Quaker Parrots are some of the most well-loved pet birds in the world. They are also one of the more in-demand types of birds in the pet trade market. That is because they have personalities fit for what any kind of owner would want from a pet parrot. Quaker Parrots are smart, silly, fun, and very nice to look at. As such, there is no reason to wonder why they are so high in terms of demand.
Taking care of a Quaker Parrot is a two-way road that requires you to care for the bird if you want it to be as fun, as silly, and as fun to be with. You need to feed it well, give it the attention it needs, and place it in an environment that is right for it. What that means is that it should be placed in the best kind of cage. After all, the Quaker Parrot’s cage is its home and is the place it will spend its life in for decades. As such, there is a need for you to know more about this parrot and what kind of cage it needs to stay healthy and happy.
Things to know about the Quaker Parrot
Before getting to the meat of the matter, you should know more about the Quaker Parrot to understand why it needs a special cage for itself. Here are the things you need to know about this beloved pet bird:
· They get to live for a maximum of three decades
Quaker Parrots are long-lived birds that get to live for about thirty years at a maximum. However, it is reasonable to believe that these birds can live for at least 20 years if you take care of them properly, and if they are given a good environment, they can live in. That means that giving them a really good cage helps in maximizing their lifespan.
· They are social birds
Quaker Parrots are social birds in the sense that they need a lot of your attention. They do not only need to live in a good environment but also require to be given your time as well. Socialize with them from time to time and make sure that they get to feel like they are cared for as far as the attention they demand from you is concerned. Also, in relation to that, make sure to house them in a cage that allows you to easily socialize with it.
· Pellets are your best bet for food
While Quaker Parrots are capable of eating lots of different types of food that are basically healthy and safe for pet birds, they require to be given a diet that is primarily based on pellets. You can also feed them seeds from time to time, but you should focus more on pellets. Fruits and vegetables are essential as supplements and not as the Quaker Parrots’ main source of food and nutrients.
· They often play in their water
Quaker Parrots are so playful that they are often seen playing in their water dishes. In that sense, there is also a chance that they will soil and defecate in their water dishes and will contaminate their main source of water. As such, there is a need for you to make sure to replace their water from time to time while also disinfecting their dish. These are very playful birds that often drink lots of water. Make sure to give them plenty of water while also replacing their water source on a regular basis.
Signs of a healthy Quaker Parrot
- They are active, playful, inquisitive, and very curious about their surroundings.
- The feathers are smooth, clean, and free from feather stress bars.
- Their breathing is normal, and you do not hear any clicks and squeaks when they are breathing. Moreover, they should not be breathing too heavily, as this is a sign that their lungs are healthy.
- Beaks and nails should be moderately long and not too long.
- They are eating their food normally and willingly. They should also be drinking water regularly without showing any signs of problems when doing so.
- The stools should not be watery and should not stick to the bird’s bottom. It should be firm but not too dry.
- The breastbone should not be too exposed as that is a sign of malnutrition. You will also be able to feel the breastbone if the bird is not overweight. If you do not feel it, there is a chance that it is too fat and overweight.
Basic facts
- They are usually around 11 inches long on average, but some can be close to a foot long.
- Quaker Parrots get to live for a maximum of 30 years but usually live around 20 to 25 years.
- You can find them in South America, specifically in regions close to Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina.
- Cages should be made to be very difficult to open as Quaker Parrots are intelligent birds that can learn how to open their cages if the locking mechanisms are too simple.
- Quaker Parrots are the only parrots that actually build nests. This can be somewhat odd since birds are known to build nests in the wild. The same cannot be said of parrots except for the Quaker Parrot.
Building a cage for the Quaker Parrot
Here are some of the basic tips you need to consider when you are looking for a Quaker Parrot cage or if you are planning on building one:
- It should be spacious enough because these birds are small to moderately sized and are somewhat active to the point that they need a good amount of space in their habitat.
- Quaker Parrots need to be given large cages because they require lots of toys due to their nature as playful birds.
- There is a need to make sure that the Quaker Parrot’s cage allows it to observe its environment. This parrot is quite inquisitive and likes observing and learning more about its surroundings.
- Choose a cage with a locking mechanism that is a bit too complicated for birds to open. The Quaker Parrot is known to be an escape artist that can learn how to open its cage if the locking mechanism seems too easy and simple.
- Go for cages that have sliding doors instead of ones that snap shut. Aside from the fact that sliding doors are more difficult to open for the birds, they are also safer for Quaker Parrots as there is little to no risk involved when you are trying to close the door. Doors that snap shut can injure the bird if it gets its leg caught in between.
- Quaker Parrots like chewing on the bars of their cage. That means that it is possible for them to actually ingest the paint and the rust on the cage if they happen to chew hard enough. In that case, it is better for you to choose a cage made with materials that are non-toxic.
- Accessories are a must when you are providing your Quaker Parrot with good habitat. These parrots are inquisitive and playful and prefer to be placed in a cage that will allow them to feel free. Place different kinds of perches, ladders, branches, and toys to allow your bird to play and have fun inside its cage.
