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Post by jesus on Jul 28, 2014 12:02:42 GMT -5
hi im new to owning a quaker parrot he screeches sometimes not all the time he only eat the sunflower seeds out of his mix food also nibbled on watermelon hes been walking around his cage he will bit and throw his mirror like hes upset. burnie is really smart he goes to his food when asked and also his water as well when he climbs to top of his cage he will also get down when asked we have had him for a few days now, and would like any advice possible please. the shop said he was 7 months old male how could I tell. please any advice would be greatly appreciated
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Post by easttex on Jul 29, 2014 3:36:05 GMT -5
Hi Jesus. It will take him a while to get accustomed to the changes. Be very patient and kind with him, so you can start to build a positive bond. I wouldn't lose any time in switching him over to a pellet diet and get him off the seeds. He will resist, but do it gradually, and it will be much, much healthier for him. Quakers are a bit noisy, as most parrots are. I've seen them in large flocks in the wild, and I can say that it is supremely natural for them to be in loud and frequent contact with their flock mates. The only sure-fire way to tell the sex is through DNA testing, which can be done by an avian vet. A good vet may also have an opinion on an age range, but that is harder. Look around the boards here. There's a lot of good information and you'll pick up lots of hints. Have you named your new friend?  |
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Post by easttex on Jul 29, 2014 6:02:50 GMT -5
One more thought on the age question - if he is banded you might be able to use the information to determine age. Oh, and I did notice that he does have a name. Too obvious for me to see it the first time. |
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Post by cnyguy on Jul 29, 2014 20:25:17 GMT -5
Welcome to you and Burnie! I always suggest reading a good book about Quaker parrots, like Mattie Sue Athan's Guide to the Quaker Parrot. There's lots of information on the companion site Quakerparrots.com too, and helpful suggestions for improving a parrot's diet and curbing screeching. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask them. |
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Post by jesus a on Jul 31, 2014 10:15:11 GMT -5
Thank you for the tips where can I get the pellets at and. Hes been really good letting us pet him now ithout gloves we let him out his cage for the first time yesterday and he loved it flew around the room many times now he is anxious to come out today. Is it right to clip his wings or no again thanks and will take any advice
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Post by easttex on Jul 31, 2014 15:58:30 GMT -5
Good pellets are widely available in the larger pet stores. I usually buy online from drsfostersmith.com. I've used both Harrison's and Roudybush, and they are both good. Harrison's is not sold outside of vet's offices and online, though. I like them because they are all organic, but there are many different kinds that are just fine. Burnie will probably refuse them for a while, so you have to be persistent. Wing clipping is a matter of your particular situation and preference. I don't clip either of mine. I want them to be able to behave as much like natural birds as they can, given the reality of captive life. I think in general flighted birds are less likely to develop weight problems and maybe even self-destructive behaviors, though I can't prove that.
But, I am able to keep my birds' environment very controlled. I'm the only one who interacts with them, no children, not much company, we don't use ceiling fans, etc. in fact, due to their earlier homes, neither wants to fly all that often, so it makes things easier for me. You have to make the call, but if you do clip, keep in mind that he will probably still have some flying ability, especially outdoors. Many escaped birds were clipped. So you still have to keep a close watch when they are out of their cages.
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Post by daisybelle on Aug 14, 2014 9:49:13 GMT -5
My young quaker loved the Zupreem fruit pellets immediately despite the fact that he was raised solely on grains before. So that could be a good food option.
Clipping wings is a huge debate for bird owners everywhere. Some people argue its not 'natural' and proponents say it gives your bird security from getting away or getting into trouble. I personally have clipped Keda's wings to avoid him flying into our open kitchen (and outside of crouse) and have found him to be extremely tame, obedient, and patient. Because he depends on us to get around, he knows to wait and he doesn't bother us when he wants to. We also can take him on walks outside and on car rides without worrying about anything happening to him.
Now people will argue and say 'but what if your bird is attacked by a cat or something and can't get away?!'. Humans- not clipped wings- are the first barriers of protection. That is to say, that a cat should not even be in the vicinity of your bird to prevent an incident where your bird feels it needs to 'defend' itself.
Of course accidents will happen with our without clipped wings- being vigilant and responsible at all times can help.
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