Quakers

Quaker sound

Monk parakeets are highly intelligent, social birds. Those kept as pets routinely develop large vocabularies. They are able to learn scores of words and phrases. Due to this early speaking ability, it is overtaking the cockatiel as the favorite bird to teach to talk. Another asset is that this bird has a much more reasonable life span and price than African grey parrot or the yellow-naped Amazon.

Because of quaker parrots’ listing as an agricultural pest, California, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Hawaii, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wyoming outlaw sale and ownership of a monk parakeet. In Connecticut, one can own a quaker parrot, but cannot sell or breed them. In New York and Virginia, it is possible to own a quaker parrot with banding and registration. In Ohio, owning a quaker parrot is legal only if the bird’s wings are clipped so that it cannot fly.

Are Quaker Parakeets Tame?

Because they are territorial, quakers may be nippy in and around the cage but are often docile away from the cage. Nipping or biting should not be rewarded by attention, but rather should be ignored, especially when the young bird is beginning to express independence. Quakers respond easily and quickly to common behavior modification techniques. Teaching the young bird simple behaviors, such as “up,” will establish a positive relationship within the family. Children’s play with quakers should be supervised. It is best to start training quakers as juveniles, keeping the wing feathers trimmed and moving the bird from place to place on your hand rather than allowing it to fly. It is important to start with the level of attention you are able and willing to provide longterm and to encourage the bird to play independently.

Most Common Disorders of Quaker Parakeets

• Self-mutilation syndrome of unknown cause
• A Infectious diseases Parasites
• Chlamydiosis
• Bacterial infections
• Fungal infections
• Polyomavirus
• Circovirus
• Other  viruses