thinking of adopting a Quaker Parrot

[LilaKnight]

I'm thinking about adopting a 8 year old Quaker Parrot. It sounds like the previous owner really hasn't handled the bird much. Sounds like he will be a lot of work to tame maybe. Any words of wisdom for me? I have always owned Cockatiels. Do you think its still possible to train and to talk at that age?

 

[Timmah]

Hi Lilaknight! You may or may not have your work cut out for you. While it's generally easier to train birds when young, most are still able (and the majority) willing to learn all through their lives, with the right motivation. It all depends on what you're expecting from it, and the temperament of the bird itself. The first thing to do is build trust, and from there start on training. A bird that trusts you will be much more open to new things. Whereas one that feels like it needs to always be on guard will not be ready (or willing) to learn while its like that.

Hope this helps!