New quaker

[Melvan]

Hi everyone! I'm new here and we just got a Quaker baby yesterday, I have owned one Quaker before, the issue is we bought him from a pet store where they I feel were rough with him! He is 8 months old during our time in the pet store they chased him around and scooped him up with their baseball cap!! He does not know how to step up,is affarid to be petted how ever today he has allowed me to pet him I softly say let me pet you it's okay not all hands hurt!! I'm just worried that he will never allow us to hold him?? Or feel completely comfortable with being petted any advice or help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you

 

[cnyguy]

Welcome to you and your new feathered friend. The best advice I can offer is to be patient and take things at the pace your new QP sets. Give him lots of time to just settle in with you and adjust to his new home. You might sit calmly near his cage and talk softly to him, which will help him get used to you and the sound of your voice. As he becomes more comfortable with you, your parrot may become more agreeable to being held and petted.

 

[Flboy]

He let you pet him? You are doing well!

 

[Melvan]

Thank you cynguy, yes flboy he allowed me to pet him but he was really crotched down like I was going to hurt him

 

[Notdumasilook]

You are already gaining trust. No worries... keep going like you are and soon you will have you a devoted feathered friend. Birds seem to be resilient once treated with love and respect. Ages ago I had 2 Quakers that had been just "cage birds". A month after bringing them home they each picked a shoulder and became cuddlebugs. Awesome sweet which made up for the 'noisy'.. hah. Good luck

 

[wrench13]

Right, go at the parrots pace, not yours. after you see he is comfortable, then try to expand your interaction. Lots of being a Parront is taking 1 step forward and 2 steps back. Which can be frustrating for you, but needed by your parrot. Take your time, he is not going anywhere, hopefully.

 

[Notdumasilook]

Maybe I can add a few things that might help things go a lil smoother now that my lil buddy Cookie is taking his siesta.
Like you are doing, a soft voice an slow movements. If you can, once he has settled in a while, approach petting from the side instead of over head. Try more a cheek scratch rather than top of head...at least until you gain a bit more trust. Heck id just get him use to seeing my hands without panicking first..From the beginning I use the same words and gesture when "asking" birds if I can pet them. A simple "rub his head?" and showing my hand rubbing thumb and forefinger together. It does not take long and they understand and bow their heads accepting your offer. Also figure out pretty soon a fave treat birdie likes. For instance, a bit of walnut, pine nut, pecan,... or even a sunflower seed. Getting them to take a goodie from your hand is a giant step forward and then the real fun begins. .

Right now I envy you! Im too old to add a new baby to my home.. Best of luck!!!!!!