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Post by Angela on Jan 1, 2016 6:13:08 GMT -5
Hi there! My name's Angela but everyone calls me Ang. I'm very new to the bird world. I had been considering getting 2 cockatiels from a friend who breeds them and hand raises them. Then I went to a pet shop (well a bird shop as that's all he sells) and saw these 8 adorable blue quaker parrots!! I fell in love with them! So now am thinking about getting a QP. Now I've been reading heaps of the last couple of weeks. So firstly I thought do I get one or 2 straight up?? I've read how hard it can be to add a bird later on.
The only thing is there is a lot of talk about how messy and noisy and painful (as they bite alot) they can be!! It's frightening me off a little!!! So now I don't know what to do. I don't want to make the wrong decision.
Any advice??
Thanks in advance
Ang
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Post by easttex on Jan 1, 2016 11:35:47 GMT -5
Hi and welcome, Ang!  Good for you that you are trying to figure out what you are in for before you actually get a bird(s). They are an impulse buy for so many, and so many parrots wind up looking for new homes because of it. Any parrot will potentially create a lot of mess, so if you don't want to deal with that, maybe something like a canary or a finch would be better suited to you. Quakers are not exceptionally loud compared to other parrot species, but at times they can be quite annoying. Most of the noise they make will be contact calls, as they are very social birds, and do not like to be out of contact with their flock. They can be biters, and they may be more inclined to be nippy, but if you watch their body language and respond to what they are telling you, you'll have many fewer bites. They will not treat you as their boss, and forcing them to do anything will likely get you bit. Peppy has developed the habit of almost always just gently beaking to correct me, though he makes it look scary; I think because he knows that's all it takes to get his message across. If you are set on keeping two birds in one cage, which I don't recommend unless you want a bonded pair who will not be interested in bonding with you, then two birds that were raised together would be a good option. Even then, somewhere down the road there could be too much conflict to continue to keep them together. You would also have to make sure that they don't successfully breed. Keep potential life span in mind. A quaker might be with you for 30 years or more, so consider what big changes may happen in the future. Parrots build really strong bonds, and it is hard on them to be rehomed. All parrots are complex creatures, but a quaker is definitely more so than a cockatiel. No bird should really be viewed as a "starter bird", but if you feel unsure of quakers after all your research, I'd recommend the cockatiel. On the other hand, there are people here who will provide lots of support if you do get a quaker. |
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Post by obironkenobi on Jan 1, 2016 11:58:25 GMT -5
Well thought out response easttex.
I might add not all quakers are bitey. Maya is 15 and went through phases but we have lagely come to trust one another. Bites rarely happen anymore. Noise will always be an issue to varying degrees, but can be channeled. Maya has picked up so many whistles and other sounds I've taught her over the years that I can usually change her tune from anoying quaker noises to something more ear friendly.
I agree that two birds in one cage may result in bonded birds who want nothing to do with you. Lots of out of cage interaction and socialization may keep them tame and happy but could require lots of time and patience. Consider separate cages. The birds can interact and vocalize without the deep bonding. There is the expense factor though. A single bird is fine as well as long as they get plenty of you time, lots of different toys and a generally stimulating environment. I recomend not only a cage( as large as you can afford) but a large play stand for out of cage time.
If you want a companion for your bird while you're away, try a simple goldfish in a bowl for the bird to watch. Seriously. It can be that simple. Its all about keeping them stimulated and occupied. Without that there is always the potential risk of behavior issues that you really don't want to have to face.
I applaud you for doing your research first.
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Post by julianna on Jan 1, 2016 12:26:48 GMT -5
Easttex has given you the best advice. Good to know you didn't do an impulse purchase.
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Post by Angela on Jan 1, 2016 19:51:54 GMT -5
Thank you very much Easttex, Obironkenobi and Julianna for your replies. I very much appreciate your advice!!! I had been leaning towards getting only the one bird after my research anyway. As I said Hubby and I are self employed so we do work long hours. We'd be able to let QB out of it's cage around 6pm at night (plus a little in the morning too before we go to work I guess). I don't usually go to bed till very late (around midnight) but I've read they need 10 to 12 hours sleep at night?? So I guess that means he will only be out 3 to 4 hours each day?? Plus a lot more on weekends of course.... My son gets home from school at around 4pm (he's 14). He could potentially get him out of his cage then and play with him too but not sure how that would go?? Would that be acceptable interaction for a QB??
