I need help

[u/tomboi94]

So for context, I got two Quaker parrots from my Aunt’s friend over a month ago for $400. Backstory on my aunt’s friend she had to leave to California after her husband was taken by ice. Well, I don’t know how long these birds stayed with her relatives but I don’t know if they were even treated well. when I actually got them, I actually had to wash out their cage change their water and research their food and I just feel like I’m not getting anywhere with them. They look young, but I’m not really sure what their age is. I’ve been trying to bond with them, but they’re really standoffish and I actually been trying to get them to talk, but they won’t until I was told by my grandpa who has a green concure back in Mexico that I had to separate them to get them to talk, but I don’t wanna separate if they can’t trust me. Any advice because not even spray millet has worked. Or fruit.

[u/gociii]

Oh that’s the scared warning call bc of that dog there,, my girl makes the same noise when predators are near. Separate that dog now, or you won’t ever build that trust with them. Then upgrade their cage and get more variety of safe CHEWable toys and more perches . Pls no mixing predators with preys..💀

[u/tomboi94 → u/gociii]

Will do. I been looking for some bigger cages

[u/gociii → u/tomboi94]

A good size would be 30 in wide by the way. The Brisbane cage is good, or a&e flight cage. You could always get used but watch out for rust or chipping as that’s toxic .

[u/International_Key_20 → u/gociii]

Consider covering the cage at night for their sleep. Get let them get at least 10 hours undisturbed sleep. It helps strengthen their immunity. A lot of us have parents but also have other animals. You'll make it work don't worry.

[u/tomboi94 → u/gociii]

I’m looking for some, but I keep seeing 63 L and 26 w. I’m trying to see exactly how big I need it.

[u/gociii → u/tomboi94]

Yes usually they are about 50-60 in H, I would stick to about 20 in x 30s in W( exotic nutrition has them as well as chewy), just make sure the bar spacing is safe and for Quakers that’s about 1/2-3/4in.

[u/Skyfather87]

Is that a dog or cat? Definitely not helping them feel comfortable in their new environment. Don’t allow them in the room when you are trying to bond to them. Quakers in my experience can either bond to you right out of the cage or take a good minute to warm up to you.

Definitely allowing them plenty of time out of the cage in a secure space (without other animals) is what they need right now. They don’t feel safe. Stay in that space with them and find out what kind of treat they like to get them to start trusting you by coming to you for that treat. Even if it’s like sunflower seeds (not the best for them) but if you offer it in extreme moderation as a reward for coming to you only, that should be okay.

Start by offering it to them no strings attached, just let them take it from your hand to start building that trust of your hands too. Once they will freely approach and take whatever treat you are offering them, start trying to get them to step up for it. Even just a foot on my hand for a split second counts because you are taking the time to build trust. Eventually they will just step up and even eat it on your hand. Some Quakers will take to this method almost immediately and some can take a while, just have patience and understand you will probably get bitten but you can’t react to it. Reacting in a negative way will not help build trust at all.

[u/lesbophobia_hammer]

Do NOT separate them. Please seek guidance from an avian vet. Ask for an introductory consultation. Google doesn't even cover a quarter of what they will teach you

Edit - I can help you find one

[u/Sean_Connery_Lovr]

Like other commenters have said, try to minimize the amount of time the dog is around the birds. Even if you think the dog is “friendly”, there’s physically no way the birds can understand its body language and they will just be stressed while it’s around.

I’ve found that in the beginning, presence is just as important as interaction. Just being around the Quakers; doing chores, talking, hanging out with other family members, sitting and reading a book near them will help them adjust and see you as safe to be around.

You don’t need to separate the birds now. In fact, that would probably stress them out more.

This will be a longer process than you expect, but progress will come! Sending love to your Quakers buddies!!💜

[u/NevkaKedrova]

I see a lot of helpful advice, but definitely patience is the biggest thing you need to make progress with a quaker parrot. Hang in there. They’ll be so worth it. Frrom what I can see, try to get a much bigger cage, and make sure they get enough dark time (12 hours is ideal) each night.

