|
|
Post by pakhu on Jul 23, 2016 13:11:58 GMT -5
I am about to adopt a Quaker parrot from a rescue. They're being hand fed right now. I was asked by the rescue if I could possibly adopt the two sisters. I would like to. However, I was told something that I'm a bit skeptical of. I'm not sure I want to run the risk of the two bonding to each rather than me. I was told that if you introduce birds after sexual maturity you run more a risk of them bonding to each other as a 'pair' versus remaining human oriented. So in this case, the birds have a reduced chance of bonding with each other since they are siblings. Is this true?
Also, would it be bad if I put the two birds in the same cage assuming it's large enough?
|
|
|
|
Post by duckysmom on Jul 23, 2016 14:49:17 GMT -5
I would advise separate cages. They can be territorial. My baby, Ducky, is just 3 months old and already showing some signs of that. When he starts showing signs, we change his cage around, remove some toys and add others. However, the breeder I got him from keeps some of her breeding pairs together all year-round and they are still very sweet and affectionate with her and her pets. A couple of them only want her if they are apart. So it may depend on the bird. My cockatiel and budgie, in separate cages, were very bonded to each other. The cockatiel was also bonded to us, the family. The budgie was anti-human all around. But they aren't QPs, though, so maybe some more experierced QP folks can offer more enlightenment.
|
|
|
|
Post by biteybird on Jul 24, 2016 2:49:09 GMT -5
I think your concerns are valid and I agree with duckysmom that if you get more than one quaker they should have separate cages. There are some forum members who have experience with these sort of situations (I don't), but I remember some saying that having two quakers can work if you're prepared to give them an equal amount of 1:1 attention. It's more likely to work if they are very young and you start early - I assume they're still babies, as you mentioned they are being hand-fed. There is definitely the possibility that they could bond with each other more than with you and I don't know how being siblings would affect this. Have you owned birds before? If not, be aware that quakers are on the 'demanding' side for birds (along with large parrots) and are not the kind of bird that can stay mentally healthy without consistent, daily interaction. Then multiply that 1:1 attention if you decide to have more than quaker. They are also long-lived - approximately 35+ years. I am sure others will reply shortly with some insights for you. One Australian member, Angela, has two blue quakers who are siblings and they seem to be going along OK, although they are not adults yet. Anyway, welcome and good luck with your decision.  |
|
|
|
Post by easttex on Jul 24, 2016 5:18:45 GMT -5
I've never been in your situation, but what you were told makes sense to me. As babies they'll tend to be very open to just about anything or anyone. Later, when hormones start up, they'll be interested in finding a mate. I, too, would recommend separate cages, but would allow them to interact outside of them.
|
|
|
|
Post by pakhu on Jul 24, 2016 6:37:01 GMT -5
I had a red-bellied parrot up until this month after he met an untimely death (a relative brought there dog over and it somehow got him through the cage).. He was a one person bird who was bonded to me when I was around. Like, when I was around he would attack my roommate, and when I wasn't around he seemed to be alright.
I suppose I am afraid that if I got them both that they would be bonded to each other in that manner. Separate cages will most likely be the route I'm aiming for. I know parrots are pretty territorial and need their space, and so it's probably for the best.
|
|
|
|
Post by beccilouise on Jul 26, 2016 6:18:21 GMT -5
Hi Pakhu. The birds are more likely to bond to each other if you get them young and keep them together. Separate cages is DEFINITELY a better idea as it means that, if there's a problem between them, the birds can get away from each other. If you're able to spend lots of time with the bird, then one is definitely a better option. Maya spends a little bit of time alone every day but she has between one and six hours out of her cage every day. If you get two birds, you can still keep them hand tame but it will take A LOT more work and you'll run a greater risk of them losing their tameness if ever you're away for a bit. Bear in mind that birds, after they fly the nest, will always seek a new relationship away from their siblings, so not adopting the two of them will not damage them beyond repair. Quakers are very adaptable little birds, as was said, they are quite demanding. Maya is my first bird and I love her to pieces, but she is certainly not easy! However, they are extremely intelligent and very, very good company. Angela on this forum owns two quakers, so when she sees this, she might be the best person to help you answer bonding questions.
|
|
|
|
Post by pakhu on Jul 28, 2016 8:58:10 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. I decided that I am definitely going to simply get one then. I know it sounds selfish, but I wouldn't want to risk my bird bonding with anyone else but me, and I feel like if I got two that would most likely happen. Or at least there would be a risk for it happening. That and I know how much time and devotion one bird would need. I think my time constraints in life would prevent me from giving two birds the time they deserve.
|
|
|
|
Post by Noora on Apr 13, 2021 14:47:13 GMT -5
Hi,
I got a quaker bird named Uriah 3 years ago when he was 4 months old. He was lovely and cooperative. Then we adopted an older (15 yrs old?) quaker bird (whose owner was hospitalized) about 1 year ago. We keep them in separate cages but near each other. The first bird, Uriah, has definitely grown jealous and is now mean, not as interactive, and still not speaking. We were wondering if we should keep the cages in separate rooms versus separate houses all together in order to improve the behavior of the first bird.
Appreciate your thoughts!
|
|
