How can I solve this problem with my Quaker parrot?
August 29th, 2009 | by Adrian |
However, today, he bit me four times! I played with him all day without incident, but after my mom came home and played with him, he refused to get off her shoulder by chewing the fabric of her shirt. This is his way of warning us when he wants to bite. She put him on the ottoman opposite us, and he climbed right up my shoulder when I told him to step up. I reached to pet him as usual, and he started getting defensive. He nipped my shoulder, because he missed my shirt, and I shouted in surprise. He then almost fell off, and grabbed my neck with his beak so he wouldn’t fall, but it really hurt!
We (bird included) were all very upset. I’m a bit nervous, but willing to keep working with him. What might have caused this, and what can I do to prevent this and similar things in the future?
By: ailesxnoires
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4 Responses to “How can I solve this problem with my Quaker parrot?”
By leyenda_asturias on Aug 31, 2009 | Reply
You should try to approach him calmly at first. Just watch him, don’t play. You’ll know when the time is right to play.
By jens3littlebirds on Sep 2, 2009 | Reply
We have 3 quakers, one that we just recently adopted. She is 6 and was never handled. I can pick her up and hold her she is very loving and affectionate. She dosen’t want anyone else to touch her while I’m around, exspecially my 10 year old son. She acts pretty much how you explained yours does. That is very typical behavior of a quaker, when they put their head down and chew or peck at the ground (or whatever they are standing on) this is them trying to intimidate you. You don’t want to let him know that you are afraid of him. Don’t go to touch him and draw back if he does this, say “No bite”. I would let him get used to you when your mom is not around for a while. Try to hold him and play with him and give him treats while your mom isn’t there. Don’t push him if he acts like he’s trying to intimidate you when mom is there. He’s got to get used to your family and his place in it. Quakers are extremley smart little birds. Sometimes they will bond more with their primary care giver. They also can be extremley jealous little birds, they want one persons attention all the time. If I pick up one of my quakers, the other two “beg” to be picked up. And neither one of them get along with each other! You just have to give him time to adjust. Make sure you play with him every day alone. And give him space when mom is around. Good luck!!
By humor4fms on Sep 2, 2009 | Reply
This is what is called “personality” conflicts, and attitude. If this bird is not clipped, get it clipped. It will continue to do what it wants, when it wants. Grabbing your shoulder was not in an attempt to hurt you in any way, but more out of grabbing to not fall. Like a child woud with long nails and scratching you.
Understand that pulling your hands back, shows the bird you have fear, and they won. Then it’s a game and they will always know you have fear over them.
Keeping a birds wings and nails well groomed is the key. Never allow the bird above your eye level another. If that means never allowing the bird on your shoulder, then so be it. Play with the bird on your hand and drop your elbow so the bird will not go to your shoulder. Birds instinctively go to the higher level automacticly.
But don’t think for one minute that clipping the wings that a bird can not fly. They glide very well in a gust of wind. So please don’t take the bird outside.
Good Luck!
By boogersmama on Sep 5, 2009 | Reply
I agree with the other posts but also wanted to mention that we do not let our quakers on the shoulder, I feel it is an invitation to have dominance issues. If your quaker is going to bite a finger at the step up command, push INTO the bite. And never show fear.