Are Caiques Good for Beginners?
Whether Caiques are good or bad for beginners is a complex question. Most people would say that Caiques are not for beginners, and I agree.
They can be attractive pets, but their behavior and requirements are outside the arena of a beginner. However, it’s a good idea to asses this decision yourself.
This little article explains why these birds can be a rocky start for newbies. These beautiful, energetic birds keep owners on their toes.
Their energy level is unmatched. This attitude comes with its own load of responsibility. Newbies WILL find it hard to manage at times. What challenges does the avian creature bring? Let’s discuss.
Reasons Caiques CAN BE Good Pets
When I went for a Caiques, the mere physical appearance, the colorful plumage, and the enthusiastic personality of the bird took me by surprise. But as time passed, I found more reasons why this bird is a good pet for people.
I strongly discourage choosing Caiques as a pet for beginners for several reasons, all of which you’ll find in the next section.
However, they are a great choice for experienced owners. I have my reasons for recommending these birds. Let’s discuss them, shall we?
They Are Energetic in Nature
You want your first pet to be lively and active. When I got my pet, I was not thinking much about the responsibilities I’d have to take. Still, my primary concern was the amount of entertainment it would provide me.
And this is a concern for most people who want to get a bird. Caiques can be the best option for those who are full of energy.
Let me give you guys an example. My first Caique could turn any object into toys. It played with a paperclip for hours and was really fun to watch. It also engaged in acrobatics, and this always brings a smile to my face.
But, if you don’t want to care for such an active bird as a beginner, don’t go for a Caique.
They Look Too Good
I’ll stress this point again. The first thing about Caiques that caught my attention is their visually captivating bright plumage, striking appearance, and colorful aesthetic appeal. Having such eye candy as a bird is really important.
Why? Because this way, you don’t ever feel tired of taking care of it.
I never felt bothered to spend time with my Caique and play with it simply because its mere appearance amazed me. Caiques are a good option as a first pet as they can keep your enthusiasm for having a pet intact.
They Are Social
I personally cannot imagine having an introverted bird as my companion. If your pet doesn’t interact with you, you will never understand what a pet bird really has to offer. This is why I think it’s a plus if your first pet bird is social and affectionate.
My Caique was super friendly, bringing me closer to the bird. This way, I developed a profound sense of responsibility toward the feathered cutie.
In the process, I learned all the basics of caring for birds without feeling burdened. This experience CAN BE HELPFUL as a beginner.
That’s why I’d say that Caiques are the ideal first birds for some.
They Live Long
No matter how many birds I own or how many I may own in the future, the bond I form with my first pet will always be special. This is undoubtedly the case for everyone else as well.
If you consider getting your first bird, you want it to be around for long. Losing the first bird after having it only for a while can lead to trauma.
Caiques are amazing in this regard as well. Their expected life expectancy is 30 years on average. Mine is now 15 years old. They can live between 20 to 40 years with proper care unless they have an accident or a fatal disease.
This way, having a Caique can keep you engaged with a pet long enough. This long duration will also help you bond profoundly with the bird. Such commitment is something you should definitely look for in your first pet.
I know all these appear like candies and roses. But trust me, that’s not the case. These features of your dream birds come with some prices that might also be too heavy for first timers.
So,enough with the good words. Now let me navigate you through some issues that may (or may not) change your mind.
Caiques Are Not Good First Pet IF…
Some issues make Caiques not the ‘best’ option as a first pet. I don’t have any problem with these issues, but some people may. It actually all depends on personality and preference.
Here are some points about Caiques that make them not-so-good as a first pet.
They Can Be Loud
When I say Caiques are VERY loud, I am not exaggerating. I don’t have any problem with it as my neighbors live far away from me, and no one in my family complains about the noise. They can easily compete with Sun Conure in loudness competetion.
But yes, they can be pretty loud for some people.
I have noticed that they are especially loud when they are excited or want your attention. It may only sometimes be convenient for some to give them the attention they need.
In addition, I also don’t recommend it for beginners who live in apartments because their noise will definitely bother the neighbor, and things will get frustrating for you pretty soon.
They Are Messy
Caiques have a penchant for messiness when it comes to eating. My Caiques would scatter food and debris all around their cages. However, with time, I got my Caiques to behave appropriately and discouraged them from performing such actions. I’m not going to lie. It did take time.
As a beginner, it can be difficult for some to simultaneously deal with this mess and teach the bird to behave properly. If you think you cannot handle this, you do not want this hyperactive bird as your first pet. It will ruin your appetite for having a pet entirely.
They Can Get Aggressive
My Caiques is an angel of a bird. But it sometimes becomes a volcano and bursts into flame. Caiques are generally friendly birds, but they behaved quite roughly when my Caiques went through its hormonal phase.
It even tried to bite me, even though it had known me for a long time. I have noticed the repetition of the same aggressive behavior when they feel threatened.
No matter what you do, you have to endure these tantrums. If you can handle and address these behaviors through proper socialization and training, then go for it. Otherwise, look for a different option.
They Require SOME TRAINING
While deciding on getting my bird, trainability was at the top of my list. I wanted to engage in diverse activities with my bird and teach it different tricks.
Fortunately, Caiques perfectly fit this criterion. In fact, my Caique turned out to be more intelligent than I thought. It quickly learned tricks and commands.
Experienced owners use training and teaching new skills to form a strong bond with their birds. Without some experience, training a Caiques can be a chore. This is a companion MADE for experienced campaigners, no matter how you look at it.
They Don’t Eat Everything
Having a pet bird for the first time brings a ton of confusion. One major area for clarification is always regarding dietary habits. This particular concern is really complex when it comes to Caiques because they have special dietary needs.
You can’t expect them to eat everything. Moreover, different Caiques have different dietary requirements. Mine eats high-quality pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Most Caiques have the same dietary needs, but this is only sometimes the case.
You have to go through many experiments to identify your bird’s dietary requirements. In addition, it’s also important to make sure you can afford the food as well.
It’s understandable if you are unwilling to go through this much hassle as a beginner. If this is the case, getting a Caique will result in suffering for both you and the bird.
Again, They Live Long
Yes, their 20/30 years of lifespan is a blessing to me. I would never want to lose my first pet. But such a long lifespan actually means a substantial, long-term commitment.
As a beginner, especially if you need clarification and clarity, you may not be ready to get into such a serious commitment.
Even if you think you are, I strongly urge you to consider potential life changes and be prepared to care for a pet that may (and most definitely will with proper care) live for several decades.
I don’t mean to scare you, but it means 20 years of undisrupted food supply, medical care, and meeting other needs. I don’t mind the responsibility because I am mesmerized by the allure of my Caiques.
So, Should You Get It?
If you have read the entire article, you now know better than me whether Caiques are for you or not. If you feel that you are ready for a long-term commitment with a pet and can afford to cater to all the needs of a Caique, then go for it.
You will not only enjoy its beautiful look but also the bond of affection and intimacy as well. In addition, its tricks and games will always keep you from getting bored.
However, if you think the responsibilities are too much for you as you don’t have any experience with birds, then it’s understandable too. In this case, it is recommended to opt for an alternate option that may fit all the requirements you have in mind.
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