I had a Qp literally dropped in my lap yesterday. It is a beautiful bird,but I don't know anything about these or any birds for that matter. Someone gave him to someone who gave him to me bro-in-law, who in turn told me he was goin to let it go cuz he didn't have anywhere to take it. So, I took it.
Could someone tell how to deal with this squaking, shaking, biting ball of fluffed up feathers. ( And what to feed it!)

That's really nice of you to take it in. It's probably best not to try and handle it too much yet, but sit by the cage and talk to it in a soothing voice and hopefully it'll start to trust you.

Do you know any of its history? what it had been being fed prior to your brother in law?

I'd get some pellets such as Zupreem or Pretty bird and get the cockatiel size. Its small...You can get the fruit flavored or they have it in a natural flavor that is just one colored. Also just to see what he's used to you can get a small bag of cockatiel food that has a variety of seed...put both in the cage as well as keeping clean fresh water in his cage. Also offer him fresh fruit like sliced apples or grapes banana etc. and veggies like carrots broccoli snap peas etc. What ever he eats just keep letting him eat for now. Then as he becomes settled in a few weeks to a month slowly start converting him on to more pellets to where he's getting about 70% of his daily intake in pellets and the rest in fresh fruits and veggies as well as pasta and rice, and other legumes.

Once you are sure he's eating well, there is a conversion method in the Heath and diet section that you can use as a guide to getting him converted on to pellets...Pellets are a more balanced type diet and will give them all the vitamins and minerals that they need.

I also urge you to get the book A guide to Quaker Parrots by Mattie Sue Athon, its a great book full of lots of great information and suggestions on how to care and handle your Quaker.

Good luck and welcome aboard!

Let him set the pace. Take it slow and check this site often for it has a wealth of information. Hope it all works out and you get a really good buddy.

Here is a site that will give you some information
http://www.quakerparrots.com/quaker-parrot-faq/
Congratulations! Welcome to the Forum....

No, I know nothing about s/he except when the girl that gave him to my bro-in-law got him the people were moving and he was freaking out flying into the walls. He has what looks like sunflower seeds in his bowl. I had my mom-in-law buy some food called Fruit Bites Banquet, but I don't want to hurt him.

Sunflower seeds are a NO NO, at least a dish of them is. Chocolate, avocado are definite no, no's also. Quakers are prone to fatty liver disease and sunflower seeds have a lot of fat in them.

for tonight, if you can try some veggies such as peppers, cooked potato, sweet potato, peas, corn, rice or pasta. It's going to take awhile for this little one to settle in, especially if it's been in a traumatic situation so be patient, talk quiet, offer treats and just give it time.

Thanks for taking this little one in, it sounds like it's had a lousy life so far.

When I first got my rescues, most of them were on sunflower seeds, and I had to wean them off. People who do not want the little guy will just find the cheapest and the fastest thing they can get their hands on to shut the little guy up.
I started out with some cockatiel food--it does have a few sunflower seeds in it--then started introducing some veggies to the diet, using less and less seeds. As I introduced each new thing, I talked to the bird, and told him what each thing was---like--*do you want apple?* Within a week or two, you will hear the word apple comming from the cage. This forms a trust bond and they will talk and be glad to see the treat (and YOU).
I handled the birds after 24 hours of their rescue. Just a little at a time so they did not feel alone, and set their cages near where I would be for the most part of the day. After a few days, they learned that I was there, and I did pay attention to them.

The biggest thing, in the summer time, is to make sure that you do not use fans if the bird is out of the cage, do not use teflon pans or baking sheets of any kind, and in fact throw them away and NEVER use them. it is also important NEVER to leave them in a space where a window or door is open--I dont know how many times people have said to me *I clipped their wings* yet the bird will fly out never to be seen again.

Make sure that there is a shallow pan (I use a small cat feeding dish) because quakers LOVE to take a bath, and it calms them. Just put in about 2 inches of water or so. After a bath, they seem to be more trusting too.

If you are nervous, the bird will sense it, so just be calm and let nature take its course, and it will bond with you and give you alot of love.
You are a good person for taking him in, good luck to you and your pets

Jax

Very glad you found us... and I hope we can help with your up and coming challenges. Thanks for having the heart to take the little baby in when you didn't want a bird. We always say on here 'everything happens for a reason' and you just might find this little green chicken will bring you more happiness than you could imagine. good luck!

Leeann,

Thanks for taking care of this squaking, shaking, biting ball of fluffed up feathers.

Ange

Thank YOU all for your support and advice. I have decided to call s/he a her and her name is angel. I am sure I will have many questions in the months to come. First, Her cage is just bare should I introduce some toys or wait awhile?

Hi LeeAnn and welcome to the flock! Kudos for you for taking in little Angel and giving her a home!

All sorts of changes ahead for both of you!!

