New from NC and need advice!

Hi everyone, I'm Jen from Raleigh, NC and I'm fostering a young Quaker for an animal rescue. I'm sort of a novice with birds, so I'm grateful for any advice. I have a Quaker that was found outside, he seems to be young, and has ZERO skills. He doesn't know step-up, doesn't want to be handled, and tries to bite because he's scared. I think I need to start at square one with this guy. Any ideas, book suggestions (I have Parrots for Dummies), or ideas?

I can get him out with a blanket wrapped around him and he's taken food from me, but that's about it. Quite a project!

I plan to put him in a small room and sit with him and let him get to know me. After that, I don't know.

Thanks!

Jen

JenX said:

I plan to put him in a small room and sit with him and let him get to know me.

Click to expand...

That's just right for a start.

I only have a moment to reply now, but you can look through the forums, there are several threads that describe how to teach them to step up - this would be the next stage once he is comfortable.

Also, if you have not already found material on it, check out the threads on feeding and nutrition. This is an important element that some overlook.

Other than that be patient and take your time. There are many things that we can do to encourage new parrots to warm up to us, but often just time is the most significant thing.

i wanted a quaker to start out with but my girl went with a severe macaw. let us know how it goes im still considering getting one.

Hi Jen, the towel worked well with hugo as he was exactly the same as your quaker. I started getting him out of the cage with the towel then he began hopping onto the towel then he was able to get onto my finger. I made the huge mistake of not teaching him to climb onto my forearm and nearly lost his trust - my advice is to teach him to climb onto your forearm instead of your finger. When I used to stroke him when he was in the towel he used to growl because he was scared but he then calmed down. Try using avistress or rescue - thats South African terms but it calms them down. You get drops or powder to put in their water. It really works for the beginning stages. Get him used to your voice by chatting to him when you pass by or when your working with him. You can learn what his fav treats are and give him treats by hand - when he stops biting in fear. Im far from being an expert but I know how it feels when you need to start at the beginning. Good luck... Im not sure where his cage is but I put hugo in a section where he can see the entrances o when you walk in he doesnt get a fright. Play the radio when you go out softly to keep him company. I feed hugo a mix of sunflower seeds (smallest ratio), dried fruit and seeds then he eats fruit and whatever Im eating for supper. He loves rice, pasta and veggies. They cant have avo, lettuce, cabbage - not sure, and junk food. He might not touch the fruit and veg but keep putting in. I hope this helps...