New Quaker, Any Tips? | Quaker Parrot Forum

avram15
Hatchling

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New Quaker, Any Tips? Jul 31, 2016 10:28:43 GMT -5 via Tapatalk trishachand1982 likes this

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Post by avram15 on Jul 31, 2016 10:28:43 GMT -5

Hello! I am a new, relatively inexperienced bird owner, and I'm seeking a bit of advice...

Neptune is my new 3 month old blue Quaker. I haven't gotten him DNA tested yet, so I've been defaulting to male pronouns. I'm sure he doesn't mind

. I've only had him for about a month. So far, he's gotten used to his cage, eats well (seeds, pellets, fresh fruit and veggies), plays with a few of his toys... but he doesn't like my hands - or me, for that matter. He'll usually move away when I try to pick him up, and he doesn't like me petting him. He has no issue taking food from my hand, though.

I know it's only been a month and he's still young, but I feel Neptune is getting more and more averse to spending time with me. I take him out every morning before work, leave music, food, and toys for him when I'm away, and have him out anytime I'm home. I talk and sing to him frequently, and we usually eat our meals together. Given this, I don't understand why he threatens to bite when I go to him, and it is getting worse.

Does anyone have any advice for cultivating our friendship? I know these things take time, and I am probably being a little impatient, but I don't want to get off on the wrong foot so early in our relationship.

easttex
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New Quaker, Any Tips? Aug 1, 2016 6:42:03 GMT -5

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Post by easttex on Aug 1, 2016 6:42:03 GMT -5

I can only speculate, but I would guess that you have accidentally taught him to bite in order to get his point across. It's important to learn to read their body language and to respect what they are signaling. If you persist in trying to get him out of his cage or onto your hand when that isn't what he wants, there's a good chance of a bite.

This is is one of my favorite parrot behavior links: www.stfrancisanimalandbird.com/index.php/pet-resources/library/9-avian-care/84-my-parrot-bites-what-can-i-do

Lots of good information there. You want to start reversing the biting behavior now, before it becomes more of a habit. I wish you luck. Come back with any questions and to let us know how you progress.

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

julianna
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New Quaker, Any Tips? Aug 1, 2016 14:15:52 GMT -5

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Post by julianna on Aug 1, 2016 14:15:52 GMT -5

I have had my Quaker Oscar for almost 6 years and he does not like to be petted when he is in his cage or on his cage. He only likes it when he sits on my belly and I scrunch his little head. This he loves. Petting just does not seem to be one of his likes... so your bird could be the same.

You must imagine how many times hands went in Neptune's cage to take him out so now he might be afraid of hands. Like you said this is going to take a lot of time and patience to over come but he will in time. Be sure to approach slowly... and let Neptune come out of the cage first before sticking your hand in there. They can be very territorial of their cages and food... that is theirs... and you do not get any... lol.

Welcome to the forum and I look forward to reading your progress.

beccilouise
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Best friend: Maya the grey Quaker Parrot.

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New Quaker, Any Tips? Aug 5, 2016 14:03:28 GMT -5 via mobile biteybird likes this

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Post by beccilouise on Aug 5, 2016 14:03:28 GMT -5

Hello! I concur with the others, it would be best to teach Neptune to step onto your hand. There are lots of good step up training techniques in Rebecca O'connor's book 'the perfectly trained parrot'.

Training is best carried out away from the cage, so open the cage, tempt Neptune out with a treat, gently towel him if you need to and practice the step up in another room. I try to be respectful of Maya's cage space and let her climb out on top of the door to signal if she wants to come out, if she doesn't, I sit on the sofa opposite and wait for her to come to me. We find this works quite well as it means she knows hands will not hurt her. As a result, she will let me grab her and will also lay on her back in my hand if I need to examine her nails. Patience is very important with these birds. Read as much about positive reinforcement and conditioning as you can. They are social creatures, so it's a case of learning to read the cues they give and work with them. Once you know what you are doing, I'm sure you will be able to make the situation work for both you and Neptune. Great name for a qp by the way!