|
|
Post by Rabbidge on Sept 23, 2017 9:33:50 GMT -5
I just got a new Quaker Parrot yesterday. It's very scared and trembles constantly. It's friendly once you get it out of the cage, but otherwise he's quite stubborn, and these are some problems I'm having. -Sleep It won't sleep. I'm actually not sure if it's sleeping, I went to bed and when I woke up, it was in the exact same spot, on the left wall of the cage. Can't be comfortable sleeping at an angle. -Diet I haven't seen my QP eat. When I offer it treats, it backs away slightly. I haven't seen it eat or poop, or if it has, little of it. -Nipping My QP doesn't bite, but it'll open its beak and attempt to nip me, or maybe it's just hissing when I try to pick it up. I've had a similar experience with another bird that absolutely despised me. He'd hiss at me and back away, but that was my fault since it was my first bird and I didn't handle it regularly. If anyone has answers/solutions to these, I'd be so grateful. Some 'Step Up' tips would also be helpful, but when I try to press my finger against its chest, it stands rock still and refuses to get on my finger.  ~Rabbidge |
|
|
|
Post by cnyguy on Sept 23, 2017 20:25:58 GMT -5
Welcome to the Forum. Your new QP needs time to adjust to his new home and all the new things suddenly a part of his life. It might be better not to try to handle him so soon after bringing him home. Once he's more comfortable and gets to know you better, he'll probably be eager to come out of his cage and explore. Sit near his cage and talk softly to him (you can read and sing to your parrot too, if you'd like to) so he'll get used to you and the sound of your voice. Open the cage door so he can come out if he chooses, but at first, it helps to let the parrot decide when he's ready to come out. It's not unusual for a parrot not to eat the first day in a new home. If the room he sleeps in is completely dark at night, you might want to put in a night light to shed just a little light into the room; lots of parrots feel safer that way. Hold off on step up training until your QP feels more at home, and things will go better. This article from the companion site quakerparrots.com is about step up training and you might find it helpful. All the best to you and your new QP! |
|
|
|
Post by biteybird on Sept 24, 2017 2:32:30 GMT -5
Hi & welcome. Cnyguy is right, it's best not to force physical contact before your bird is ready...let him come to you (it might take a while). When you have established some sort of relationship he might be ready to step up for you. One of our members (Julianna?) mentioned that her QP will step up backwards when her finger is behind his feet (under the tail). We also tried this with our QP, Bonnie, and it works sometimes when she doesn't want to step up to a finger in front of her. Cheers. |
|
|
|
Post by Rabbidge on Sept 24, 2017 11:46:42 GMT -5
Thanks for the tips! I saw my QP eating earlier today, so I think it's safe to assume it's warming up to its surroundings. I used biteybird's tip and it worked (a little).  |
|
|
|
Post by beccilouise on Nov 4, 2017 13:52:37 GMT -5
Hello Rabbidge! (And everyone! sorry I've not been around for a while, busy busy busy, but my little Maya is doing well and it's nice to read about all your birds too!) How is your little tyke doing? I read your post and was quite interested to know where the cage is positioned and what food you are giving your QP? Pelleted food is best. I very rarely see Maya sleeping, and didn't AT ALL until a good few months after her being home, when she trusted me enough to sleep on her favourite perch on the ledge over the door (don't worry, we're very careful!) Birds sleep very lightly, so even the slightest noise will wake them up, and Maya is always awake, albeit a little ruffled, when I take her cover off in the morning.
The 'lunging' behaviour your describing is a feint and your QP is using it to set boundaries and let you know what it is comfortable with. Maya still does this, and we manage (mostly) to prevent her from biting by paying attention to when she does or doesn't want to be touched. When I first brought Maya home, I she was already pretty tame, but I used to sit beside her cage and read her stories. I know that sounds mad, but the act of sitting beside her for a non-threatening activity, and talking to her so that she learned by voice and my presence were safe, really helped us to build a bond. I also worked hard to make sure she was as accustomed to other people as possible. She is now a lovely bird. Although she is aloof with any stranger who enters our living room, she is friendly to people when I take her out on my harness and, although she still seems to be 'my' bird (or I am her human) she has a really positive bond with my partner, David, as well.
Anyway, I wish you all the best with your new one! Do you have a name yet? Do let us know how you're getting on!
|
|
|
|
Post by julianna on Nov 8, 2017 13:58:23 GMT -5
Hello Rabbidge and welcome to the forum. I think you will find great advice on this forum as I have over the years. I think you got the idea now that these little guys like to take their time and therefore, you have to as well.
Be sure to give him fruits and veggies as well as the pellets as mentioned above. They don't seem to like citrus fruits but Oscar loves pieces of apple, peeled grapes, bananas, romaine lettuce, peas, carrots and pasta... lol.
Be sure to read the section on what foods are safe and dangerous... it is really important because some food can kill your little one.
Once again welcome and best wishes.
|
|
~Rabbidge
