Quaker parrots are some of the most fun and energetic companion. Apart from the common name quaker parrots, people also call them as monk parrots, quaker or monk parakeets. Quaker parrots are famous for their ability to mimic human’s talk. They learn quickly, speak clearly and will surprise you from time to time.

Quaker parrots a require specific cares and a lot of attention. Thus you must learn about them well before deciding to take them home. In this article, we will walk you through 10 interesting facts that you should know about quaker parrots.

How to tell quaker parrot gender?

You cannot distinguish quaker parrot’s gender based on their appearance. They look similar with no features distinctions.

The only way to know for sure if it is a male or female quaker parrot is a DNA testing. It either requires feathers plucking or blood test.

An avian veterinarian normally take a small blood sample from the quaker parrot and send it to the laboratory. The test result will let you know their gender accurately.

If you do not want to visit the vet, you can pluck some feathers and send it in for DNA testing. But be mindful that feather plucking can cause irritation or possible infection to your quaker parrot.

Can quaker parrots be potty trained?

Just like other types of pets, Quaker parrots can be potty trained. You need a plan and patience to schedule, monitor and train them.

Start by designate a place as poop area for your quaker parrot. You can use a small waste basket. Monitor how often and when they normally poop.

Place them in the designated area, give the command and wait for them until they finish.

After some time, the quaker parrot will understand and follow your guidance.

How are quaker parrots illegal in California?

Quaker parrots are viewed as agricultural threats in some states. Large flocks of quaker parrots can put severe damage on grain and fruit crop.

They can also carry and transmit diseases. Though rarely fatal for human, Newcastle disease and Exotic Newcastle disease can be deadly to poultry and native bird species.

Beside California, Connecticut, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, Colorado, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, and Rhode Island also banned quaker parrots as pets.

Many other states like New York or Maine require the owner to get a license. So make sure you check with your local authorities before deciding to own a quaker parrot.

Do quaker parrots and budgie get along?

It is unlikely that quaker parrot and budgies will get along. Quaker parrot like to have all the attention for themselves.

You should house those two birds separately to avoid fights. Quaker parrot can get aggressive if they are in the same cage with other birds.

Quaker parrot can live with other quaker parrot. They live well in pair, of the same species. So consider that an option if you want to raise two parrots.

How often do quaker parrots breed?

Quaker parrot’s breeding age is between 8 months to 2 years. Normally, they mature near the age of 2 but for some it is much sooner.

The mating season for quaker parrots usually happen between October and January. It lasts for around 6 to 10 weeks.

Hormonal changes during breeding season make it hard for quaker parrots. They may display strange behaviors like feather plucking, biting, screaming. Owners should monitor and offer proper care for them.  

Quaker parrots lay between 4 to 12 eggs. After 24 days, the eggs will hatch and the young quaker parrots leave the nest at around 6 weeks.

Female quaker parrot can lay eggs without a male partner. These eggs, however will not develop.

What temperature do quaker parrots need?

Quaker parrots are warm-blooded animal. The comfortable temperature for them is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit ( approximately 18 to 29 degree Celsius).

Even though they are less sensitive to temperature compared with other birds, you should not put them in a place that is too cold or too hot.

If your quaker parrot shivers, put her head down with feather puffed up, chances are she is too cold. Try to adjust and maintain an environment with suitable temperature for them.

What is quaker parrot mating behavior?

Some of quaker parrot mating behaviors include:

• Wing flapping
• Eye pinning
• Tail fanning
• Singing
• Regurgitation

These behaviors are quaker parrot’s ways of wooing their mating partner. It is different form one parrot to another.

Sometimes, they show these physical behaviors to the owners as well. It is depend on the bond you have with your quaker parrot.

As the time progress, their hormonal change and mating behaviors will subside and end.

Where is quaker parrot ears?

Quaker parrot has ears that shaped like a funnel. They are on both sides of the parrot’s head. The ears locate behind and a little below their eyes.

Soft feathers covered the quaker parrot’s ears. They are known as auriculars.

Quaker parrot overgrown beak?

When you notice the quaker parrot’s beak grows too long, it shows that they have an overgrown beak.

Usually, overgrown beak happens with quaker parrot’s upper beak. But its lower beak can grow abnormally long as well.

Reasons for an overgrown beak can be:

• Fatty liver disease
• Improper diet
• Bacterial or parasitic infections
• Injury
• Trauma
• Lack of the beak’s activity

Overgrown beak is a serious problem that need to be taken care of immediately to avoid serious implications. It is best to schedule appointment with an avian veterinarian.

How to avoid an overgrown beak?

Since an overgrown beak will affect a quaker parrot’s health greatly, it is necessary if owners can avoid it from happening.

Below are a few beak care tips that you can consider:

• Provide a balanced diet with good nutrient – Give your quaker parrot a mix of soft and hard food (like nuts and crunchy vegetables)
• Place chew toy in their cage – quaker parrot likes to peck, knock and chew on these toys. These constant actions help keeping the beak trimmed and prevent it from overgrown.
• Use untreated wooden blocks and grooming perch – They help with keeping the beak trim and clean.
• Monitor and check to make sure that your parrot’s beak is in healthy condition. If you spot any abnormalities, take it to a certified avian vet for a checkup.