Hi everyone! How to start...
I have come to the conclusion that I am not meant to have birds. Right now I have Peepers, a 6 year old female. She was in a bad living situation so I offered to take her. It has now been 2 years. Since she has been with me she aquired a huge $300 cage, baths offered daily, fresh food and seed. I try to give her attention but I can't stand the biting. She tends to get worse during Spring and Summer which I can understand. After that she can be very sweet, loves to be touched, loves to talk. She bites a lot though.
I grew up with cats and dogs. I have a strong connection with them and we understand each other. I have done a lot of research and try to be a good Quaker mom. I end up finding myself not wanting to be around her. I can't stand the loud squaking. She is screaming at the moment.
I have always been an animal person and try hard not to give up on my babies. I am also having a hard time juggling Peepers with my diabetic cat Thomas, and a FLUTD cat Katie. I recently had a convert a bedroom into a cat room just so Katie won't pee anywhere. They are so much happier now.
So what I am trying to say is that I would love to find her a home with a mom who has a connection with birds and can give her what she needs. If that is not an option I am willing to take advise and try to work with her. I am overwhelmed. Please help.

PS
Before Peepers I had another Quaker for 3 years. I rescued him from Petsmart and tried hard to help him. He is now at a parrot sanctuary where he has been deemed terminally aggressive. The owner of the rescue said there was nothing I could do to help. I don't want Peepers to go there because I think she is normal, just not with the right family.
Thanks for your time, Stephanie

Sorry it has come to this but you would know best. You might add rehomeing fee, where you are, what goes with her, and any health probs. Pics if you can.

Bump

I live pretty close to you. I'm in Huntersville.

If you get really desperate to get Peepers out of the house then I can foster for a few weeks until we can find the proper home for him. Just know that it could only be for a few weeks though.

If you need any help with trying to get him to socialize a little better, so you could keep him, I'd be happy to help with that too.

How about you Von, or do you think we're going to have our hands full for a while. LOL

Thanks Paula and Kate for the advise. I have had her 2 years, I think I can handle her for a while longer until I find the perfect home. I love her, I just feel sorry for her. I want her to be as happy as possible. If I can't find her a home I would love your help socializing. You are very kind. Did you see the pic of her I posted?
Bump?

Have a wonderful day everyone!

So sorry about you feeling you have to re home your quaker. But you know best what needs to be done. I'm sure you'll find the right loving for every home for Peepers!

The latest post moves to the top of the list. When we think a post needs to be seen by people who are just coming on to the forum, we might "Bump" it up by posting the word "Bump".

Sometimes, if I don't have the complete answer to a question, I'll post a partial answer just to bump the thread up so someone with a more complete answer will be likely to see it.

Thanks QPDad. I am new to Forums. This place has a great group of people.

Where's the picture Stephanie?

I made it my profile pic and put it in my album.

He's a real cutie. You obviously love him.

I know I don't spend enough time with her. It's hard to want to be around her when she lunges at me. She will laugh at me after she bites! I try not to be afraid around her because I know she can sense it. I turn on the tv for her an open all the blinds for her everyday. She likes cartoons. The biggest thing that bothers me is that when she sees me she starts to (as I see it) masturbate! She start rubbing her butt on the perch with her mouth open with this crazy look in her eyes!!! She starts out making soft noises then gets loud. It freaks me out! I think she needs a man.

I just finished reading an article on towel training. Is that a good idea? I read that she just may not let me put my hands in her cage, which is okay?....sigh....maybe I shouldn't give up on her just yet. I have been listening to her chatter downstairs, she loves to say her name a lot.

I want to say "Don't give up on Peepers", however, I feel if you feel this way now, there will more than likely be a time you will feel it again. It may be best to find a new home for Peepers. A forever home!

You are probably right ripleyanddenise. I am actually her 3rd home. Her first home was an ederly couple. I can tell that they did a lot of work with her. I don't know why they gave her up. They gave her to a young girl with a habit of aquiring pets just to give up on them. Of course she got tired of Peepers. I took her with the intentions of being her forever home. I breaks my heart to realize that I am the 3rd home to give up on her. She doesn't deserve this.

Stephanie, you do sound very well meaning. I can really appreciate that, as I'm sure other forum members do as well. I hope everyone wins in this situation.

Stephanie, you do sound very well meaning. I can really appreciate that, as I'm sure other forum members do as well. I hope everyone wins in this situation.

Thanks. That means a lot.

Who is Peepers...

