ceases to make me laugh or melt my heart with his sweet admiration.

I gave the Caique species a 4 out of 5 due to their unruly nature, loud screams, and possible aggression towards other birds. They are toddlers with wings and need lots of interaction, toys to shred and fun activities. They are high energy and tons of fun! If you are ready for a bird with unwavering curiosity, a love for disruption, outgoing, loveable and constantly clowning around; a Caique is definitely the bird for you!

Karen T.

I work from home in a creative capacity and my house is chaotic and completely unstructured. I am generally moving in a million directions at once and my Caiques fit right in! These high energy little stinkers are naughty as can be (some favorite activities include chewing my woodwork, climbing on my chandelier and throwing the crystals off, screaming for no reason, pooping on my favorite lampshade and destroying every towel in the house). Stubborn, obstinate and capable of holding a grudge for life, these littles are definitely not for the weak. Their bites are vicious and they can smell fear. Once you allow them to bully you, game over, you are officially their prey. If you are willing to earn their trust, give them an obscene amount of attention and shower them with enrichment, you’ll have a bestie for life. You may get a quick cuddle now and again, but you’ll definitely get a smile and a giggle often.

Gina M.
Culprit-Cosmo, the White Bellied Caique

This bundle of adorable feathers came shiny and new, in a package at about 4 months old, and was as sweet as promised. As he hit his terrible 3’s, he underwent a complete flip-of-the-switch personality change. He decided (completely unprovoked) that he hated me, his main caretaker and buyer-of-toys. I was no longer able to clean his cage with him nearby, as he would launch air attacks, often going straight for the jugular. He would step up when asked, then attack my fingers. I will say a caique is not a “bit and release” bird. More of a “latch on, keep grinding the meat off the bone” kind of biter. He will step up on a perch and is super easy to handle this way, so his mama had decided to keep her remaining fingers by using this method for transport. Cosmo is a super active, playful, entertaining, relatively quiet (compared to other parrots) bird. You just have to know that their personality can change on a dime, and once they decide you are the enemy, that’s that. You have to be willing to love them anyway. Cosmo is now 14, and has taken a dislike to me now for 11 of those years.

Haleigh W.

Caiques are an amazing companion for those willing to dedicate their time to pampering them with the love they know they deserve. A caique will let you know exactly what they think of you and you will have the scars to prove it. If you are their person, however, cuddles and silly antics will make you laugh and feel as if you’ve met your best friend.

Ajia S.
Bonding with a caique can be the single most rewarding experience of your life, but also the most terrifying at the same time. Imagine an adorable creature blinking up at you with wide, innocent eyes…that quickly turn devil-red the instant they launch themselves at you. This is what life is like with a caique. You must be ready to handle their rapid mood swings and learn proper de-escalation tactics when they are extra spicy. Navigating through a bad mood with a caique can be challenging but after all of the blood and tears, they will reward you with undying love. When these birds give you their heart, they give it to you by wholes…you will never want for love or attention with a caique bouncing around.

Jeff P.

Do not invite these demons into your home. Like Pennywise the clown from IT, My wife’s devil child, Javier, is attention seeking, has a very painful bite and will not stop under any circumstances until you are dead or he’s pulled off you. Luckily, he does not transform into a giant spider.