Hello Scrappinmom,

 

I too have a Quaker and got him about the same age as yours about 1.5 years ago. Congrats. They are so much fun - and tons of personality. I  my little guy to pieces.You may want to purchase a book by Mattie Sue Athan - Guide to the Quaker Parrot. It cost about $16CDN.  Best thing I ever did - along with being on these bird forums. In terms of diet - theirs are different from a Cockatiel. They should be on a pellet diet vs seed. About 85% pellets -- this of course is personal as some people will say otherwise. If you can - try and introduce fresh veggies (not canned - high in sodium). Unfortunately, mine hates all veggies - but I keep trying.  Quakers are prone to fatty liver disease  - that's why the seeds in moderation. Mine gets about 1/2 tsp.1x - 2x per week. No sunflower seeds.  For foods that can kill a Quaker/bird ---- coffee (caffeine), avacado, chocolate, fruit seeds/pits --  no apple seeds. Hmm. can't think of anything else -- hopefully others will add to this. Keep your bird away from salty and sugary foods. Basically no junk for your bird. Talking: all birds are different and some pick up words quicker than others. Mine is not a big talker - says a few words - "Good Boy", "Hi,"  but he laughs alot. Loves to cuddle & makes great kissy sounds. I have heard of other people's Quakers saying quite a bit --- all are different. 

 

I'm sure you will enjoy your little green goblin. Have you named him/her?

 

Mo & Kiwi

 

 

 

Hello Scrappinmom & Baby Eugene!

Great name.I love animals with human names. Kiwi was already named when we bought him (but had I known what I do now -- I would have changed it since he was still a baby). We were going to call him Ralph (father-in-law).

 

Glad you got the book -- very helpful.

 

It sounds like Eugene already owns you. (lol) Since you are home with the kids he is likely bonded to you the most -- to make him more tolerant of strangers and the kids you should have them interact at much as possible now while Eugene is still young -- you set the patterns now. Any friends that come to our home that want to hold Kiwi -- I"m all for it. There are certain guests he remembers and is happy to sit with them. But these people first had to spend a little time talking to him -- kiwi went to them.

 

Raisins are good  -- but not too many. They are about 70% pure fructose (sugar). Also, can you buy organic ones. Otherwise that white coating you see on raisins is sulfur dioxide.Not very good for them (or anyone). Another treat you can try rotating is blanched almonds. I give Kiwi one about 4x week. I rotate those with Avi Cakes and a Yogurt Treat. Both at the bird section. I have tried nutriberries but he wont' bother with those.  But of course if he likes any veggies those are better options.

 

Do you remember the frog in the Bugs Bunny cartoons that use to sing. But, when anyone came around the frog he wouldn't sing -- silence. I bet that's gonna happen when you want your hubby to hear Eugene talk. Mine heard him talking (finally) about 1 month ago. Only chatters when I'm around.

 

Anyhow -- I'm sure you will have fun with Eugene.

Mo & Kiwi (yuk - no veggies!)