mrjsk
Hatchling
Posts: 14 
|
Post by mrjsk on Feb 19, 2016 6:58:59 GMT -5
Hey
My other half has been wanting a parrot for awhile now and the opportunity to adopt Chuck has came about. Chuck is an 8 year old Blue Quaker. Unfortunately a friend can no longer keep him as their dog has taken a dislike to him and the situation has raised concern poor Chucks safety.
I am seeking advice regarding re-homing him.
Chuck is friendly, chatty and full character and has been with our friend since very young. What should I be expecting, behavioural wise, for when he comes to live here?
The life he knows and has been comfortably living for the last 8 years is about to completely change. Obviously this will have a huge impact on him. The routine he has now, I will follow as closely as I can to help him get settled in but what else can I do to help lower the confusion and stress for him?
|
|
|
|
Post by Angela on Feb 19, 2016 7:40:31 GMT -5
As I said I've only had my Skye for 5 weeks, but the first thing that pops into my head is hopefully you'll get his cage?? That may help with a little familiarity?? Other here have way more experience so will give you heaps of advice! Good luck!
|
|
|
|
Post by easttex on Feb 19, 2016 7:42:37 GMT -5
I think the article linked in the first post here is a good place to start: quakerparrotforum.com/thread/429/good-read-rescuesIt's a very good sign that you are already aware of and sensitive to Chuck's feelings. It's a big advantage that you know his background and can talk to his previous person. If he already knows you, that will help the situation, but you are right, this will be a huge change for him. Just be patient, and try to let him show you what he is ready for. He may need some time in a place where he can watch you and your routine but not be right in the middle of it, depending on how overwhelmed he seems to be. If at all. I adopted a 21 year old, cage bound Quaker, and he has turned out to be a cuddling sweetheart. When he wants to be, of course.  Good luck with Chuck, and be prepared to fall in love again.  |
|
mrjsk
Hatchling
Posts: 14
|
Post by mrjsk on Feb 19, 2016 8:10:12 GMT -5
Yeah, he will be coming with cage and all he's other bits. So I guess that will help him having a familiar, safe place to go.
Thank you easttex, I will check out the link. Unfortunately, I haven't met him before. We are both prepared for the effort and time that is going to be needed for Chuck. Do you think it will be best to leave him for a couple of days and then begin to leave the cage open and let him come out / if he wants to on his own?
Oh wow 21!? Is there any pictures of him on here?
Thank you!!
|
|
|
|
Post by easttex on Feb 19, 2016 11:16:02 GMT -5
It's hard to predict how he's going to react. I got my African grey when she was seven, and she let me handle her right away. Peppy was much slower. He really only started getting comfortable after seven months, but he had been cage bound, and I wouldn't expect it to take that kind of time with Chuck. His body language should tell you a lot. If he is alarmed by your proximity, it isn't a bad idea to keep the door closed for a few days. You can figure out how close you can be without stressing him too much, and spend time there talking gently, or reading, or just about anything that is not threatening to him. Be sure to find out what his favorite treats are. If he is comfortable enough, you can hand them to him, but otherwise drop them into his food dish. I would also keep him on his current diet for now, even if it is not the best diet. Peppy is now about 23. He has some health issues, but they don't seem to be related to age, and I think it's hard to tell that he is that old. You can see him in the Photo Gallery board, under Another Wet Bird, though soaking wet is not the most flattering pose for a Quaker . You can also see him doing his chicken act under Peppy Chicken on the same board, but the light quality is not great. He is also on my profile picture, and on the banner at the top of the page. He's the tall one. Kind of like a meerkat. |
|
mrjsk
Hatchling
Posts: 14
|
Post by mrjsk on Feb 20, 2016 4:16:26 GMT -5
It's hard to predict how he's going to react. I got my African grey when she was seven, and she let me handle her right away. Peppy was much slower. He really only started getting comfortable after seven months, but he had been cage bound, and I wouldn't expect it to take that kind of time with Chuck. His body language should tell you a lot. If he is alarmed by your proximity, it isn't a bad idea to keep the door closed for a few days. You can figure out how close you can be without stressing him too much, and spend time there talking gently, or reading, or just about anything that is not threatening to him. Be sure to find out what his favorite treats are. If he is comfortable enough, you can hand them to him, but otherwise drop them into his food dish. I would also keep him on his current diet for now, even if it is not the best diet. Peppy is now about 23. He has some health issues, but they don't seem to be related to age, and I think it's hard to tell that he is that old. You can see him in the Photo Gallery board, under Another Wet Bird, though soaking wet is not the most flattering pose for a Quaker . You can also see him doing his chicken act under Peppy Chicken on the same board, but the light quality is not great. He is also on my profile picture, and on the banner at the top of the page. He's the tall one. Kind of like a meerkat. The link was really helpful & thank you for your tips and advice. Really appreciate it! Just want to get it right for little Chuck Ohh I will have to have a look. ahaha oh are the birds in the banner all members birds? That is pretty cool !! |
|
|
|
Post by easttex on Feb 20, 2016 6:48:06 GMT -5
Yes, that banner is the product of our very own creative genius, Aaron, and features members' birds. If you're interested in adding Chuck when you get him, let Aaron know.
|
|
|
|
Post by quakerdad1955 on Sept 7, 2016 20:37:30 GMT -5
i know this is a late post as i have not been checking the forum and website. i hope the adoption and move of chuck into your home was successful.quakers can do better with change when the have their old cage , toys and things they like.being with a person they know helps.they may go thru a period of seperation depression. time,love, and patience and extra attention helps.qp's do ok with change.my story below could apply to bird adoptions and change also.these things happened to my 13 yr old qp, 10 yr old jenday conuer and 7 yr old green cheek conure.( their ages now in 2016 all in good health )these birds have been with since they fledged and weaned.
i moved to another state 3 yrs. ago after i retired and my marriage of 38 yrs broke up. i brought my 3 birds, a qp,jenday conure, and a green cheek conure with me. i stayed with my mother for 4 mths until i found a house to rent.my qp put on his charm to my mother and they really took up to each other.the other 2 did okay with the change. the green cheek conure had plucked her belly clean of feathers due to being stressed out over the marital problems between my exwife and i.once here she calmed down, quit plucking feathers and has done well since. i was able to find a landlord that allowed birds in his rental house.they all love their room and i leave the cage doors open while i'm awake.they are much calmer now and spoiled. their own a/c unit( live in the deep south summer is hot,hot,hot), tv, cd and record player. they love classical music. it smooths them out like the tasmanian devil from the looney tunes cartoons.they are a lot of company to me. we talk,whistle,sing,etc. they still have their flock way of thinking and call out to see that i'm here'
i quess some of what i have described would apply to an adopted qp as well as other birds. only time, love and patience will win the adopted qp or other birds over to you as their "human". going to someone they know will make the adoption easier.
i hope my post can be helpful to anyone who does a bird adoption of gets a rescue bird whether it be a qp or other birds.again going to someone they know and their cages, toys, feeding bowls would make the transition easier. the qp might act out some like a small child but love and patience and time will take care of this.hope this information can be helpful to someone.
|
|
