To hand feed or not to hand feed... that is the question

[AnnBrown]

Hi Y'all!
I have had several birds threw the years (mostly fosters or birds I knew I could not keep but could not leave in the current situation) My and I are finally in a stable situation and I have plenty of time to care for a bird of my own. I personally want a goffins Cockatoo but as my husband can not stand the level of noise level I am pretty sure a Cockatoo of any kind is out.
I have done a lot of research and have pretty much decided on a quaker parrot (I dont have room for a huge cage, and my I only have a medium budget I was also looking for a sweet bird that likes being held and petted like a cockatoo)
But even with all my research I'm not sure what a fair price is to pay for a quaker from a breeder, I also am not completely sure of all the quirks of the breed. From what I have seen from them in the past they are fine for children (ages 6 and 7 will only be handling the bird with supervision) I have found three currently, One is a rescue that though it is very sweet (only about 5-7mts old) it is not cuddly, and does not seek attention. the second is a 7 month old that is at a local pet store, I have held her on two different occasions she does not readily step off the cage but one she is with you away from the cage she is the ultimate sweet heart and want to be petted for as long as you are willing to hold her. the third is a 4 week old. I would have to take on the task of hand feeding but would get to have the special bond with it. I have helped hand feed at a previous job but have never been the sole care taker of a bird that young before. I would love to do this but am scared to death of dangers/complications of hand feeding....
So I guess my questions are have you hand fed? was it a good experience/bad experience? are there any books you recommend on the subject? Can you give me pointers/tips? Finally should I just buy an older bird and break my budget?
Thank ya'll in advance!

 

[AnnBrown]

After reading several forums i have decided totally against hand feeding! i will still be going look at the same clutch just not taking one home until they are ready!

 

[JerseyWendy]

You are 100% making the right decision.

 

[Allee]

I agree with Wendy 100%, it's worth paying more for a bird that's been fully weaned.

Just a few friendly words of advice in case you haven't brought home your new quaker. I adore quakers, the species fascinates me. I could give you a long list of positives. I've never met a quaker I would describe as either cuddly or safe around children. It's easy to underestimate quakers because of their size, in the right mood, they can deliver a nasty bite and then laugh while you bleed. They have mercurial personalities, charming and manipulative one minute, and confrontational the next.

Even though they are small, they don't do well in small cages, they also have powerful beaks, the small gauge bars used for budgie cages is not safe for all quakers, they can chew the paint and expose the metal. Quakers are escape artists too, the flimsy doors on the smaller cages are viewed as a simple challenge.

Quakers are amazing talkers, although as with any parrot, there's no guarantee. They are super smart and easy to train, but it takes some skill, the wrong kind of training can cause negative behaviors that aren't easy to break.

I'm not trying to discourage you at all, I'm pro-quaker. That said, don't think you're bringing home a sweet cuddly mini-Too. When you reach the point were you can cuddle your quaker you'll know you've built a very strong bond.

 

[SilverSage]

Agreed; weaning your own baby does not provide an extra bond and is actually asking for trouble. Glad you decided against it.

However, I really suggest you find a different species. I had Quakers as a kid. They were loud, they were biters, and they were not cuddly. And as mentioned, they could escape ANY cage. In fact, one of mine actually ripped the bars off the conure cage I had him in, in one day, while I was at school. He ripped off like 4 bars and then had his way with my bedroom. I loved them to pieces, but I really don't think they are at all the bird you are describing. Have you considered a cockatiel, hand raised budgie, or one of the smaller conures like a green cheek who are known to be quieter? My two most kid safe, snuggly, quiet, lovable, predictable birds are a cockatiel and a green cheek. Conures have a reputation for being nippy, but not a single one of mine is, and honestly any bird can be that way if they are not taught to be. I have never had a conure or cockatiel bite me the way my Quakers would; like its a game. Again, I loved them, but to me it sounds like you would find yourself dissapointed by one.