I just bought our first quaker! I'm not sure if it's male or female...anyways, it's about a year old maybe one and a half. He likes to bite and I don't know how to break him of it. He does say some things and he likes to say a**hole. Any advice anyone can give me from breaking bad habits to encouraging him (or her) to say nice words to grooming and bathing would be very appreciated.

I'm so jealous! Even if it's bad words your Quaker is saying, at least yours is talking...my KiKi refuses to say anything but does immitate the squeaking sound on my Chihuahua's dog toys!
Can't wait to hear what the experts say on the cursing subject!

When you first bring a quaker home there is an adjustment period. Its at that time that you get your bird to trust you and get used to your voice and presence. If he is coming out of his cage you can start getting him to practic step ups. Some quakers do not feel all that comfortable stepping up to a finger some prefer to step up to an arm or a closed fist it all depends on the bird and its balance etc...

If he is nippy/bites which most new quakers do anyways so assume he will nip and bite dont allow him on your shoulders or near your face.

I usually recommend taking a bird to another room for play time or handling time so that their attention is focused on you and not trying to get back to their cage. A portable play gym works wonders for spending time with your bird too.

For the words you dont want him to say dont react to them. Negative or positive reaction as well as the individual saying the word will only keep him mimicking it. Instead repeat new words that you want him to learn over and over every day....good boy...hello....good morning...nite nite...and you will find he will wont repeat the bad word and will say the new words often. When he says the new words make a big deal about it too.

welcome to the flock
I am sure others will have excellent advise too!!!

Welcome to the forum:

Chica was a bit nippy when she first came to me but with affection and head scratchies she overcame it so it may just take a little time. Talking to your new fid will help as will singing, whistling, whispering and all the interesting "mouth noises" you can use to communicate.

As for the talking, they are just like little kids and will pick up the words that are emphasized. Impdujour has given you very good advice and the prior posts also address both these issues.

Best of luck with getting your new fid settled in and happy with you.

Lizz and Chica the wonder bird

Welcome to the forum:

welcome to the forum

I found A qp. That had a very bad mouth. He would call me a b**ch every time a walked by him and my husband he would call F**king As*ho*e. So I started to tell him every time I went by him I would tell him that I loved him and when he would say somthing I didnt like I would not respond. The biting when my birds bite we blow on them and tell them no bite and make them do step ups. the best way to tell the sex is dna testing. grooming and bathing try a bowl in cage and using a spray bottle. most important be very patient. this all takes time.

Welcome to the forum!
I agree with everyone else... everything takes time and patience is definitely key. Just don't react to the bad things, and reinforce the good. They are definitely drama-seekers whatever they can do that will get them attention, they will do... so if you just ignore the bad (ie. the cursing) they will realize that it doesn't get them any of the attention they want. Same with the biting if you scream or react in anyway they seem to find it funny and will do it over and over again for a good laugh.

Congrats and Good Luck! Just remember to be patient as they are smart little fids who definitely understand us!