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Hi all
Feb 4, 2015 18:34:08 GMT -5
Post by lamar on Feb 4, 2015 18:34:08 GMT -5
Hi to everyone out there. I have a four year old quaker "kiwi". I have had him since he was hatched, hand fed him and until recently I had a girlfriend to help care for kiwi. Actually kiwi is her fid but it looks like now he is mine. Anyway, kiwi has never been left alone for more than a few hours, pretty much someone here all the time. Now things are different, just me here and I am a bit stressed having to leave the little guy to go and do the things I must. I am a student, so I don't have to leave and be gone for 8 or 10 hours but I do have classes I must attend. I would appreciate any feedback other quaker owners can offer on leaving kiwi for several hours alone. He has his own bedroom and a large cage so he is as safe as I can make it for him. I am aware this may sound a bit silly, but I am new to being the sole owner of kiwi. Thanks in advance for any suggestions
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Hi all
Feb 4, 2015 23:13:36 GMT -5
Post by cnyguy on Feb 4, 2015 23:13:36 GMT -5
Welcome to you and Kiwi!  The obvious thing is to make sure that Kiwi has some food to eat and water to drink while you're out. Provide some safe toys to occupy his time too. It's a good idea to leave the TV or radio on so there'll be some sounds and Kiwi will feel less alone. Most parrots can get along fine for a few hours on their own when they have food and drink, music to listen to and something to keep them busy. |
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Hi all
Feb 5, 2015 2:15:03 GMT -5
Post by biteybird on Feb 5, 2015 2:15:03 GMT -5
Welcome, Lamar and Kiwi. Aaron is right. Make sure he has toys and some 'human noises' like radio/TV, as that is probably what he's used to. Try not to worry too much. I'm sure he will adjust to the new arrangement with a bit of patience.
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Hi all
Feb 5, 2015 10:04:26 GMT -5
Post by easttex on Feb 5, 2015 10:04:26 GMT -5
Hi and welcome Lamar and Kiwi! You're being conscientious about your fid, and far from being silly, it is admirable. Every bird should have such a responsible parront. I agree that he should adapt. As long as you can give him quality time when you are home, and he has some things to stimulate him while you're gone, he should be okay. How has he taken the absence of your ex, or was his primary bond with you? |
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Hi all
Feb 5, 2015 11:49:19 GMT -5
Post by lamar on Feb 5, 2015 11:49:19 GMT -5
thanks everyone for the suggestions. I do play with kiwi often during the day, he is not clipped and really loves to fly around the house which is as parrot proof as I can make it. Kiwi like jerry springer and will shout jerry jerry jerry along with the audience. His primary bond was with the ex, but he seems to doing well other than a few times a day he will say her name. I don't know if he is calling out for her or just talking. Cant help but love these little guys and I want to learn as much as I can to properly care for him as I cannot bear the thought of re-homing him.thanks again for all the suggestions
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Hi all
Feb 5, 2015 13:48:46 GMT -5
Post by easttex on Feb 5, 2015 13:48:46 GMT -5
People here will be happy to help with any questions you have as you go along. |
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Hi all
Feb 7, 2015 11:51:48 GMT -5
Post by aaron on Feb 7, 2015 11:51:48 GMT -5
Welcome to you and Kiwi!
Our quaker, Cupcake, is often home by herself for variable amounts of time... Sometimes as much as 10 hours... And she adapts well to it. It is a good suggestion to provide TV/radio for noise and potentially some visual stimulation. I suspect Kiwi will do fine. It sounds like Kiwi gets lots of quality time when you are home... I think that is what matters most.
We make sure to be immediately very enthusiastic whenever we return to the home with clear excitement about seeing Cupcake and she clearly appreciates it a lot, and generally responds with enthusiastic greetings. The first thing I do after putting down my jacket is open that bird cage. She appreciates being a priority, and I feel like she quickly forgets the time she has spent waiting for us to return.
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The obvious thing is to make sure that Kiwi has some food to eat and water to drink while you're out. Provide some safe toys to occupy his time too. It's a good idea to leave the TV or radio on so there'll be some sounds and Kiwi will feel less alone. Most parrots can get along fine for a few hours on their own when they have food and drink, music to listen to and something to keep them busy. 
