9 days of living with Quark. thoughts, and questions.

[Quark]

So, after 9 days my first report is, what a brat! WOW! His demands and confidence level is through the ROOF. He is most motivated to be on shoulders. More than food or skritches, he wants to BE on ME, or my husband, I should add he's fine going to my husband and was so glad to see my husband come home from work yesterday he refused to get off my husband and gave me the first REAL hard( meaning left a mark) bite so far. Sure there has been lots of warning nips when I need to get him off my shoulder, lol, but they have been nothing to complain about IMHO.
I guess my question at this point is more of a confession of the now-morning-ritual which is thus: Quark ( who has a cage or playgym or stand in every room) sleeps in his 'old' cage in the quietest room in the house. He seems to want to go down at nightfall, I cover him ( so about 8pm, or earlier) and he is quiet all night. He is, in fact quiet until he hears human voices, which since this is summer isn't until around 9 or 10. So until that inevitable time, I am tiptoeing around the house, so he doesn't start to call for me, becasue once he does, that IT. he is out of the cage by vocal demand, on my shoulder and let the day begin!
He isnt being active in there but I am sure he's awake. I put seed in his cups before I put him down at night which I know he doesn't eat since he's tired, but I am telling myself that makes it ok to leave him in the covered cage til 10am some mornings when I want to sleep in, or meditate a little before starting what I now now is my day of slavery to his desires!
So to re-cap. He is not calling, screaming, moving about the cage, he is patiently waiting, so is it ok? If he went to bed at 8 and I dont start making morning sounds and get him up til 10, thats 12 hours. I should make sure you understand, as soon as he calls, no matter how early in the morning, I would get him. I would rather have him on me pooping in my hair at 8 am then waking the houseful of teenagers! So I am not ignoring calls.
That's the scoop from the first full week of being owned by Quark. I think I'm glad I got him, it was him or a 1 year old CAG, I didnt care about the price difference, but the idea of a smaller bird, less destruction, less 'getting nailed' less intensity appealed to me I admit. Thanks for reading!
Quark's new mama

p.s. when i do on rare occasion have to leave him, should i leave him in a room that has huge mirrors covering the walls or choose the room which does not?

 

[plumsmum2005]

Hi, starting back to front re the mirrors - what is Quark's reaction to them, is he safe in there? Decide as appropriate.

I don't think the long lie ins for him are doing any harm but I'd feel a bit mean. You could try bringing him into another cage where he can have his breakfast with you, watch you prepare your meal etc. If he is interested in watching stuff going on, talk to him etc he will probably be better.

If he shouts to come out, tell him no and cover his cage as a timeout for short periods. When he is good not screaming etc reward him. Shoulder privilege is a bit iffy and not really earned yet IMO. Block his route up if at all possible.

 

[Notdumasilook]

You didn't mention if Quark is flighted or not. IF he is flighted I would avoid the use of mirrors.. simply due to potential injury. Can't speak for your conure, but my lil Booger knows that the reflection in the mirror is him and not another bird to try to interact with so other than letting him admire himself now and then mirrors serve no purpose.
Nor do I feel its cruel if u have to leave him covered a bit longer in the AM till the folks wake up. Lil Booger is one hella alarm clock at my house. Once uncovered ALL members of the flock, wifey, myself, and my BFA are suppose to be within eyesight and he calls out til everyone is accounted for. Its not an issue in my home because we are usually up at 430/5 am anyway. He puts himself to bed at about 830 every night and perks up inside his covered cage 630-7 am daily.
Sounds like you got a cool outgoing social bird. That's great! Wish you luck. That protest bite you mentioned..... my bet is as long as you ignore it an don't let him get his way he should stop that shortly.... at least the intensity, once he figures out he is wasting his time chompin on ya.