The major physical item you need is a cage to house the bird. Cages are discussed in greater detail later. Other recommended items, not required as immediately are a play stand and a good hard wood training stick or ladder. A play stand is important for the management of your bird. The better stands provide food cups and climbing area. Caiques quickly learn that they are supposed to stay on or near their play stand, although once they develop confidence they will break this rule. A stand from which the bird cannot climb to the floor is the best for keeping your bird confined to its perch. Another very useful tool is a good hardwood ladder or training stick. I prefer a hard wood ladder. The reason for getting a ladder is not to teach your bird tricks, although you can do that too, but to pick your bird up off the floor more easily. Bird trainers always recommend that you "stick" train your bird. A ladder is just a bit more convenient than a stick. You should get a ladder of sufficient length that you do not have to stoop too far to pick your bird off the floor.

Once you have these tools, you need knowledge about how to control your bird to keep it the sweet thing you want it to be. Here are several rules:

Feed your bird properly. Much is said about this later.

Handle your bird everyday to keep it friendly and sociable. You need to do this to maintain the bond, if neglected too long your bird may no longer want your attention.

Develop a regular schedule. Let your bird know when it can expect to be out of its cage. The schedule should not be rigid, but it should be consistent. Being allowed out of the cage should be a great treat.

Talk to your bird. Start using its name immediately. They will learn their name and respond to it.

Always use the "up" command when picking up your bird. Using this command should become second nature. It is also a good idea to teach it the "down" command for when you want it to get off your hand.

Never pick up the bird just because it is screaming. Wait until it is quiet, then pick it up. Picking up the bird to get it to stop vocalizing is sending a message to the bird on how to manipulate you.

Be firm, but show respect. For example, do not allow your bird to ignore your "up" command. Be persistent until it steps onto your finger, it cannot be allowed to learn that it can avoid important commands.

Never hit your bird. It is better to show your displeasure by banishing it to a dark closet or someplace it dislikes. (Never put it back in its cage, since this may actually be where it wants to be and it will learn to repeat the offending act to get there.)

Play with your bird, especially young birds. This is how they learn their limits, i.e., not to nip too hard and not to perch on top of your head.

Parrot proof your home. This is discussed next.

Do not expect your caique to be perfect. There are no perfect people, and there are no perfect pets.

These rules provide for mutual understanding. A well-adjusted bird knows what to expect and what is expected of it. You have to provide not just a home and food, but companionship. A pet bird that bonds with you, will want to spend all its waking hours with you. It should learn, however, that it will be in its cage for much of the day. We have to do the best we can to meet their demands, and this requires discipline on the part of both the bird and its human being.

Home Page