Quaker quirks?

[Vilatus]

Hey folks,

A while after having to put my budgie down, I’ve fallen in love with a little male Quaker. I’ve been considering one for a while, but wasn’t entirely sure if Quaker was the species I wanted.

Is there any weird things I should know about them, that maybe I wouldn’t find just doing my general research? What toys do your quakers prefer? I’ve done some general research and will continue to do so, but I’d like to hear from others who own them.

Ride home picture attached for fun.

 

[BirdyBee]

I'm sorry for your loss!

I don't have experience with these guys.. maybe some of the quaker owners like @Laurasea can help!

 

[Vilatus]

Thank you, unfortunately it was cancer so nothing could be done.

I’m happy to have this little boy to help ease the pain and start a new chapter with though. Thanks for the tag!

I'm sorry for your loss!

I don't have experience with these guys.. maybe some of the quaker owners like @Laurasea can help!

 

[clark_conure]

Um they are crazy......but that is every parrot.


Mine is a cuddle bug.....so preen and love cuddles.

not all quakers but mine.....

 

[Laurasea]

Beautiful baby. ❤
You probably read they can be cage protective. Babies usually aren't. But most will become this way as adults. So if one day you put your hand in and get bitten this is the reason. Simple fix have them step out of the cage onto a perch you've attached on the outside then to you. Everyone is happy no drama. Same with changing food and water have them come out first.

Quakers have a tendency to become screamers, if left in cage to long and not given enough out if cage time.
, attention and actives . They just won't tolerate it ; plenty happy to scream non stop. And turn to plucking themselves, and quaker mutilation syndrome. So they get rehomed all the darn time. Again Babies are more tolerant so tge frustration screaming usually start just before they turn 2. If you haven't bern meeting their needs.

So you want to be sure you are providing as much out of cage time as possible, keeping them flighted helps , plenty of stuff destroy , foraging , and an excellent varied diet with lots of fresh veggies and leafy greens in addition to seeds and pellets. Quakers really like veggies and take to them easier than any other species I've worked with. That way you will have a happy parrot, and not to much squawking

The above paragraph applies to any parrots care. But if you are not providing adequately a quaker will let you know. And the screaming will drive you mad.

 

[HeatherG]

What a cute little guy!

Quakers are smart and can be kind of neurotic. They may have random fears, like a little kid has, of things you’d think they’d get over: like electrical cords, vacuum cleaner, Dustbuster, ladder trucks or cranes, etc etc. or if you move an item of furniture, especially a tall one, it will seem like the end of the world. This is part of a very active watch for predators. My Quaker Willow is afraid of any new thing in his cage. New Things I would think he’d like, such as a bowl full of water for bathing, are terrifying and get screamed at. It’s all part of being tiny and edible.

you may find that your Quaker is such a good talker that you have to mind your pronunciation or your bird will imitate you so exactly it sounds funny. For example, I accented the “T” on “Stop it” because my Lucy was telling me to “fop it”. So then I had a bird telling me “STop iTT!” Speech lessons did correct that and I learned not to over emphasize consonants. Lucy was very bossy. It seemed like she learned to talk mostly so she could order me around. And she did. I always knew what she wanted and needed. That was a bit much at times but easier to interpret than miscellaneous screeching.

Be ready for a very smart bird. I taught Lucy a song that contained the word “cage” and from that she put together “it’s o-cage!” (Instead of ‘it’s ok’) one of her favorite phrases that I and her other fans still use almost two years after her passing. This bird may talk to you a lot so be kind to him or her and watch your language or you will have a swearing bird for 20 years. (Which I always thought was ok as “oh sh!t” is a very applicable phrase.). If you are single your bird may be very very charming to your guests. Lucy took a liking to the spectrum internet guy. Of course she also called all men by my ex-husband’s name.

Quakers are the neatest little birds. You may have found your new best friend. I made it through a lot of hard times with my Lucy and am so thankful we found each other. She needed a lot of attention and care for her health issues and I could give that. I enjoyed taking her shopping, to the pharmacy, to block parties, hosting radio shows, music festivals, etc. Willow has now been with me for a year and a half and he is a love but he doesn’t make rude comments or well-timed fart noises like Lucy (yet). Any bird capable of sarcasm is a good bird in my book.

