Quaker parrots (or monk parakeets) are known for their charming, comical personalities and their willingness to learn human speech. It is an excellent choice for bird lovers who want all the fun of a large parrot in a smaller package. They are a popular pet, good for dedicated beginners, and adapt well to living in a “human flock” setting. However, in some parts of the U.S., they are illegal to keep in as pets. Check with your local laws before getting one.
Care & Feeding
Quaker parakeets are voracious chewers, and will make fast work of furniture, so provide lots of chewable toys and safe branches to avoid living a bored and unhappy quaker parrot that can easily turn its destructive nature onto valuables.
Wild quakers parrots are quick to nest, and build elaborate oven-shaped, many-chambered “pots” out of thousands of twigs woven into sophisticated nests. Quakers are sometimes reluctant to nest in breeding boxes, though they are often bred that way if offered twigs and other substantial nesting material. They lay six to eight eggs, though they are known to lay up to 13 viable eggs in one clutch.
Personality & Behavior
Possibly the most distinctive behavioral feature of the quaker parakeet comes from its namesake-the quaking and shaking. These birds bob and quake in a way that looks quite abnormal and disturbing, but it is actually a natural behavior exclusive to this bird.
Quaker parrots are social animals and appreciate the company of their humans or other quakers. They can become depressed and neurotic if left alone too often. A pair of quakers parrots will bond if introduced early enough, but won’t lose the bond to their owners if they are included in family life and given a lot of close interaction.
Speech& Sound
Despite their name, quakers are anything but silent! Someone with noise sensitivity might want to think twice about bringing this bird home. They will wake up the most solid sleeper, and may disturb neighbors. On the positive side, these birds are wonderful talkers, able to learn many words and phrases, especially if kept as a single bird. They are also highly trainable and can learn tricks when properly motivated by food or praise. When hand-raised, quaker parakeets can be as affectionate and as tame as a companion bird can be. They can often be acquired untamed, and will tame down with some patience.