Experienced Owners Needed!

[dezilu423]

Okies, so, I was going to get a sun conure. A lot of you may have met me on the conures' board. But, after doing much research, I don't think a sun is for me.
I'm wanting a blue quaker now. And, I just want to make sure that I'm correct in everything I have/will get.

I have, already, a beautiful green wrought iron cage, with a stand and playtop. But, it's terribly rusted. I'm hoping to restore it, though. I beleive the measurements are somewhere around 20x20x60. If I'm unable to restore it properly, I will be getting a cage of the same size, at a bird fair.

As far as diet goes, I'm aware that s/he will need fruit/vegetable supplements from time to time. But, as a staple, I will probably be feeding him/her Mazuri 'Parrot Maintenance' Pellet Formula: https://www.mazuri.com/Home.asp?Products=2&Opening=2.

All perches will be sterilized branches from my backyard Mimosa tree. This wood is not toxic, correct?
And also, I've seen perches at the pet store that are made for grinding down their toenails. These perches, with their gritty and sandpaper-like texture, look quite uncomfortable to stand on. Are they okay to use anyway?

All toys will be homemade. :) That should be fun.
Are there any supplies that are toxic to birds? I know treated leather isn't good. What else?

Tell me, are mineral blocks or cuttlebones really necessary?

How much "out time" will this bird need, considering the size of the cage?
I go to school during the day, so, he/she will be alone for about 8 hours every day. Will this be a problem?

I won't be getting the bird until probably the next bird show. Which may not be until November or later. So, there's no rush. I'm just making sure I know everything I need to know before I get it. :)

[dezilu423]

Come on guys! Sorry to bump this, but it needs it. I posted it two days ago! =/

[Wally]

I'm no expert, but the cage size seems fine, but the bar spacing should not be too wide. I would use two or three perches varying in sizes, and one could be the cement/sand type as they use these perches to hone their beak as well as toe nails. I'm not sure of the wood species either, I just use the Manzita natural kind. I do think the food is good. We share our dinner and breakfast with our birds as well [just has to be low in sugar, salt, preservatives, no caffinated or carbonated stuff]. They love the fresh veggies and fruit, just no avacado, or fruit pits or apple seeds. I always include a mineral/clay type of block. Some are fruit shaped and flavored.
Quakers are a flock/social parrot. The less time away from them the better. Our boy has two Amazons and a ring neck dove to keep him company while we are at work [none are caged together, but can see and talk to each other]. If you get one, make sure you leave a TV [PBS] on or radio, and an assortment of toys. These guys will go to feather plucking/mutilation if bored and/or stressed. A good site to go to is quakerville.com Hope this will help you...

[dezilu423]

Thanks Wally :)

Well, there's been a change of plans. I spoke to my Aunt, who has mostly African Greys and Macaws, and she said that she can get me a nice cage at a really great price. So, I'm probably going to get number 803 on here: DELUXE*PARROT*&*BREEDER*CAGES. My aunt said that she can get it for me, up to $100 cheaper than the price ont that site! And this is even bigger than the rusted cage that I already have! I'm really, really excited. :D

Keep the replies coming, please. =]