I have finally found a Quaker that seems like it would be the perfect addition to my home. She is a year old. She already talks and knows how to step up. From what I've been told she is outgoing and very friendly. I was wondering if it will be more difficult to bond with her than it would be had I gotten a chick? Does anyone have any tips or advice?

Thanks in Advance,
Melissa

Nah, at any age it's the same- spend time with them, treats, etc. Sylvia is a burr recently- I think she's trying to imitate a 'too with the hormones (thankfully without the screaming). It can take a long while though- I had Sylvia 2 and 1/2 months before we finally clicked and she was 7 when I got her (well, is still 7, really, I've only had her 3 1/2 months).

I don't think you really need to do anything different with a 1 year old than a new-weaned chick, which a 1 year old basically still is, anyway. They aren't adults until 2-3 years.

I agree whole heartedly with Alusdra. Frankie and Isabelle were both two when we adopted them. Frankie bonded a little more quickly, as he is very outgoing and never, for one moment, flinched about being in a new environment. He started preening me on the second day he came home. Isabelle took about a week to adjust to her new surroundings, and after she got the hang of our routine, she started to bond with all of us.

I believe it is a bird by bird issue, as they are all so different in how the communicate, and how much interaction they want or need.

Make the commitment to your Q and keep the routine up, and the bonding will come. I believe it was Impy who suggested sitting by the cage with the door open and reading to them. This worked wonders with Isabelle. As she got more and more used to the tone of my voice and didn't consider me an outsider, she began to come to me for the attention she craved.

There are lots of other great ideas on this forum ... take a few minutes to read them over, and I am sure you will be successful with your new Q.

Best of luck!

no you wont have a problem at all. It sounds like the bird has picked you already

If I may add a word of caution...

Having a new bird in the house is very exciting. Just make sure that you don't shower the bird with constant attention. They do need to learn how to entertain themselves. A good rule of thumb is to only give them the amount of attention now that you plan on giving them in the future. Meaning, when the 'newness' of having a bird wears off, you don't want your little one wondering why s/he isn't getting the same amount of attention s/he was when s/he first arrived.

Hope that makes sense

Congrats on your little sweetie

I got Buttons at a year old as a rehome and it took about a month for her to really warm up to my husband and I. You'll do well I'm sure! I think it's fun to have a baby, but it's nice to have one a little more mature too.

I think the best tip that I ever got on helping a new bird settle into a new home, is just talking. Yes, talk to the bird. Do not try to take him out of the cage immediately, as tempting as it may be. Allow him time to look over the house from his perspective, from the protection of his cage. Talking to him will help soothe the fear and worry of this new environment, by letting him get accustomed to the sound of your voice. Tell him how happy you are that he is in your family, what a beautiful bird he is, how much fun you will all have together, what a good, good, bird he is, and on and on.

Never force a new bird to come out of the cage. If he seems fearful of leaving the security of his cage, open the door, and talk to him with the door opened, and try to entice him out. If he comese out willingly, great! But, if you cannot get him to come out on his own, keep talking, maybe even bribe him with a treat. After 10-15 minutes if nothing seems to work, close the door and try again later.

Just remember, this is a whole new world, and everything is scary, especially to an older bird. Lots of patience, and lots of talk, and allowing him lots of time to adjust will make the transition into his new home much smoother for both of you.

Good luck, and, congratulations on the new fid!