How To Potty Train A Caique

It’s a known fact that many parrots have unique and somewhat comical personalities. Each kind packs a different and lovable trait that you’ll find interesting and entertaining. Among these parrots are Caiques. Like other parrots, a Caique (pronounced “Kah-eek”) is intelligent, always up and about, and a good source of entertainment—talk about being a livewire for a tiny bundle of feathers! 

It’s preferable to be a consistent and patient trainer. Besides, the more you train your Caique—potty training-wise—the more you’ll form a solid bond with them. Caiques love attention and affection, especially if these come from their owners. These being the cases, it’s best to take advantage of this and teach them how to potty train. 

Just so there’ll be no poopy mess everywhere, you don’t want that to be the first thing you’ll see in the morning. 

Can Caiques Be Potty Trained?

Caiques, like any other parrots, can be potty trained. Potty training a Caique will take time, and that’s a 100% guarantee. You can utilize verbal commands and plate training so they’ll have a specific place to poop. Don’t forget the parrot-based treats like organic fruits, seeds, and safe veggies. 

What Are Caiques?

Caiques pronounced Kah-eek or kye-eeks are known for blowing their trumpets as acrobatic and entertaining show-offs. Like their larger cousins, they are spirited, clever, and curious. In addition, they love being busy bees throughout the day. No wonder some Caique owners buy wide and big cages adorned with lots of toys, perches, and chew-ons for them to be busy. 

You can easily take advantage of their lively and spirited behavior to train them to do tricks. Remember to allow them to rest, or their piercing pitch calls can be a pain to your ears. Well, Caiques are generally quiet unless, of course, they are calling for their flock. If that’s the case, make sure you wear your earbuds. 

Where Did Caiques Come From?

Caique parrots are native to the Amazon Basin in South America. Additionally, there are two types of Caique parrots, the White-bellied Caique, which is prevalent in the south of the Amazon River, and the Black-headed Caiques north of the Amazon River. But often, they prefer to migrate or thrive in forested areas to forage for fruits and seeds. 

Furthermore, their kinds can be found across Ecuador, Colombia, and some areas in Brazil and Venezuela. They usually form 30 birds or a pair. With that, they are rarely alone since they are friendly birds. They love taking a bath; hence, the name caique means aquatic bird. Therefore, bringing them a bath is not a big problem for you! 

What About Caiques’ Behaviors?

They are outgoing and highly sharp species of parrots. There’s no denying the fact that they are the talk of the town for their playful character. Other than that, they love attention and affection from their human companion. Let’s also give a round of applause for how they quickly learn fun tricks when trained well! 

Unfortunately, they are unlike parrots that can easily mimic human words, but they can learn to tune up adorable whistles. Although they are social, Caiques can be territorial like any other birds, especially when they don’t like their bird companion. 

When Caiques are not fond of other birds in the aviary, it is definite that they’ll shun or attack them. 

Caiques also have a mischief-maker reputation for they are menaces. They sometimes throw tantrums towards other birds or even their owners like you. Caiques are known for their maniacal laugh when attempting to break off your grandma’s vases. That’s why it’s crucial to buy them many chew-on and breakable toys, you know, to satisfy their naughty attitudes. 

Are Caiques Messy?

To give you a clearer picture of Caiques, they are a playful bundle of feathers. They are energetic and require a large area to roam around. They get quickly bored in enclosed spaces. That’s why Caique owners usually free them at home. Moreover, they are intelligent and clever species of parrots. 

With much training, they can perform simple tricks. So, it’s best to always have scheduled time to exercise and play regularly. It is also the best time to cuddle with them since they love a massive deal of affection. But they also want alone time; they can stimulate themselves as long as clean and safe toys are around. 

If left unsupervised, Caiques can be a messy pooper. They often poop whenever they see it fit or when nature calls. Don’t worry, though! Caiques are trainable, and they can pick up training cues when done routinely. So, include potty training in your Caique’s daily schedule. 

