"Murphy" was previously a rescue from the home of a woman who hit the skids and couldn't care for herself anymore, let alone poor Murphy. I helped Murphy find a new home, but this new owner has decided she doesn't have the time (and doesn't like the mess!) -- an animal lover but simply not a bird person. I already have 3 cockatiels, so I was actually trying to find Murphy another home when I finally told the current owner, "Never mind, I'll pick her up and keep her myself!" I really felt that Murphy was meant to be mine, since she seemed to keep coming back into my life! My 3 tiels were also giveaways too.

I understand that Murphy has been through a lot in the last year, and I'm giving her time to adjust. She's supposed to be a talker, but we've never heard one word (neither has the last owner). She will take food from our hands through the bars, but often grabs VERY aggressively and bites in the process. I'm not trying to handle her or anything yet, just let her get used to her new home and settle in. But the Quaker's personality is so different from the cockatiels I'm used to working with, and I'm not sure how to handle this. I'm hoping for some great input from this forum.

Thanks.

You are pretty much doing the right things so far. Just keep offering him food and talking to him. With rehomes sometimes they bring alot of baggage especially after the history you know with this bird so far. Nothing that patience wont overcome.

If he hasnt had his wings clipped I would suggest that you do that before starting to get him used to leaving his cage.

If his wings are clipped just open the door and allow him to come out on his own. After a few times of him feeling comfortable leaving the cage on his own see if you can get him to step up from the top of his cage (you might get bit a few times so maybe wear a thick shirt and just see if you can direct him to stepping up to your arm)

Be consistant and patient by doing it every day and soon enough he will start to step up to you willingly.

Once he steps up take him to another room out of site of his cage to handle him. Give him plenty of scritches love and treats and you will have the best bird ever!

In re to talker he might well be one but hasnt had people talk to him and reenforce what he already knows to make him inclined to do so.

Leave the TV or radio on for him when you go away for awhile or cant spend time with him to keep him company as well as toys and foraging things.

Have faith he will be a wonderful bird.

Good advice so far. Teaching a bird the "step up" command is the most important thing for them to learn. But, of course, they have to gain your trust first, and learn not to bite.

My first quaker, Paco, is a biter, too. I can only suggest lots of patience and time. Try this to gain her trust:

First, do not make any sudden moves toward her face, and, never raise your hand above her head.

Then talk very quietly and calmly, telling her she's a good bird, a pretty bird, how happy you are to have her, etc.

Very slowly, bring your finger up toward her beak, maintaining eye contact and continue talking.

If she starts to open her beak as if to bite, bring your finger back, and say, "don't bite", using a calm quiet voice.

Continue talking quietly, and again, very slowly, bring your finger up to her beak, repeating the process until she will allow you to just gently touch the tip of her beak.

Verbally reward her with lots and lots of praise. Tell her what a good bird she is, always speaking as if to a small child, and praise her over and over.

This is just my little excercise that I have used on all my biting birds. It may not always cure them of biting, but will allow you to learn how to approach them and teach them to trust that you are not going to harm them.

Paco was a biter from when he was a baby, and still to this day, I have to tell him, "don't bite", before stepping up. And, he usually will if reminded, each and every time.

I have two rescues that have been trained the same way. They both seem to always be just a little leary, but with patience and time, have come around.