Please help

[Stenny88]

Hi all
I bought a baby Quaker parrot last week. Well the breeder said he was a baby but he seems quite big :/
I'm hoping someone can answer some questions
Why does my Quaker (groot) always make high pitched noises when I leave the room?
How can I tell if he is the age the breeder told me (4 months)?
And the most important question how do I get him to trust me? I can stand close to the cage to talk to him but as soon as I go to give him a treat through the bars he goes as far away from me as possible

From stacey

 

[plumsmum2005]

Hi just to give you this if you not already seen it and hope it helps

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

Would guess Groot is not keen on you leaving the room. Take it slow and gentle and you will get there. Who knows what went before?

Have you tried just sitting near his cage, reading or watching TV etc and talking to him, companionship with no pressure. Sure he will come see you soon. Too cute!

Adding this FYI http://birds.about.com/od/breedsofbirds/p/quakerparrots.htm
BTW they like building and if you give them some sticks they will build it LOL.

 

[Stenny88]

Thanks for the reply and link
Yes when ever I watch tv I sit by the cage and since 9 this morning he has been out the cage listening to music with me why doesn't he like me leaving the room does that mean he likes me around him?
I have read so many things about Quakers but don't know what to listen to some say feed him treats in his cage some say Quakers don't like u in there cage ??
From the picture does he look older then 4 months

 

[plumsmum2005]

I am not sure if you can accurately age a bird? AV may be able to give a clue?

Maybe some experienced owners will be able to help on that one?

Play the treats by ear and go with what you perceive your bird to like. It's learning by doing. Be sensitive and gentle and I am sure you'll be fine. yes guess he does like you around, so a good start. Worry less and enjoy more LOL

 

[Stenny88]

when he is out the cage do I leave him to come to me?

 

[Flboy]

Looks like the two of you are warming up nicely! Quakers are incredible little buddies!

As for age, I did some googling and, although no certainty, you seem to be in the ballpark! Take a look at texasWade's fid, same age. Hatch date 5/25
http://www.parrotforums.com/quakers/64373-nacho-birdie.html

Am looking forward to hear about your adventures!

Yes, build the relationship at his speed!

 

[flyingron]

My quaker will squawk when left alone. She loves attention and she'll sit quietly for hours on the perch next to my desk as long as I'm there but if I leave the room for even a minute she starts complaining...then she goes into her various repetoire to make me come back: tapping noises, saying "Beak", etc...

 

[cnyguy]

Welcome to the world of Quaker parrots! It takes time for a parrot to adjust to a new home and new people-- it can take weeks, or even months, for a parrot to become completely comfortable. Be patient and let Groot set the pace. A good way to help him become more comfortable with you is to sit near his cage and talk softly with him (you can read and sing to him too). Be calm and relaxed. That way, Groot will get used to the sound of your voice and your body language. Keep offering him favorite treats by hand, and eventually, he'll be ready to accept them. He's flock calling when you leave the room-- a normal parrot behavior. Parrots want to know where the rest of their flock is and if they're safe. Answer Groot in some way when he calls-- you can say something like "I'm here," or make a clicking sound or a whistle. Whenever you leave the room, tell Groot that you'll be right back. As I said, time and patience are important. Gradually, Groot will likely become more comfortable and more trusting of you.

 

[GaleriaGila]

I love this place.

I love that new folks get such good advice; I love that birds' lives are enriched; I love that we here get a chance to reach out to new owners.

I'm glad you found us, Stacey.

 

[Stenny88]

Thanks for all the replies
For some reason today groot has decided to do his normal high pitched noises while I'm in the room what's changed?
Also I've tried so many times to offer him treats he just doesn't seem interested :-(
I have read it's easier to train while there out their cage he was out all day yesterday and all he wanted to do is sit on the curtain rail same with today I've tried holding a purch up for him to land on but that's not working

 

[plumsmum2005]

Do you think there is a possibility that he is unwell? Bearing in mind that parrots do their very best to hide illness.

Is he eating, drinking, pooping normal?

Have you a stand for him to perch on when out of his cage? If not have a look through here there are loads of threads relating to making your own cheaply.

 

[Stenny88]

Hi
No didn't think about him been unwell he loves his food specially apple and yes he definatly pooing mainly on my nice new curtains �� Lol
I was going to take him to vets next week for a general check up not sure how I'm going to get him out cage to take him tho

 

[plumsmum2005]

It kinda looks like you will have to use a towel for this. Be confident, quick and assertive when you do this as being otherwise will stress him. Won't be keen but it is better that he is transferred with no harm. Flapping about the room or his cage is not good.

Have you a coloured feather duster on a long handle? If so lay it on top of the curtain rail if possible - he won't go up again IMO. Plum thinks mine is some strange coloured bird!

 

[Stenny88]

Ok thank you
I hope he is healthy

 

[Flboy]

I just posted this for someone else, but same applies here!
"..................
Hi, welcome!
Sighs up for the following blog
Barbara's Force Free Animal Training Talk: The Parrot Training Diet?

Also, great stuff.

Parrot Behavior Myths: Building Trust | Learning Parrots

And

http://www.parrotforums.com/training/57935-brainstorming-biting-parrots.html

 

[LeaKP]

I'm not a Quaker owner but I would assume that the same holds true for most parrots that they need time to settle. Nigel, my CAG, was friendly from day 1 but took quite some time to settle and understand the routine of our home. Now, he knows exactly what we do on a given day. He knows the weekends are different, seems to enjoy the laid back pace, but equ ally loves the hectic weekday schedule. I think your beautiful Quaker will settle and make his mark on the household!

 

[Stenny88]

Does anyone know why when I go to his cage to talk to him he stand on one foot?

 

[plumsmum2005]

Does anyone know why when I go to his cage to talk to him he stand on one foot?

Could be getting ready to run LOL?

It may be just a personality thing, does he blink loads when you are talking to him, long slow blinks usually mean they are listening. If not lower your voice slightly and see if it makes a difference.

 

[Stenny88]

Lol
And no it's real slow when he first did it I was sat talking to him and I thought the cheeky sod is falling asleep and not listening lol glad it means he is listening thanks

 

[Puck]

I absolutely love Quakers (they are probably my favorite birds), but they can have some attitude. It would definitely be good for him to have a general checkup to make sure he is well, but it seems like the stuff you're describing could just be personality. When I had my Quaker, he had personality in abundance. My dogs are now GREAT with birds simply because my Quaker would literally fly at them screaming and chase them underneath the couch, lol. And not because he was afraid of them or anything--no, you could tell he found this QUITE hilarious (he thought he was a real comedian--always looked real proud of himself afterward). My dogs have the HIGHEST respect for all birds now, haha.

Sometimes birds just yell for the fun of it, so it is possible your guy isn't expressing anything bad, just talking for the heck of it. Same thing with the picking up the foot thing. Sometimes they just do silly stuff. As long as you dedicate a lot of time to spending with him, I am betting you guys will bond great. Quakers aren't exactly Lovebirds, desperate to snuggle 24/7, but they make awesome buddies once you bond. Just give it time, and don't worry too much. As long as he's eating, drinking, and pooping well he's probably healthy. A new home is just always tough.

Also, if you have a carrier then you can try setting it open on a chair in front of the open cage door with food and toys inside for your visit to the vet. Sometimes that will lure them inside.