How To Potty Train A Caique? 

Similar to dogs and cats, Caiques and other kinds of parrots should be trained as well. It’s best to consistently reinforce and redirect their behavior to avoid mishaps and dangers. Trainers and parrot owners should be committed and dedicated to knowing the steps or guides on training your Caiques. 

So, this is how you can potty train your Caique: 

1. Building Rapport

Building rapport means the capacity to monitor Caique’sCaique’s body language. Your Caique should be in a good state and mood, or they’ll probably throw a tantrum. Examine how they relieve themselves to determine the best way to potty-train them. 

Here are the common signs that parrots need to relieve themselves: 

• Caiques squat down and lift their tails when they want to do their own thing. Observing how they relieve themselves is better so you’ll know when to address the poopy problems. 
• Parrots usually excrete feces every 15 minutes. You can easily track the best time to quickly take your Caique to their potty spots. 

2. Use Verbal Calls Or Commands

Commands and calls help in redirecting and reinforcing your Caique’s potty behavior. When you see your bird attempting to relieve themselves in an inappropriate area, you want to ensure you have the verbal cues or commands that will enable them to go to their potty place. Select a simple call or cues for them. Besides these Caiques are highly trainable. 

3. Find The Best Potty Place

Finding the most accessible potty place is preferable to running to the bathroom with your Caique. So, make sure to find the best potty place that your Caique can quickly access. You can place a potty bowl or a waste basket in their cage. Just be sure the cages are open so they can easily fly into the potty. 

4. Gentle Reprimanding

Your Caique dropped their feces on inappropriate parts of your home. We don’t want that, but the damage is already there. Therefore, gentle reprimanding is vital to redirect your Caique’s behavior. When you see your Caique trying to relieve itself, bring the bowl or run up to its nearest potty bowl or waste basket. Lastly, you can give them a treat once your Caique successfully excretes on its potty spot. 

Best Training Treats For Your Caiques 

• Pellets

High-quality pellets can be a good and nutritional treat for them. If you see your Caique using their potty bowl, give them a few amounts of pellets. 

• Organic Veggies

You can use fresh and organic veggies like spinach, lettuce, peas, and dandelion greens as a treat for them. When giving them organic and fresh produce, clean them in running water to remove any dirt and harmful bacteria. 

• Organic Fruits

You can give fresh and organic fruits like peaches, bananas, pears, and blueberries as a treat to your Caiques. Remove the seeds and pits from the fruits to avoid any organic toxins. 

• Walnuts

Walnuts are Caiques’ favorite nuts to eat. Walnuts being their favorite nuts to eat is an understatement. They love them! So, don’t forget to purchase walnuts when available in a farmer’s market. 

• Mixed Treats

Quality mixes of organic fruits, pellets, and seeds can also be good treats. Sometimes Caiques get bored and used to the treats you give them. So, spicing their treats doesn’t hurt once in a while. 

• Water

Fresh water should be available when you give them treats. Although water is only a refreshment, it’s still essential. They may be tired from training. When serving fresh water, it’s best to boil it for 10 to 20 minutes and let it cool. Thus, eliminating impurities or lead. You can use filtered water if boiling is too much of a hassle. 

5. Consistency Is The Key

You cannot complete potty training within just 24 to 72 hours only. It has to be consistent and a habit. The more you include potty training in your Caique’s daily activity, the stronger it can pick up the pattern. It takes dedication to train Caiques, so ensure you have all day to be present on their training journey. 

Final Thoughts

Caiques are good pets and a source of joy. They are fun to be around. Their cleverness and dynamic personality make them an interesting bunch, and like any other parrots, they are also a handful. Taking that into account, you should be ready for this medium-sized bunch. However, if you’re up to a loving challenge from a dynamic companion, Caiques are good for you! 

As mentioned, yes, Caiques can be potty trained as long as you’re consistent, firm, and meticulous.