Quaker Parrot help please? :monk:

[chlochlo1218]

Hello everyone!

I am wondering if you all could help me with some of your Quaker Parrot knowledge. I am planning on adopting a Quaker in August!!! I am very excited!

I have been doing research for a month or so now, and I have learned the basics. I already picked out the little guy that I will be getting. He is very sweet and I have played with him a couple times and I honestly fell in love the first time I saw him! He says a few words and is very, very social.

Getting to the point now, I was wondering if there is anything certain I should know, anything extra I should get (certain types of toys, perches, etc.) and what pellet diet do you like the most? I heard that ZuPreem is a good option, and I think I will end up ordering that. But what do you think?

Thanks for your time!!! xx

P.S. - I currently own 4 budgies and I love them to pieces

[sidech]

Congrats, Quakers are really nice companions !

Just know that they are very cage territorial. Expect it to be impossible to reach in the cage when your little one is in it. We just have to live with that wit a Quaker.

I personnally don't like Zupreem, it has artificial color and sugar in it. Try to find something as natural as possible, or even organic if you can.

[Eric&Rebecca]

My pellet of choice is TOPS:

Organic- no preservatives
Cold pressed, NOT baked or extruded- retains vitamins and minerals
No artificial vitamins/colourings- natural as you can get other than a fresh diet

Zupreme:

Baked- vitamin loss
Artificial colourings- not god for bird (makes droppings coloured which can mask changes when sick)
Preservatives- sugar filled, again bad for the bird

Harrisons is another option as well as Beaphar. Roudybush is less widely available but again another option.

As well as pellets you need to be feeding fresh foods as well, pellets are NOT miracle cures that mean you don't have to make any effort with diet, seeds can be offered as treats or in small portions. But fresh veggies, fruits and pulses/grains is still a must

Toy wise, stick to natural wood dyed with natural dyes, untreated leather, food grade paper. Don't buy the cheap, plastic toys. Better still buy the kits of make your own works out cheaper. Also use toys to encourage foraging.

Another must is to locate an Avian Vet and not just a normal vet. Bear in mind you should get your bird checked up at 30days, 6 months and then yearly (or as needed). Vigilence is key, most birds won't show they are sick till its too late so watch for the signs!

Also research toxic foods and items. Bird proof your home! Ensure no non-stick pans are used and certainly no strong fumes like air freshners or scented candles.

[Pajarita]

There are two VERY important things you need to know about quakers:
1. They are illegal in lots of places so find out what the laws are in your neck of the woods because, even when they are legal, they often require a special permit issued.
2. Contrary to what most websites say, they are not tropical or even semi-tropical birds, they come from temperate zones (and I know because they come from my country of origin) so it's essential that you keep them to a STRICT solar schedule with full exposure to twilight both at sunrise and sunset or they become sexually frustrated and get VERY bitey (thus, the cage aggression).

I don't feed pellets because I don't think they are the healthiest option for parrots and, in truth, although there are some parrots that are not good eaters and might benefit from the man-made vitamins added to them, quakers are not one of them. They are EXCELLENT eaters and would gladly eat every single vegie and fruit you give them so a diet of cooked cereal grains (wheat, barley, oats, brown rice, etc) mixed with some small white beans and cooked veggies, accompanied with raw produce for breakfast and a small portion (about two tablespoons) of a cockatiel seed mix for dinner is perfect for them.

PS They ADORE corn on the cob!