I am trying to decide between a Quaker and a Caique. What are the pros and cons of each.
Personality, Noise Level ,Agressiveness, Attention Requirements. Does one need alot more attention and handling to remain tame.
Thanks for your input any advice is appeciated
Full Version: Quaker Vs Caique
i don't have any advice, but man good luck with your decision!
i have a quaker now, my little green soulmate i call him. i wouldn't trade him for anything in the world. BUT if/when the times comes that we add a 3rd bird to our flock, it will be a caique. i think i read a description here once of "a squirrel on meth" as how active caiques are. the one i have seen in person was VERY actively using her human as a playgym, going shoulder to shoulder, in and out of her hair, all the while squeaking this very high pitched squeak
not all will be that way, just as not all quakers will be meanies (that THEIR reputation).
again, good luck
kris
i have a quaker now, my little green soulmate i call him. i wouldn't trade him for anything in the world. BUT if/when the times comes that we add a 3rd bird to our flock, it will be a caique. i think i read a description here once of "a squirrel on meth" as how active caiques are. the one i have seen in person was VERY actively using her human as a playgym, going shoulder to shoulder, in and out of her hair, all the while squeaking this very high pitched squeak
not all will be that way, just as not all quakers will be meanies (that THEIR reputation).
again, good luck
kris
I have two quakers and two caiques! And I love them all.... as to your question, overall I think it comes down the owner being prepared for the bird, as they are both great pets.
Personality:
Immediately, caiques come out ahead. Especially as babies, they are so goofy and playful and loving that they are almost irresistible! However, as they mature, they get a little more difficult to read and as an owner you really have to make the commitment to work through their teenage years. I mean, I'm head over heels for my caiques, but I hear so many stories of people being freaked out by their strong beaks and stubbornness when they hit their teenage years. Females can be particularly difficult if you don't learn to read their body language. Overall, caiques are more playful (think energizer bunny) and totally goofy.
Quakers may appear to lose this one at first. They are just have SO much attitude. They are bossy and they don't mind sharing their opinions about everything. Of course, I personally find that too cute for words... They go through a teenage period as well, but really, compared to caiques, I think it is much tamer. The real issue with my quaker and the "terrible twos" has been increased screaming, but I mean, she's a bird. I deal with it, try and teach her other ways to voice her frustrations, and look forward to the recession of her raging hormones. Overall, quakers are fiercely devoted to their humans (once you win them over of course) but will always retain that famous "quaker-tude."
Noise Level
Overall, I don't believe people consider caiques particularly loud. In my experience, though, people are crazy! Monet is SO loud and obnoxious, especially as she is hitting three years old. She just screams ALL the time when she wants attention in this UNBEARABLE screech. However, I think Monet is an anomaly. Overall, compared to quakers, they are much louder in volume, but I think they call much less often.
Quakers are usually loud. Of course, everyone kind of envisions "loud" a bit differently. After living with 12 birds, I can tune the quakers out quite easily. But I don't know that the average person would agree. Bottom line is YES, they are loud, as are caiques. If you truly worry about that, you should 1) make a point of a meeting a quaker/caique in person and hearing their calling and 2) make sure you educate yourself on the ways to cut down on screaming. All healthy happy birds are occasionally loud. But it is impossible to cut down the behavior by rewarding good behavior, distracting them, and teaching them other sounds to replace the screaming.
Agressiveness
Baby caiques don't have an aggressive bone in their body. They love everyone and the only bites you'll probably get are if they get overstimulated (*one thing about caiques is you MUST learn their body language. once they are overstimulated--eyes pinning, feathers tight--you WILL get bit, and it will your fault for not noticing they needed a little time to compose themselves). However, caiques are definately "beaky" birds. They have relatively large and strong beaks for their size, and if you aren't consistent about teaching them how much pressure is too much pressure, when they get all adult and hormonal, you will have issues. The key is to be prepared for this ahead of time and work with them. They WILL learn what is not unacceptable. You WILL learn when they are getting over stimulated. However, these things will only happen if you educate yourself and be consistent.
Quakers have a Napoleon complex. They are so bossy it is unreal! And if you don't teach them better, they won't hesitate to use that little beak to express their displeasure. Overall, I think they much easier to read than caiques (in part probably because they are more popular and people are more educated about them) and really, after a little bonding time, your quaker will bond with you and be so adorable about it (just like they express displeasure with no qualms, so too do they express love). I think quakers are much more likely to try and protect you from "outsiders" (people they don't like--which depending on how YOU socialize them may be nobody, strangers, or every other person in the world) and be very aggressive about it--including sometimes biting YOU when a "threat" is nearby to encourage you to run away. Caiques are much more likely to like everyone, especially when they are pre-adolescent. That said, a quaker bite is MUCH less painful than a caique bite.
