Need advice on baby Quaker development.

Hello to you and Lucky. I have read and heard about the babies and it is good to start early with the basic command of "step up". To teach step up... gently touch the bird's thighs just below where they join the belly, maintain eye contact and say "step up" clearly and distinctly. The bird should lift a food and place it on the finger. At first it might be necessary to pry the little toes up to get that first foot on the front index finger. As you lower the back hand (the hand the bird was sitting on) the bird will complete the step up onto the front hand. Practice this a few times a day for a minute or so each time. Only stop after successful completion of the command.

I think it is wise to talk to him as much as you can and repeat certain words that you want him to learn. He will eventually perch and climb when he is strong enough. A baby is not weaned until it can crack a seed and use it's tongue really well or it could lead to other chewing-related problems in the future.

Provide the baby with a night-light. Warm food such as oatmeal and macaroni can feel like love to the newly weaned baby quaker and you can use these foods as comfort foods while enhancing your bond. Eventually the baby will refuse baby food. These birds grow wise very quickly. They are adept at manipulating humans and you probably have a window of opportunity of no more than a month to implement appropriate socialization practices before we see unwanted behaviors begin to appear.

Always use eye contact as it is an important part of this process and the bird must face you. There are so many things to learn about quakers... and you have come to a very good forum to have any and all your questions asked. Please feel free to post any questions you might have and I hope this information will help a little.

Thanks to both of you! Any advice as to how to get him to be more accepting of fresh fruits and vegetables, and when the best time is to offer them? I have him on 4 feedings a day, and he still takes about 12-15cc every 4 to 5 hours like clockwork. He seems to "snack" more on the pellets as it grows closer to a feeding, and he LOVES his birdie bread when I offer it to him, although he waits to eat that too. I try to offer him mixed vegetables, apple sauce, and birdie bread, alternating them throughout the day, but most of my attempts go untouched. Any idea how I can broaden his culinary horizons? Lol

Thanks again, keep 'em coming! Hehe.

He has nooooooo problem learning to play. He loves his toys, and I try to introduce him to new ones as I'm able. A lot of the toys I got are for a fully grown parrot, and some of the ones I ordered were definitely mislabeled and for much larger birds, so I've had to pick and choose, and even cannibalize a few for their smaller parts, lol. But we're making it work. Also, I decided to call him Buddy instead of Lucky, he responds so well to it.