Quaker Parrot or Monk Parakeet.

Quaker parrots are becoming increasingly popular as pet parrots. They offer an exciting alternative choice to the more common species of parrots found in most households.

Scientific Classification:

Class: - Aves

Order: - Psittaciformes

It is the only member of the genus Myiopsitta and as a species is known as Myiopsitta Monachus.

There are 4 sub-species. These are: -

  1. Myiopsitta Monachus Monachus: nominate subspecies, originating from Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.
  2. Myiopsitta Monachus Calita: Mendoza grey breasted Parakeet, originating from Argentina
  3. Myiopsitta Monachus Cotorra: Paraguayan grey-breasted Parakeet, found in Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil.
  4. Myiopsitta Monachus Luchsi: Luch`s or Bolivian grey-breasted Parakeet, of which there is an isolated population in Bolivia.

 

Distribution:

After being introduced to the U.S. as a pet in the 1960`s, some Quaker Parrots escaped or were released and are now well established in 15 states. It is illegal to possess them in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Tennessee, Kentucky and Hawaii. Quaker Parrots can also be found in Puerto Rico after human introduction.

 

Anatomical characteristics:

A Quaker Parrot is on average 29 cm tall with a 48cm wingspan. They weigh anything between 85-150 grams. They have orange beaks, with a bluish-grey forehead, pale grey cheeks, lores and throat. They have grey to brown breast feathers with marked barring, a dark green crown, nape, back and upper wings, a tan colored mid-abdomen, blue or green lower wing coverts and tail underside. Their legs are grey. A Quaker Parrot’s life expectancy is between 20-30 years.

 

Behavioral traits:

Quaker Parrots are very intelligent, curious and fun-loving birds. To minimize harm to themselves, their wings must be clipped. Monk Parakeets, as they are also known, are very loyal and predominantly a one person bird. They need lots of human attention, handling, companionship and time. They should spend most of their time outside the cage and a variety of toys should be provided to help keep them entertained.

Vocalization:

If not trained well from a young age, Quaker Parrots can become very loud and would tend to use screaming sounds for attention. However, if Quaker Parrots are taught anything close to the 200 words they can potentially learn, then they would use words rather than screams, making them more pleasant to be around with.

 

Sexing:

Quaker Parrots can only be sexed surgically or via DNA testing.

 

Health matters:

When searching for a Quaker Parrot to buy, check out that it has clear nostrils and eyes and healthy looking feathers. Quaker Parrots are typically active and attentive. If not, the bird may be sick.

Their beaks, claws and wings should be trimmed regularly.

Buying:

Quaker Parrots may be bought from breeders at around $100 to $200, or from pet shops from between $250 to $350. Usually breeders are more reliable sources of the birds as breeders are normally experts in this field. A good decision is to buy properly weaned, friendly birds which will allow you to handle them without many complaints.

 

Diet:

Quaker Parrots should be fed mainly parrot food (70%), green veggies (25%) and fresh fruits (5%). No avocados or fruit pits. You can add an occasional cricket, nut or mealworm.

 

New owners:

Quaker Parrots are not so cheap to maintain, so be prepared for some expenses. The cage should be made of metal as it cannot be chewed (I hope!). It should be placed not higher than the chest of the smallest member of the family in order to minimize problems with dominance and aggression. A variety of toys should be made available to occupy their curiosity. Quaker Parrots will invariably show some aggressiveness and will bite, but you must never hit it in order to discipline it. A strong “No” should be used instead.

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