Cockatiels
Cockatiels belong to the parrot family and come with a variety of color patterns and a crest. They are attractive as well as friendly and easy to tame. They are capable of mimicking speech, although they may be difficult to understand. However, they are quite good at whistling and can often be taught to whistle tunes.
- Cockatiels live for 15 to 20 years with proper care.
- Cockatiels are gentle, docile and friendly. They like to be petted and held.
- Male cockatiels are usually better at mimicking and whistling.
- A single cockatiel needs to have considerable human interaction every day.
- A pair of cockatiels can also be kept together.
- Even though quieter than some parrots, cockatiels can be noisy.
- Spacious flight cages with 1/2-inch to 5/8-inch bar spacing are recommended.
- Horizontal cage bars offer the best opportunity for climbing and exercise.
- Provide a variety of perch sizes as this is healthier for a cockatiel's feet.
- Seeds, sprouts, pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables are good for cockatiels. Hard boiled eggs and legumes can be offered periodically. Avoid avocados.
- A cuttle bone can be provided as a source of calcium.
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Caique
The caique is a species of small, brightly colored birds, and are also known as the "seven color parrot" because of their multi-colored feathers. There are only two species of caique; the white-bellied caique and the black-headed caique, which is the most commonly found variety. Caiques are not only some of the most colorful birds in the parrot family, but are also extremely intelligent. Though not great talkers, they love to learn tricks and show off.
- Caiques bond well with human beings and make good pets.
- They are very high energy and active birds, constantly playing, climbing, and chewing.
- Roomy medium sized bird cages with a 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch bar spacing are recommended.
- Horizontal cage bars offer the best opportunity for climbing and exercise.
- It's important to have a chew-resistant, metal wire bird cage for caiques.
- Provide a variety of perch sizes as this is healthier for a caique's feet.
- Seeds, sprouts, pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables are good for caiques. Hard boiled eggs and legumes can be offered periodically. Avoid avocados.
- They like to roll on their backs and play with toys. Make sure the bird toys are the safe and are the right size.
- Caiques are very affectionate and cuddly and like to interact with humans.
- Even though they are fairly quiet compared to other parrots, their loud calls may be distracting to some people.
- Caiques are poor imitators of speech.
- Caiques have a musky smell that some people might find unpleasant.
Conures
Conures are long-tailed, small- to mid-sized parrots and come from South and Central America and Mexico. Conures are closely related to macaws, and many conures look very much like tiny macaws. Green-cheek, maroon-bellied, black-capped, and painted conures are some of the common species of conures.
- Conures bond well with human beings and make good pets.
- They are very affectionate and cuddly and like to interact with humans.
- Roomy decorative bird cages with 1/2-inch to 5/8-inch bar spacing are recommended.
- Horizontal cage bars offer the best opportunity for climbing and exercise.
- Provide a variety of perch sizes as this is healthier for a conure's feet.
- Many conures can mimic human speech but their voice may not be as clear as parrots.
- Even though they are fairly quiet compared to other parrots, their loud calls may be distracting to some people.
- Seeds, sprouts, pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables are good for conures. Hard boiled eggs and legumes can be offered periodically. Avoid avocados.
- A cuttle bone can be provided as a source of calcium.
