How to Introduce a Quaker Parrot to a Sleeping Hut
In the wild, the quaker parrot is the only parrot species that builds a nest. In captivity, we generally keep quaker parrots in a cage. They will sleep on a perch if no other option is available, but many enjoy the nest-like security of a sleeping hut if it's available. If your quaker parrot isn't used to sleeping in a hut, it will take a little patience but most quakers will eventually fall in love with their hut.
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Instructions
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Choose a sleep hut that is the right size for your quaker parrot. Most sleeping huts look like cloth tents that are hung from the top of the cage by two fasteners. They come in variable sizes. Choose a sleeping hut that your quaker parrot fits into comfortably when standing. The bird shouldn't have to squeeze in, but the hut should be small enough to provide a "snug" environment.
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Hang the sleep hut outside of the cage for a few days. This will allow your quaker parrot to get used to it before you actually put the hut into its living space. The bird might be shy of the hut at first, so let it hang outside the cage until your quaker accepts it without a second glance.
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Once your quaker parrot is used to seeing the sleeping hut, hang it inside the cage. Position it with a perch in front so your quaker can easily climb inside. You may want to line the floor of the hut with paper towels for easy cleaning.
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Leave the sleeping hut in the cage, even if your bird ignores it or seems fearful of it. Quaker parrots can take a while to adapt to change. Some will ignore a sleeping hut for weeks, then suddenly fall in love with it and sleep in it every night.
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Tips & Warnings
Sleeping huts come in a variety of materials. Some are simply made of cloth, while others are made from fluffy or furry material. If your quaker parrot doesn't like one particular kind of sleeping hut, try a different kind of material.
Although most quaker parrots use sleeping huts for years without any problem, these huts can pose a danger if they are damaged. If there are holes or loose threads, your bird can catch a toe or leg or other body part and suffer severe injury. Inspect the sleeping hut every day for any holes or loose parts that could pose a danger. If you find any potential problems, replace it immediately.
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Comments
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My Quaker Jub-Jub loves her "Happy Hut". I wish I could sew, I would make it for her myself... Don't bother paying for a "Chube", you can use plumbing tube off-cuts or get them cut to size at a plumbing suppliers for very little and they will last FOREVER. My Quaker doesn't chew on hers at all and the plastic is seriously thick... They come in all sizes and Quakers love them in their cage. Our baby has two of different lengths in her large cage. She also calls them her "happy hut" and will go in there to play peek-a-boo or just as a roadway in her cage or when it gets dark to sleep if we are late coming home from work. She can be reluctant to get out once she's settled in for the night! We prefer her to sleep in her indoor "happy hut" so she doesn't get eaten by snakes outside! Her indoor "happy hut" hangs from the ceiling with a perch with food and water underneath it. She has never been caged at night. She absolutely loves going to bed when the sun goes down and starts "quaking" and saying "Happy Hut" to let us know she is ready. Then we all sing the "Happy Hut" song as we take her to bed. She just loves going to bed! "Happy Hut" was one of Jubbie's very first words! She now knows around 60 words and sounds and is learning something new all the time. Jubbie is 18 months old. PLEASE TO ALL QUAKER OWNERS - GET YOUR BABY A "HAPPY HUT" OF SOME DESCRIPTION, you won't regret it! They are naturally very keen on using one and I would be surprised is yours did not like it eventually. My cockatiels won't go near one but my Quaker loves it! I feel so sorry for all those poor little Quackers out there who are shivering on a perch!
