So, you have decided to get a parrot. Choosing which one to take home can be overwhelming and exciting with so many types and species. But if you’ve set your eyes on a Quaker Parrot, is it a good choice?
Are Quaker Parrots good pets? The answer is yes! Quaker parrots make an excellent choice for an avian companion. Known for their charming personality, beautiful colors, friendly demeanor, and speech-learning ability, a well-cared-for Quaker parrot is sure to liven up your home!
But before taking one home, here’s everything you need to know about caring for one. Let’s begin.
Quaker Parrots – What Makes them Good Pets
Also known as the Monk Parakeet (or even clowns), Quaker Parrots are incredibly energetic and charming. And while they’re not as brightly colored as the well-known species like the African lovebird, Quaker Parrots are still popular and make for a great beginner pet.
Part of this is due to their ability to adapt to “human flock” settings quickly. They’re also very sociable and confident, even going as far as to live in many urban areas worldwide.
What’s unique about these parrots is that they’re the only species that build nests, often making nest communities that are the size of a compact car.
As pets, however, Quaker Parrots are little balls of energy that will keep you up at all times and are perfect for bird owners who want “traditional parrots” but don’t have space for the big ones. That said, taking care of them requires some things, and not everyone can meet their needs.
If you want to care for one, here’s what you need to know.
Additional reading: 10 Best Talking Birds for Beginners
How to Care for a Quaker Parrot
As mentioned above, Quaker Parrots have their own special needs as pets. Here’s what to prepare to get you started.
Temperament
Because they are parrots, these birds are extremely friendly and social. Quaker parrots are also known for building strong community bonds in the wild, so expect your pet to want to bond with you a lot.
They’re also very bold and outgoing, so expect to give your pet a lot of daily attention (like cuddling and petting on the head) if you want them to live a long and happy life.
Housing
When it comes to housing, make sure you provide your Quaker Parrot with one that’s tall. Make sure it also has plenty of space for your pet to fly around. Put some bedding at the bottom of the cage, but avoid newspapers as the ink can make your pet sick. Provide plenty of perches and bird-safe toys to keep your pet engaged when you’re not around.
Additional reading: Can Quaker Parrots Eat Pineapples?
Diet and Nutrition
As for feeding, opt for a mix of these:
- seeds
- pellets
- occasional fresh fruits or vegetables
Keeping to this diet consistently should give your pet all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy. However, remember that seeds and pellets should make up most of the diet, with fruits and vegetables only accounting for 20%.
Alternatively, you may also talk to your vet to learn the best diet for your pet bird. Some Quaker Parrots may be picky with what they eat, so seeking professional opinion is important in these cases. Also, provide your bird with some cuttlebone to keep its beak in good shape and provide tons of calcium.
Additional reading: Can Quaker Parrots Eat Watermelon?
Exercise
If you’re only keeping a single parrot, then you should know that your bird will require lots of attention and exercise. Luckily, you can provide both with playtime via balls, bells, and small chew toys.
Giving your pet at least two hours of outside-the-cage time in a bird-safe room is also essential, especially for its wings. Allow your pet to exercise its nest-building skills too, but make sure you remove any toxic plants and harmful objects that can hurt them.
Water and Grooming
Of course, be sure to put clean water in its cage at all times. Clean your pet’s dishes too. Additionally, make sure you bathe your pet in a shallow basin every other day. You can also mist your pet with a spray bottle.
Talking Ability and Noise Level
One of the best things about Quaker Parrots is their ability to mimic human speech and pick up words from you. But while this is nothing short of amazing, it’s also important to remember that this means Quaker Parrots can be loud. So make sure you either keep its cage in a separate room or be ready to tolerate tons of bird noise before taking one home.
Luckily, these birds are also trainable and can learn tricks when properly motivated. However, most Quaker Parrots are often acquired untamed, so have tons of patience when training one.
Additional reading: Are Lovebirds Good Pets for Beginners?
Why are Quaker Parrots Illegal in Some States?
While they are wonderful birds that make for great little pets, you may have heard that Quaker Parrots are illegal in some states. This is because if one Quaker Parrot gets released into the wild, they are invasive and push other species out.
So before owning one, make sure to check with your state to see whether they’re illegal or not. Know that if you acquire them in an illegal state, authorities can technically euthanize your bird. You also won’t be able to bring it to a vet when it needs medical attention.
Here are states where the birds are currently illegal:
- California
- Connecticut
- Colorado
- Kentucky
- Georgia
- Pennsylvania
- Hawaii
- Rhode Island
- Maine
- Tennessee
- Wyoming
If you live in a state where they are illegal, you may opt for other parrot species.
Additional reading: Female Quaker Parrot Behavior
Foods and Things to Avoid for your Quaker Parrot
Some foods and items pose a serious risk for your pet parrot, so make sure you keep it away from these:
- Windows, Doors, Mirrors – Unfortunately, Quaker Parrots can’t recognize these barriers. This means they can fly into them and hurt themselves.
- Sitting Water – Your pet may end up drowning, so cover any before letting your parrot out.
- Ceiling Fans – If you have these in your home, make sure you safely clip your pet’s wings if you’re letting it out of the cage.
- Plants – Parrots are big chewers, so make sure you don’t have any toxic plants in your household that they may end up chewing on.
- Fumes – Usually from everyday cooking, gas stoves, and household cleaners, these fumes can be toxic for your pet.
- Avocado, chocolate, fruit pits – All of these are poisonous for parrots, so make sure you completely avoid them in your pet’s diet.
Related Questions
Are quaker parrots good for beginners? Yes! As long as you are responsible enough and willing to put in the work (and be patient), Quaker Parrots make for excellent beginner pets that will keep you company for years.
Do quaker parrots like to cuddle? Absolutely! They love pats on the heads too. As they are parrots, these birds are naturally cuddly and want tons of attention from their owners.
Are Quaker birds aggressive? Not at all. Of course, untamed birds tend to bite, and being patient in bird training is an essential part of being a responsible pet owner.
Are quaker parrots high maintenance? Not exactly. While they are mostly recommended to those with intermediate experience, any beginner who’s responsible enough and provides it with its needs should be able to take care of one properly.
Additional reading: Differences Between Male and Female Crimson Rosella
Final Thoughts
While they’re not as popular as your usual lovebird, Quaker Parrots still make for excellent pets for anyone looking to have a talkative little companion.
They’re brilliant, cuddly, and tend to bond a lot, so properly caring for one will reward you with a lovable little avian friend for years to come!
