Thinking of adopting a 1.5 year old

eb5ht
Hatchling

Posts: 1

Thinking of adopting a 1.5 year old Oct 14, 2014 4:32:05 GMT -5

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Post by eb5ht on Oct 14, 2014 4:32:05 GMT -5

Hello! I registered on this lovely forum to seek some advice. I guess I'm a beginner in the parrot world - I've spent some time with them, done a little bit of training (worked at a pet store for two years where there was always either a quaker or a GCC for sale), but never owned one myself.

I've been looking into getting myself a quaker for a little while now. The trouble is, I live on the east coast of Canada, and it seems that even on the rare occasion that I do find a Canadian Quaker breeder, they always tell me that they do not ship their birds, period. There's no local breeder for me to turn to.

There is, however, a person in my city who is selling her quaker. It's actually one I've met before, because she bought him from the pet store while I worked there. Back when she purchased him, he was very sweet, though not really old enough for talking yet. I don't know, at this point, whether he has developed any behavioural issues since then, but I have emailed to ask.

My main question is, do you guys think it's a good idea for a beginner such as myself to be adopting a juvenile/adult bird? If there are behavioural issues present, where would you draw the line and decide that it was time to walk away?

Thanks for any advice given.

biteybird
Top Bird/Chief Slave

Still alive!

Posts: 2,780

Thinking of adopting a 1.5 year old Oct 14, 2014 6:39:45 GMT -5

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Post by biteybird on Oct 14, 2014 6:39:45 GMT -5

Well, if you worked with parrots in a store you would know a fair bit more about quakers than I did when we got Bonnie. I think the main thing is that you're aware of the effort involved and willing to spend time with him. I would say a QP requires at least the same level of daily care and interaction as a dog would.
If it's hard to get QPs where you are, maybe you should go with the opportunity to adopt. If he is only one-and-a-half he may just surprise you and be adaptable. Others with more experience than me will no doubt give their opinions. Let us know how you go!

Last Edit: Oct 15, 2014 3:26:25 GMT -5 by biteybird: Typing error & failed to read title properly re age of parrot!

Bonnie (quaker parrot), R.I.P. Pinky (Bourke's parrot), R.I.P. Cockatiel "Scruffy"

easttex
Top Bird/Chief Slave

Posts: 2,410

Thinking of adopting a 1.5 year old Oct 14, 2014 11:02:27 GMT -5 biteybird likes this

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Post by easttex on Oct 14, 2014 11:02:27 GMT -5

I am a big proponent of adoption. Especially in the US, there are many birds who have been given up through no fault of their own. You do have to be aware that they inevitably come with some baggage, but even birds that have been relinquished for behavioral issues most often have suffered from the ignorance or neglect of their previous owners, and not from innate character flaws. They need someone who will be patient and make the effort to educate themselves. That is my experience, anyway. All of my birds have been "used" and I've never been sorry. But in the end, you have to decide if you are up to dealing with any specific behavioral issues. You can count on getting help from people on this site.

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

Caseysmom
Top Bird/Chief Slave

Posts: 811

Thinking of adopting a 1.5 year old Oct 15, 2014 8:48:52 GMT -5

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Post by Caseysmom on Oct 15, 2014 8:48:52 GMT -5

Hi and welcome. If you worked with that Quaker when he was in the store, he might just remember you. I would go ahead and adopt him, sounds like they probably didn't work with him much if they only had him a year, I bet with time you could turn him back to that sweet little guy you remember

Casey

benegesserit
Weanling

Posts: 53

Thinking of adopting a 1.5 year old Oct 16, 2014 21:57:22 GMT -5

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Post by benegesserit on Oct 16, 2014 21:57:22 GMT -5

My husband had never had a bird before our Happy came into his life, and we've managed to turn her from a terrified, fear-biting bird into a loving, talking, snuggly baby. I think the only thing that should give you pause is something like self mutilation (which is pretty rare,) because that requires in depth knowledge and an ideal avian vet as well.

Happy's Mom