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Post by gypsydove on Mar 26, 2017 17:03:27 GMT -5
I am an avid bird lover have worked with many birds including wild flocks an injured birds. I have been adopted by wild birds which started at a young age... animals in general love me I've been dubbed as a Dr Doolittle of sorts.
I have been looking around for a feathered friend recently there is not much of a selection in my area. I came across a 10 week old Blue Quaker recently that I can't get off my mind very seriously considering. I've been reading everything I can find on them including this forum. You all are a hoot and are making me fall in love with the little guys soon my big question...where do I download a copy of my Human slave training manual???
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Post by cnyguy on Mar 26, 2017 20:02:16 GMT -5
Welcome! While the official slave-training manual remains a product of our collective imagination  there are lots of sources of imformation to help you learn how to be a good slave to a Quaker parrot. As you're already discovering, the posts on this Forum are a good place to start. The companion site quakerparrots.com is another good resource (and there is a real book on QPs available there for downloading). Some books in print that are helpful include Mattie Sue Athan's Guide to the Quaker Parrot and Pamela Leis Higdon's The Quaker Parrot: A Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet. Of course, you're welcome to ask questions here on the Forum too-- everyone here is ready to share their Quaker parrot experience and knowledge. |
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Post by biteybird on Mar 27, 2017 5:54:35 GMT -5
Hey, welcome! Cnyguy's given you a great starting point. I often think we SHOULD actually write the Human Slave Training Manual for Quaker Parrots...I'm sure we could all contribute a chapter or two from personal experiences!  |
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Post by easttex on Mar 27, 2017 10:23:07 GMT -5
I have the feeling they'd prefer that you don't get a copy of the manual. The better to keep you on your toes. |
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Post by Jan and Shah on Mar 27, 2017 16:39:33 GMT -5
Sorry but that manual is only available to quakers. Your quaker will teach you what is expected and your position in the pecking order.
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Post by aaron on Mar 27, 2017 23:00:34 GMT -5
Welcome aboard! Yeah, each Quaker writes their own manual, that's for sure. And no, they don't generally let you read it |
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Post by gypsydove on Mar 28, 2017 22:25:46 GMT -5
I am still contemplating little tyke is at a pet shop a sign states 10wks old. Looks healthy though watched poor critter chewing away it's foot trying to get band off repeatedly giving up on the band itself just gnawing away on his foot. Really not a pet store fan...I am also a tad concerned with how many states have outlawed them while legal here if they eventually follow suit I'd be heartbroken losing my baby.
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Post by aaron on Mar 29, 2017 19:07:57 GMT -5
We got Cupcake from a pet store, and we would never do it again, simply because we wouldn't want to support birds being sold at pet stores... but she turned out to be an excellent companion parrot.
I wonder why the band is bothering the little guy... Is it metal? Cupcake's is some kind of other material and it doesn't seem to bother her at all. It's required by law here in Virginia, so it's here to stay.
I wonder when the last time was that a state outlawed Quakers... I feel like it's fairly unlikely that more states will outlaw them at this point, but that's really only a hunch... I could be totally wrong.
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Post by cnyguy on Mar 29, 2017 19:54:29 GMT -5
Ralph fussed with his leg band quite a lot. It was removed at his first vet visit. Ralph came from a pet store and I have no regrets about that. Birds sold in pet stores deserve good homes too. Some states like Maine have lifted the ban on QPs, so maybe the trend is moving in the opposite direction; one can hope that other states will see the light and allow QPs to be kept as companion parrots.
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Post by gypsydove on Mar 29, 2017 22:04:03 GMT -5
From what I can find sounds like they considered a ban in 2004 on them but it was dropped. It amazes me how do many states are against them then you have Chicago where some guy is studying them they were doing well there now they believe there are less than 100.
I am not really big on pet stores myself. No rescues to be found presently and I'm find more scammers and egg sellers, flippers and I definitely don't care to support them.
It isn't metal band but sure doesn't seem to like it one iota doesn't look like chick has injured it's foot yet thankfully not sure how with the way he was chewing on it.
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Post by julianna on Mar 30, 2017 14:02:39 GMT -5
If you get the Quaker and the manual... you can be sure that eventually the Quaker will chew up the manual and try to teach you himself.
If you want to know which states have banned quakers it is easy to locate on the internet. I was going to give you the link but the site is down right now. Oscar did not like his ban on his leg either and he would continually fuss with it. I had it removed the first chance I got and because I do not plan on taking him into the states... he will be happier here without it. (Canadian here)
Welcome to the forum... if you decide to get a Quaker... be ready for a total life change. I would say for the better but these little guys are not like other birds. I tell people mine is half dog, half cat and rules my house. I obey his every wish... lol I am the ultimate human slave. He is also a very good friend and totally entertaining. I love Oscar with all my heart.
