Caiques Noisy????

[captainlevon]

Dear Friends,

Merry Christmas to all!
I am new to this site and want to ask you folks for your personal thoughts & input. I am not new to the parrot world. I have had Yellow Naped Amazons, Conures, bred cockatiels, etc....

I once had a White Bellied Caique for a short time - about 1 year. During this time, I absolutely fell in love with the species. He was very energetic, very affectionate and very smart. However, everytime I left the room, it would sound off loudly until I returned. I tried everything from ignoring it until it settled down, and then went to the cage to praise him for being 'quiet'. Someone said to give it 'time-out' and put him in a safe carrier cage and place him in a dark closet until he quieted down.
Long story short, their high pitch screeches got to house members, and unfortunately, we had to give it away to a loving person who gladly accepted him with open arms.

It's been 3 years since I've had to let go, and my heart wants another White Bellied Caique. I found a very nice breeder locally and want to give it another chance, but I cannot enter a world of "constant screaching" once again.

Are caiques really that loud? That screechy? I understand they have to sound off a couple times a day, especially mornings and around dusk.

Do I try the caique world again? Is the noise issue something I can somewhat have under control?

It just loved me too much, and didn't want me to leave the room. Going to work, going to run a few errands was getting impossible.

Please help. Any and all ideas and suggestions are welcomed. How can I keep a new baby caique on the right track from the begining. I plan on getting one Spring 2009. If I can limit their noise, or at least have it at a minimum level, instead of their maximum level, I'd be extremely happy!

Thanks again!

Leo

[Ebony]

In my opinion, Caiques are very quiet as a whole. They certainly have the capability to scream or screech, but generally choose not to. They have two Caiques over at Parrot Island and I've heard them scream rather loudly, but the owner says they only do it for about 10 mins once a day. Nani never screams like they do, but she has gotten loud a few times. This is how she sounds almost all the time, very melodious IMO: listen (http://caiqueclowns.blogspot.com/).
Here's some more normal vocalizations:
http://caiquecrazy.org/caiquesounds.html
http://caiquesarepeopletoo.homestead.com/CaiqueFunPage.html


I have a theory that the more birds a person has the louder the Caique can get, which is part of the reason I only have one bird. I currently live in an apartment and can't have multiple birds competing for who's loudest. Do you have any other birds now?

Caiques live a long time...up to 45 years, as do most parrots. It's important to be sure you can live with the noise for that long. The more a bird gets passed from one home to another the more chance there is that it will be a screamer (for attention or to get what it wants). It's sort of a gamble though, when you get a new bird because there's a good chance it will be a more vocal individual.

[Sillypup5]

My BHC can scream for what seems like hours. And it isn't just that loud 'whistle' type scream they are known for... She sounds like a raven crossed with a macaw when she really gets going. I have learned to tune it out for the most part, but understanably, it really gets to some people.

[LeRoy's owner]

My BHC (leroy) doesn't scream all that often. When he does it can be loud. I understand that they need to scream once in awhile but when he does it for attention and gets carried away, I cover his cage to let him know that it won't be put up with. He settles down after a few minutes and we uncover him. This works good for us.

This sounds like a silly question, but, was your caique getting too much attention? Was he out of his cage too much. The point I'm trying to make is that if he was with you all the time or out of his cage all the time then maybe he never really learned to play quietly in his cage by himself. I'm just grasping at straws here. Leroy is mostly a quiet bird. I only have one other bird in the house so maybe that is why he is quiet. Good luck and hang in there, more people will come along on this site and offer you some good advice. This is the best site and you have come to the right place.....connie

[Kiwisoo]

I have to agree---I have not found Cori to be that noisy. She has her time out of the cage, but she has definitely learned to play quietly inside her cage. If she wants me or wants some attention, once in awhile she can squawk for a little while, but usually she "beeps". In fact, I thought it was the "low battery" signal on our smoke detector until I climbed up on a chair to check it and the noise went off again and it was Cori!

