Who am I?
The quaker is a small parrot native to South America, particularly Argentina and Paraguay. The quaker, or monk parakeet, measures about 24 cm long. Its plumage is primarily bright green, with light grey on the belly. Multiple color mutations are also now available, like blue, opaline, cinnamon, purple, cremino and many more! Its eyes are bright and expressive, adding to its charm.
In terms of personality, quakers are extremely social and curious birds. They love to interact not only with their peers but also with humans. Their playful nature makes them ideal companions for those looking for a bird that enjoys being the center of attention. They are very playful and can spend hours exploring their environment or solving puzzles.
My Needs
Quakers are very active birds that require a lot of mental and physical stimulation. They enjoy playing, exploring, and socializing. Therefore, they need plenty of time outside their cage with their owner and should be included in their daily life. They love to be part of conversations, climb and explore around the house, and snuggle up to you for a nap. One of the most touching aspects of quaker behavior is their ability to develop strong bonds with their owners. They seek affection and can learn tricks or how to talk, which strengthens their relationship with humans. This constant interaction makes them loyal and loving companions.
Life Expectancy
In captivity, quakers can live between 15 and 30 years, depending on the care they receive.
Ideal Habitat
A spacious cage (at least 30 inches wide) with bars suitable for their safety. The cage should contain varied perches, interactive toys, climbing elements, and entertainment accessories, such as a variety of shreddable toys. Their cage should be placed in a temperate environment, away from drafts and extreme temperatures.
Behavior
Quakers are known for their playful personalities and ability to imitate sounds. They can be quite loud, which can be a challenge for some owners. They enjoy communicating and imitating sounds, making them very entertaining. However, their tendency to become territorial can lead to protective behaviors, especially when they feel threatened or are in pairs. This requires early socialization and proper management to ensure harmonious cohabitation.
Quaker Habitat and Cage
Cage Size: The cage for a quaker should measure at least 30 inches wide, 22 inches deep, and 30 inches high. The larger the cage, the better, as it allows the bird to move freely and spend energy. The bars should be metal, spaced about 1/4 to 3/4 inch apart to ensure the bird’s safety while allowing it to climb easily.
Setup:
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- Perches: Provide perches of different sizes and textures to stimulate their feet and encourage physical activity. Avoid cylindrical wooden perches typically included in cages due to their uniform diameter, which can cause long-term issues for their feet. Instead, prioritize natural branch perches, rope perches of various sizes, ladders, and bridges.
- Toys: Include chew toys made from various materials, such as pine or coconut wood, leather, loofah, etc. Interactive and foraging toys are also necessary to keep the quaker mentally engaged. Additionally, durable metal toys, like spinners or bells, are excellent choices to include.
- Nests: No nests or hiding spots should be placed in the cage, as these can stimulate nesting behaviors in the quaker, leading to unwanted hormonal behaviors, such as more aggressive protection of their cage.
- Location: Place the cage in a busy area of the house where the quaker can interact with its family. Avoid overly noisy or isolated areas, and protect the cage from drafts and direct sunlight.
- Play Area : Create a secure play area outside the cage equipped with perches and toys. This allows the quaker to explore and play freely while enhancing its physical abilities.For example, a play gym like the Zoomax PlayGym is ideal as a play area. Also, consider installing various perches on walls or ceilings so your quaker has places to go around the house.
- Maintenance: Clean the cage regularly, at least once a week. Remove waste, clean food and water bowls, and wash toys. Use non-toxic products for birds and thoroughly rinse cleaned surfaces. Use maintenance time to introduce new toys, rearrange items in the cage, and change the position of perches to provide a new environment for your quaker to explore.
- Temperature: Maintain an ambient temperature between 20 and 25 °C. Avoid extreme temperatures, drafts, and direct heat sources.
Recommended Diet
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- Parrot Pellets: Use high-quality pellets specifically formulated for parrots like quakers to ensure balanced nutrition. We recommend RoudyBush or Tropican pellets, available at our shop.
- Seeds: Offer a seed mix designed for parakeets and small parrots, but in limited quantities to avoid excessive fat, which can lead to liver problems or cardiovascular issues. They can be offered as treats during training or as finds in foraging toys.
- Fresh Fruits: Offer a variety of fruits like apples, pears, berries, mangoes, and peaches. Fruits should be given in moderation due to their sugar content.
- Fresh Vegetables: Include vegetables like carrots, broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, and zucchini. Vegetables should make up a significant portion of their diet.
- Fresh Herbs: Provide herbs like parsley, basil, and cilantro to enrich their diet.
- Nuts and Seeds: Offer unsalted nuts (like almonds and hazelnuts) in small quantities, as they are often enjoyed but also very fatty.
- Supplements : Quaker parrots need some calcium supplement, like a cuttlebone or a mineral block. Adding multivitamins and some probiotics is also strongly recommended, as it ensures proper digestion and a complete diet.
Foods to Avoid
- Avocado: Toxic to birds, even in small amounts, it can cause heart problems.
- Chocolate: Contains toxic substances that can be deadly for birds.
- Coffee and Tea: Caffeine is harmful and can lead to health problems.
- Onions and Garlic: Can cause digestive issues and damage red blood cells.
- Salty Foods: Avoid foods high in salt, as they can cause health problems.
- Processed Foods: Avoid products high in sugars, fats, and chemical additives.
- Excessive Citrus: While some citrus can be given, it should be offered in moderation to avoid digestive issues.
In Summary
The quaker is a dynamic and affectionate companion but requires proper attention and care to thrive. With a stimulating environment and regular interaction, these birds can bring immense joy to their owners for many years.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about quakers, feel free to contact us. We are here to help! Thank you for your attention, and we hope you enjoy the company of these wonderful birds!