Creating trust with my new Quaker

zim
Juvenile

Posts: 349

Creating trust with my new Quaker Dec 4, 2015 13:32:19 GMT -5

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Post by zim on Dec 4, 2015 13:32:19 GMT -5

Hey all! New to this forum, and new to birds!

I just got a Quaker Parrot on Sunday. He's 3 months old (as of yesterday), and I got him directly from the breeder.

Every day he's been getting a little more comfortable. He didn't start eating until Tuesday, but he's ate a lot ever since. He's become very vocal at various times throughout the day, and started exploring his cage a good bit yesterday. So this morning I decided to open the door on his cage and see if he was comfortable enough to come out on his own just yet. After about 5 minutes of deep thought (I could tell he was seriously thinking about it all that time), he tried to fly out. Since his wings are clipped, he went straight to the floor.

He wandered around on the floor for a few minutes, then went behind my computer desk and wanted to climb on the wires. I decided this was a bad idea, so I was forced to step in and pick him up and get him back to the cage. He REALLY disliked this. He bit into my finger over and over (drew blood in three spots and broke skin in at least 6). I finally got him back into his cage, and it seems all is well again.

I guess maybe I shouldn't have opened his door for him just yet, but I didn't expect him to fly out, I was hoping he would just climb out and up to the play area on the top of his cage.

Does anyone here have any advice as to how I should proceed in developing our trust bond? I should have mentioned, as of yesterday he will accept food from my fingers, as long as it's done through the cage bars (he's come to the realization I can't reach through the cage bars, so seems to be comfortable with that). If I put my hands in the cage through the door, he backs away.

Thanks a lot for any advice! I really can't wait to start interacting with him, even if I do have to withstand more bites!

julianna
Top Bird/Chief Slave

Posts: 1,727

Creating trust with my new Quaker Dec 4, 2015 17:15:27 GMT -5 easttex and zim like this

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Post by julianna on Dec 4, 2015 17:15:27 GMT -5

I believe you started out correctly. When he landed on the floor you should have gone over there and picked him up (like a rescue) and reassured him that all was okay. Then you can put him on top of the cage in the play area. He was trying to climb the wires because he was trying to get to you.

These little guys are flock birds which means that you are now their partner. They want security, love and affection. When I take my QP out of the cage, he either comes to sit with me immediately or I place him on top of the cage.
Your little one will take a long time to adjust to his new surroundings and patience is the virtue. As you might read on this site, they are very sensitive to colors, shapes and noises. They will build a bond with you based on various noises they make. You need to pay close attention to his noises... there will be a danger call.... loving call.... or attention call.

I am glad you came to this site because if you read a few postings, you will learn a whole lot about these QP's.
Welcome... and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. You will receive a reply within a day usually.

biteybird
Top Bird/Chief Slave

Still alive!

Posts: 2,780

Creating trust with my new Quaker Dec 5, 2015 0:01:20 GMT -5 easttex likes this

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Post by biteybird on Dec 5, 2015 0:01:20 GMT -5

Hi Zim & yet-to-be-named quaker!

Welcome.
If you're willing to spend HOURS reading the various threads on this topic, go for your life! But it might be easier just to ask your own unique questions and - as Julianna has said - someone will always answer. Enjoy.

Bonnie (quaker parrot), R.I.P. Pinky (Bourke's parrot), R.I.P. Cockatiel "Scruffy"

easttex
Top Bird/Chief Slave

Posts: 2,410

Creating trust with my new Quaker Dec 5, 2015 5:19:07 GMT -5

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Post by easttex on Dec 5, 2015 5:19:07 GMT -5

You have to make sure that you are both ready for him to come out.

As you now know, that includes having a strategy for returning him to his cage. If you have a situation like that in the future, I would recommend gently placing a light towel over him and then picking him up. He will be much calmer. It's not a good way to handle them often, but it can get you out of a pickle.

My African grey would be happy to stay on the floor all day, but my baseboards would be toothpicks in no time. Most parrots, though, are not that comfortable on the ground, and will try to climb upward pretty quickly. After his first flight experience, he may not be anxious to try again, but if he does, go right over and put him on a perch or the top of his cage. You're going to want to teach him to step up very soon, so that you don't get bit when you offer your hand. I really like the training methods of Barbara Heidenreich, and she has some helpful videos on YouTube. When you start training, make sure you take him out of sight of his cage.

For now, it probably would be a good idea to let him watch things for a few days before encouraging him to come out. He may view his first foray as a somewhat traumatic experience, and a chance to watch things and get acquainted with you and the new routine could help. Sit near his cage and talk to him, and continue to offer him treats.

Have you named him yet?

Last Edit: Dec 5, 2015 5:37:36 GMT -5 by easttex

Quaker Peppy (RIP my sweet pea), CAG Allie, dogs Wanda and Bonnie, feral kitties Cleo and Antoinette, mice Charlotte and Emily, née Jake and Elwood

zim
Juvenile

Posts: 349

Creating trust with my new Quaker Dec 5, 2015 11:30:12 GMT -5

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Post by zim on Dec 5, 2015 11:30:12 GMT -5

Thanks for all the advice! His name is Yoshi

.

Will definitely check out the Barbara Heidenreich YouTube videos, hopefully I'll learn a few things from them!

We are making progress! He will now accept food out of my hands when I reach them into the cage through the door. He's very reluctant at first, but after a couple pieces he's reaching for my hand as soon as I start putting it in there! I think this is a great step!