[mobetta]

Susie isnt loud at all. She has her moments a couple times a day when she gets a little vocal but I would by no means call it screaming, just a bird being a bird.

[sweetpeaches]

This sounds like a silly question, but, was your caique getting too much attention? Was he out of his cage too much. The point I'm trying to make is that if he was with you all the time or out of his cage all the time then maybe he never really learned to play quietly in his cage by himself.


Connie…that comment is actually “spot on”! It is very important for caiques to learn to entertain themselves. Sometimes we as owners occupy way too much of their time and then they get too dependent on us. It’s important for them to learn to play in their cages when we’re home and when we’re not home. I really discourage a set routine for Bailey. There is some controversy on this subject with parrots, but for me and Bailey it works fine.

On the same note, I do think that although most caiques have their “louder” times, like mornings and evenings “ their natural flock contact calling time” as they do in the jungles, there are also some caiques who just seem to demand a bit more attention than others.

Leo I only have one wbc named Bailey. He is 1 ½ years old. I’ve had him for a little over a year now. Up until about 2 mos. ago, I’ve always kept his cage out in our living area where he can see all the activity that goes on, which is actually not much at all being that I work all day and no one except dh is around.

There were a couple of reasons I relocated his cage to one of our spare bedrooms. One of which was his (screaming---or contact calling for me) was driving my husband crazy. When I am home during the day and if Bailey can not see me for 30 seconds he will start yelling for me. I tried the contact whistle back, but he would not do that, he likes his high pitch beep..that ends up being quite a crescendo with 3 long beeps..lol.
Also, although he did seem to sleep well at nite even with the tv on I thought it would be better for him to be in a quieter room.

So far since I’ve moved his cage into the spare bedroom things have been much better for all of us. I keep him in there during the day while I’m at work with a radio on and his cage sits near a large window so he can see outside. My husband says that Bailey is actually quieter and plays quite well in his cage when I’m not around. But he will occasionally through the day let out some screeches. Overall though as compared to a cockatoo, macaw or some other parrots he’s really not that noisy. I have a great playstand on wheels that I keep out in our living area where Bailey spends lots of time with us when I’m home.

Like Connie, when he was out in our living room I too would cover him with a large black sheet when he would start screaming. Only for a few minutes tho, as that’s about how long it would take for him to “get the message”. They are very smart birds. I do cover him at nite, even in the bedroom.

I wish you the very best in getting another caique. I think they are absolutely the funniest, craziest, happiest birds I’ve ever met. Even with their times of beakiness and screeches I couldn’t be without him now and I know how hard it must be for you after having to re-home your other caique. As I had to re-home a lovebird once for the same reason and it broke my heart. I still love the species and if I were living alone would have another one.

Just want to add too, that I’ve heard different takes on having one or more caiques. For some people more than one is easier for them because the 2 keep each other company and aren’t as loud and they have so much fun playing with each other. While others feel just having one is fine. What ever you decide, the most important thing to remember is that these creatures do not come with any guarantees against screaming or biting. I think for the most part through education, love and patience you can find a way to make it work, but there’s always the exception.

[Emily]

I just wanted to chime in and say what absolutely great information there is in this post! I have the exception to the rule, mine both can get very 'screamy', especially my female. But, nothing as loud compared to other parrot species (like my former grey!).

[LeRoy's owner]

See Emily, that just goes to show how proud you should be of this site YOU started.
We love helping each other.

[Ebony]

But, nothing as loud compared to other parrot species (like my former grey!).

Really? I thought Grey's were pretty quiet?

[captainlevon]

Dear Susan & Connie, and the rest of my Caique Friends,
I'm new to this site, but I love how passionately people are with their caiques and how they really want to assist me, esp. Susan and Connie.
My 1st caique was in the kitchen/den area - obviously around lots of people running in and out of the kitchen grabbing foods/drinks...etc...
So going back to what Susan said, perhaps the cage location inspired it to be more vocal.
Also, going back to what Connie said, perhaps it did get a lot of attention, especially maybe in the begining when it's the new pet of the house.
I completely agree that caiques (or any species) should learn to keep busy in their cage with toys, etc...

