Arty asked me to post about our new addition. I was told about an add on Craigslist for a quaker looking for a new home. So, I looked it up and emailed the owners. I was told Rico was approx. 2 yrs. old, they'd had him for a year. They got him from someone else (not sure on that whole story). Their reasoning for re homing was that they both originally were working in the home and had recently both gotten jobs that took them out of the home and they felt like they didn't have the time for Rico anymore. I was told he loved to be talked to and would climb around on them some - but was very hands off, no stepping up, etc. I kind of got the feeling they were inexperienced and got bit a time or 2 and just kind of stopped trying to work with him. (I could be wrong, was just the impression I got) We emailed several times and then made plans to meet today.
Emily and I went to meet Rico yesterday. We didn't ask him to step up or anything, but mainly talked with the owners some and watched/talked to him. He says quite a few things - and talked pretty much the whole ride home (about an hour). He says - " Hi Rico!, Rico!Rico!Rico!, peek a boo, good boy Rico, pretty bird, pretty Rico, what, good morning, and a few other things. My husband and I set his cage up in our bedroom, we've got a vet appointment set up for Monday morning. (I set up the vet appointment last week, just in case ) Rico and Skittles have exchanged a few calls since his arrival. I didn't really do much with him yesterday, just sat near his cage, talking to him. He's on a pretty descent diet, Zupreem Natural, some fresh fruits every few days and a mini frosted wheat a day. This week we'll see if we can get him to try some veggies. I'm thinking a frosted mini wheat may not be that great every day (?) - so gonna try cutting him back on those and see if we can interest him in some healthier treats.
His cage is adequate size (I didn't measure it), it's an older Prevue Hendrix model. We'll be getting him a new cage in a few months. We've got some new perches and toys for him, (he only has dowels in his cage now, has 2 toys, they are pretty chewed up, bells missing their clappers) but haven't put them in yet. I want to wait till he's more comfortable before I go and start rearranging his cage. He does have a happy hut he sleeps in every night. They tell him "beddy bye" before the cover him and he climbs right in.
I didn't get pics of him today - but might try tomorrow depending on how he seems to be feeling about his new home! I do think he's going to settle in just fine. He's been talking today, took a bath when I sat out a dish of water and eating in front of us.

rico sounds like a real doll congratulations on your new addition, here's hoping he settles in just fine. be sure to share pictures when you can.

Congratulations! Rico sounds like a sweetie!

Thats great news,
Hope he settles in fast for ya.

Thank you very much for bringing this little one into your home, as I mentioned in my PM to you, keep as many original items that came with Rico to help him adjust, the chewed up perches should be re-placed, if possible with concrete type perches that can be washed and reused, offer chew toys and with our Quakers they enjoy rings and such (toddler) toys that can be hung on the perch, also little pails hung full of small toys, the wife fills the pails and I have one heck of a time picking them back up during cleaning time.
Kinda hard to get the grate out for cleaning if its full of toys.
The Quaker can talk up a storm, you will be fasinated when the little one goes into one of his talking spells, for ten minutes our Quakers run through every sentence taught to them, we have mirrors set up so we can see them without being seen and there little eyes are closed as if dreaming and they will talk away....
Thanks for sharing your new adventure with us Steph.
Take Care
Arty

Thanks everyone. We have new perches for him, 2 different types of grooming perches and a natural wood perch and a booda perch - but waiting to put them in till he's more adjusted. I did hang up a new toy on the outside of his cage today - he went right to it and started playing with it, so after awhile I placed it inside of his cage where he likes to perch. He has a mirror in his cage which he is quite attached too. I'm planning on eventually phasing that out. He did nibble on some scrambled eggs and threw the veggies out - but it's a start.

What great news Steph!! Congrats to you both! Can't wait to see some pics.

Our Quakers enjoy Pasta Steph, just food for thought...LOL

Congratulations!!!! I can't wait to see pics of him and hear stories about him once he has settled in.

Congratulations Steph, and welcome home Rico!