I had in mind to get the cockatiels but as I said when I went into the 'bird' shop I fell in love with the blue QB's!! The chap was telling me that the QB's have far more personality than a cockatiel..... He said he'd prefer a QB any day over a cockatiel.
As I said I don't want to make the wrong decision.
I think the problem is, that after reading so much, lots of people almost try to talk you out of getting a QB. So I guess that's why I've been a little 'spooked'!!
Thanks so much again for the welcome and the advice!!
Ang
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Post by cnyguy on Jan 1, 2016 20:17:46 GMT -5
Welcome to the Forum! You're doing a good job of learning all you can about QPs before you make your decision. I don't think anyone here necessarily wants to talk you out of getting a Quaker, but we have plenty of experience with both the good and bad of life with QPs. Most any parrot of any kind will be noisy, at least some of the time, and it's a rare parrot that isn't messy.  Quakers are typically intelligent and curious, and most have a good sense of humor too. Some are cuddly and affectionate, while others prefer less physical contact. They can be good talkers, but many don't speak anything but their native Quaker parrot language. They can also be bossy and stubborn. It is recommended that a parrot get roughly 12 hours' sleep, but not every parront can stick to that schedule. Parrots can usually adapt to different schedules, but sleep is important. Lack of sleep can make for behavioral problems. The quality of one-on-one time with a parrot is more important than the quantity. It sounds like you'll have a few hours every day to spend with your parrot, if you choose to get one. If your son is willing to learn the right way to interact with a parrot, he should be able to be a good companion for a QP. As you continue your research, you might want to read a good book or two about QPs. There's one by Shelly Lane available on the companion site Quakerparrots.com. Another book I recommend is Mattie Sue Athan's Guide to the Quaker Parrot.
Good luck to you as you research QPs and make your decision. |
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Post by Angela on Jan 1, 2016 20:49:53 GMT -5
Again wonderful advice, thanks Cnyguy! I am forever grateful for everyone's advice and guidance!! Seems I have more investigation to do.... Thanks Ang |
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Post by biteybird on Jan 1, 2016 21:38:55 GMT -5
Hi Ang, welcome! The others have pretty much said it all. I know, from my point of view, that one quaker parrot is quite enough for us (they are very needy). We also have two outdoor bird aviaries which have canaries, Bourke's parrots, cockatiels and plum-headed parrots (we actually now have four plum-headed baby parrots!). As far as interaction goes, I think a cockatiel would be overall less demanding and less noisy and 'dangerous' than a quaker (particularly with your teenage son), also less long-lived. However, as others have noted, if you're up for spending the necessary quality time a QP has a great personality! I think you are doing the right thing by researching first. Just be very sure of your decision before you bring the bird/s home. |
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Post by aaron on Jan 4, 2016 15:11:34 GMT -5
Welcome Ang! I'm in Biteybird's camp -- one Quaker parrot is enough. If you get two, the noise issues will be exponentially worse, I would wager. A shared cage is not a good idea as others have pointed out, unless you want to be the caretaker of a bonded pair that does not care to bond with you. Personally, I'd go with one bird. It will be challenging enough  A Quaker will have a much more interesting personality than a cockatiel, although that definitely translates to a more significant requirement when it comes to the amount of time you will need to spend interacting to keep the bird happy! All of this said, QPs are wonderful little birds and are worth the time for sure, as long as you have it and are willing to put it in. I certainly commend you for doing so much research ahead of time! If only all people were like you in that regard... Eager to hear how it goes! |
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Good for you that you are trying to figure out what you are in for before you actually get a bird(s). They are an impulse buy for so many, and so many parrots wind up looking for new homes because of it. 
Quakers are typically intelligent and curious, and most have a good sense of humor too. Some are cuddly and affectionate, while others prefer less physical contact. They can be good talkers, but many don't speak anything but their native Quaker parrot language. They can also be bossy and stubborn. 
