In the past, I have used the towel method to work with biting birds, and it is something that seems to work especially well for Quaker Parrots. I even had a Quaker given to me that loved men but absolutely hated women, and by using this method of taming I was able to get him to allow me (a woman) to handle him.

There are a couple of reasons why I use and recommend this method of taming parrots. First and most importantly, it works very well. Second, it is a gentle method of taming that builds trust between both the human and the bird. Last, it allows an owner to tame a parrot while almost completely eliminating the chance for the owner to be bitten. Personally, I like this third reason a lot!

Before I explain what to do, I just want to mention that this should always be done with love and kindness and never in anger or as a punishment. Also, whenever holding the bird in a towel, make sure that you are not holding so tight that it restricts his breathing. The chest has to be free to move in order for parrots to breathe.

To get started, locate a clean hand towel or bath towel. Hand towels work well for parrots that are small to medium in size such as Quakers. Moving slowly, gently capture the bird in the towel and take it to a "neutral" room (one where the bird doesn't spend a lot of time and where it is quiet so you and the bird can focus on each other). Find a comfortable place to sit. Hold him against your chest with one hand while he's still wrapped in the towel. With the other hand, you can pet him off and on while talking to him softly.

For birds that are already somewhat tame, you should be able to release the bird out of the towel onto the floor after about 10 to 15 minutes, stand up and ask the bird to step-up while towering over him - and generally the bird will be more in a mood to cooperate. Birds usually feel at a disadvantage on the floor, and after the loving you just gave him, he will more than likely be thrilled to step up rather than stay on the floor.

Practice step-ups for 5 minutes or so (not continuously but with short breaks), then put the bird back in its cage. Do this once or twice a day for a week or two - or until the bird is acting less aggressive towards you.

For parrots that haven't been handled in a long time (or ever) or those that are very aggressive, you may need to do the towel part of the process once or twice a day for two weeks or more before attempting to ask the bird to step up for you. You'll have to use your best judgement for this. If the bird seems to enjoy your attention and is acting less aggressive, try the step-up from the floor as described above. If the parrot is still aggressive towards you, go back to doing the towel holding and petting for another few days before trying a step-up again. (This is rarely necessary with a Quaker Parrot, however.)

Because most Quakers are quite territorial around their cages, it's possible that your bird may never get used to having hands in its cage. Some of mine allow my hands in their cages and some don't. For the ones that don't, there are several options:

1) Allow the bird to come out on its own
2) Teach the bird to step-up to a hand-held perch
3) Use a towel to retrieve the bird

I have a Quaker that was given to me who spent the first two years of her life as a breeder. During that time she was well cared for but not handled at all. I used the towel method to allow her to get used to being handled, but even years later she won't come out of the cage on her own or step up to a hand-held perch. Instead, I use a towel to get her out of her cage. Over time, it has gotten to the point where all I have to do is lay the towel over my hands, and she will step up onto the towel and allow me to bring her out. Once out, I can handle her just fine without the towel.