Loves her bath, luke warm of course.
Favorite foods are...
carrots, peas, green beans, pasta, eggs, corn, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds.
Loves to dip her food like a little diva.
Favorite words are...
Peepers(in various forms)
Peep Peep
Hello Peepers
Hey!
Hey Baby
Come Here
Bu bye
Whatcha Doin?
What?
Kiss Kiss?
Favorite noises to imitate are...
Various forms of laughter(along with you, makes me laugh more, which makes her laugh more)
Microwave beep
Door squeals
Kissing noises
The sounds that come from sucking air in through your teeth(loves this one)

When she is being sweet...
Likes her head, body, and beak stroked
Likes to kiss your face and ears, nibbling while making sweet noises(makes me nervous, all of a sudden will bite then laugh)
Is wonderful around my cats and dogs(although the dogs get upset when she chases them at times!)
The cats know that they are 2nd to Peepers on the totem pole, so they don't attempt to harm her, and Peepers knows this
Likes to hang out on the free standing perch my husband made for her

When not being sweet....
Lunging at me, making hissing noises
Very aggressive when she has layed an egg
She hates my husband(bites to draw blood)
At times can only pick her up with a hand held perch
Will bite me with no warning(happens a lot, and of course laughs or yells right afterwards)
Will bite me if I am on the phone(real hard)
Will bite me if I am holding her and someone comes near me
Will bite your toes if she sees them(we always make sure to wear shoes)

Good News...
An exotic vet started at the animal hospital I work at. She has been a vet for 8 years. I am taking Peepers in Thursday to have a full workup. She said she can help me a lot with the behavior. I am trying to be optimistic Yea!
So I guess I should be posting in other areas than Introductions?...
Thanks everyone!!

Welcome to the forum, and I'm happy to see that you're going to try and stick with it

It can be very hard when dealing with a bird that bites. Biting is a learned behavior for a bird, so the biggest thing is not to reinforce it by reacting to it. When she bites you, gently push into the bite.

It's also a good idea to learn why she's biting. Some good questions to think about are: What happens immediately before the bite? What happens immediately after the bite? Is she only biting because your in her cage? What happens when you take her away from her cage and work with her in another room? Is she better then? If you haven't tried that, then I suggest doing it. Some of the best training sessions occur in a room where the bird doesn't normally visit.

I look forward to hearing an update on the vet visit and see what thoughts the vet has for you

I hope everything works out for you. Give it a try and see what happens. Good Luck!!!!

Stephanie- I'm glad you're giving it another try before giving up on the little one. You obviously do care a lot about her and want the best for her. And it's obvious that she loves you, too, since she gets jealous when you talk on the phone or when your hubby comes around. I hope the vet can offer suggestions to ease the situation, too. Since we live within a few miles of each other I'd love to know how you feel about the visit with the vet and whether you'd recommend her.

Good luck, and keep us posted

Good luck. Biting birds can be tough, but it can be over come. Sounds like Peepers can be a really loving bird and may just need more time and attention.

Hi there! You are SO in the right place for support and help. Stephanie you have a good heart, it's obvious and you really care but you've been at the end of your tether for a long time and that is very tiring and demoralising.

One thing I noticed in your first email. You say you have strong connections with dogs and cats and feel a certain affinity with them. Well, this could be your problem!! You simply CANNOT!!! think of birds like you do dogs or cats. You see these animals are very hierarchical. They like to have a dominance - submission relationship and are at their happiest when sure of where they stand. They respond in certain ways that are easy to understand and predictable. You have observed them for years! You have been around them and you know what they like and don't like and what they respond to. You have a bird and it's just not working! I have an autistic son and the way you have to relate to him is completely different to how you relate to other children. The techniques they tell you and all the learning I had with my nieces and nephews just didn't help. He was a little alien!

You must start at the beginning again. Like you don't know anything. Your parrot is reaching out to you but you don't see it. And she doesn't see the massive effort you are putting in either! It's a terrible misunderstanding. This issue CAN be fixed. You need to step back from your bird. Don't go right up to her and handle her like you would comfort a dog with loving touching. Stand back respectfully and watch her, feel her vibe, if you like, and you will get more out of her as you learn to give her space and read what she is trying to tell you. Talk to "NewQPdad". He is a dog trainer and finds parrot owning completely different!

Thanks everyone, again. lol You are right Joseph, I AM in the right place. I am taking your advice to heart. I have already started taking a step back the last couple of days. I am trying to remember to replace frustration with love.
Way2bizzy-I will let you know for sure about Dr. Harris. I love working with her so far. You can tell she really loves what she does.
I am curious to see what everyone here thinks about the doctors suggestions.
You all are awesome. Peepers thanks you!
Have a great night!!

