Adopting a 2yr old quaker this weekend.

[bae]

Hello everyone.
As some know, we adopted a young cockatiel last weekend and everything is going great. I also have been talking back and forth to a woman about adopting an abused quaker. We decided to go for it, but then no more babies in the household.
From what I know, she was abused by a woman in her previous household and was surrendered to the shelter. She is being fostered currently. The lady says she bites a lot but is much better out of her cage. She is also a plucker and is bare under her chin. (I did buy some preening toys from 8beaks.com today)

If anyone can give me some advice I would appreciate it so much. Also, I am going to have to get her a cage this week and am wondering how big, or if anyone can recommend one for under 200 dollars.

Thank you!!!

Thank you everyone for your help. I am so excited

[LtlWngdAngl]

Hmmmm...where to begin?
You JUST adopted a 'tiel? It's probably a good idea to devote your every spare moment to that 'tiel for the next few months before bringing another rescue bird (that, trust me, will require A LOT of attention). It's really very hard to work on training and personal bonding with two different birds at the same time.
How much experience do you have with rescue birds? In my experience, rescue birds require a lot more individual attention then do hand fed babies, and my hand-fed quaker baby required a ton of attention, I couldn't imagine what a 2y/o rescue would require just to make him a decent companion...especially since quakers create a strong bond with their owners.

John/Beaks: this is really more your area of expertise...I'll let you handle this one...that's just MHO.

I'm not sure of finding a cage for under $200.00, especially if it's not at a bird show or from a wholesaler...though cages here (at pet stores) seem to be astronomically priced compared to other places in the country. I found my amazon's cage at fancypaws.com and they were wonderful to work with.

[SavvyMoon]

IF you shop around, you can find cages on e-bay for 25-60% cheaper than retail prices. These are perfectly fine, brand new cages but without a name brand label...

A cockatiel does not need a "huge" cage.
Something about 18 x 20 x 30 high (inside cage area) is fine. :)
You should be able to get one for UNDER $75 on e-bay, plus $20 or so for shipping. Look up "Biradise2" there, I've gotten three medium size wrought iron powder coated cages (24 x 30 x 40H) from him,
from $99 to $129. plus $35 shipping.

However, I agree... since you just adopted / rescued a tiel, I'd wait a few months -at least- before adding another bird to the household. JMO...

:) Savvy*

[Joel]

Also check out www.birdsupply.com

I disagree somewhat with Savvy. I believe in bigger the better for any bird to include finches. However if ya take out everyday for supervised playtime and flying (if not clipped) then smaller will suffice (for sleeping & eating), I guess.

LWA: Just a tip if ya didn't know. If ya put www. in front of fancypaws.com then someone can just click on it to go to the site.

www.fancypaws.com

[LtlWngdAngl]

thanks for the tip Joel...didn't know...guess I just got lazy :D

[bae]

Thank you all for replying. I understand that it is going to take a lot of work and I understand that now may not be the right time, but this lady has been fostering her for six months and has only gotten two responses. One lady who didn't show up and me. I have been talking to her for months and I will not leave her there when I know we have a loving and patient home for her to come to. And, the lady needs the space very badly. Two more babies coming in this week to her home.
Our cockatiel is doing very well and as birds are concerned we couldn't ask for a more tame and loving pet. (Yes, I know that could change at any minute)
I really am just looking for support here in the board. I have made the decision and am going to have to live with it. I just want to do the best I can with what I got and give a loving and nurturing home to her.
I know many of you don't know me at all but I am not one to give up on an animal. I have a special needs dog who has been with me for eight years. I won' t give up on this quaker. I can't do it. I just hope that you guys can understand that and be supportive.
I did get a cage today and many toys and perches. I am ready for my baby to come home and if it takes ten years for her to trust me, I will work hard for that ten years to make it happen.
Thank you all again for replying and the information, I appreciate it more than you know.

[LtlWngdAngl]

I may have come off a little rough, but I didn't mean to sound that way. I'm sure your a wonderful parront, and by just you being here, you've shown initiative to do what you can and seek advice for what's best for your fildren.
But please understand that a lot of us work with rescue birds on a VERY regular basis, and one of the big problems is people getting in over their head by adopting more than one rescue bird at a time without having the proper knowlege or experience with rescues...that's what I was worried about. I just hate seeing rescue birds get rehomed after they've already been from their original home, to the rescue home, then to another owner's home, then have to get rehomed again because the person didn't realize what they're getting into.
Just know that, though a smaller parrot, a quaker is NOTHING like caring for a 'teil. They require almost constant attention and can become VERY annoying and bothersome if they don't have a constant audience with you. They also become jealous of othe birds easily. Mine is like a travel size version of a large parrot...they're VERY loud and can make a HUGE mess...just PLEASE know what you're getting into!!

[Beaks]

I say go for it.

quakers warm up to their new owners very well as long as you treat them well.

just don't let him/her around your tiel because the quaker will try to kill it.(most of the time)

let us know how it works out and don't forget to post any questions you have.

John

[lsaucedo]

That is great that you have the time and patience to take in another bird. I admire you for it. I would do the same only I cannot take in older birds at the moment, I think my daughter is too young still. I am, however, getting a baby quaker in the next week or so. I currently have two cockatiels, that I hope breed soon, they are going through the motions , and in and out of the nest so I hope it happens soon. I will post pics of my quaker as soon as I get him/her?. Don't forget to post your experiences with the new addition, so we can all learn in case the need to have to help house a rescue bird ever arises.

Luis S.

[bae]

Thank you all again.
I was worried Nina that I came off a little harsh too but I had been having my own inner struggle for a month on whether we could be up to the challenge. I have thought long and hard about it.
Bird noise has no effect on me even when its Super duper loud! lol
Since my grandma has become ill I go there everyday and take care of her two cockatiels and her quaker and amazon. Grandma is doing good, just so you know I was worrying about having to take her birds in for awhile but she is gaining her strength back. They are a very vocal flock. Very vocal.
I can here them outside sometimes! I would rather be playing with one of my babies than watching a movie anyday. I just hope we can help our quaker have a happy life. Thats all I really care about. I will let everyone know how the weekend turns out.
Even if I did sound like I didn't want advice, believe me I did and do. I really appreciate everyones help.