 

[HeatherG]

What a cute little guy!

Quakers are smart and can be kind of neurotic. They may have random fears, like a little kid has, of things you’d think they’d get over: like electrical cords, vacuum cleaner, Dustbuster, ladder trucks or cranes, etc etc. or if you move an item of furniture, especially a tall one, it will seem like the end of the world. This is part of a very active watch for predators. My Quaker Willow is afraid of any new thing in his cage. Things I would think he’d like, such as a bowl full of water for bathing, are terrifying and get screamed at. It’s all part of being tiny and edible.

you may find that your Quaker is such a good talker that you have to mind your pronunciation or your bird will imitate you so exactly it sounds funny. For example, I accented the “T” on “Stop it” because my Lucy was telling me to “fop it”. So then I had a bird telling me “STop iTT!” Speech lessons did correct that and I learned not to over emphasize consonants. Lucy was very bossy. It seemed like she learned to talk mostly so she could order me around. And she did. I always knew what she wanted and needed. That was a bit much at times but easier to interpret than miscellaneous screeching.

Be ready for a very smart bird. I taught Lucy a song that contained the word “cage” and from that she put together “it’s o-cage!” (Instead of ‘it’s ok’) one of her favorite phrases that I and her other fans still use almost two years after her passing. This bird may talk to you a lot so be kind to him or her and watch your language or you will have a swearing bird for 20 years. (Which I always thought was ok as “oh sh!t” is a very applicable phrase.). If you are single your bird may be very very charming to your guests. Lucy took a liking to the spectrum internet guy. Of course she also called all men by my ex-husband’s name.

Quakers are the neatest little birds. You may have found your new best friend. I made it through a lot of hard times with my Lucy and am so thankful we found each other. She needed a lot of attention and care for her health issues and I could give that. I enjoyed taking her shopping, to the pharmacy, to block parties, hosting radio shows, music festivals, etc. Willow has now been with me for a year and a half and he is a love but he doesn’t make rude comments or well-timed fart noises like Lucy (yet). Any bird capable of sarcasm is a good bird in my book.

Like laurasea wrote, if your Quaker is not happy, it will let you know. My Lucy’s first owner said “when she was good she was very very good, and when she was bad, she was horrid.” She came to live with me in the middle of her terrible twos and actually stayed named ‘Lucy’ because, as my roommate pointed out, it was short for Lucy-fur. But she settled down with age and was still up for a party at 22.

Excuse me, I hear Sr. Willow (Quaker) calling. He hasn’t had his daily scritching and cuddle time, and if I don’t want loud noises, I’d better go get him. Luckily he doesn’t swear.

 

[LaManuka]

Hey folks,

A while after having to put my budgie down, I’ve fallen in love with a little male Quaker. I’ve been considering one for a while, but wasn’t entirely sure if Quaker was the species I wanted.

Is there any weird things I should know about them, that maybe I wouldn’t find just doing my general research? What toys do your quakers prefer? I’ve done some general research and will continue to do so, but I’d like to hear from others who own them.

Ride home picture attached for fun.
View attachment 35723

Oh Ziel, congratulations! Of course you fell in love, your new baby is just beautiful Does he have a name yet? I'm so happy for you that you found this precious baby to love and I wish you both a long and joyful life together!

 

[Laurasea]

More pictures!
Here's some toys mine like

 

[HeatherG]

More pictures!
Here's some toys mine like
View attachment 35731

Some Quaker parakeets like to build or weave and will try to do so with toys, feathers, pens, sticks…. Lucy loved to arrange, carry around, and weave thin wooden chopsticks. Willow is scared of the sticks I put in his cage, but maybe he will discover weaving some day.

 

[Laurasea]

My Neptune was a great weaver . None of mine currently tho, but Phoebe keeps favorite foot toys in her tent.
And they fly food ( usually veggies) over to eat on my shoulders

 

[zERo]

Quakers are wonderful, and not all will be territorial, my Quaker is 3 and he doesn't care if I put my hand in his cage, in fact my GCC cares more (only if I touch his precious perches!) My Quakers scream can be quite ear piercing and he can keep it up! He loves bamboo finger traps the most I think and would do anything for pomegranate or blueberries.

