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Post by sparklebob on Aug 15, 2015 9:31:44 GMT -5
I bought a Quaker two weeks ago I was told he was semi tame but he is petrified of everyone he was parent reared. Just wanted some advice on best way to tame him a bit. I don't like to see him so scared all the time, I don't think he's had any human interaction before I got him
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Post by easttex on Aug 15, 2015 10:04:14 GMT -5
Parent-raised birds require tons of patience. The best thing you can do for him for now is to place no demands on him. Place his cage somewhere where he can watch everyone, while remaining out of the center of activity. If you can put it where it backs up to a corner, that is good, but if not, slowly and carefully place a towel so that it covers the back section of the cage.
Start getting him used to you by placing a chair in the room with him, but no closer than is comfortable to him. As soon as you see signs of discomfort, move the chair back and begin there. Sit quietly, read, or talk gently. Do that for a few minutes, then leave him alone. Do that at least a few times, then move the chair a little closer, and repeat. If he doesn't absolutely panic when you approach his cage, give him a treat after each session. (If he is so frightened that you can't even sit in the room with him, start out in the doorway, or some other place where he can see you.)
Don't stare at him full on. Our eye placement can make us look like predators to them. Otherwise, try to go on about your business without too much noise or sudden movements, and don't change things around him. He should start to settle in, but it could take quite some time.
Do you know how old he is?
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Post by sparklebob on Aug 15, 2015 10:16:09 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply, he's nearly six months old. Will try your advice and see how we go, I really want him to be part of the family.
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Post by easttex on Aug 15, 2015 10:25:32 GMT -5
It doesn't take long for them to steal our hearts. Check back here, as others may have some good suggestions for you. You have to feel for what he is going through right now, but six months is still fairly young. Hopefully, if you get off on the right foot from the start, it won't be too long before he considers your family as flock members.
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Post by sparklebob on Aug 15, 2015 10:37:05 GMT -5
Thanks he's a lovely little bird he's just learning what toys are and he does enjoy a fly around the room if I'm sitting still, he does need a bigger cage but I don't want to change too much for him until he's settled down a bit
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Post by julianna on Aug 16, 2015 13:53:55 GMT -5
If he needs a bigger cage then you should get it. Place the new cage close to his cage and leave the doors open. He will explore the other cage and get used to it. For a little while he may just want to sleep in the little cage. Bit by bit you can start to move some of his toys into the larger cage and then it will begin to feel more like home to him.
The new cage should be inviting with food and water, perches and a few toys as well.
I know these birds do need room to explore and exercise so a larger cage is a very good idea.
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Post by lulubird on Aug 19, 2015 15:50:56 GMT -5
how do you know when to stop the formula? He is really not eating enough from his dish but does not want to take formula as well. He is happy and bouncing around in his cage vocalizing and climbing around. Maybe I am worried about nothing. I would love some feedback from those of you that are more experienced,
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Post by easttex on Aug 20, 2015 5:51:26 GMT -5
I don't have direct experience with this, and am responding based on what I've learned from other people. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable will answer, but in the meantime... There is no set-in-stone weaning schedule, and your bird will let you know. In the usual progression, in their enthusiasm to tackle the day, they will start losing interest in the morning feed first. If they skip it one day, don't just drop it, but try to give it again the next. You have to watch the poops to determine if they are actually eating solid food and not just playing with it. It is normal for a bird to eat less when it is fully grown than it did earlier, so if he is still eating at the regular feeding times, but consuming less, he's probably not ready to drop a formula meal. i hope this helps.
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Post by julianna on Aug 20, 2015 16:15:30 GMT -5
A quaker is not fully weened from baby food until they can break a seed with their bill. This might take some time however, in the meantime it is okay to introduce him to some soft foods such as red peppers, peaches, grapes etc... but remember they must all be peeled and do not let them eat the seeds of the fruit.
This all takes time... and try not to rush things.
Best wishes.
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