I'm from Southern Illinois where I live with my husband, two boys, two guinea pigs, 4 fish tanks, two cats and my Quaker, Arthur. I've had Arthur for almost 11 years, since he was 4 months old and I was a teenager.

We've been through so many things together, and he's still my li'l baby. He's an amazing talker, using close to 70 different words, sound effects, songs and phrases. He comforts me when I'm sad, and makes me laugh every day. He's highly cage aggressive (thanks to my hyper hyper kiddos) but once he's away from his cage he's a sweety. I don't know what I'd do without my little buddy around.

Lately I've been considering getting another Quaker, and am particularly interested in finding an older rescue bird. I guess I figure that by now I've been bitten enough, squawked at enough and pooped on enough to deal with anything the little feather ball can throw at me, so I should give an older bird a chance at a better life. Besides, skipping the terrible twos (again) can't be bad. can it?

Hello and welcome to the forum... Wow 11 years, you could probably teach us all a thing or two. Sorry I can't help you with the question about a second quaker, but I think you have answered your own question. As long as Arthur is dealt to first food wise/play wise I can't see any problems but others might know better, they will be along shortly.

Just want to Welcome you to the board.....

Sounds like you and Arthur have a good relationship going and that certainly is good to hear....

It's great that you have been able to work through the changes in your life as far as Arthur is concerned....11 years is quite awhile so you must be doing everything right....

What kind of food do you have Arthur on? Tell us a little bit more of your life with Arthur...I like what I have already learned...Bravo to you.......Guess I'm full of questions....

Thanks for the welcomes!

Arthur eats Zupreem Pellets and Lafeber's Pellets as his primary diet. He gets bored so I switch them around. He also gets fresh veggies and fruits everyday, plus whatever I'm eating at dinner time (makes me watch what I eat ) He has an occasional treat of pepitas or popcorn, those are his favorites.

He spends at least 8 hours a day out of his cage, we have two playstands for him, one right next to my desk and the other one moves from room to room depending on where we're at. Arthur pretty much hangs out with (or on) my husband and I all day, he works from home and I only work out of the home 2 half days a week, so there's almost always someone here for him. Arthur is primarily bonded to me, but will buddy up to DH whenever I'm out of the room.

Some random stuff: Arthur loves The X Files, every time we turn on the dvd player he starts yelling 'Scully!', and the theme was the first song he picked up. He has hated every cat he's ever known except for my husband's tabby male, who he calls by name and drops food to. Whenever we have the instruments out he accompanies us, unless it's my violin, which is 'bad bad bad' 'terrible' and makes him 'wanna go bye bye bye' (I guess I need more practice). He has picked up a few 'choice phrases' over the years, which he only repeats when we have my mother over. Whenever I'm upset, he tells me 'it's okay baby' 'I love you' and sings to me. He has such a distinct personality, he never fails to amaze me.

Ooooh how sweet....Arthur sounds like a honey.....They sure can steal our hearts...

My best to you and Arthur.....Thanks for the news on birdie Arthur....

Welcome to the most addicting place on the internet!

Arthur sounds amazing!

Just wanted to welcome Maria and Arthur to this great and amazing site.

Hi Maria, and welcome. Arthur sounds like so much fun! Keep the stories coming!

Welcome to the forum Maria & Arthur. Arthur sounds like a sweetie....

Welcome Maria and Arthur...You're gonna love living here....Lots of great people and We can't wait to hear more stories. After 11 years...you probably have a lot of them!

Hello you two so when do we get to see pics of Arthur, we like pics and vids. Cnt wait to hear all your stories too you must have loads.

Welcome, Maria and Arthur!

Hi Maria!
I have a Quaker that is 17 years myself. Mine too is very cage aggressive, but knock on wood, I can get him out without him always biting me. LOL..
The only food my quaker will eat is seeds. He won't eat pellets or fruit. Sometimes Mcdonalds fries, pasta, but thats it!
LOL at him liking the X files!! Awesome! My bird likes the radio, anything on TV pretty much...
Good for you... Its good to see that someone else has a quaker just as old!!

To Casey's Mom---Your siggy is so cute---I just had to sit here and look at it for awhile...I liked your last one too very much.....

If you are getting a new parrot- absolutely go for an older rescue! There are lots of Quakers (and birds in general) looking for new homes and you sound like a great parront. You could get involved in a local rescue for a while and maybe you'll fall in love with someone.

Hi Maria and Arthur.. Welcome to the best Quaker Forum around. I adopted a 4 yr. old named Pico. He is a real sweetie too. I want to adopt another bird at a later date. Go for it- is all I can say. I feel adopting a bird in need of a loving, forever home is the best feeling ever. Do you have any pictures of Arthur. He sounds adorable.

Welcome! Arthur sounds great!!!

Hello and welcome to the forum! There is a woman who runs a rescue in IL near St. Louis, MO that may be a good start for you. If you would like, pm me and I will send you her contact information.

Thanks Julie! I like to switch them up ever week or so! Maybe I can get them to move one day like Harley's tap dancing!


That is too cute!

Wow, what a warm welcome! Thanks everyone.

Arthur isn't fond of my camera, I tend to get a lot of pics of his rear end sticking out from behind the nearest toy, but I managed to catch a few for those of you who wanted to see him.
Click to view attachment
Hey! What's that thing in your hand?
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It's the flashy thing! That's it, I'm outta here!

Welcome, Maria!

Welcome Maria!!

Whether you go with an older bird, or a younger one I think is a personal choice I've had both...baby birds and rehomes and I can't say I prefer one over the other. Definately it can sometimes be easier with a baby, but then they grow up and go through growing pains. With an older bird, you may end up getting a bird that has some behavioral issues and may have to deal with that. Either way, there are good and bad points to both.