Adopting 2 found Quakers | Quaker Parrot Forum

jlopp
Hatchling

Posts: 1

Adopting 2 found Quakers Sept 8, 2017 17:43:51 GMT -5

Quote

Post by jlopp on Sept 8, 2017 17:43:51 GMT -5

Hello,

I write this evening seeking advice. A neighbor recently found two Quaker parrots in a town park and was able to rescue them. She's made good efforts to locate their owners, including working with the town's animal control officer. No one has come forward, though and my neighbor can't keep the birds. I am interesting in adopting them and have some questions.

I have owned birds previously, a cockatiel and a Quaker, both adopted as very young birds. I'm concerned that I don't know anything about this pair's life experience and want to make sure they feel safe and loved in our home. Any advice regarding transitioning them from her home to mine, after unknown time in the outdoors? She let me know that they are ok being handled, so doesn't think they were outdoors too long.

As previous bird owners, we have familiarity with training, and will have the birds evaluated by an avian vet.

What is the best cage for two Quakers? This is a bonded pair, evidently, so we're considering a single cage, as opposed to two cages.

I welcome any advice regarding transitioning, care and housing for this pair and am grateful for your expertise.

Thanks very much.
Jennifer

easttex
Top Bird/Chief Slave

Posts: 2,410

Adopting 2 found Quakers Sept 9, 2017 3:08:52 GMT -5 biteybird likes this

Quote

Post by easttex on Sept 9, 2017 3:08:52 GMT -5

Welcome to the forum, Jennifer! On the Quaker Parrot Talk board, there is a pinned thread called Good read for rescues! with a link in the first post. That link is a great place to start. In addition, the more time you can spend with them before bringing them to your house, the better. Let them see you being non-threatening before you kidnap them.

I've never had a bonded pair, but would think the general rule of thumb applies - get the largest cage you can afford and accommodate, as long as the bar spacing is not too wide. Great height is not necessary, so a flight cage might work well, if you can find one sturdy enough for parrots' beaks.

Getting them on a good diet will be important, though during the transition you can give them what they're being given by your neighbor. If that's not a high quality pellet supplemented by fresh veggies and a little fruit, you can start offering these things, but don't take away the old stuff right off the bat. I like Harrison's pellets, but there are many good ones out there. An avian vet will have good advice on diet.

If you do decide to adopt them, you'll get friendly support from this forum.

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
Top Bird/Chief Slave

Posts: 1,727

Adopting 2 found Quakers Sept 12, 2017 13:48:48 GMT -5

Quote

Post by julianna on Sept 12, 2017 13:48:48 GMT -5

Hello Jennifer and welcome to you and hopefully your two adopted babes. You are a very kind person to take on this responsibility and as you remember... Quakers can be a handful. They are very loving and playful as long as you are their toy... lol.

Easttex has given you good advice. I hope things work out for you. Let us know how things go along.

Best wishes.