Recue

[Bradmtx48]

So a few weeks ago I had learning experience with an attempt at a rescue. Things did not go well because the bird did not survive the night (a lovebird handed to me by some lady I didn't even know who found it). As a result I realize that my next addition to the flock will be a rescue Quaker. I was just reading on Reddit of some lady who adopted a bird because the owner didn't want it because it was missing a toe. Had that bird been anywhere within my region it would be part of my flock today. At first my wife was saying if I get another bird she's leaving. I just told her I'll give her advance notice so she can plan accordingly. So now she says she wouldn't mind a blue one. I just said we'll get one that needs a home that is in reasonably healthy condition. My two winged rats are currently stuffing their face so it has given me time to write this post. I'm trying to stick within a budget on this one because my wife is already forewarned me about my bird expenditure. But I did tell it like our current ones, this one will also have health insurance (yup rather be safe than sorry). I have already reached out to about two breeders and I told them listen if they have any in the flock that is not suitable for sale let me know. So other than that is there anything I should know about Quakers that would differ greatly from my current flock? I did choose the Quaker for the mere fact that my wife said she wanted a bird that talks (I could have sworn that my wife already fit that bill) and I wanted a bird that at least shares the same diet as my current flock.
Besides that is there anything else that I should be looking for?

BTW To help keep within budget and waiting for the Black Friday sale to get a cage. In Florida I see the price of used cages going for practically the same price of a brand new cage and I'm not willing to put up with 'a little rust'.

 

[Jcas56]

I have a senior Quaker parrot who came to me several years ago after his owner grew ill and eventually passed away. He’s about 25 years old now. I have heard stories of very sweet Quakers but I describe mine as 10% sweet and 90% sass! He does talk but only when he wants to. Never on cue and never for a camera. He also screams. At least a few days a week he “ exercises his lungs” by screaming as loud as he can for maybe an hour. They can hit 110 decibels. All we can do is close the door to the bird room until he’s ready to stop. He is very much a one person bird. He will bite and scream at anyone he doesn’t like. For whatever reason, he hates my younger brother, who has tried to make friends to no avail, and will start screaming the moment he hears him walk in the front door. I don’t know if this is just my bird as he spent most of his life with one person.

Quakers love to build; they make elaborate nests in the wild. Mine has made some lovely creations by weaving popsicle sticks between the bars of his cage. Mine also likes to keep a tidy cage. He has a heavy “ toy mug” in his cage and foot toys, popsicle sticks etc all get put in the toy mug ( by him). He also puts uneaten food in there so I have to clean it out regularly! Quaker parrots often have a “ bedroom” section of their cage over which they can get territorial, and a “ living room” section which is more communal. Again, this mimics their communal nesting arrangements in the wild where they have a common area and then each pair has their own space. They are considered invasive and are banned as pets in several states so it wouldn’t hurt to double check on your own state’s requirements! Best of luck in finding your newest bird

 

[Bradmtx48]

I have a senior Quaker parrot who came to me several years ago after his owner grew ill and eventually passed away. He’s about 25 years old now. I have heard stories of very sweet Quakers but I describe mine as 10% sweet and 90% sass! He does talk but only when he wants to. Never on cue and never for a camera. He also screams. At least a few days a week he “ exercises his lungs” by screaming as loud as he can for maybe an hour. They can hit 110 decibels. All we can do is close the door to the bird room until he’s ready to stop. He is very much a one person bird. He will bite and scream at anyone he doesn’t like. For whatever reason, he hates my younger brother, who has tried to make friends to no avail, and will start screaming the moment he hears him walk in the front door. I don’t know if this is just my bird as he spent most of his life with one person.

Quakers love to build; they make elaborate nests in the wild. Mine has made some lovely creations by weaving popsicle sticks between the bars of his cage. Mine also likes to keep a tidy cage. He has a heavy “ toy mug” in his cage and foot toys, popsicle sticks etc all get put in the toy mug ( by him). He also puts uneaten food in there so I have to clean it out regularly! Quaker parrots often have a “ bedroom” section of their cage over which they can get territorial, and a “ living room” section which is more communal. Again, this mimics their communal nesting arrangements in the wild where they have a common area and then each pair has their own space. They are considered invasive and are banned as pets in several states so it wouldn’t hurt to double check on your own state’s requirements! Best of luck in finding your newest bird

Yup I realize they're banned in several States luckily I live in Florida. I have heard that even if you were to purchase one in a non-banned state and try to transport it to whatever state you transporting into if you have to travel through a banned State you have to get Federal permission to do so.

 

[Jcas56]

Kind of crazy, right? I can own one here in Illinois but couldn’t take him one state over to visit my sister in Wisconsin!

 

[RitzQuaker2]

My heart bird was a blue Quaker. She lived to 24, then had a stroke. We took special care of her for a few weeks, but then it became clear she was ready to go. Man, she was a very special girl!
Everything I've read about Quakers, she was the opposite. Sweet, loving gentle and quiet. She said "love you", once and only once. I hope I never loose that memory.
Good luck finding your new kid!

 

[osklvste47]

I kept hearing about why these sweet little birds are banned. Nothing really pointed at agricultural and such damage. It was Jcas statements about nesting that sent me looking again. (Compulsive reader here) Quakers as described above build thier communal housing. It can weigh hundreds of pounds. Who knows how many pairs? 6? 12? They don't particularly care where they build. Power lines, water towers, roofs, and more. Fires, lost power were a few of the results. In past communities spent thousands getting rid of those nests. The Quakers simply moved to another site. The article was interesting. A tiny, cute parrot is on the same list in some states as crocodiles, vipers, great apes and such.