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Post by aaron on Mar 30, 2017 23:17:25 GMT -5
I do agree that birds in pet store deserve good homes too. I'm so grateful that we ended up with Cupcake. She's such an important part of our family. I hate that places like Petco sell birds, though... despite having gotten Cupcake there. They are far too complicated creatures to be sold this way. Most of them sold there probably do not get good homes. But of course they are all deserving of a good home... If you feel a strong connection with one, definitely go for it. That's what happened with us and Cupcake. I felt extremely drawn to her-- without even interacting with her all that much. I saw and talked to her repeatedly (like 10+ times) because we were at the pet store regularly buying supplies a different reason... but I never held her. I had an idea of how much work birds are from prior experience, and wasn't about to make that committment for our whole family... but I kept talking about Cupcake to my family, nonetheless... I was mostly joking, not really expecting anything to come of it, but they then surprised me with her (another thing I would never recommend)... We had little-to-no idea what we were doing. But five years later, I can say it feels meant to be. There have been ups and down, but she is a genuinely good bird that is extrordinarily sweet and really loves her flock... she's a huge part of our family and is highly cherished. These Quakers are special birds. At any rate, if we were ever to get another bird, I'd definitely try to rescue... but I don't forsee additional birds in our future any time soon. Maybe in a decade or two. |
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Post by beccilouise on Apr 1, 2017 14:28:50 GMT -5
Hahaha, everyone's advice here is so apt! Hello and welcome! I would second the advice given above to go to a breeder if you can, rather than a petshop, unless the shop in question specialise in birds and know what they're doing. In the US (and in some places in Europe) companion birds are popular enough that people will exploit them and breed them very badly, so smaller breeders are always best. That being said, I stand by the notion that we don't choose the bird, the bird chooses us (the wand chooses the wizard, if you will). This was definitely the case with Maya and me and she has turned out to be an adorably loving, sweet and hilarious friend to me.
Also, everyone is right, try to buy a manual and your buddy will tear it to pieces and rewrite it from the beginning! It is a good idea, though, to read up as much as you can so you're totally doing the right thing! General parrot books are really good, and I got some fabulous training books as well, including 'The Perfectly Trained Parrot' by Rebecca O'Connor, which has been instrumental in helping me train Maya. I think Maya's training in her early adolescence was really important to making her really sociable as she learned early on who was boss! My Parrotlopoedia book has also been really helpful and I got a book on Quaker Parrots by a lady called Mattie Sue Athan. It's really informative about all aspects of Quaker care, including the move from infancy through adolescence and on to adulthood. I'd also suggest locating the site of a good avian vet and, when you bring your littl'un home, you can book in a check up straight away. Also, BUY INSURANCE! My bird insurance has bailed me out SOOOO many times already!
Having a quaker is definitely like having a flying dog. Actually, it's like having a flying dog with a kleptomania problem and a can opener attached to its face...which can also solve complex problems and makes it a personal mission to outwit you at every turn! But I wouldn't go back on my decision to get Maya for the whole world. I love her to bits and I can't imagine moving forward without her. I agree that, if I were to get another bird in the future (which if we get a bigger house, I will!) I would want to get a rescue bird. However, for my first parrot, I was nervous about acquiring a bird with potential behavioural problems. Not all rescues are behaviourally difficult though, some have come from loving homes who, for one reason and another, can't care for them. And we'll always be here to offer mad stories and support!
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Post by biteybird on Apr 1, 2017 20:02:00 GMT -5
Having a quaker is definitely like having a flying dog. Actually, it's like having a flying dog with a kleptomania problem and a can opener attached to its face... LOL, so true, you crack me up, Beccilouise!  |
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Post by gypsydove on Apr 1, 2017 21:20:13 GMT -5
I would love to find a reputable breeder so far haven't turned up anything. This pet shop dies consignments though I doubt they would share any breeder contacts as that would cut them out of the loop money wise.
I am still reading and thinking about it I am considering cockatiel or possibly Indian ring neck as well. There are many i would love to have however unless I hear of a rescue of an older bird I am not sure I want to worry about where the bird would spend the next 60yrs after I'm gone IMO it takes a certain type to truly be a bird person and I have met very few in life.
Quakers however are new to me do I'm doing some homework first. Animals tend to bond strongly with me and quickly several times over the years I have had people say "don't steal my dog" in my family not for stealing their pet mind you but rather the affection and attention they shower on me. *Eye roll* they could get the same results if they actually talked to them like they have a brain and realize the relationship goes both ways not just animal is there when you want to pay attention they deserve the same consideration my opinion.
Birds and i...birds of a feather flock together I guess is the best way to word it I personally love being part of the flock. I typically allow free reign to birds allowing flight and their own decisions curiosity etcetera instead of being constantly cage bound and only allowed what the human wants. I have trained a few birds and even potty trained a few though that wasn't my goal lol... I just nicely take and drop them off at their cage and explain nicely pooping on Mama is not okay. Quite quickly they learn to go to floor or cage to potty so they can resume shoulder riding and visiting me.
Anywho I want to have an idear of what I am going to be getting into with a Quaker before I decide he/she could be sold by now...we shall see. Better to be informed and wait a lil bit if needed.
How much do they tend to eat each day? I realize they eat more than just seed .. variety is best for any living being.... I read somewhere that QP tend to gorge themselves not so how much is enough how much is too much? Do any of you give free reign to these guys? It sounds as if Julianna might...
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there are lots of sources of imformation to help you learn how to be a good slave to a Quaker parrot. As you're already discovering, the posts on this Forum are a good place to start. The companion site 
