WillowQ
Rollerblading along the road
- Joined
- 2/4/23
- Messages
- 1,955
- Real Name
- Heather Gerbyshak
Hi, I’m new here though I have owned birds most of my life. I adopted a seven year old Quaker after my elderly Quaker, Lucy, passed away. I was crushed because Lucy had been with me for 22 years and was my best friend, my soulmate bird. I bought a Meyers parrot and he was cool but didn’t hit the spot.
Anyhow I adopted willow from a retired lady who was wanting freedom to travel and live it up. Willow liked me right away and wanted to be pet during the car ride home. He was not cuddly with that owner but he’s very cuddly with me. He’s a bit timid, though, and afraid of new objects and toys.
But one of the fun things with Lucy was that she talked and was so bossy and funny. I miss that. Willow has talked a few times, mostly in his cage, so I know he can. He is not very loud; can scream but usually doesn’t; his alarm call is not that bad either.
does anyone have any suggestions how to get Willow to be louder and more vocal? Since I know he can talk and it seems he’s just a shy guy. I have been praising him for touching new toys and he’s getting more adventurous. But when I repeat a word or phrase Willow looks at me and moves his beak. Should I treat him for doing this in hopes that he will get the idea? Cuz if he doesn’t speak I can’t reward him for it.
maybe I should give him a treat when he makes a non-screaming noise? Cuz he usually only screeches at big trucks out the windows or when Jasper has an adventure or is out with me?
thank you.
Anyhow I adopted willow from a retired lady who was wanting freedom to travel and live it up. Willow liked me right away and wanted to be pet during the car ride home. He was not cuddly with that owner but he’s very cuddly with me. He’s a bit timid, though, and afraid of new objects and toys.
But one of the fun things with Lucy was that she talked and was so bossy and funny. I miss that. Willow has talked a few times, mostly in his cage, so I know he can. He is not very loud; can scream but usually doesn’t; his alarm call is not that bad either.
does anyone have any suggestions how to get Willow to be louder and more vocal? Since I know he can talk and it seems he’s just a shy guy. I have been praising him for touching new toys and he’s getting more adventurous. But when I repeat a word or phrase Willow looks at me and moves his beak. Should I treat him for doing this in hopes that he will get the idea? Cuz if he doesn’t speak I can’t reward him for it.
maybe I should give him a treat when he makes a non-screaming noise? Cuz he usually only screeches at big trucks out the windows or when Jasper has an adventure or is out with me?
thank you.