Bath Time
Kakariki Cage
As for their love of climbing these birds need lots of climbing room, therefore, a very large cage with bars across the top and climbing ladders is essential. They love climbing from one perch to the next.
Aside from their love of flying and climbing nothing pleasures a Kak more than a bath in a dish of water. They will get downright soaked. Be sure not to have the bath session too late in the evening. Kaks are very downy underneath. Although they may look dry on the surface they are not dry underneath, therefore need more than ample time to dry off before the evening cools down.
Due to being a highly energized bird they eat LOTS! One could even go as far as affectionately calling them "garbage cans" of the bird world. If it is edible, they will eat it. Provide a good supply of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grain breads and pastas as well as pelleted food and seed. They also love meal worms, fresh is best but dried will do, also chicken and the bone will licked clean and the marrow dug out.
These go-getters are a perfect apartment pet as they are not loud and have the most infectious "laugh call". You cannot help but be happy with a Kakariki about. One word of caution; be sure to keep any valuable books or documents out of their reach. Paper can be transformed to instant confetti within minutes so watch them around your bookshelves.
Dinner Time
Laughing Kakariki
About Kakariki Parrots
Kakarikis are native to New Zealand. Their lifespan is generally fifteen years. They are a highly energetic and fun loving bird, full of curiosity. They love to hide and are the best at finding hidey-holes. Just watch those little eyes light up when you open a closet! There is no controlling the curiosity of this bird.
Along with their sense of curiosity comes their love to fly and climb. Kakarikis are one of the most acrobatic flyers going. They love to fly! They can head straight for the wall and within inches of it summersault and come returning right back at you. It is not rare to see them dive under tables, through legs, high, low, up, down and all around...they can do it all. They are wondrous to watch! Given their love of flying it is sometimes said that to clip a Kakarikis wings is so sad to this bird. The bird can even become somewhat depressed. I have no evidence to back this up. If you choose to let your Kakariki fly be sure to provide a safe place. Be wary of open doors and windows and shut off all ceiling fans. Supervision is always necessary!
"Kaks", as they are lovingly referred to, are not too fond of being handled. Don't get me wrong! They enjoy being with you but they would prefer not to be cuddled. So if you are desperately seeking physical affection from your new pet it would be best to skip the Kakariki.