Can you help me choose a parrot companion?

[locoparrot]

Thank you for the tips. The position of his temporary cage is in direct sight of my computer table where I spend most of the time I'm not at work. So he can see me.

Every now and then I talk to him in a soft voice. He ate a little bit and when he's not busy screaming he seems to be preening.

He does a weird thing where he looks at me, slightly distances his wings from his body (doesn't spread them) and make weird noises. It looks aggressive to me, but then again, I'm no expert

He did eat. But he wasn't happy about taking anything from my hand. The breeder said to give him two days of quiet, and after two days, take him out and cuddle him.

 

[Birdman666]

Baby begging noises, wanting to be fed, perhaps?

How long has this bird been off hand feeding?

I would try warm comfort foods, like warm oatmeal on a spoon... (check to make sure it's not too hot or you'll burn the crop!) Set a towel down on your lap, set the bird down on the towel, and spoon feed with a small spoon. THAT ought to win you some brownie points with this bird.

All that cuddle stuff varies from bird to bird.

If a bird lets me handle him right away, I do.

If he needs space, and needs to be taught to trust, I give it to him.

Sometimes ignoring a bird works better than trying to win them over. Let the bird come to you. Don't wait on him hand and foot.

But when he does, make sure the interaction is positive, and that favorite treats are involved.

 

[locoparrot]

I have a few questions.
He (or she, breeder said he doesn't know), is 3 months old according to the breeder. He said he's been eating solids for about 2-3 weeks now.
I can make some oatmeal I have in the house, but how will I give it him if he freaks out when I'm near the cage (not to mention if I put my hand inside)? Did you mean after he's not trying to bite?

After several hours of screaming he now seems to have calmed down (maybe because it got dark). I kind of feel sorry for him because he only has one swing inside the cage and no other toys, but I didn't want to overwhelm him with tons of new stuff and most of the things are going to be installed inside the huge cage.

Should I put a stuffed animal inside with him? What about pinecones? I have lots.
Also, he went to the food dish several times, but not to the water dish. Should I be concerned?

Sorry for all those questions. New parent

 

[Birdman666]

I wouldn't put the stuffed animal in there.

It's hard to advise you without seeing the displays. It sounds like you are describing a feeding display to me, but I'm not all that familiar with Quaker territorial displays. I haven't really worked with many Quakers. (They were illegal in CA) Just the one I found a few years back, and I only had him for a day or so.

The wing flipping/begging noise is kind of a universal for give me the syringe, I wanna be hand fed. So this is really an "educated guess" on my part. Someone with more quaker experience will need to give you advice on their territorial displays. Screaming can also be a feeding display. The most vocal birds get fed by the parents.

I'm sure he'll drink when he's thirsty. I wouldn't worry about that.

A day or two without toys isn't going to kill him at this stage of his life, but I would put at least one toy in with him. Give him something to occupy himself... Perhaps one of those hanging treat sticks?

Biting birds need to be handled MORE not less, in my opinion. Until you handle them and teach them NOT TO bite, they will. I generally handle mine as soon as they let me. So, I am kind of at a loss on advising you, especially since I can't see what he's doing. I have no context.

My understanding with quakers though, is that they DO bluff... if you back down every time he bluffs, or when he bites you, you inadvertently teach him to bite. The bird is in charge.

Generally speaking, go at the bird's pace. Let him get curious and come to you. If he's begging for warm comfort foods, then oatmeal is one of the things I've used for that.

 

[locoparrot]

Great advice mate. Thanks ever so much.
Tomorrow I will try some oatmeal and I will show no fear

I will put a treat stick inside tomorrow as well. I posted in the Quaker forums and hopefully they will have some ideas. If not, then I'll try to film this behavior.

 

[itchyfeet]

I'm glad you didn't come home with an IRN - of my three, he's easily the noisiest! And my RB2 might be loud but he's far easier on my ears then a conure!

Congrats on the quaker - I'd love one of those Their architecture is outstanding.

So, if he's come from a breeder, he's used to a little more background noise? And your place is pretty quiet? Just an idea, but he might enjoy some telly/classical music etc quietly on in the background.

 

[BIRDIGIRL]

Great advice mate. Thanks ever so much.
Tomorrow I will try some oatmeal and I will show no fear

I will put a treat stick inside tomorrow as well. I posted in the Quaker forums and hopefully they will have some ideas. If not, then I'll try to film this behavior.

Quakers are by nature cage territorial...you need to understand this so you dont put your hand into the cage...either open the cage and let him come out himself or use a perch to let him step up on and then take him out on the perch...once out of his cage you can interact with him and he should be okay though he might be a little frightened by all the strange surroundings so be extra patient with him for a day or two until he gets used of you and his new home. Im not sure whether there are some quakers who dislike cuddling but mine loves cuddles and all the interaction she can get. You are doing great...dont give any milk to him as parrots are lactose intolerant

 

[locoparrot]

Hey friends

So early risers that we are, I woke up with dawn and made him nice lukewarm oatmeal. That was a total debacle lol
He got spooked by me, the spoon and tried to fly away (he's clipped, so he can't). When on the floor he agreed to take my hand, but he kept trying to get to the cage. So I let him. poor fellow.
I brought him some fresh organic sprout mix in his dish, did some soft voice talking and blinked slowly (I heard it's calming to them, and he returned the blinking. Then I went back to my computer.

Soon I will put a pinecone and another branch to be used as a perch closer to the gate, so he can decide to come out.

Yes, my apartment is much quieter than the breeding room he lived in obviously. so many babies there chirping and asking for food, and one cockatoo that sounded like a trumpet

I always have the TV open, but I can put my ipad near his cage if you think the noise might help. Should I put birdie sounds? music? disney songs?

Addition: Oh boy, does my hand hurt. I have pretty nasty bite cuts. Apparently he hasn't decided if he likes me or not. He will agree to gently step up to eat some apple, two seconds later - bite. I'll put him back on his perch, bite.
I never make a sound when he bites, but i can't just keep my hand there, he breaks skin in a second. I'm not that brave. Help?

 

[locoparrot]

Got some bad news

He tore some serious chunks off my hand today, and the breeder asked me to bring him back. When I went there, I found out 2 of his brothers were returned two. All with serious biting issues. I spoke with the other owner as well, and we were both shocked to see all three birds display the exact same behavior. It was a very sad event, but after a long conversation and since this is my first bird, it was decided they will stay with the breeder.
He gave me a green cheek instead.

This was not the most fun intro into the bird world

 

[plumsmum2005]

My recommendation would also be a budgie, I have had a few and they are adorable. I worked fairly long hours too and they coped OK. I have very fond memories of mine. They will still need some time with you and that sounds difficult on your long shifts.

Sorry came late to this thread and wishing you luck with your bird. Looking forward to some pics in due course.