I guess I need to not set myself up for a total disappointment. I know there's no magical answer to this - but I want to do my best with all the bird knowledge I have, to try to minimize UN-NECESSARY noise and screaming.

The best place to put the new cage in Spring 2009 will be the family room, but I have a feeling that I may encounter the same problems as I did with my last one.
(I have moved since my last caique).
Another option is for it to be in the office room, next to a window.

That way, it can look out the window, but be out of sight of people.
When it behaves, we can bring him/her over to the family room to watch TV with us, or sit on the couch and roll around.

I also have a section next to the kitchen, but maybe we'll encounter the same problems.

Cage location and behavioral training is what it all comes down to.

I currently do not own any pets, and this caique will be the 1st pet of our home.

Any other ideas/suggestions/feedback is always welcomed. Thank you all for giving me your sincere thoughts and ideas (especially Susan and Connie) - and not to forget everyone else on this site too!!! :))))

God Bless!!

Leo

[LeRoy's owner]

Hey Leo,

Thank you for the kind words. Perhaps sense this will be the only bird, it will be quieter.
Leroy's cage is in our living room and he seems to really enjoy it there. I work from 5 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon. I get Leroy out of his cage when I get home and he stays on his playgym for a couple of hours and then I hold him and play with him for about an hour. He is then put back.
In your defense, it is really hard not to spoil a new pet. You want to always hold them and be with them. That is all good at first but could turn into a nighmare later.
Leroy's cage also gets covered at night for his bedtime.
I honestly think you will do just fine with another caique. They are such a joy to have around and are so entertaining. This site has helped me alot sense I joined a few months ago and it will always be here for you.
Good luck hun and let us know when you get that new baby. We LOVE pictures around here. Take care........connie

[sweetpeaches]

Leo,
I would like to echo what Connie said..thanks for the kind words. You're right we all love our fids and it takes a special person to love them back.

It's just hard sometimes to say what is best for one caique over another as some really do have such unique personalities.

I think it probably is a good idea to get a baby caique if you can. From a reputable breeder or bird store. I got Bailey from Bird Paradise in NJ and they were great with me and helping me get a good start with him.

Please keep us posted when you get your new caique. We would love to see pics. In the meantime, try to read up on as much as you can about screaming and caiques.

[Janette]

Caiques can scream. All parrots can be noisy to some extent. I really don't think you can get a bird with any guarantees.

I think it's good that you are thinking carefully about it, but if you take on another caique it could be noisy or it could be relatively quiet. My caique can be noisy, but usually in response to the other birds in our multiple bird household. I don't think of them as noisy, but my sister thinks our canary is noisy, it's all relative.

[Kiwisoo]

Leo---

I would agree that you should start off with a baby caique.

Your idea of having the cage in one room and then bringing the bird out to join the family in another room is a good one, as long as it is not so secluded that it doesn't see people on a regular basis.

Perhaps the cage in one room and then a wonderful playgym near the family, for more social times? Bottlebrush wood playgyms are wonderful and last forever---go online and look for Wayne's Parrot Stuff. I have a double playgym for Cori and it's super.

Cori's cage is in the kitchen, due to limited space in the house, and the need to have an easier time cleaning up under it. She loves to watch me cook and can see the family room/living room area from her cage as well. I have her playgym downstairs and when I go down there she has opportunity to climb around and chew and enjoy time ( away from our dogs) safely.

Cori is not without her noisy times, but they don't last for long when she squawks. Mostly if she wants me, she just "beeps", for which I am eternally grateful!

Linda :)

[Emily]

I'm going to be the big bad guy here and say.. what will stop this caique from being exactly like the first one you got? Caiques are, can, and will be noisy. They are birds. They are not domesticated, at all. The changes you discussed are good ones- but it would have been better to practice this with the first bird and try to remedy the situation, rather then just rehoming the bird and trying again with a new one.

