New to Quakers, not to birds

[vicky2200]

Hi,
I will most likely be getting a Quaker within the next week or so. I was at a garage sale and saw a paper advertising a bird for sale. They wanted $100 for the bird and cage. I told them I couldn't buy "him" but if they didn't find anyone to buy him and wanted to give him to me, I would take him. They said the would most likely be calling me. Here is the information I have been given about the bird:

• Sex is in question. One person told his owner he was a male, another said he was a female. She calls him a male.
• He is 7 years old
• He is a VERY picky eater. She said he essentially eats only wheat based foods (crackers, bread, cereal) and pumpkin seeds. He will also eat grilled chicken.
• She says he is very nice, but then went on to say "he bites my boyfriend and draws blood" and "he tried to bite me...it scared me so I dont take him out anymore...but he will come to me."
• He knows a short list of words, but most of them aren't very clear.

His name is Ziggy, but I don't think Ziggy was one of the words he says.

If I change his name, do you have suggestions? Would it be absolutely out of the question to allow him to share a cage with my cockatiels in the future? Any other advice/information you have is welcomed.

 

[MikeyTN]

You can change his name that's not an issue. Usually the males have broader beads then the females in Quakers. Need to change his diet of course once he's settled in. I wouldn't advice putting Quaker with Cockatiel, one I used to have would attack tiels.

 

[cnyguy]

It's usually suggested to pick a new name for a rehomed parrot that's somewhat similar to his old name, but you might try out whatever names appeal to you, and see how Ziggy reacts to them.

Separate cages are a must for any two parrots, unless they're a bonded or breeding pair. It's even more important with parrots of different types, like a Quaker and 'Tiel. Parrots also appreciate having their own personal space, and I imagine that Ziggy would prefer a cage of his own.

Quakers tend to be fussy about food, so you'll need to be ready to work on offering him some new, healthier things to eat. It can take time for a parrot to accept new foods, so you also need to be prepared to waste a little food along the way.

Do lots of research before you bring the Quaker home. Read the Quaker-related posts on this Forum, and get a good book on Quakers, like Mattie Sue Athan's Guide to the Quaker Parrot or Pamela Leis Higdon's The Quaker Parrot: A Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet. Even though I have 40-plus years of parrot experience, I found those books to be very helpful to me in understanding and caring for my first Quaker parrot.

 

[ShellyBorg]

A sweat temp teil would be no match for a quaker. Mine tried to take on a macaw.

 

[vicky2200]

Thanks for the responses. I haven't decided yet if I will change his name. I was just considering the same cage for the distant future because I am planning on purchasing a HUGE cage for my cockatiels. However, I will just get him a larger cage as well. I'm not sure exactly how big his cage is, but I am expecting that it wont be satisfactory for long term. I am very much used to birds wasting food so that isn't a concern for me.