Quaker Parakeets are very social and known for their clownish behavior. Most of these intelligent birds can learn to speak, but not all will. Quaker Parakeets, also known as Quaker Parrots and Monk Parakeets, have a life span of 25-30 years.
Quaker Parakeets are very social and need daily human interaction and socializing. They can become very loud and persistent when they're ignored. These birds often bond with one person and can become quite territorial.
It's recommended that Quakers be fed a pellet diet, as the variety of nutrients they require is present in each pellet and is harder to regulate with a seed diet. In addition to a pellet diet, Quakers should be offered chopped dark green and yellow veggies and a variety of fruits, hard cooked eggs, and grated cheese. Remember to remove fresh foods after two hours to prevent them from spoiling.
Avoid feeding iceberg lettuce and cabbage as they can cause severe diarrhea. If the bird's stool becomes runny, it could be due to receiving too much liquid from the fresh fruits and vegetables. If this becomes an issue, restrict fresh foods for a day to see if the issue resolves. Raisins and bananas should be given in moderation as they tend to cause constipation.
Quaker Parakeets need fresh water every day. Be sure to wash and rinse the dish thoroughly each day to prevent bacterial growth. Supplemental powdered vitamins can be sprinkled on the food. Refrain from adding them to the water as it can support growth of bacteria. Cuttlebones should also be provided to supply your parakeet with calcium and prevent overgrowth of the beak.
For birds, the length of the cage is more important than the height. Ideally, cages should be about 18” long, 18” high, and 22” wide. Perches are a necessary addition to any parakeet cage. Remember to use perches that are the correct size for your bird’s feet. If they're too large the bird will not be able to easily grip the perch and could be injured. Providing a variety of shapes and textures of perches will help exercise a Quaker’s feet. The placement of perches is also important. Try to strategically place them so droppings don't contaminate the food or water, and to keep the tail from hanging in the water dish. Toys such as climbing ladders, ropes, and bells can help keep your parakeet entertained.
Birds are very sensitive to temperature. Be sure to place the cage away from windows and drafty areas.
Wings and nails can be trimmed to ease the taming process. Many veterinary clinics offer this service. Clipping wings and nails should only be attempted after proper instruction provided by your vet clinic.
It's easiest to begin hand taming with a young bird. You'll need to experiment to find a treat that your individual bird really enjoys. If your bird is scared of your hand being near the cage, start by feeding it treats through the bars to coax it near you. It may take some time for your Quaker to learn to trust you and understand that you don't intend to hurt it. Once the bird has become accustomed to you, you can use the same process to tame it to sit on your hand. Remember that Quakers are larger birds and have sharp beaks that can really hurt if they are inclined to bite. Take extra care when allowing children to interact with them.
