New Quaker Owner Question

[Lexahoff]

I've recently obtained my first Quaker Parrot (first bird ever, really) and I was just wondering if Any of you could answer a few questions. We've had him (I'm not sure if it's a he or she, but I refer to him as a boy) since Tuesday night, so that makes five days total, and I was just wondering what type of progress I should be seeing in his friendliness and what I should be doing to help his behavioral pattern along.

He is said to be a four month old Quaker, hand fed and tamed. I got him at Petco, and they said his hatch date was January 9th. I've been feeding him pellets mixed with budgie seeds and things such as bananas, apples and carrots. He has a cage that's fit for an African Gray (I'm spoiling this birdy) And he only has a couple of perches and the two toys he had with him at the pet store.

The people at Petco said he had been there for only two weeks, but I am not sure where he was before that. So far, he's been loud only on occasion, but every time I put my hand in there to try the "step up" command, he immediately goes to the back of the cage wall and I back away. He sleeps on one foot occasionally, flaps his wings often, and shakes his tail a lot also. Sometimes when I'm around him I leave the cage open so it's kind of like an "open door policy" And he gets no further than the perch closest to his cage.

He flew out of his cage today, and it took me forever to get him back in his cage because he's afraid of hands and has his wings clipped. Finally i had to grab him behind the back with his wings folded in his sides to put him in his cage. He was panting, until finally he went to sleep. He's afraid of my hands but likes my voice... i think...

I've been told Quakers are supposed to be friendly birds, but mine just seems to be afraid. It has only been five days, but there will have to be a drastic change if things will be as i've heard. I'm willing to give him time, I just wanted to know if anyone had any tips/advice to help him along

 

[ShellyBorg]

It takes time, you are doing fine. Try sitting and reading/talking/singing to him by the open door. The cage may be so big that it is easier to run then step up. Offer treats when he comes near.

 

[videogamemom]

5 days is not enough time for him to learn to trust you. He probably wasn't handled very much at Petco. Best thing to do is just sitting by his cage and talking to him. Let him get to know you. Try feeding him treats through the cage. Food can be a big motivator. Try standing by his cage eating something and eventually he'll pole his head out wanting some. Having the cage door open is a great thing to do also. You also might try using a perch to step up to if he does fly off his cage.
It will just take time. I know you are probably going crazy wanting to snuggle with him. Just be patient and he will start coming around.
Good Luck! Quakers are great birds and little clowns.

 

[Kalidasa]

Bringing home a new bird is highly stressful for everyone involved. I agree with shelleyborg, you're doing fine, he just needs time around you to get to know you. It's usually frustrating, 2steps forward 1 step back sort of thing. It gets better. Hang in there, be consistent, have a regular routine with him. Once he bonds with you, you're going to have an awesome companion for a long time. Best of luck!

 

[Lexahoff]

Thank you all, it means a lot to know i'm not doing anything wrong. So should I try to coax him out of his cage again tomorrow, or should I wait a good week/week and a half before trying to get him out of his cage (if he doesn't try to get out himself)? He's calmed down a lot now. Also, what are good treats? he only seems to be interested in Budgie seeds (that and the pellets i've been feeding him) He hasn't touched any of the fruit (bananas/apples) or veggies (carrots) Do any of you know any good treats that usually a bird would be highly attracted to? i know it depends based on the bird, but have any of you had more luck with one thing than others? Thanks again.

 

[Kalidasa]

Try everything (good for him, that is) until you find his weakness, and believe me he's got them! Shelled pine-nuts worked with mine. I've found that if it is a nut or seed that he's crazy about, that its better if its shelled, so you can treat him quickly wherever without leaving shells everywhere. . Each bird is different about when they're ready to come out and interact. Maybe try interacting thru the bars at first, always talking softly. Try to get him to accept food from you. Let Jim explore your fingers. If he bites, grin & bear it, don't react, and withdraw. He's as curious about you as you are about him, but he doesn't know how to act yet. Always use positive reinforcement, you'll be fine for sure. It just seems like its taking forever, and then, breakthrough!

 

[Lexahoff]

Alright, and do you have any advice on screaming? Like how to prevent/stop it? I know they're loud by nature and that noise can vary based on the sound level in the room. They can also scream for attention, but do you know any way to prevent or stop the loud outbursts of screams?