kat
Hatchling
Posts: 1 
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Post by kat on Feb 12, 2015 9:09:22 GMT -5
I am new to owning birds. I got a blue Quaker Parrot from a rescue about 2 months ago. The best guess is its a male about 10-14 years old. His name is Ducky. I am not sure how a Quaker should act really, but Ducky just wants to sit on top of his cage and do nothing all day. He does not play or make much sound. He does not mind if we scratch his head most of the time, but sometimes will nip. He will not step up for anything. In the rescue he moved 3 times before coming to us, so he has been some what stress I would think. I have noticed the past few days he seems to be plucking. He is pulling feathers out between his wing and neck. I am hoping that I can get him to stop plucking before he gets to obsessed with it. any suggestions? Thanks Kat
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Post by easttex on Feb 12, 2015 10:26:49 GMT -5
Welcome Kat and Ducky! That is very sad. Multiple rehomes are really hard on a parrot. I wonder if he isn't depressed. Have you had him checked by a vet? I would want to eliminate any physical causes for the plucking before assuming it is purely behavioral, likely as that might seem.
I recommend you take a look at a link that was posted recently by Sharyn under Quaker Parrot Talk, called "good read for rescues". I'd also recommend that you allow Ducky to make as many of his own decisions as you can. Let him come and go from his cage, while making sure he can see how much fun it is to be out with you, and watch for his body language that might tell you he's had enough scratching before he feels he has to bite. I know that last one can be a challenge. There are things you can do to give Ducky a more stimulating environment, but I think a health check is probably the first thing.
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Post by aaron on Feb 12, 2015 15:42:59 GMT -5
Welcome! That sounds very sad for Ducky, but with the right care he will likely come around. Patience is really important in these situations. Easttex has offered some good advice- I would definitely try to get your little guy to a vet if you haven't already to make sure that he isn't sick in any way.
Once you know he is well-- Get him feeling comfortable in his new environment. Sitting and talking to him and not trying to get him to interact with you if he doesn't want to is probably a good idea. Once he really trusts you and realizes that his home isn't going to change again, he will probably perk up, assuming he is feeling well.
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Post by cnyguy on Feb 12, 2015 21:04:50 GMT -5
Welcome to you and Ducky!  Hope that he will settle in comfortably and have a happy life with you. You might try playing with some parrot toys while Ducky watches. He may decide to join in the fun. As aaron suggested, sitting close to Ducky's cage and talking softly to him is a good way to help Ducky get more comfortable with you and his new home. Reassure him that he's with you to stay and that you want him to be happy; parrots understand things like that. |
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Post by biteybird on Feb 13, 2015 0:35:29 GMT -5
Welcome, Kat and Ducky! The other comments offer really good advice. I hope Ducky relaxes in his new home with you and that he starts enjoying his life again and interacting. Please let us know how you two are going and ask all the questions you want.
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Post by julianna on Feb 16, 2015 15:07:58 GMT -5
Hi Kat and Ducky. You have come to a great place to get help whenever you need it. Ducky is lucky to have a good home now.
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Hope that he will settle in comfortably and have a happy life with you. You might try playing with some parrot toys while Ducky watches. He may decide to join in the fun. As aaron suggested, sitting close to Ducky's cage and talking softly to him is a good way to help Ducky get more comfortable with you and his new home. Reassure him that he's with you to stay and that you want him to be happy; parrots understand things like that. 
