traceyno9
Hatchling
hi ime new to ur forum my name is tracey ,and ive just got our first quaker
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Post by traceyno9 on Aug 6, 2014 16:18:02 GMT -5
hi ime Tracey and a week ago me and my hubbie got our first Quaker who we have named jasper ,I got jasper from our local pet shop ,jasper is 18mths old and has never been out of his cage in all that time ,we let him settle a couple of days to get his bearings .ime guessing due to being in the cage so long he's very scared and not got much muscles in his wings .he's very angry squeals all the time at the top of his voice and doesn't like me ime female ,and my hubbie is male .in the week we've had him he's learnt two words jasper his name and hello .wen in the shop he had only one toy ,so I've bought him some more he's fed on seed and some other bits apple and were trying him on dried banana .I know people will say we would have been better at getting a baby ,but I felt really sorry for him stuck in the cage all day and night the shop shuts at 6 and reopens next day at 9 so he was on his own all that time ,wen my hubbie has him out he will fly to and from his cage to my hubbies fingers .does anyone have any tips on the squealing and the aggression thanks in advance Tracey
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Post by benegesserit on Aug 7, 2014 8:32:10 GMT -5
Hi Tracey! We went through a similar phase with our Happy, who was around that age when we got her from another person (who similarly did not let her out or interact with her.) It's hard work and takes a lot of patience to establish trust, but I think it's a great sign that Jasper will sit on your husband's fingers.
In the beginning, our Happy would lunge at anyone who came near her cage, and would bite if we put our hands anywhere near her, because she was terrified. After all, they are very tiny and we are scary giants! So we gave her space and let her approach us. We put her cage next to our computer desk, with the door open. She would come out and walk on the desk, then began coming close to us. We got some sunflower seeds (use only as treats, they are high fat!) and would offer her a seed when she came close. This taught her that we aren't going to hurt her, and that hands can be good things. Be sure to move slowly, as fast movements can startle Quakers.
We also began sitting by her cage (when it was closed,) and talking/singing/whispering to her. This acclimated her to people being near her cage and she realized we weren't going to hurt her.
It's been about 4/5 years that Happy's been with us, and now we're able to pet her. She sometimes still bites, but it's usually a warning nip as opposed to a vicious bite that draws blood. It's been hard work, but it's very rewarding.
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Post by easttex on Aug 7, 2014 9:20:41 GMT -5
Hi Tracey! A week is not very long for a parrot to acclimate to a new environment. I know it seems like Jasper ought to be so happy with the new freedom that he would behave better, but give him some time. For now, I would recommend the old "reward the behavior you want, ignore the behavior you don't want." He's soaking up everything around him. The less you respond to the negative, the better it will be in the long run.
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Post by siobhan on Aug 7, 2014 13:40:07 GMT -5
Go at Jasper's pace, not yours. Sit nearby and read to him or sing to him. Tell him all about your day and ask about his. No, really. Converse with him as if he understands every word, because they do understand a lot of what you say. Play soothing music for him. Mine like classical but they also like lively stuff like 50s and 60s pop songs. Offer him yummy treats from your hands. Pumpkin seeds or plain Cheerios (not honey nut or any of the fancy flavors, too much sugar) are good. You have to earn his trust and give him time to get to know you. Imagine you were a little bird who'd always been locked in a cage and suddenly two strangers whisked you away to a new place where you didn't know what was dangerous and what was safe or why you'd been taken there.
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Post by cnyguy on Aug 7, 2014 20:52:02 GMT -5
Welcome to you and Jasper!  It takes time for a parrot to adjust to new people and new surroundings. Be patient and let Jasper take all the time he needs. You've received some good suggestions for helping Jasper settle in and become more comfortable with you and his new home. Another good treat you might offer is popcorn, which is one of my QP Ralph's favorites. For a parrot, it must be plain air-popped popcorn-- no oil, butter or salt. |
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