treesandbranches7
Hatchling
I do not know what is needed on my profile. "Hatchling" - what does that mean?
Posts: 4
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Post by treesandbranches7 on Jan 25, 2024 15:22:35 GMT -5
I have posted a couple of questions before but now I know more about the bird that is coming to me this afternoon. I hope these questions are ok to ask here!
1. The people we are getting the Quaker from do not know the sex of the bird; hence the name “Sue.” I want to have blood drawn and sent off because I want to know if “Sue” is a boy or girl. I know nothing about birds and their eggs (except chickens!).
2. How long should I wait to take “Sue” to my vet for a checkup and the dna test. I know I need to be very patient with the bird getting accustomed to the new home.
ALL of the cages (large day cage, sleeping g cage and carrying cage) and the toys and bird feed (Roudybush) are coming with her/him so there will be many very familiar surroundings. I will place the day cage/w/ playpen next to a wi die with a covered roof over the back porch (no direct sunshine).
3. I am not going to change the food (Roudybush) but would like to slowly add some veggies and the. Maybe an apple slice.
4. So, based on what I’ve told you, what about the vet visit and dna test.
Are there things I should know about re-homing the (solid white) Quaker before he/she arrives?
He/she is used to sleeping in the sleeping/nighttime cage- do I avoid that until he is acclimated?
5. I am excited about this but just have no experience with Quakers. My previous birds have
Been cockatiels (who lived a very long time!)
I appreciate any advice or help that can be offered.
Thank you.
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Post by cnyguy on Jan 25, 2024 20:36:49 GMT -5
Congratulations on your new feathered friend. It sounds like you're ready to give Sue a good life and a happy home.
It's usually recommended to schedule a vet visit within the first two weeks of bringing the parrot home. If you don't already have a veterinarian lined up who is experienced in caring for parrots, you should probably start looking for one before you bring your new parrot home.
I would be inclined to stick with the sleeping cage at night since that's what Sue is used to. If it's too difficult at first to move him/her between cages, leaving him/her in the daytime cage overnight might work better though.
You can gradually introduce new foods to Sue. If they're unfamiliar ones, you'll probably have to offer them repeatedly, and may need to try preparing them in different ways. Most vegetables can be offered both raw and cooked (though most beans need to be cooked), larger pieces, finely chopped or mashed, and so on. Sometimes it helps to eat some of the same things you're offering yourself and act like it's the most delicious food you ever tasted. Parrots usually like to share foods that their human companions are enjoying. Cooked grains like quinoa and cooked pasta are good choices too. My QP Ralph's favorite food is fresh green peas and his favorite treat is plain air-popped popcorn.
I would also suggest reading a good book about Quaker parrots. Mattie Sue Athan's Guide to the Quaker Parrot is a good choice. Of course, there's lots of good advice and useful information in posts here on the Forum too.
All the best to you and Sue.
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Post by Caseysmom on Jan 25, 2024 22:30:29 GMT -5
That’s exciting Sue is coming home, first it says hatchling by your name as you just started posting. As you post more the title changes following a preset algorithm. Looking forward to lots of posts. It sounds like you already know lots about bird care with your cockatiels. I guess it’s good to start with things the way your bird is used to. I would be wary of sleeping cages , my friend runs a rescue and has gotten a number of birds that people gave up on when they couldn’t control a nippy hormonal bird that defended its perceived nest that was its small sleeping cage. I am not sure how old Sue is, maybe their first owners already know how they act and if they get hormonal. I guess just take things slowly and you will both get used to each other and Sue will know he or she has found their forever home.
We never dna tested Casey, he was a vet surrender and came with in a cast on his leg 17 years ago. We just gave him a gender neutral name. We called him a girl for the longest time and he still says good girl very well , but he’s never laid an egg and his spring actions are that of a male so now we call him a boy. It might be a good idea to find an avian vet to do an initial wellness check.
Is Sue flighted or clipped? They might get spooked easily in a new environment. Have fun
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treesandbranches7
Hatchling
I do not know what is needed on my profile. "Hatchling" - what does that mean?
Posts: 4
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Post by treesandbranches7 on Jan 26, 2024 9:23:32 GMT -5
Thank you both sooooo much for your replies. Very helpful to me and reassuring! I do have an avian vet and upon your good advice I will make an appointment today.
I have been sitting by the cage -this morning having coffee and speaking to ___ (I’m going to rename him-just can’t quite feel comfortable with Sue- and the past owners said it didn’t make a difference to the bird as he never responded one way or another to a name). He has come to the side of the cage where I am, squawked a little and is having breakfast so I think he is not frightened. I’m thinking since he is solid white that maybe Moon or Moon Man might fit him. He is a beauty.
I will get the book you suggested and in due time offer him the plain popcorn. I want to introduce some leafy veggies such as fresh spinach. I will look for fresh peas but that may be a challenge at this time of the year.
I could go on and on about this bird! It was love at first sight for me and I hope soon for him.
Again, thank you for your replies and advice. I will keep everyone posted on his progress and my progress.
Y’all have a blessed day!
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Post by Caseysmom on Jan 26, 2024 9:57:54 GMT -5
I like Moon, that works for him. Casey’s favourite thing to eat is something we throw away. The seeds inside a pepper. Red pepper seeds are his fav, I just cut out the centre and put them on a plate on top of his cage. You could use a dish inside for now. Just make sure it doesn’t have any black mouldy seeds. He also picks the seeds off a piece of strawberry. I avoid rope perches and any fabric for him as years ago he ate pieces of the rope boing he had and got sick and threw them up all over Throwing up like that is bad so no more rope perches or fabric for him. Regurgitating is different so don’t worry if he does that. The spray of the ingested threads even hit the wall by his cage.
I’ve never seen a white Quaker , he’s very unique. Casey can say his name. That takes time When I want Casey to walk over to me I always say come here. He repeats that and comes over I always hoped that would work if he got somewhere I couldn’t reach. But he’s gotten up on curtain rods and just waited for me to climb up to get him. Every morning he says good morning and I give him a raw pumpkin seed another favourite treat of his. Over time listening to you hopefully he will surprise you with some words back.
Have fun
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Post by cnyguy on Jan 26, 2024 20:59:11 GMT -5
Moon would be a good name for the QP now known as Sue. Try it out on him and see what he thinks of it. Sometimes parrots will oppose a name change. When I adopted the African Grey parrot that I had, I tried out some new names but she always corrected me by saying "Hey, Scooter!"  If you can't get fresh peas, frozen ones will do. Sometimes I warm some up just enough to thaw them and give a few to Ralph. He doesn't like them quite as well as fresh ones but he does eat them. There are lots of vegetables you can try. Parrots are supposed to be fond of sweet potatoes (Ralph isn't), and peppers, carrots, kale and broccoli are some other options. It took a long time to even get Ralph to try broccoli but now it's one of his favorites. A few years ago we had a Forum member with a white Quaker but they haven't been active here for a long time. I've never seen one in person but have seen lots of pictures of white QPs and they are uniquely beautiful. Good that you have a vet visit set up. And it sounds like you're off to a good start with Sue/Moon. |
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Post by heatherg on Feb 4, 2024 0:25:38 GMT -5
I’m glad he’s settling in. I would vote for Luna which means “moon” anyway. You are so lucky to have found a white Quaker. Is he dark or red eyed?
A popular treat with many Quaker parakeets is the core of bell peppers especially red ones.
I hope you have many good years with your new family member. Quakers are a few speeds faster than tiels. They can be real turds but are slso so smart and loving. Your bird may begin to give you orders.
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