Hi everyone o/

[LeoTheQuaker]

Hi everyone, I thought i would join a forum to see new ideas and learn more information about my new parrot Leo.
I got a wee Lutino Quaker parrot 6 days ago and let me tell you, he is a wee character haha.
He loves to listen to music and perch on my hand shoulder and sometimes my head which i do not appreciate (but who am i to say haha ) He was hand reared so is extremely friendly and enjoys both being held and can entertain himself when on his own too.

I really just want to know if there is anything i should know about quakers and any tips on training him would be helpful and also what is the best things to train him first as i have tought him step up and down and just wanting to know what is next.

Thanks

 

[munami]

Welcome to the forum Leo and Leo's parent!
I'm no bird expert so I don't have much but a warm welcome! The only thing I know about Quaker's is that they can easily can get territorial, usually over their cage or toys.

As for training, I always recommend starting with target/touch training.
Essentially you're teaching how to touch a certain target for a treat. It was be almost anything but I personally use a wooden chopstick.

1. If you don't have a bridge already, a lot of people use clickers or a certain phrase combined with intonation. Something like saying good boy/girl!
   
   Essentially, you're looking to use this as the exact moment they do something right, so there's no confusion.
2. If you're just introducing a bridge, make sure you load it first. Use the bridge, then give them a treat right away. Keep going until Leo starts anticipating a treat.
3. Whatever treat you use, make sure it's not part of Leo's normal diet. This will give Leo more incentive to work for his treat.
   
   Try to figure out his favorite treats by seeing what he eats first in his normal diet or placing a few different options then seeing what he goes for first.
   
   I also use two different treats. Her favorite and her second favorite. I use her favorite when she does extra good or I really need to coax the behavior. Her second favorite for everything else.
4. To start with target training, you point the target stick near Leo's face and just hold it there for a bit. He might get curious and touch it to inspect it. If he ignores it, put it a little closer.
   
   As soon as he touches it, use the bridge and give a treat. Make sure you're rewarding for a touch, not a bite. Hide the target stick away when feeding the treat.
5. Once he starts anticipating the target, then you can start moving him around slowly. At first just get him to reach a little out of his zone, then eventually, you can move to targeting him around to further places.
   
   Some birds will even fly across rooms eventually to touch the target.

It's great to use target training as a foundation to a lot of other training too. I haven't gotten too far with Luna's training but after target training, I taught her to do a small spin.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Welcome!
I hope you enjoy the Quaker Forum. You sound like our kinda folks! We have an active Quaker community here, and I'm sure you'll get a lot of support.

 

[Scott]

Welcome to you and Leo! I've never had a quaker but understand they have larger than life personalities. He sounds extremely well adjusted considering you've had him about one week.

As "munami" posted, clicker/target training is helpful and challenging. Here's some reference: http://www.parrotforums.com/training/60435-clicker-target-training.html

 

[Jen5200]

Welcome to you both! No advice about quakers from me, but glad you are here

 

[wrench13]

Welcome and be welcomed. Any training ( that ends on a positive note ) is an exceptionally good way to maintain the bond with your parrot. As he matures and hits puberty, they become like teenagers - willful, testing boundaries and moody. Thats the point where new owners are most likely to rehome their parrot -"He hates me now, but he used to be so nice". When this hits, the bonds developed during baby-hood, including training regimens, are still there and need encouragement. Remember - THIS TOO WILL PASS!

 

[Flboy]

Welcome to you and Leo! They are master builders, so next time out, grab several piles of coffee stirrers!

 

[Ellie777Australia]

Hi everyone, I thought i would join a forum to see new ideas and learn more information about my new parrot Leo.
I got a wee Lutino Quaker parrot 6 days ago and let me tell you, he is a wee character haha.
He loves to listen to music and perch on my hand shoulder and sometimes my head which i do not appreciate (but who am i to say haha ) He was hand reared so is extremely friendly and enjoys both being held and can entertain himself when on his own too.

I really just want to know if there is anything i should know about quakers and any tips on training him would be helpful and also what is the best things to train him first as i have tought him step up and down and just wanting to know what is next.

Thanks

I'm so very glad to have you and 'wee Lutino Quaker' Leo join our family. As you can see, we are a diverse, multicultural, and multi-species family indeed. And I see that you have already been wonderfully advised by other family members. Best get the camera ready because this family LOVES photos