Hi, I'm getting my QP baby on Saturday. I've read quite a lot here and I'm getting a little worried, because my baby is a green QP and from what I have learnt they are more likely to choose just one person to bond to and not like the others. This is something I definitely don't want to happen, because I will need my parents to look after him from time to time (2-3 times a year) and if he decided he didn't like them, that would make it very difficult. I also share the flat with two other people, so he should be able to get along with all of us.
Could you please give me some tips how to prevent that? Should my parents come for visit often? How often would be enough? What if he doesn't like them from the beginning? Can that change over time?
I do hope that there will be no problems and our little QP will like all of us, but I want to make sure I do everything possible to help him be happy with all of us.

When I first got my Mr. Kiwi (8 yrs ago) my Hubby was there but my Hubby had to go start another job in another state and we didn't join him for 3 months. That was enough time that Mr. Kiwi did not know my Hubby anymore and he would bite him. All I can say is be VERY social with your bird so that he gets use to lots of people. That is just my opinion.......

Thank you for your advice. Do you think that it would be good to take him with me to my parrents? I go there every Saturday or Sunday for dinner, so that way he would get used to them at least a bit. But wouldn't the journey there and back be too stressfull for him (though it's only about 10-minute drive)?

Nope, I think the journey would be great for your bird. Your bird needs to get out in the open. That is NOT something that I did. First of all, I lived in Calif, where quakers are illegal and I couldn't take him out and such, so he was confined. How I wished I would of done something different, but I didn't have a choice. Now, about 7 and half years later Kiwi is traveling more and being exposed to more people and being less territorial of his cage. My husband can now rescue off of the floor.

Yes get him to interact with all your friends and do take him to your parents home every Saturday even let him stay over night sometimes if you are going out the more they handle him the better it will be when you need to leave him ,if they can come visit you weekly at your home that would be good too, you want your bird to be part of your flock not to attach himself to you and see you as his mate , all the people in your home should be classed as his flock so share him with them all let then give him treats take him from his cage and put him back as well as you so he feels part of a big flock that is the best way for a happy well socialised fid.
Good Luck and don`t be scared you will love being a Quaker Parrot Mommy...

Thanks Majj, I have to admit I'm a little nervous about all the new things but also very happy. I just have to hope that he will not mind traveling by car, none of the other bird I've had liked it and panicked when they were inside. But it's true that they were not used to traveling, so maybe that will be different with this one, since he will be traveling so often.

Also my parents have a cockatiel, co maybe, if the birds get friendly (I hope so), he may look forward to visiting his feathered friend as well

You will be fine , how excited you must be I remember waiting for my babies ....

Something else that I think really helps is to have everyone feed the bird, clean the cage and to spend time with him or her. Also, have them all practice the Step Up command. This has been working wonderfully for my Quaker. He is great with everyone especially my 5 y/o son.

Well, I'm 100% sure I will be the only one to clean his cage But as for the other activities, that should be fine, I'll make sure everyone spoils him as much as possible.

My Milo Lovesss to ride in the car. So maybe your baby will too. Do you have a travel cage?

I'm happy to hear that your Milo loves to ride in the car. Hopefully Charlie will too

I have a cage that I call a travel cage, but it is just an old smaller cage (clean and in good shape). I don't have anything better at the moment, I'm considering buying something else, but I don't have enough money for that at the moment, getting a big cage and some toys for Charlie and paying for him is a lot of money by it self.

A small cage will be fine ....is it good enough for him to be in when you are away or will you have to lug your big one to your Moms when you leave him for holidays..??

I'd say it's big enough, because he will be in the cage only at night. It's about 14"x18"x16".

As long as he is out lots I am sure it will be fine .. Nighty Night its time for bed downunder ..Have a good day
chat later

good night, just 90 minutes and I'll finaly go home from work