[Sillypup5]

I'm going to be the big bad guy here and say.. what will stop this caique from being exactly like the first one you got? Caiques are, can, and will be noisy. They are birds. They are not domesticated, at all. The changes you discussed are good ones- but it would have been better to practice this with the first bird and try to remedy the situation, rather then just rehoming the bird and trying again with a new one.

I have to second what Emily said. Even if you did get a baby.. and say it was the 'perfect bird', nice and quiet and behaves for the first year or so. And then all of a sudden, maturity hits, and among other changes, ie, aggression, chewing.. It finds out just how much FUN screaming and being loud is. Birds don't necessarily scream because they are upset. What we call screaming, birds call communicating. They 'scream' when they're happy, they 'scream' when they're excited.. And yes, they also 'scream' when they want something or are upset, or just because it feels good. Being loud is being a bird.

[Stephanie]

They 'scream' when they're happy, they 'scream' when they're excited.. And yes, they also 'scream' when they want something or are upset, or just because it feels good. Being loud is being a bird.

I totally agree with this. They scream in the morning and in the evening but they can also scream when someone enters the door or when they just want to because they are happy.

When we just got Apollo, at that time he was only 12/13 weeks old, he did scream for hours. After weeks of correcting (and working with a blanket) this behaviour stopped. Now he only screams when he's happy, or at the morning and the evening (10-20 minutes).

Like the others said, sounds are familiar with a bird. You need to prepare for noise because that's the way they communicate.

Good luck with your decision!

[slic102]

I have to agree with everyone else....parrots are just naturally loud and there is never any guarantee, even with what are considered "quieter" birds that the one you pick will be on the quiet side. Believe me, I learned this first hand the hard way. Before we got Pogo, we still lived in an apartment. We wanted another bird, but were hoping to find a quieter one since our place was not that big, and we had just gotten Simon to do more talking than screaming. We chose the most awesome Senegal that hubby and I fell in love with immediately. He had this high pitched call that he would do a few times a day, which my quaker immediately learned. We had a new neighbor move in downstairs who worked the night shift and slept during the day, and he immediately started to complain to management. This was in July, and we already knew that we were moving at the end of September, so we really hoped we could somehow control it until we moved....but no such luck. After 3 weeks we had to take him back to the pet shop where we got him (with me in tears and heart broken), and almost ended up having to find our quaker a home too because he would not stop doing the senegal call. Luckily we made it to the end of the lease with no more problems, and we got our caique AFTER we moved to a house, but I still hate the fact that we had to lose our beloved Romeo.

I had heard that caiques were on quieter than most parrots, but I've NOT found that to be the case. Pogo has some of the highest pitched screams I've ever heard from a bird...and he tries to get into "scream offs" with our quaker if they are left alone in the living room. I'm not very sensitive to noise so I don't really care, but it drives hubby insane sometimes. There's no way that I'd give him up though.....lol...hubby will go before another one of my fids does!! (jk, but Pogo's here to stay!) I'd suggest that you think long and hard about bringing another caique home if you are wanting a quiet pet.

Sorry so long, I just really wanted to share my story with you.
Lisa

[Jinta]

I had heard that caiques were on quieter than most parrots, but I've NOT found that to be the case. Pogo has some of the highest pitched screams I've ever heard from a bird...and he tries to get into "scream offs" with our quaker if they are left alone in the living room. I'm not very sensitive to noise so I don't really care, but it drives hubby insane sometimes. There's no way that I'd give him up though.....lol...

Same here:D

[Alan]

I agree with what everyone has said on this topic. Compareed to cockatoo's and a conure I don't think that my caique is loud at all. Even when there were 2 they were that loud. But the friend that went and picked them up for me and kept them for a bit thought that they were really loud. If you are used to quiet birds then yes I can see where they would be loud. BUt if you are like me and have a varied flock and are used to a screaming conure then they aren't that loud.

Loudness with a bird is relative to what you call loud. With my flock the loudest bird I have is a Mitred conure so no I don't think that caiques are loud at all. but if you have a soft little parakeet and then you add in a caique then yes it very well could be too loud.