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White Bellied and Black Headed Caiques
Most often heard to be the "clowns of the bird world", these lively little characters are seen in two species. The White-bellied Caique and the Black-headed Caique. Pronounced "ki-eek", it is the name of a bird who seldom slows down! Ever active, curious, and playful, they require a large cage to house their energy in addition to lots and lots of toys. Everything in a Caique's life is a possible toy! 24" x 24" is adequate cage size.
 Usually not considered to be an extremely vocal bird, they may be well suited to apartment or condo living. Probably not one of the best talkers, in general, about fifteen words is a good job for a Caique in the speech department.
When feeding a Caique, start with pellets, and a variety of good foods. Because of their high energy levels, they can be given more fruit than the average parrot. Pellets, fresh veggies, fruit, grains, and a little seed and nuts would be a good place to start with these playful birds. They will enjoy investigating a new morsel in their dishes on any given day.
As to the two different species, the Black-headed is usually a bit more common than the White-bellied. In general, size is about the same, possibly the Black-headed being slightly larger than the White-bellied Caique. About 9 inches in length being an average for both species. They are similar in temperament and personality, and can be somewhat difficult to control, if allowed to get their way with things.
When considering one of these little gems in your household, be sure you have enough time for both interaction and keeping an eye on what they are up to! Consider a cage large enough to offer lots of room to play, and the space in your house for such a cage. Caiques can be apartment or condo dwellers when provided with enough stimulation to keep them entertained and busy so that they are not bored. Time spent with these parrots will reward an owner over and over again with a pet who is loving, entertaining, and a joy to be around.
$599 UNWEANED, ON THREE HAND FEEDINGS DAILY.
$799 WEANED ON TO A PELLETED DIET.
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