Getting a Quaker

[Alien J]

Hi everybody and everybirdy! I have come to learn about a Quaker in my neighborhood that is in desperate need of a new home. The current owner got the bird from it's previous owner tobe company for her Quaker but they hate each other. We have zero bird rescues in West Virginia. The only options left for the owner, in her opinion, are euthanasia or release. So, I've agreed to take the bird. He is approximately 12 years old, has a potty mouth, and is a biter. Any advice any of you can offer as to how to make this transition easiest for the bird, and the best way to win a quakers trust, or just anything at all you can share with me would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Dartman]

Lurch was fast with no warning biter so I just had to take my time and be fast if I wanted to push it. After a mere 5 years we were best buds but biting was a feature so had to respect when he was in a grumpy mood. He didn't try to bite as fast and gave fair warning again once he decided he was fond of me and we had worked out a understanding with each other. Hopefully your guy isn't quite so traumatized and will come around quickly, plus it will probably help to see your other bird happily interacting with you and enjoying your company.

 

[Pixiebeak]

Poor quaker! Imho what a crap person! Euthanasia or killing it by letting go outside!

This quaker is likely experience some greif from going from it's home if 12 years to a new home, and likely rushed introduction to other birds after living as a solo bird and lacking some sociol skills. If anything at all is to be believed from this person about the birds history.

Very likely this bird is a screamer, so be prepared to work through that. It takes a lot of patience and dedication to through that.

Quakers are territorial, so working with it outside of cage will be best. They are very active and sociol.

My old lady quaker rescue took a year to learn how to be a basic bird with birds. Even tho it was benefiting her right away to have others around. She was terrified confused and acted out st first. Now has 2 buddies! So much more confidence and joy.

Talk to him explain stuff. Be happy and humour, respect body language.

I can't write more now, as I'm preparing for the hurricane. But I'm happy to offer lots of assistance going forward.

 

[Alien J]

I would really appreciate that. I'm very worried about how TD is going to deal with it. I have questions about everything...?s about how to quarantine properly, how to not let jealousy take over but still work in enough time with both. TD has been the center of our family for 6 years...and I've barely been more than 2 feet away from him for most of that time. But, of course, being prepared for a hurricane is far more urgent! I experienced a couple of them when I lived in Florida, many years ago. None too bad though. Hope this one doesn't hit to hard or too near you!

 

[sunnysmom]

Congrats. Thanks for helping this bird. You should quarantine for at least 30 days- separate rooms. And you should wash hands in between interacting. Even changes clothes once you're handling the Quaker. Time and patience and treats.

 

[Emma&pico]

Just wanted to wish you all luck in world and thank you for giving him a new fresh good start

 

[NightOwls]

My prior bird was a rehomed Quaker. She was hormonal the first few/several years and, once in a while, would switch who was her person. We all had some "nice" bites from her.

Her last few years she was a bit more settled (personality wise) and would only 'try' to bite the first few minutes after not being handled for a bit. After she got her point across she accepted scratches.

She was never a loud bird.

And we actually had a cockatiel (neighbor was in hospital) in a cage next to hers for a few months without issue.

 

[WillowQ]

My best bird was a rescue Quaker.
I think some of these birds know that you’ve helped them and are grateful.
thank you for saving this baby. Maybe you would want to check out Quaker parakeet society (QPS).
i suggest having a talk with your TD and telling him he’s the #1 bird in your heart. I’ve fosters birds and had my Quaker get depressed about the cute baby taking over.

also I would not allow them to play together as Quakers are so much bigger and stronger than tiels.

 

[Alien J]

Congrats. Thanks for helping this bird. You should quarantine for at least 30 days- separate rooms. And you should wash hands in between interacting. Even changes clothes once you're handling the Quaker. Time and patience and treats.

I've read so many opposing things when it comes to quarantining a new bird. In your opinion should the new bird be kept in a room and the door be kept shut for the 30 days?

My best bird was a rescue Quaker.
I think some of these birds know that you’ve helped them and are grateful.
thank you for saving this baby. Maybe you would want to check out Quaker parakeet society (QPS).
i suggest having a talk with your TD and telling him he’s the #1 bird in your heart. I’ve fosters birds and had my Quaker get depressed about the cute baby taking over.

also I would not allow them to play together as Quakers are so much bigger and stronger than tiels.

I've also read many opposing ideas on the subject of quakers and cockatiels. Like this one: Do Quakers and Cockatiels Get Along Well?

I have no plans of them being housed together and had pretty much figured they would have to have separate out of cage time. Should that occur in separate rooms as well? Can they be close to each other though in separate cages? I hate to say it, but I would have preferred another cockatiel (or a Bourke's) as a second bird, to be a friend to TD...and then would have gotten a bird more for me (like a quaker or a conure). I'm still planning on getting another tiel in the near future. I just ordered this cage for the quaker. What do you think?

https://www.wayfair.com/pet/pdp/tucker-murphy-pet-elsie-extra-large-flight-bird-cage-w006427878.html

I just found out his name is Oscar!

