New to the site and parrots.

[CowGirlUp9448]

Hi my name is Megan. I got my first parrot yesterday from a friend. I have owned smaller birds before but this is my first larger bird and he is something else lol.

This is Tuck. I was told he is a year old Quaker Parrot (let me know if that maybe wrong). I got him and all his stuff from a friend who travels a lot and wanted to give him a more settled home. It was a spur of the moment thing so now I need to research and learn all I can. So feel free to send me pointers haha

 

[rlchic93]

Congratulations in your new baby!!!! He definitely is a quaker.

 

[CowGirlUp9448]

Thank-You.

 

[rlchic93]

Just so everyone has some more information what kind of diet is he on?

 

[CowGirlUp9448]

Right now what they sent him with. Which is a seed/nut mixture that came from wal mart.

 

[rlchic93]

Just in case you don't know you are really going to want to switch him over to a mostly pelleted diet. Since he is so young if you do it gradually he should be fine and also make sure he is getting plenty of human food. Just no avacodos, chocolate, caffeine and try to avoid onions. Also make sure you get her checked out by an avian vet. If you need one forum members live all over the place and could recommend one for you.

 

[kitt]

Congratulations on your new family member....and welcome to the forum.
I couldn't agree more about changing the diet....to much seed is not a good thing.
Fresh fruits and veggies are a great idea too...mine love cooked brown rice also...there is a recipe section on here I think...that would help you out too.

 

[ann]

congratulations on your new bird!!! just be sure to give him some fresh fruit and dark leafy greens, but no ice berg lettuce.

 

[CowGirlUp9448]

Thanks everyone! Yes I will be changing his diet. And thanks for letting me know about the recipe section

 

[suebee]

awww welcome an he looks soo cute, not sure how quakers like to be petted, but nut loves her head rubs, but we avoid stroking her down her back as that is sexual for her, i see he is out of his cage so teach him to step up, best with a small treat in sight an give treat asap after they step up lol

nut is currently jumpin on my head as she feels she is over due her head rub

 

[Bright Star]

Tuck is beautiful! Congratulations on your new addition. There are a lot of great books on parrot care, and you can usually find one that is species-specific. I did a lot of research before getting my first bird and highly recommend that you do the same. I've learned a lot, and continue to learn more every day

Others have said it, and I have to agree. Changing his diet seems a priority - personally, I wouldn't trust anything from Walmart. There are some great cooked formula foods that you can also try. I'm currently feeding my little budgie cooked Bird Street Bistro. At first, he was resistant, but he's eating it now and it seems to have spurred his interest in fresh veggies and fruits, something I also give every morning.

Also have to agree that it's a good idea to find an avian vet in your area. Get a well visit for him, so you have a baseline assessment of his overall health. Then get regular checkups. The AAV is an association of avian veterinarians. I found out which local vets were avian spe******ts and then chose our doctor from that list. Luckily, a veterinary practice I knew was good has two avian vets on staff.

Again, congratulations! Tuck is beautiful

 

[Bright Star]

Hmmm... somehow the forum censored my use of a general term to define veterinary specialties. Not sure why. The point is, find someone who knows birds and can provide the care that Tuck will need throughout his life

 

[merlinsmom13]

Hmmm... somehow the forum censored my use of a general term to define veterinary specialties. Not sure why. The point is, find someone who knows birds and can provide the care that Tuck will need throughout his life

I have seen this b4, it might be something the computer does for some reason. I dont think they are against us saying spe******t. I thought that somebody just couldnt spell. lol Welcome to the forum.

 

[Atwee921]

Cute bird!! I know someone who wants a quaker really bad but her husband wont let her get one because their long life.
First thing to do is [gradually!] change his diet to pellets. Im using Roudybush when I get my birds but Zupreem is also popular on here.

 

[cnyguy]

Welcome to you and Tuck! He is indeed a Quaker parrot-- and he'll show you how much more fun and exciting life is when there's a Quaker parrot around.


You'll probably find that Tuck is suspicious of unfamiliar foods; Quakers can be pretty fussy. When introducing different fruits and vegetables, a little experimenting helps. Try preparing things in different ways-- both raw and cooked, finely chopped, mashed up, etc. Persistence pays off too-- don't give up if Tuck rejects new foods the first few times you offer them. It took 8 months before Ralph, my QP, would eat broccoli, but he likes it now (it has to be cooked and finely chopped). Sometimes it helps if you eat a little of what your offering your parrot, and make a big fuss, as if it's the greatest food ever. When introducing pellets, try soaking a few in spring water or unsweetened fruit juice. Ralph loves soaked pellets, and thinks he's getting a special treat when I give him some.


Talk to Tuck often, read to him and sing to him; that helps him become more comfortable with you and the sound of your voice. Talking to a parrot often also helps encourage him to want to talk back.


All the best to you and Tuck!