The bottom line with aggression, in both species, is that YOU will determine what behavior your bird exhibits. They are tendencies in all species, but if you start with young, properly weaned (find a good breeder!) bird, you can make any bird a loving pet. If you are thinking of working with rescues, then you'll probably want to read up on the general bad habits of the breed, because that's usually why they are in rescues, and it will take longer to get the "ideal bird." I think it is worth it, but it's probably better suited to extremely well educated people (about the breed) or experienced owners.
Attention Requirements. Does one need alot more attention and handling to remain tame.
They both need at least an hour of one-on-one time a day and to feel included in the daily workings of the home. You get what you put in. I think that, as a general rule, caiques need larger cages and more toys. They may be sized similarly to quakers, but they are MUCH bulkier and stronger and more active. They really need as a large a cage as possible and lots of toys to keep them active. Quakers are much more slightly built, and while I would still recommend a large cage, they just need less space than caiques.
I think both birds are really winning and lovely. Even though quakers are NOT beginner birds, I do think they probably to easier to keep, overall, than caiques. But the difference is really negligible, because once you get either one of these birds, you'll fall head over heels in love and find all of the work worth it (I suspect). I would expect a caique to take to you IMMEDIATELY and a quaker to take a week to a month to decide they don't "hate you forever" for taking them away from home... but once the initial time is past, they are both great pets.
Quakers are MUCH more affordable than caiques, both in cage and toy requirements, and in base price. Both will need an avian vet sometime in their life. Both require a time commitment on your end both to learn about their behaviors and to teach them how to behave in a human flock.
I would say meet the chicks, and see who you fall in love with. It's strange, but I can't count the number of times someone has met a bird and just known it was the bird for them.
Good luck!
Personality:
Immediately, caiques come out ahead. Especially as babies, they are so goofy and playful and loving that they are almost irresistible! However, as they mature, they get a little more difficult to read and as an owner you really have to make the commitment to work through their teenage years. I mean, I'm head over heels for my caiques, but I hear so many stories of people being freaked out by their strong beaks and stubbornness when they hit their teenage years. Females can be particularly difficult if you don't learn to read their body language. Overall, caiques are more playful (think energizer bunny) and totally goofy.
Quakers may appear to lose this one at first. They are just have SO much attitude. They are bossy and they don't mind sharing their opinions about everything. Of course, I personally find that too cute for words... They go through a teenage period as well, but really, compared to caiques, I think it is much tamer. The real issue with my quaker and the "terrible twos" has been increased screaming, but I mean, she's a bird. I deal with it, try and teach her other ways to voice her frustrations, and look forward to the recession of her raging hormones. Overall, quakers are fiercely devoted to their humans (once you win them over of course) but will always retain that famous "quaker-tude."
Noise Level
Overall, I don't believe people consider caiques particularly loud. In my experience, though, people are crazy! Monet is SO loud and obnoxious, especially as she is hitting three years old. She just screams ALL the time when she wants attention in this UNBEARABLE screech. However, I think Monet is an anomaly. Overall, compared to quakers, they are much louder in volume, but I think they call much less often.
Quakers are usually loud. Of course, everyone kind of envisions "loud" a bit differently. After living with 12 birds, I can tune the quakers out quite easily. But I don't know that the average person would agree. Bottom line is YES, they are loud, as are caiques. If you truly worry about that, you should 1) make a point of a meeting a quaker/caique in person and hearing their calling and 2) make sure you educate yourself on the ways to cut down on screaming. All healthy happy birds are occasionally loud. But it is impossible to cut down the behavior by rewarding good behavior, distracting them, and teaching them other sounds to replace the screaming.
Agressiveness
Baby caiques don't have an aggressive bone in their body. They love everyone and the only bites you'll probably get are if they get overstimulated (*one thing about caiques is you MUST learn their body language. once they are overstimulated--eyes pinning, feathers tight--you WILL get bit, and it will your fault for not noticing they needed a little time to compose themselves). However, caiques are definately "beaky" birds. They have relatively large and strong beaks for their size, and if you aren't consistent about teaching them how much pressure is too much pressure, when they get all adult and hormonal, you will have issues. The key is to be prepared for this ahead of time and work with them. They WILL learn what is not unacceptable. You WILL learn when they are getting over stimulated. However, these things will only happen if you educate yourself and be consistent.