I just lost all that I was typing, AHHH! Starting over but shorter version...
The visit went well. Dr. Harris trimmed her nails, and wings. She drew blood and took a stool sample. The results will come in tomorrow. Weight 130g. She wants her eating 70% pellets and 30% healthy people food. Dr. Harris said other than the slight plucking on her belly and under wings she looks wonderful! She said her beak is beautiful(she doesn't trim beaks unless really needed)
Shopping list
heated cement perch
Sunshine Factor
Harrisions pellet food
fake eggs
portable cage so she can go outside with me
Birds for Dummies
UV light

Peepers was so good and entertained the whole hospital. She laughed at everyone!! She was a social butterfly. She even learned a new phrase! "Good Girl"
We went over so much more but told me to start slow.
Will write more later....long day at work.
Hope everyone had a great day!!
ps: I feel great about not giving up on her just yet

i'm glad you decided to keep trying. it's really worth the effort. you have been given great advice (as usual), and i'm glad you have an open mind and are taking it all to heart. peepers is beautiful.

kris

Stephanie that's wonderful! I'm so glad you decided to give it another go before rehoming Peepers. I can't believe she was so wonderful and social during the outing to a strange and scary place. Fantastic

Please do keep us updated as you work with Peepers- we want to hear about the progress you make. And don't forget how much we love pics

Stephanie...I just read your thread and I have to say I was sad up until the end! I am so glad you decided to keep trying with Pepper. She sounds like she really needs a forever home and hopefully you can give it to her. Good luck and keep us updated

Please keep us updated on the progress and glad you did not give up on her.

Reading this thread is very inspirational. I'm so glad to hear things are turning out for the better! I'm also a cat person and reading Joseph's advice was very helpful to me as well.

I'd also like to hear your progress with Peepers, so please keep us updated!

aww I'm so happy your making a go of it and opting for patience in the long run with Peepers to create a sucessful bond with her.. it'll be soooooo worth it Keep us psoted!!!!

I got her test results back and she has a slight infection(white blood count elevated). I have learned how to give Peepers antibiotics! It was so easy. I held her in a towel and held her hed while I gave her Baytril, she drank it right up! I wonder if the infection has contributed to her increased moodiness. After 2 weeks I will need to re-test her blood. Dr. Harris said I caught in the early stages...phew!! Fecal was normal. I plan on an outing to Petsmart Sunday to get Peeper supplies.
She was sooo sweet during the visit and after getting home. I went to her cage this morning and offered my hand(so excited to love on her) and I got a painful bite. Instead of getting mad it made me laugh...go figures!! lol I have learned how useful a towel is.
I am also babysitting a black 7 week old Boxer X this weekend so I have my hands full!!! She is a foster with boxer rescue and is looking for a home.

Peepers Update

Loves Lafabers Pellets
Loves going outside in her travel cage
Played on a swing perch today
Perfecting "Good Girl"
Taking the antibiotics very well
Biting less
Mom is learning!
Will try to remember to take pics!

I'm so glad it's going well for you and Peepers! Yayyyy!!

Way2Bizzy-
Me too! I see her so differently now. I found it frustrating that Petsmart didn't have all of the stuff Dr. Harris wanted me to get. They had all of the stuff she said I shouldn't get! I guess I have to go online to get the heated perch, uv light, and sunshine factor. At least she likes the food additive!
How are things in Waxhaw?

I played with Peepers two different times yesterday(half hour each) and never got bit! She has taught me not to just stick my hand in the cage for her to step up. I wait for her to come to the edge of the cage. She finally knows "Good Girl" She said it loud and clear last night! I also sang to her and her little head bobbed the whole time. Of course I still have to give her medicine. When she sees the towel she runs to the back of her cage yelling. She clings to the side and won't let go! Once I get her in the towel she hides her head and clamps her beak down. After I give her the medicine she gets a green bean and I tell her how brave she was. I am just so happy. I can't thank you all enough.

This is great news on the progress you are making. Can we have some pictures please! Congrats on your keeping your bird and being patient.

Wonderful news to here things are working out! Thanks for not giving up on Peepers~!!!

Such a happy update Sounds like Peepers has you hooked now.

Darn-- I should have piped in immediately when you first posted and brought her home with me

I added pics to my album! We had a fun filled day. I no longer fear her biting me. I took a couple videos, I just don't know how to add them here. Help! Hope you enjoy the pics!

those are wonderful pictures- it's like you have a completely different little fid now, isn't it? I love the ones where she is up at your face- you have a look of absolute trust and adoration as she's snuggling and preening you
Her cage is huge- she has a ton of space! Can't let my guys see the pics or they'll be jealous

it's so exciting to read about all of the progress you two have made!!

It sounds like this is tearing you up! I hope the new vet is helpful for you! Reading your posts makes me apprehensive about getting Seamus! The last few times I went to visit him, I felt he was getting pretty aggressive with me. It doesn't hurt now, but what about later?!?! I got some helpful hints from members here and the dealer who's selling him to me, and they seem to be working.
Hope everything works out for you and Peepers!
See my comment on your photo gallery. I love that picture of you and your little sweetheart!

Added a couple videos of Peepers to Youtube...
http://www.youtube.com/user/sstephens3