Quaker Parakeets

Quaker Parakeets - Species Profile:

Origin: South America
Size: Medium
Colors: Variety
Temperament: Active
Scientific name: Myiopsitta monachus

General description

Quaker Parakeets, also known as Quaker Parrots and Monk Parakeets, are medium size birds. Their length is about 12 inches from beak to tail. The wingspan is about 19 inches. The weight averages 100g. The typical colouration of an adult Quaker includes vivid green on the head, wings, and back; white-grey splashes are present on the face and chest; the flight feathers are blue. There's also a light green tint on the underside of the tail. Selective breeding programs have produced lots of colour varieties, for example, Quakers with white, blue, and yellow instead of green.

The lifespan in captivity is 20 to 30 years.

Temperament

Quakes are very social, confident, loyal, and gentle birds. They are known for their exceptional talking ability - they love to learn human speech. It is a perfect choice for everyone who wants a smart personality of large parrots in a smaller package.
When kept as pets, they tend to form strong bonds with one person. However, they like to interact with their "flock". They adapt to human companionship very well. Being active birds, Quakers need plenty of space to exercise in. Also, make sure your little companion has lots of toys and other playing equipment.

Health and nutrition

Like other parrots, Quakers need to be let out of the cage daily, for an hour or two. This will help them stay healthy and happy, both physically and mentally.
Quakers thrive on fresh fruits and vegetables. Some individuals can become overweight if allowed to eat too many treats such as fattening nuts and seeds. Make sure your Quaker's diet mainly consists of fresh greens, legumes, pasta, and other vegetables. This diet can be supplemented with quality commercial pellets.

Quaker cage size

The Quaker's cage size is one of those questions that people are going to have different opinions about. Logically, the minimal cage size should allow the bird to stretch its wings, so it should never be smaller than about 19 x 19 x 19 inches. However, it always makes sense to buy the largest bird cage you can afford; your Quaker is going to spend there most of its time and it shouldn't feel uncomfortable.
Bar spacing is also important. If the bars are too far apart, the parrot's head can stuck in them. Bar spacing of 5/8″ should work well. Most Quakers can live safely in a cage with 3/4″ bar spacing, but smaller individuals can run into trouble with this spacing.
As to cage coating, powder coated cages are known to last longer than other types of painted cages. In addition, dried poop and food are much easier to clean off the powdered coated finish than the stainless steel.

Other important information

Before getting a Quaker Parakeet, make sure these birds are legal to keep in your area. Their sale and ownership are outlawed in California, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Hawaii, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wyoming. That's because they are listed as agricultural pests.

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