Quaker Parakeets: Everything You Need to Know Before Getting One

My family has had Quaker Parakeets for as long as I can remember, and recently someone asked me what they should know before purchasing one. I honestly wasn’t sure. So, I dug up some info that I felt would be beneficial to everyone considering these birds as pets.

What do I need to know before getting a Quaker Parakeet?

When you’re thinking of purchasing a Quaker, there are definitely a few things that you should know, but one of the most important is to make sure that they are legal in your state. Be sure that you’re aware of their personality as well before bringing them into your home.

I know that there are other things that you could be wondering about Quakers, and I definitely have more to tell you about their personality, companionship, likeability, and so forth.

What Should I Know About Quakers?

Quakers are an interesting breed of parrot, they are known for their hardy attitude. They are able to survive in multiple climates, although if they are to escape and become feral, they are considered an invasive species. This is why it’s important to make sure that they are legal in your state before you purchase one.

They really like to chew on things, so be sure to add some toys in their cage or wherever you’re planning on having them outside in your home. For our Quakers, we have some sticks, as well as some healthy hard treats for them to chew on and get some nutrition.

It’s a good idea to make sure that they have a big cage, and that you do have another place where you can take them out and let them socialize a bit. If they are kept in their cages for too long, they can become agressive.

Also, something that you should be aware of is if you’re not interested in keeping a bird for a long time, a Quaker might not be the right breed for you. They can live up to thirty years. So, if you would like to have a feathered companion for that long, then by all means, pick up one of these funny birds.

Quakers are very intelligent as well. Some of them can even learn to talk. Not all of them will, but they can learn certain words and phrases which can result in some entertainment for you and your friends.

With my Quakers, they all knew how to talk. I have had three, but I am down to one right now. They have the funniest little voices that are sure to win your heart.

What Do I Feed Quakers?

Like a lot of other birds, Quakers are prone to fatty liver disease. So when you’re feeding them, it’s best that you avoid fatty seeds. The best diet that you can give to them is some seeds, pellet food, fruits, and vegetables.

You want to be sure to keep the seed to a minimum. The pellets should be the main food that they eat, along with adding in the occasional vegetable and fruit. One thing that’s also important to know about the fruit and vegetables they might not like everything that you put in front of them.

Offering a variety of different fruits and vegetables is an important aspect that you should include in their diet. Be sure to take out the uneaten produce at the end of the day.

Also, you want to be sure that you’re giving them fresh food and water every day. You want to also add leafy greens into their diet. If you’re intending on feeding your Quaker sunflower seeds or any other fatty seed, be sure that you monitor how much they are eating, and take it away at the appropriate time and moderate their fatty seed intake in general.

What Are Quakers Like?

One of the most important things that people would like to know is how these birds are when it comes to personality and when it comes to people.

When it comes to people, they form a bond with the one that takes care of them, they are one of the few species that are able to form strong bonds with their owners, so they don’t really do well being bounced from house to house. Be sure that you’re willing to commit before you purchase this bird.

The reason why these birds have the name Quakers is that of their unusual attributes. They quake and shake. When you first see this, you can be alarmed, but rest assured that this is part of their makeup and this is a completely normal thing for this breed to participate in.

Quakers are very confident and social birds, which is why they are able to form the bonds they are. So it’s important to get them out of their cages and socialize with them. A bored Quaker can become aggressive and even start plucking out their own feathers when they’ve been left alone for too long. When you’re purchasing a cage, be sure that the bars aren’t coated with zinc, as this is poisonous to these birds.

With this bird, which can live anywhere from twenty to thirty years, it’s definitely a good thing to be able to get them out and about. They need to understand and be comfortable with their surroundings. This is important that you actually take them out of their cages and socialize with them.

Another thing about them is that they can get bored much faster than any other bird species. So you should provide them with mentally stimulating toys, they are very smart and will be more inclined to play with toys that really stimulate their brains.

Quakers aren’t quiet birds, so that’s also something to consider. As mentioned earlier, they are able to learn to talk and say phrases that you teach them as you continue to socialize daily with them. This is one of the reasons they are such a prized possession–this small ability that they have learned.

If you have a dog or cat, be sure to keep an eye on your bird. With this species they are very confident and will try to take on even the biggest dog that they have seen. So be sure that they are in a safe location–one that protects themselves as well as the other animals in your home.

Why Are Quaker Parakeets Illegal in Some States?

As mentioned earlier, there are some states that don’t allow citizens to own a Quaker parrot. The reason behind this is the fact that if they are released into the wild and they become wild, they are known for pushing other species out and becoming listed as an invasive species.

States that have made it illegal to own a Quaker parakeet:

• California
• Connecticut
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Kentucky
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Tennessee
• Wyoming
• Maine

If you do own one in any of these states, you’re at risk of authorities coming in and euthanizing your bird. So, it’s better to be sure that you’re in a safe place before you consider getting one of these little guys. If you choose to ignore the law, you, unfortunately, can’t bring your bird to any vet in the state if they are sick or injured.

Another reason that they are illegal in some cases is that they like to build their large nests on transformers and other utilities that can cause damage to the objects.

Besides that complication, they aren’t a danger to any other bird species. As long as the Quakers aren’t threatened, they can live well with other species of birds.

Related Questions:

Are Quaker parakeets good pets? Quakers are indeed good pets, but they are also illegal in several states, so before you are thinking of adding a new member to your family, be sure that you’re ready for a bird that will live up to 30 years, and that you’re in a state where they can receive the care they need.

How much does a Quaker parakeet cost? With this breed, the Quaker or Monk parakeet cost about $400 individually. Besides this, you need to consider the fact that you will need a large cage, pellet food, toys and accessories to keep them entertained as well.

What is a Blue Quaker? A Blue Quaker is just another variation of the Quaker species. Just another color variation specifically. They aren’t considered a different species, just considered a different color compared to the normal green color.