 

[Vilatus]

Beautiful baby. ❤
You probably read they can be cage protective. Babies usually aren't. But most will become this way as adults. So if one day you put your hand in and get bitten this is the reason. Simple fix have them step out of the cage onto a perch you've attached on the outside then to you. Everyone is happy no drama. Same with changing food and water have them come out first.

Quakers have a tendency to become screamers, if left in cage to long and not given enough out if cage time.
, attention and actives . They just won't tolerate it ; plenty happy to scream non stop. And turn to plucking themselves, and quaker mutilation syndrome. So they get rehomed all the darn time. Again Babies are more tolerant so tge frustration screaming usually start just before they turn 2. If you haven't bern meeting their needs.

So you want to be sure you are providing as much out of cage time as possible, keeping them flighted helps , plenty of stuff destroy , foraging , and an excellent varied diet with lots of fresh veggies and leafy greens in addition to seeds and pellets. Quakers really like veggies and take to them easier than any other species I've worked with. That way you will have a happy parrot, and not to much squawking

The above paragraph applies to any parrots care. But if you are not providing adequately a quaker will let you know. And the screaming will drive you mad.

Thank you
Yes, I have read that. He's young, so right now we're safe lol. I'll keep that in mind if I ever have an issue in the future, thank you for that!

He's actually been quite quiet, but I have heard that. I'm home all day right now (online college) so I'm hoping he'll get plenty of attention and affection. He should be able to stay out the entire day almost, and I can sit with him and do work or whatever else. I'm actually quite happy to hear that they'll scream if they're unhappy- it makes it easy to know!

He's going to get plenty. He was clipped unfortunately, but I will be leaving him flighted once his feathers grow back. He's currently molting so maybe even soon? He has already started eating fruit for me, like banana, raspberry, blackberry, and grapes! I don't have any leafy veggies atm but when I go to the store I'm definitely starting him on them.

I truly appreciate the response!!

 

[Vilatus]

What a cute little guy!

Quakers are smart and can be kind of neurotic. They may have random fears, like a little kid has, of things you’d think they’d get over: like electrical cords, vacuum cleaner, Dustbuster, ladder trucks or cranes, etc etc. or if you move an item of furniture, especially a tall one, it will seem like the end of the world. This is part of a very active watch for predators. My Quaker Willow is afraid of any new thing in his cage. New Things I would think he’d like, such as a bowl full of water for bathing, are terrifying and get screamed at. It’s all part of being tiny and edible.

you may find that your Quaker is such a good talker that you have to mind your pronunciation or your bird will imitate you so exactly it sounds funny. For example, I accented the “T” on “Stop it” because my Lucy was telling me to “fop it”. So then I had a bird telling me “STop iTT!” Speech lessons did correct that and I learned not to over emphasize consonants. Lucy was very bossy. It seemed like she learned to talk mostly so she could order me around. And she did. I always knew what she wanted and needed. That was a bit much at times but easier to interpret than miscellaneous screeching.

Be ready for a very smart bird. I taught Lucy a song that contained the word “cage” and from that she put together “it’s o-cage!” (Instead of ‘it’s ok’) one of her favorite phrases that I and her other fans still use almost two years after her passing. This bird may talk to you a lot so be kind to him or her and watch your language or you will have a swearing bird for 20 years. (Which I always thought was ok as “oh sh!t” is a very applicable phrase.). If you are single your bird may be very very charming to your guests. Lucy took a liking to the spectrum internet guy. Of course she also called all men by my ex-husband’s name.

Quakers are the neatest little birds. You may have found your new best friend. I made it through a lot of hard times with my Lucy and am so thankful we found each other. She needed a lot of attention and care for her health issues and I could give that. I enjoyed taking her shopping, to the pharmacy, to block parties, hosting radio shows, music festivals, etc. Willow has now been with me for a year and a half and he is a love but he doesn’t make rude comments or well-timed fart noises like Lucy (yet). Any bird capable of sarcasm is a good bird in my book.

Thanks!

That's interesting to know! Luckily he does not seem to be afraid of our vacuum so far! I'll keep watch for anything he seems inordinately afraid of. Right now he seems to be afraid of me reaching over him, but that's kind of expected for a bird. I'm going to work on that so I can desensitize him to being grabbed (like for the vet) and held.