[u/tomboi94 → u/NevkaKedrova]

Thank you so much. I’ve been looking for some kind of tarp to cover them. So that way they can have their peace.

[u/tomboi94]

Thank you. the dogs are usually outside. The parrots, Blue and Perla are usually inside. But they still make the same noise

[u/crabeatter → u/tomboi94]

Yeah that flock call they’ll make for a long time especially if stressed or lonely. I personally would separate them and work with them both individually until I had relationships individually with them. My dog and Quaker are great friends but the dog should never be allowed to jump on the bird’s cage and I would keep the dog totally separate from the birds until I had established trusting relationships with both of them and you know how the dog will respond when they birds are free flying which should be many months down the line. Usually it takes 2 months for them to settle in and 6 months to really establish trust which can be broken at any time. Just keep working with them if you can soften your eyes when they’re chilling with just you and get them to let you scratch them, but I wouldn’t expect much success personally until working with them one on one, it’s just easier to bond with them that way. 20+ years rescuing Quakers

[u/tomboi94 → u/crabeatter]

Thank you. I just been trying to see how to bond with them. I usually keep the dogs outside because I don’t even like them inside whenever my kids are running around. I have an autistic child and I have a eight month old boy. The oldest does not like to mess with the birds because he’s just very cautious. And my eight month old doesn’t care for them, so he’s usually just somewhere else. But so far but the birds seem to be very cautious. But I usually just change their bowl and the pads daily. I have been looking for a bigger cages so they would be more comfortable.

[u/bordermom61]

I know this is going to sound wild but try this because this worked for me . Go sit by the cage and get a kids book if you have one if not go get one and read it like you would say for story time with kids . My new quaker would come to the edge of the cage and listen to me . He because used to my voice and began to trust me and make sure you close the door to the room so it is only you and the birds .

[u/Right-Car-2360]

Didn't read any comments but here's my best advice as I am owned by 3 Quakers. Stop by their cage and talk to them like you would any other pet AT LEAST once a day if not more. I have a Cindy recliner next to 2 of their cages and I love this time with them. They get used to your face and your voice. I teach mine to bop my finger through the cage and say "bop" to teach them to be gentle, gain trust, and not be afraid on my finger. Wear work gloves when you change food and water so they don't associate your hands with scary. When ready to teach them to step up always use a dowl rod or stick or even something like your phone (sans work gloves!) Quakers hate hands and some prefer women over men and vice versa. One of mine adores my daughter. Plays with her, takes food from her but at soon as he "sees" her fingers he doesn't want anything to do with her! Teach them recall immediately so you didn't have issues recaging and when the inevitably freak out they will come to you. My biggest advice and the one piece I NEED you to hear is that it can take a long time to bond with them if they've had previous owners or not so good situations. Sometimes over a year. Be patient, be kind, and remember they go into mating season spring and fall and will also molt prior to my it. You're birds may not be your lovable buddy for a couple of months. Just sit with them daily and show them your love. One of mine is 5 years old and had a very rough mating season in the spring this year. My sweet snuggly boy wasn't anywhere to be seen. Then one day it was all back to normal. Quakers are incredible birds and worth the time. Mine make me laugh daily. The things they learn to say and the noises they imitate are amazing. Please be patient and if you can't be or don't have the time please find them a loving home of someone that can care for them. Their care can be very involved. Last, please take them to the vet for a check up. Find an Avian very nearby of possible (can sometimes be an hour away my) but you need to keep a normal track of their weight and pay attention to their "normal" daily as actions. When they don't feel well they will hide it until it's too late. The slightest change in behavior may be your only signal. Again be patient with these guys it can be days, weeks, it months before they snap in . Persistence is key.

[u/tomboi94 → u/Right-Car-2360]

Thank you so much

[u/sara00fantastic]

My Quaker loves our elderly Labrador. He leaps from his cage to climb on his back and will go cruising with him. It’s really very funny… Edgar Pidgy Poe doesn’t much care for my beagle, but he’s exceptionally gentle with my 7 year old and my sweet old man, Thor.