 

[Dartman]

That cage is very similar to the one I found for Pippen cheap on next door. Pippen loves it and uses every inch of it and can fly in it. You might want to consider a nice used cage like I got if you can find one. Gal wanted 50 for it and when she heard Pippens story she dropped it to 30 because she was so happy a needy bird was going to get a awesome home. Facebook marketplace and Craigslist are great places to search too.
Either way Oscar will be a happy camper

 

[Alien J]

That cage is very similar to the one I found for Pippen cheap on next door. Pippen loves it and uses every inch of it and can fly in it. You might want to consider a nice used cage like I got if you can find one. Gal wanted 50 for it and when she heard Pippens story she dropped it to 30 because she was so happy a needy bird was going to get a awesome home. Facebook marketplace and Craigslist are great places to search too.
Either way Oscar will be a happy camper

I've been all over FB marketplace. Found quite a few good ones and sent messages asking for dimensions... especially bar spacing. Most haven't answered.Found an almost new one only 15 minutes away that would have been perfect, but the bar spacing was an inch.

I was going to order two of these cages, one for both TD and Oscar. I've decided to get just one now and get TD a new cage next month.

The lady who has Oscar offered me a couple of budgies as well. I told her I'd wait on that. If I could I'd put them in this:

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[Dartman]

Remember, most of the for sale apps and ebay will let you save searches and whenever something matches your search words they will email you a alert. ebay sends me all my latest alerts right after midnight and I check the ones I'm interested in. Craigslist will do the same and I check my saved searches as they come in and look the whole lists over about once a week.

 

[Alien J]

Remember, most of the for sale apps and ebay will let you save searches and whenever something matches your search words they will email you a alert. ebay sends me all my latest alerts right after midnight and I check the ones I'm interested in. Craigslist will do the same and I check my saved searches as they come in and look the whole lists over about once a week.

I did not know that! Thanks!

 

[sunnysmom]

I've read so many opposing things when it comes to quarantining a new bird. In your opinion should the new bird be kept in a room and the door be kept shut for the 30 days?




I've also read many opposing ideas on the subject of quakers and cockatiels. Like this one: Do Quakers and Cockatiels Get Along Well?

I have no plans of them being housed together and had pretty much figured they would have to have separate out of cage time. Should that occur in separate rooms as well? Can they be close to each other though in separate cages? I hate to say it, but I would have preferred another cockatiel (or a Bourke's) as a second bird, to be a friend to TD...and then would have gotten a bird more for me (like a quaker or a conure). I'm still planning on getting another tiel in the near future. I just ordered this cage for the quaker. What do you think?

https://www.wayfair.com/pet/pdp/tucker-murphy-pet-elsie-extra-large-flight-bird-cage-w006427878.html

I just found out his name is Oscar!

Yes, 30 days in separate rooms is my opinion. And washing hands in between. I think after quarantine, you can let them be in the same room together for in cage time. I have Elvis and my cockatiels in their cages in the same room and they like being together. For out of cage time, you'll just need to see how that goes. I would cover the top of the cage if one is out to avoid little toes getting nipped at least until you see how it goes.

 

[Alien J]

Here's a message I got from my friend, Wendy. I sent this list of questions to her to ask her Aunt who is the current keeper of Oscar:



And here's the message I got back:



So, idk how long the recently divorced couple had him. All I know is he's been moved to a new "home" twice now in 4 months and is about to make a 3rd move.

 

[Pixiebeak]

You get the info you get. Sometimes you get false information. It's a bonus if you get any information like you requested.

You just take the leap if this is something you want. And just stay fluid . Sometime in a new home they are willing right away to explore new foods. I offer whatever crap they had been getting, and in seperste bowls offer all the stuff I'd love them to eat.

 

[Alien J]

Hi quaker people I'm finally getting around to ordering supplies for Oscar. I would appreciate some input as to what you feed your quakers. I haven't seen any of the usual brands specifically for quakers. Thanks in advance. Also, what fruits and veggies do they prefer?

 

[WillowQ]

My Quaker boy came to me eating mixed parrot seed. I tried to get him to eat zupreem natural cockatiel size but he wouldn’t take it. Would not eat TOPS either. Finally I got him to accept Harrison’s high potency diet in fine size. After a year of that food I converted him slowly to Harrison’s maintenance diet in fine size. He likes vegetables, berries, healthy (not salty onion or fried) people food; and baked fish, baked chicken, or scrambled egg (small amounts).

he’s molting now so he will get some extra protein like meat or egg.

he loves vegetables cut so he can get at the seeds. Loves broccoli, peas, corn, bean, loves pepper cores and pepper, thinks he wants dry cereal but drops it. His favorite treats are avicake or pellets that I feed him out of my hand. He enjoys a tiny treat of hard cheese occasionally.

 

[NightOwls]

My Quaker would eat anything...

 

[Alien J]

My Quaker boy came to me eating mixed parrot seed. I tried to get him to eat zupreem natural cockatiel size but he wouldn’t take it. Would not eat TOPS either. Finally I got him to accept Harrison’s high potency diet in fine size. After a year of that food I converted him slowly to Harrison’s maintenance diet in fine size. He likes vegetables, berries, healthy (not salty onion or fried) people food; and baked fish, baked chicken, or scrambled egg (small amounts).

he’s molting now so he will get some extra protein like meat or egg.

he loves vegetables cut so he can get at the seeds. Loves broccoli, peas, corn, bean, loves pepper cores and pepper, thinks he wants dry cereal but drops it. His favorite treats are avicake or pellets that I feed him out of my hand. He enjoys a tiny treat of hard cheese occasionally.

Thanks for that info. TD is not a fruit bird. When he was a baby he would eat applesauce. When he got a little older he still would eat a little finely chopped apple, but about age 2 he quit fruit altogether. Likes veggies though. I just made my first batch of sprouts for him. So far he's refusing them. He'll come around. The lady with Oscar said today she found something he liked...cooked carrots!

My Quaker would eat anything...
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Your bird is adorable!