Bringing home Marley

Question
I just purchased my first Quaker yesterday from a local pet store. He was very sweet in the store and would sit on my finger and shoulder. When I brought him home he did the same until after my daughter and I took a nap. He wouldn't allow me to put him back in his cage, he would'nt climb up on my finger, infact he just kept biting at me sort of. After a nights rest I figured he would be back to "himself" but he is not. He'll let me pet him but he wont let me get him off of the cage and tonite he may not want to go in. Am I rushing him or doing anything wrong. He is my first parrot and I know we are both new to each other so what do I do. He is about 10 months old.

Thanks,
Shanah

Answer
Congratulations on your new companion! Let's see about modifying his (and your) behavior before this goes too far 'his way' ok?
He's certainly stressed at being in a new home and new environment. That store was active, interactive and familiar to him.  Your home is something he needs to learn and the reduction in activity and people is also strange to him.
 It's not uncommon for a bird to try to feel secure by exerting control. Gently, but firmly, you've got to reinforce the "step up" command and don't let him make the decision or he'll be making it for life!
 The "sort of" part when it comes to biting indicates that he's not really sure of how much power he has (yet). You need to remind yourself that yes, nips or even bites WILL pinch and may even draw blood, but you'll live.  With a Quaker it's a lot easier than a large macaw with one of the most powerful beaks in the bird kingdom (macaws are my main rescue bird).
 To help reassure yourself, layer a couple thick socks (cut the toes out) over your arm, under a shirt sleeve, hold your hand flat/fingers together and sort of tucked down or in a fist, tucked down and get him to 'step up' onto your forearm.  Knowing you won't be hurt if he bites into the sock (though it might still pinch) helps keep you confident.
 Praise him and reward him for doing this - offer a treat or toy and plenty of positive interaction.
 
Put him in his cage for meals for now - taking him out frequently for at least a couple hours at a time.  You don't have to constantly play with him, but make sure he's a part of the activities in the home, even if it's just sitting and watching t.v. - engage him - use his name and look at him frequently.
 He should also be in his cage for nighttime.  Partially cover it (we cover all sides/top leaving just 1/2 of the front uncovered so they can see out and feel secure). Nighttime must be low noise, low light and calm.  We suggest a separate cage for nighttime in a bedroom or other low activity area - and a nighttime cage should have just one or two appropriate perches, food/water bowls and a 'snuggly' - something he can side up to like a nest mate for security at night.  Some birds need to have this touching them, others just like knowing it's there.


 Right now my site is being revamped and transferred to a new server, but try taking a look here for more and some pics of what I'm talking about ok?

  www.geocities.com/animalrelief_info/