Need quick but thoughtful help. Please

[dislater]

I'm odd man out here, as usual. If you only have a few days, I would seriously consider trading the quaker for a younger bird. a newly weaned bird will be asier to adapt to you and be more loving than a bird that is 6 to 8 months old. Cut your losses at this point and don't feel guilty do what you need to do to be a happy bird owner for yourself and the bird. When you have more experience, you can deal with an older bird. Be easy on yourself and don't feel guilty.....You owe it to the quaker to make the correct decision for you and the him. Frankly, I would have been very discouraged if I had been in your shoes with my first bird, and I would have given up on birds completely. Birds are wonderful additions to a family, but only if you and the bird make a connection, and I don't see that happening here. di
( I have 2 greys, one 5yrs. old and one 12 yrs. old.)

[GreetingCardReligion]

If you do decide to return the bird and possibly get another, please don't think of it as an upgrade in anything but price.

Just because a bird is more expensive doesn't mean he'll be easier to get along with and will probably only be more work.

Sun conures are beautiful, I used to own one, but MAN are they LOUD! They'll give you a headache and make you feel stabbing in your ear drums so if you live in close quarters with your neighbors I'd reconsider that species.

I have a grey right now and I absolutely adore him with every inch of my heart. He's loud in the mornings, or if he hears the microwave and thinks its for him, but is pretty quiet otherwise.

I too, visited him at the store and helped to handfeed him there but he was in a very enriching enviroment and was extremely well socialized before I brought him home.

More than the species or the age, I think how socialized your bird is makes all the difference in the world. I agree with dislater, that it might be better to have a bird thats more socalized, that you get to know before bringing home, that sort of thing.

Please please please make sure you research whatever species you bring into your home before you do :)

You could probably make it work with this little quacker, and any bird you get might have similar problems down the road, so its important to learn how to work through them - but if you have a window, and its not working out, you might try a different bird.

[MaryG1959]

9 days? Well most birds take much longer to adjust then 9 days. Give him time to setle in....Just let him set his own pace-----

[Tullysmom]

Yes, don't be discouraged. Depending on the bird it can take days, weeks or a few months to settle down. Nine days is nothing really. Relax. These things take time. It sounds like you are doing everything right so far, don't rush him though. Like Mary and others have said, let him set the pace. You won't regret it. When he does come around, and he will, it'll be all that more sweet. I know that it's aggravating, we all want sweet cuddly babies, but it takes trust, which unfortunately takes time. Hang in there.

[Tiki]

I posted in your other thread but I want to agree with GreetingCardReligion that the word "upgrade" is inappropriate used in terms of a bird or any living creature. Extra expenditure for a different species, yes but price is no way indicative of the true value of a bird. They all have a heart and are very emotional, feeling, intelligent creatures and size has nothing to do with these qualities.

I bought Chaska when she was 5 months old and she was wary of me at first. Any bird in a new home would be. Anyone who knows me will tell you of the amazing bond I now have with her. It took a couple months for her to be completely relaxed with me. She is not the least bit cage territorial with me, I can reach in even when she is in her happy hut and scritch her head.

I see in the other thread you are keeping the Quaker-good choice! They are the most wonderful little birds, you won't regret it!

[Sally]

Young bird and you have not had him long. I believe all will be fine. I have a Parrotlet and it took several months to really be buddies. Longer to be really close like we are now. Just be patient. They are slow to trust us sometimes.

Reading, SINGING, soft music (Chipper loves Andy Williams) and time and patience will pay off. Don't take it personally. Most of us have been through this.

WELCOME!