Quakers have a Napoleon complex. They are so bossy it is unreal! And if you don't teach them better, they won't hesitate to use that little beak to express their displeasure. Overall, I think they much easier to read than caiques (in part probably because they are more popular and people are more educated about them) and really, after a little bonding time, your quaker will bond with you and be so adorable about it (just like they express displeasure with no qualms, so too do they express love). I think quakers are much more likely to try and protect you from "outsiders" (people they don't like--which depending on how YOU socialize them may be nobody, strangers, or every other person in the world) and be very aggressive about it--including sometimes biting YOU when a "threat" is nearby to encourage you to run away. Caiques are much more likely to like everyone, especially when they are pre-adolescent. That said, a quaker bite is MUCH less painful than a caique bite.
The bottom line with aggression, in both species, is that YOU will determine what behavior your bird exhibits. They are tendencies in all species, but if you start with young, properly weaned (find a good breeder!) bird, you can make any bird a loving pet. If you are thinking of working with rescues, then you'll probably want to read up on the general bad habits of the breed, because that's usually why they are in rescues, and it will take longer to get the "ideal bird." I think it is worth it, but it's probably better suited to extremely well educated people (about the breed) or experienced owners.
Attention Requirements. Does one need alot more attention and handling to remain tame.
They both need at least an hour of one-on-one time a day and to feel included in the daily workings of the home. You get what you put in. I think that, as a general rule, caiques need larger cages and more toys. They may be sized similarly to quakers, but they are MUCH bulkier and stronger and more active. They really need as a large a cage as possible and lots of toys to keep them active. Quakers are much more slightly built, and while I would still recommend a large cage, they just need less space than caiques.
I think both birds are really winning and lovely. Even though quakers are NOT beginner birds, I do think they probably to easier to keep, overall, than caiques. But the difference is really negligible, because once you get either one of these birds, you'll fall head over heels in love and find all of the work worth it (I suspect). I would expect a caique to take to you IMMEDIATELY and a quaker to take a week to a month to decide they don't "hate you forever" for taking them away from home... but once the initial time is past, they are both great pets.
Quakers are MUCH more affordable than caiques, both in cage and toy requirements, and in base price. Both will need an avian vet sometime in their life. Both require a time commitment on your end both to learn about their behaviors and to teach them how to behave in a human flock.
I would say meet the chicks, and see who you fall in love with. It's strange, but I can't count the number of times someone has met a bird and just known it was the bird for them.
Good luck!
I guess we must get used to our birds noise levels much as we get used to small children. We can tolerate our own making the same noise as others and think the others are louder than our own. I dont have a qp. But i have been around them. And i think at any given time they are much louder and obnoxious than my caiques. I know it can be pitch also and just the individuals ears. But discussing this pinning of eyes and reading them has never really much even occurred to me to watch for in mine. Ive had them since weaned and I guess just never have encountered that body language. And its not that i dont know how to look for and read these signs cause i have other birds that do it and you best pay attention. Ive just never noticed it to play any factor in my caiques. They are usually always sweet. But can be quite rowdy. My BH does like to chew on me more with his beak and we work on that, But my WB is far less beaky. I have been bit when they got scared about something else. But this is rare. And ive been bitten by qps. Ill take the caique bite anytime. So ya just never know. Each bird is diff. My BH is much more active than my WB. The WB is the female and she is much more docile than my male BH.
I haven't read all the posts so I'm sorry if I'm repeating anything!
Alright, having JUST gotten our new caique, I'm not going to comment on their personality traits too much. Everyone I think knows the problems we're having right now! (Yes, things are SLOWLY getting better) You can see more about that in my post in this section.
Anyway, as far as noise goes: both are loud, in different ways. Our quaker has an annoying and incessant squawk whereas our caique has a piercing, but less often heard call. Simply based on my whole two weeks worth of caique experience, I'd say that in general they probably wouldn't be suitable for an apartment, though that will depend on the bird of course. We had our quaker in an apartment for the better part of a year. Though he screamed a lot, we never got any complaints. I think the caique call would just be too piercing for an apartment.
Our caique's beak is surprisingly strong. I'd take a quaker bite any day vs. our caique.
Both birds are VERY smart. I've clicker trained both birds and they both picked up on it right away. The caique, Timber, is moving around, following a training stick already in the second session. Elwood, the qp, was doing a "spin" (spinning around in a circle) within the first 4 days. It's now his default move when I go to pick up a treat.
