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Post by Wendy Q on Jul 18, 2015 14:38:58 GMT -5
My husband and I just bought an approx. 6 year old Quaker parrot off of a local classified site. The ad didn't give much info other than the age and that he chatters. They couldn't give him much attention so they decided to re-home him. My husband picked him up and he was in a fairly small cage which was dirty, most of his talons are missing (they said he'd been with a female that attacked him). He rushes the cage to bite at us if we get close. We've been able to feed him some fruit/nuts/veggies through the bars but if the amount gets too low, he's after our fingers. This is our first Quaker so we're new at this (we have a cockatiel and two parakeets). How do we curb the biting so we can start training and playing with him or is it too late due to his age? There are lots of toys in his cage so obviously someone has been able to get their hand in there. Any help would be appreciated.
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Post by easttex on Jul 18, 2015 15:40:51 GMT -5
Hi Wendy. Sounds like he was really in need of a rescue. Many Quakers are cage protective, and I don't know that you can really change that. It's very instinctive. They're colonial breeders in the wild, but keep their own private compartments. Six is not too old for him to learn better behavior, though. I got mine at 21, and he was cage-bound and bit any hand that was near enough, but now is quite loving and adventurous. He still protects his cage when he wants to, though. If you haven't had him very long, he would probably benefit from some time to watch everyone, without too much pressure being placed on him. You can leave his cage door open when you're in the room and let him decide when it is time to come out. They like to have choices. You're much less likely to get bit this way. I know how this sounds, but try not to get bit.  Take the food away before it gets down to the nub. |
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Post by Wendy Q on Jul 18, 2015 16:51:36 GMT -5
Weve had Romeo since the 14th, so less than a week. I'm trying to get ahold of the previous owners to see if his wings have been clipped, I want to be prepared when we open the cage doors. We're picking up a new cage tomorrow and we've already got new perches, ladders, and toys to put in it along with those he's used to from his cage we got him in. I really want him to be able to explore and enjoy his life. I don't think he's had much of one so far. Thank you for your advice! It nice to know there's still hope.
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Post by easttex on Jul 18, 2015 19:53:35 GMT -5
He'll probably be reluctant to go into the new cage, even though it will be much nicer. I'd give him some time to look at it and don't force him into it. Set them up side by side, and gradually move his existing stuff into it. It takes them a while to accept new things, and he can get overwhelmed with all the new stuff/people/etc.
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Post by aaron on Jul 19, 2015 11:35:12 GMT -5
Welcome Wendy and Romeo... Thank you for rescuing Romeo... it does sound like he was very much in need of rescuing. Easttex has given you good advice here, I'm not sure what else I would add, but I wanted to thank you  There's certainly still hope. Patience and persistence will be the key |
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Post by biteybird on Jul 20, 2015 5:21:46 GMT -5
Hi Wendy & Romeo, welcome to the Forum! Romeo will obviously need lots of TLC after being so long in a small cage without too much attention. Try to let him settle in and get used to you, without forcing interaction upon him (let him choose when and how much). The biting can be a very challenging behaviour to turn around. But with patience I'm sure you'll find Romeo a wonderful and affectionate companion. Quakers are amazing creatures...never a dull moment!  |
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Post by cnyguy on Jul 20, 2015 19:42:44 GMT -5
Welcome to you and Romeo! One of the best ways to help a new parrot get used to new people and a new home is to sit near the parrot's cage and talk softly to him. Let Romeo know how happy you are to have him in your "flock," and that you want him to be happy too. Once Romeo is more comfortable, he may be less interested in biting. With a rehomed parrot who didn't receive enough attention, a little extra time and patience may be needed to help him adjust to his new life with you, but your patience will likely be rewarded before long. |
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Take the food away before it gets down to the nub.