As for the toys, I am not an expert, but I think I would just make sure she has a couple of perches right now and maybe a happy hut if you decide to use one (though some people do not like the behavior this brings out in their birds). I would be certain to have a sand perch, a wooden perch, and a flat perch (www.birdontherocks.com) if you are able to. This gives Angel a variety of textures and shapes to stand on to help keep her feet healthy.

I would also introduce one or two toys, probably a shredding toy and a climbing toy (JMO). Angel is going to need to get used to your hands, so be ready for the chomp when you put these items into her cage if she isn't used to coming out for you yet.

Remember, everything is new to her ... she is nervous and scared and as someone stated earlier, her cage is all she has to make her feel safe, so any changes to that cage could cause a positive or a negative reaction.

I am certain someone with much more experience than myself will be along shortly to share their knowledge! Post some pics when you have the time!

If you stop at petco, It'll cost you about $20-$25 to get enough bird stuff to keep her happy for the time being.

Food
I use the Zupreem fruit flavored pellets that come in a 5 pound bag. Make sure the pellets are the right size. There should be a yellow oval that says its good for cockatiels, quaker parakeets, ringnecks, ect.This will last a couple of months. It costs about $13. The easiest way(in my opinion) to switch a bird from seeds to pellets is to quit giving them seeds cold turkey. After a couple hours, Angel should give in and try eating the pellets.

Toys and perches
Also at petco, you can buy a pack of 3 small toys for about $2.49. Try to get ones that have bells. Finally, also get the medium sized "comfy perch" for about $7. These are some great items to have if you're a beginner to birds. Also, thay can reduce boredness hich will reduce screaming. Don't be surprised if Angel attempts to bite you, her toys, or the perches. Otis(my quaker) will do this to all of his toys at first, but 15 minutes later he calms down and starts using them. Once you get these essentials, you can start bonding/ training the bird.

Bonding
when I take my bird out, I have everything set up beforehand. I lay paper towels down on my desk in case of "accidents" and bring over a small bag of sunflower seeds for treats. To get the bird out of its cage, gently pick it up using a towel. This makes it so the bird's bites cant hurt you.Are It's wings clipped??? If not try to find a place that will clip them asap. You dont want the bird to fly and get hurt/lost.

Training
Training should be done somewhere where the bird is safe from other pets(dogs cats ect.)and where the birds cage is not in view. Many people use a bathroom for training. If you do, make sure the toliet seat is CLOSED, and the drain for the shower is plugged. The first thing the bird should learn is called step up. Basically, Take the index finger of your right hand and point it left(or visa versa if your left handed). then gently push it at the spot where Angel's legs hit the rest of her body. She should be forced to step up on your finger. When she does, say step up and praise her with treats. If her wings arent clipped, I suggest not trying this until they are.

Misc.
Finally, make sure you find a good AVIAN vet. If Angel starts to constantly pluck her feathers, then get here to a vet immedietely. Also if you see Cuttlebone in petco, dont buy it.

Suggested extra items
Mobile perch(for at your desk)
Sandy perch( to trim Angel's nails)
Birdtalk magazine(you can get a subscription or buy one magazine at petco )

Books
Your outta control parrot by Nikki Moustaki
A guide to QUaker parrots by Mattie sue athon

Good luck to you and your fid!!
-maddie-

I am curious as to why you said don't buy cuttlebone...is this specific to Petco...or are you against any cuttlebone?

Ive read that the backs of cuttlebone are indigestible.I cant find the link for that one, but when the bird had the autopsy, and the avian vet looked in it's stomach, he said the cuttlebone back looked similiar to oyster shells. As far as i know this is all cuttlebone, not just petco cuttle bone. Also, the metal clips on the back can be made of certain metals that are poisonous to birds. here's the link.
http://quakercorner.com/do_dont.html
(its in the don'ts section)

LeeAnn, bless your heart. Angel is so lucky to have you. It sounds like you are getting a whirlwind of information-all good. Please don't get over-whelmed. Where in Texas are you? I'm in West TX, in Lubbock. welcome to these wonderful,challenging birds.

There's a lot of good info also in the stickies (the top posts in the forums) and in the QP.com main site FAQs.

Also- you didn't mention how big the cage is, but 20x20" is minimum IMO, most places will tell you 18x18". I know that's probably not on the top of the list of priorities right now, but a tiny cage can make them more grumpy.

For now I would let the poor thing settle in first and foremost while you look into getting all the new stuff you need. Go at his/her pace- you have quite the road ahead, but it will definitely be worth it!

Everyone has left you some great advise and believe me these people know what they are talking about! I also use Zupreem fruit flavor in the cockatiel size and its just right for them to hold with their foot. The one thing I didn't see, or missed, was that if the poor thing was flying into walls then he was very frightened at his last home and also doesn't have his flight feathers trimmed. You may want to consider taking him to a groomer, try local pet store, to have him trimmed until he learns that you are his new and loving home. Don't give up on him, they take a while to trust people, 3 years for my husband with mine, but when they do they are sweet little balls of fun.