quaker question

['too crazy]

I'm getting a new quaker on sat. I've done alot of research and I think this is good bird for me. What I'm looking for is tips and advice from my fellow board members. He is a hand fed baby and is 12 weeks old. I read they were good talkers, is this true? Any advice would be appreciated. It would be nice to hear from people who own them instead of just reading articals. Thanks! Sherry

[Jenny]

I hope getting your new baby goes great! I don't own a quaker, so can't give you any advice from experience, but I know some people on this board have them who can help. About talking though, every quaker I've heard of has talked pretty well. Of course, talking depends on a lot of things... Does the breeder talk to the babies when they're being hand-fed alot? Anyway, hope all goes well.

[SuperNova]

I have a quaker named Loki, and he is probably the best companion I could have gotten. He's very tame, very bold, and very noisy. He loves to imitate laughter and he likes to say "Loki-Bird" "how ya doin" and "yeah" (while nodding his head). He is by far not the best talking Quaker, but he is my special little boy. People at work make fun of the fact that there are more pictures of my bird on my desk than my boyfriend. But anyone who has a quaker will tell you they are crazy, cuddly and very loveable especially if you work with them when they are young. I gave Loki three days to adjust to his new cage and surroundings, and then started taking him out. he nipped at first, out of fear, but soon he wanted to be with me all the time. I can't even go into the bathroom without him. Quakers are neat birds. I hope you enjoy yours to the fullest! :>

[Jenny]

My, the more I hear about all your guys's quakers the more I want one and wish they were legal to own here! Today I was flipping through the Barron's quaker book and fell in love with them even more! Nothing can substitute for my green-cheek conure or others, but I still think a quaker woudl be fun to own.

[SuperNova]

They are pretty clownish. Loki really likes to get my attention by doing strange things. He likes to answer the telephone with you. He says "Ok" whenever someone is on the phone too. He also has taken ownership of a picture above the couch at my parent's house. Whenever he is 'visiting' he has to protect it from everyone, then he stares into the reflection. He has got the goofiest personality, and he also has a "who, me?" attitude towards getting in trouble. If he tries to eat the lampshade I will say "hey" and he looks around, grabs something else, and looks at me like "it wasn't me, I swear."
:>

['too crazy]

I am sooooo happy for you!! As you know, I'm still working with my Quaker. I can't wait til I can report news like yours. Keep up the good work!

['too crazy]

I'm sure you're right. But I have to admit, it's pretty frustrating to see he's more afraid of me than the dog!! It help's knowing someone has been where I am and has come through it. I'll hang in there no matter what I just hope I don't choke. :-)

[Barrett]

DON'T GIVE UP!! I'm still where you are with the female we have. The male has turned the corner and is becoming gentler.
Got them back in june/july... But my pair have mated and we are "having babies". One of them will start the day by calling out my Name,,,"come here". I didn't teach them that,,they pick up what they hear. When they finally said "Wanna come out n play" and demanded it,,,I knew we were turning the corner.
I didn't force them,,just let them come out on their own. They are a bonded pair and still more aggressive than a single, but they love to have breakfast with us..and expect it everyday. I can feed, clean their cage, bath with a misting spray bottle. ( They hate the sink or container of water bath.) and talk to them without getting attacked. They scream and chatter but settle down after a short time and listen to what I am saying.. I talk softly to them and they realize who I am.."Pretty Baby".
I hand signal and say "No" when they get into the "I'm gonna attack posture" and they back off. So we are making progress.

['too crazy]

We've come a long way since my original post. He still is not hand tame and will bite if I put my hand in the cage but truth be told, I haven't worked with him on that a whloe lot. He is absolutly the sweetest bird. I think everyone should own one!!

[Mrs.Birdy]

Good news Too'Crazy....I love the quakers but unfortunately I can't own one as long as we live in New Jersey. They are considered agricultural pests here and are illegal.

Isn't that ridiculous. :(

[peteybird]

Mrs. Birdy~
We'll have to move to different states. They aren't legal in CA either.

[Mrs.Birdy]

You bet Peteybird.....:(