He's already started talking a bit even! Let's be honest here, she was allowed to order you around. We don't own parrots, they own us. It was all to keep her human in line, hehe.

I truly hope I have. Stanley has left quite the hole in my heart, and I hope maybe I can fill some of that with this boy. He already seems so sweet. It sounds like your little Lucy had quite the life!! I bet she was quite well stimulated with all that haha. Did you harness train her by chance? If you did do you have any advice? I think you absolutely have it right on your philosophy of a good bird!

 

[Vilatus]

Oh Ziel, congratulations! Of course you fell in love, your new baby is just beautiful Does he have a name yet? I'm so happy for you that you found this precious baby to love and I wish you both a long and joyful life together!

Thank you so much! We decided on naming him Nico! My aunt lives in NYC and she was here for me getting him- so we all decided on an a strong NYC/Italian name I truly, truly appreciate that. Thank you. I'm hoping he's with me for a very long time.

 

[Vilatus]

As an addition to this post, does anyone have any advice on "disabled" parrots? I've arranged his cage so that there's no places he has to jump to get to as he seems unsure about that- though he does climb just fine. Nico is relatively normal, except he has an extra toe! He cannot grip as well with his right foot, because its misshapen slightly. He sort of has three front toes instead of two in front and back, and then the extra on his hock.

 

[HeatherG]

As an addition to this post, does anyone have any advice on "disabled" parrots? I've arranged his cage so that there's no places he has to jump to get to as he seems unsure about that- though he does climb just fine. Nico is relatively normal, except he has an extra toe! He cannot grip as well with his right foot, because its misshapen slightly. He sort of has three front toes instead of two in front and back, and then the extra on his hock.

Yes. Lucy had problems gripping with one of her legs/feet. If the other one is working, your bird will be pretty ok. Just notice if he seems skittish about holding on while you are walking or petting him. I noticed I could get nipped if she was off balance.

I usually carried her in an infinity scarf. She really liked that and I think was more ok with me picking her up from inside her cage because of her leg and then foot injury.

I had no reason to harness train her because she could not fly.

 

[Laurasea]

Can you share a picture?
Babies take a little time to get good a perches and climbing and he looks young. So this could be something he sorts on his own in few weeks.

Peppers are a great source of vitamin A and usually well liked, bell and red chili are liked by mine. But you can feed hit ones burds dont taste the heat. Romaine lettuce and Swiss chard are also great. I thaw abd serve frozen peas. Cooked sweet potatoes are also great.
Fruits only 10% of diet. I feed just a couple if times a month while mine chow on veggies twice daily.

Welcome to the flock Nico!!

 

[Vilatus]

Yes. Lucy had problems gripping with one of her legs/feet. If the other one is working, your bird will be pretty ok. Just notice if he seems skittish about holding on while you are walking or petting him. I noticed I could get nipped if she was off balance.

I usually carried her in an infinity scarf. She really liked that and I think was more ok with me picking her up from inside her cage because of her leg and then foot injury.

I had no reason to harness train her because she could not fly.

Ah, what a coincidence! He seems mostly ok, but like you said I am trying to go slow when walking with him because that foot moreso lays on your hand rather than clenches.

Oh, hmm, maybe I'll try that!

 

[Vilatus]

Can you share a picture?
Babies take a little time to get good a perches and climbing and he looks young. So this could be something he sorts on his own in few weeks.

Peppers are a great source of vitamin A and usually well liked, bell and red chili are liked by mine. But you can feed hit ones burds dont taste the heat. Romaine lettuce and Swiss chard are also great. I thaw abd serve frozen peas. Cooked sweet potatoes are also great.
Fruits only 10% of diet. I feed just a couple if times a month while mine chow on veggies twice daily.

Welcome to the flock Nico!!

I can’t get a picture of it yet as he isn’t quite that comfy. I made a drawing which will hopefully get the point across. I’ll attach it.

I’m actually hoping to maybe pick up some frozen vegetable mixes and even give him that! Maybe I’ll grab some dried packs of pepper for now and then dehydrate some myself if he likes them. I think that’s a good rule for the fruit. I know fruits are very sugary and shouldn’t be over fed.