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Caiques

Although not always known by name, many people can generally guess a caique by its playful, clown-like demeanor. These small parrots are indigenous to the forests of South America, and there are two species popular in aviculture: the White-bellied Caique and the Black-headed Caique. The two species are very similar in temperament, size, and care, and coloration.

While both types have green backs, white chests, and yellow-orange legs, there are a few obvious differences: White-bellied Caiques have beige beaks and an apricot/orange-colored head. The Black-headed Caiques have black beaks and a black head.

These parrots are high energy, and will often be seen playing on their back or wrestling with foot toys. They are also well-known for hopping and jumping to get from place to place instead of flying or walking! Caiques are favored for their personalities more-so than for their talking ability; while they may learn some words, they tend to have a better capacity for learning sounds and whistles.

Because of their excitable nature, Caiques can bite or pinch harder than intended when they are over-stimulated. Over-stimulation can be from lots of playtime or rough-housing, a busy or loud environment, and new toys or people.

On average, the lifespan of Caiques is approximately 35 years. Because they are active, a larger cage outfitted with many types of toys is best. They are not typically apartment-friendly due to their high-pitched squeals and whistling. Males and females look very similar so a DNA test should be done to guarantee gender. Like many other parrots, a pelleted diet is recommended along with fresh fruits and vegetables, which many Caiques seem to readily enjoy.

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Bitty Bird “Chop”

“Chop” for parrots and other pet birds is a highly customizable recipe that includes a variety of grains, greens, and healthy foods meant to fulfill a wide range of nutritional needs. Because it is pulsed in a food processor, the tiny size of pieces makes it perfect for small vegetable-loving birds like finches, parakeets, and cockatiels. Add in some items that your bird likes, but also include new foods too!

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup cooked lentils
  • 1/4 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1/2 red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded squash
  • 2 cups dark leafy greens
  • 1/2 cup broccoli
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds

Directions

1. Prep all ingredients by cooking brown rice and lentils as instructed on the packages. Thoroughly wash all greens and vegetables.
2. Cut broccoli florets off the head, shred the squash, rough dice the bell pepper, and rough chop the leafy greens.
3. Add all ingredients together in a small food processor and pulse until desired “chop” size. (Careful not to overblend or it will turn into a paste!)
4. If needed, scoop into a strainer to remove excess liquids before feeding out.
5. Extra can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, or frozen into individual portions to be thawed out later.

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English VS Regular

A term sometimes used with zebra finches and budgies is “English”. This comes from when they were originally taken from Australia and brought back to England and selectively bred. Unless they have escaped from a home or aviary, you will not find an “English”-sized individual in the wild.

In general, English zebra finches have a rounder, fuller build and may have a calmer disposition. Standard zebra finches may weigh between 10 – 14 grams, while show-quality English zebras can weight up to 25 grams and more!

English budgies for show were selectively bred for larger body size, larger facial feathers, and bold black markings. They are much fuller bodied than the standard budgies. Their exaggerated brow feathers often give them a funny, grumpy appearance.

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Budgerigars

Budgerigars are one of the most popular pets, behind cats and dogs. Also known as budgies, or parakeets, these small parrots are small, fairly quiet, and can have lots of personality. Sometimes they are kept together in large groups in aviaries, but they can make for a very good inside companion! With lots of 1-on-1 time, budgies can be outgoing, social, and males can even learn a large vocabulary.

Budgies are plentiful in Australia, their native country, where they are primarily green and yellow. With so many bred in captivity, they now are available in many color varieties such as violets, blues, greys, yellow, olive, and more.

Budgies can live, on average, from 6 to 12 years or longer with good diet and exercise. It is recommended to keep them on a diet primarily of pellets and fresh foods as they can be prone to fatty tumors if they are over-eaters. Around 10 months, as budgies mature, it can be possible to tell males from females by the color of their cere (the fleshy skin around the nostrils). Males will have a blue cere, and females will have ceres that are tan, brown, or white-ish.

Even if they are not hand-fed, budgies can be easily tamed with time and patience. Although it helps if the bird is young, even older parakeets can be worked with. Because of their temperament, they are great beginner birds.