Please help! My quaker parrot wont stop biting!

Kelseyi

New member
Jul 21, 2013
1
0
A couple weeks ago i bought a 3 yr old quaker parrot with his cage and all off of craigslist. Every time you put your hands near him, even just on the bars of his cage he freaks out, lunges at my hand and it sounds almost like he hisses? Is he doing this because he just needs more time to get used to me? Or is it because he was never really hand tamed to begin with? What should i do to get him to trust me? Hes such a pretty bird and hes so sweet if you dont try to put you hands near him ): does anyone know how to stop the biting? Thanks.
 

cnyguy

Well-known member
Apr 23, 2010
1,021
464
Syracuse, NY
Parrots
Quaker parrot, Ralph
It does take time for a parrot to adjust to new surroundings and new people, and sometimes a rehomed parrot needs a little extra time and patience. Your Quaker is probably a little confused about being taken away from his former home, and wondering if he'll get to stay in his new one. Give him a little reassurance-- tell him how happy you are that he's part of your flock now, and how you want him to be happy too. Sit close to his cage and talk softly to him to help him get used to you and the sound of your voice. In time, he should become more comfortable with you and trusting of you, and may stop the hissing and biting.
 

kenzie

New member
Mar 26, 2013
27
0
I'm not sure if ill be of much help but I adopted a 3 yr old Quaker of craigslist a few days ago too that bites. When I got him home he was VERY territorial of his cage and his tameness only went as far as tolerating perching on your finger away from his things. Since I knew he didn't bite hard I opened his cage said 'step up' in a firm tone and acted confident. He lunged. I told him no and that was the end of the problem. I'm not saying this is the right thing to do but its worth a try. Sometimes they need to realize your not afraid of them. I would give your guy time to settle in before trying this. He might just be scared and not territorial. Good luck.
 

USMCQUAKERS

New member
Aug 5, 2013
13
0
Syracuse, New York
Parrots
(1) Green Quaker
(1) Blue Quaker
It sounds to me like he's pushing you around. Quakers can be very territorial. I would recommend getting a perch in your hand and opening the cage. Say step up in a stern voice and get him onto the perch (I use drum sticks) move him/her away from his cage and say step up in a stern voice and use your arm rather then a finger to get him to step up. Do not pull away even if he bites. Quakers love drama and will feed off of it. I have even taken 2 drum sticks and I get them to step u 5 or 6 times(fast) then on the 7th use your finger instead of a drumstick. bam the bird is perched on your finger. If he starts to bite hard on your hand I use the earthquake method. move your arm up and down lightly to off balance the bird(Key word is verrry lightly) also feed him treats in the cage again don't be scared!
 

Poppetsmum

New member
Jul 31, 2013
110
0
Parrots
Poppet. A Quaker.
I agree with cnyguy. Just sitting and talking will greatly improve his confidence in you. Quakers however can be as bolshy and dominant as they are loving and comical. If his actions have got you to retreat, he's going to keep doing what he's doing. It's still early days and he's still settling in but at some point you'll have be a little more assertive, show no fear and approach your time with him with more confidence.
 

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