They also seem to differ in how they handle themselves physically. I'm not sure if this makes sense, but Timber seems to be much more calculated in his movements than Elwood. Elwood actually looks very clumsy in comparison. However, I find that endearing, so I don't mind!
In general, quakers are much better talkers. It's very rare for a caique to speak anything clearly, though they do whistle and imitate sounds. That said, Elwood is over a year old and hasn't said a word. Timber will readily "say" the intonation we use for "step up," and it's pretty clear that he knows what what he's "saying."
Lastly, whenever new people come over, Elwood is very bossy. He tries to boss them around by giving them a hard pinch. Of course, most of these people aren't bird people, so immediately Elwood wins. Timber is just a big show-off and loves it when new people come around. He flips upside down and makes every sound he knows.
That's pretty much the extent of what I know about the two. Again, I've only had two weeks under my belt as far as caiques go, so I'm not sure how much of this is consistent throughout the species as a whole.
Alright, having JUST gotten our new caique, I'm not going to comment on their personality traits too much. Everyone I think knows the problems we're having right now! (Yes, things are SLOWLY getting better) You can see more about that in my post in this section.
Anyway, as far as noise goes: both are loud, in different ways. Our quaker has an annoying and incessant squawk whereas our caique has a piercing, but less often heard call. Simply based on my whole two weeks worth of caique experience, I'd say that in general they probably wouldn't be suitable for an apartment, though that will depend on the bird of course. We had our quaker in an apartment for the better part of a year. Though he screamed a lot, we never got any complaints. I think the caique call would just be too piercing for an apartment.
Our caique's beak is surprisingly strong. I'd take a quaker bite any day vs. our caique.
Both birds are VERY smart. I've clicker trained both birds and they both picked up on it right away. The caique, Timber, is moving around, following a training stick already in the second session. Elwood, the qp, was doing a "spin" (spinning around in a circle) within the first 4 days. It's now his default move when I go to pick up a treat.
They also seem to differ in how they handle themselves physically. I'm not sure if this makes sense, but Timber seems to be much more calculated in his movements than Elwood. Elwood actually looks very clumsy in comparison. However, I find that endearing, so I don't mind!
In general, quakers are much better talkers. It's very rare for a caique to speak anything clearly, though they do whistle and imitate sounds. That said, Elwood is over a year old and hasn't said a word. Timber will readily "say" the intonation we use for "step up," and it's pretty clear that he knows what what he's "saying."
Lastly, whenever new people come over, Elwood is very bossy. He tries to boss them around by giving them a hard pinch. Of course, most of these people aren't bird people, so immediately Elwood wins. Timber is just a big show-off and loves it when new people come around. He flips upside down and makes every sound he knows.
That's pretty much the extent of what I know about the two. Again, I've only had two weeks under my belt as far as caiques go, so I'm not sure how much of this is consistent throughout the species as a whole.
Thanks Everyone for all your help
I went to a few breeders to see both the quaker and the caique. The quakers were only four weeks old so it was hard to tell what their personalities would be like.. There was a male caique 12 wks old almost weaned. He was really sweet so I decided to go with him. It was a hard choice but I think we will be really happy with our new little guy. Now all I have to do is pick a name. Thanks for your help and advice.
I went to a few breeders to see both the quaker and the caique. The quakers were only four weeks old so it was hard to tell what their personalities would be like.. There was a male caique 12 wks old almost weaned. He was really sweet so I decided to go with him. It was a hard choice but I think we will be really happy with our new little guy. Now all I have to do is pick a name. Thanks for your help and advice.
YAY!! Another caique owner. Is he a white bellied caique or a black headed one.?
Congratulations, I think you'll really enjoy the caique a lot. Yes, I'm curious too black head or white belly?
Congrats on your new baby Caique! Looking forward to some pictures!
Looking forward to some pictures!
Congrats! Yes, I agree, pictures please!
Thanks Everyone
He is a white bellied Caique. Not fully weaned yet so we have a week or two untill he comes home. I will post oictures of him when we get him. He is really cute and very sweet. My daughter loves him already. She begs for me to go visit everyday. He is an hour away so I do what I can.
He is a white bellied Caique. Not fully weaned yet so we have a week or two untill he comes home. I will post oictures of him when we get him. He is really cute and very sweet. My daughter loves him already. She begs for me to go visit everyday. He is an hour away so I do what I can.
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