Often in the house for children or for yourself, so as not to get bored, they buy parrots. The birds are very funny and bright. Usually get a budgie or Corella. But if the store offers a Quaker parrot, do not refuse. The pet is active, inquisitive and sociable.
General acquaintance with the view
In nature, there are three subspecies of these wonderful birds. They can be found in Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay. The homeland of the Quaker parrot is Argentina.
In many areas, these birds are considered malicious pests, as they eat and spoil fruits in orchards, and farmers peck grain in the fields. Therefore, birds are often caught and sold to exotic lovers. This breed is very tenacious, hardy, perfectly adapts to different conditions and tolerates low temperatures well. But he’s a disgusting neighbor. It is undesirable to lodge it with other birds.
Appearance
The birds got the name “monk” because of a gray cap on their head. It looks like something on the headdress of the monks.
Females are inferior in size and mass to males. Sex of birds is difficult to determine, this is done with the help of DNA or surgery. The female lays from 4 to 8 eggs. Birds live up to 30 years.
Purposeful breeding of this subspecies has led to the fact that through the efforts of a person other shades of parrots appeared. There are blue, yellow, white, silver of the most unexpected combination.
The description of Quaker parrots is something like this. The miracle of nature has a bright plumage. Wings of a pleasant salad shade with yellow-green tints. The chest is beige with a gray coating. The tail is long and narrowed. The ends of the tail and wings are light blue. Small budgie:
- Body length - 30 cm.
- Weight –100 or 120 g.
- Wingspan - 50 cm.
- The beak is rounded, straw-colored.
These bright birds are very popular in many countries. They are purchased for children or just to brighten up their gray everyday life. This is the name of the parrot subspecies: monk, wicket, quaker.
It remains only to choose a pet in the store or from breeders. Do not rush into the choice. We must take a closer look, because this is a future member of the family.
How to choose a bird?
It is better to speak with a veterinarian first so as not to miss out on anything that will lead to difficulties in maintenance or poor outcome.
What pay attention to:
- Age. Do not get an adult. It will be difficult for the bird to adapt to new conditions, it will begin to show aggression to the owners.
- The appearance of the pet is important. If he sits with his eyes closed and puffs his feathers, then the Kalita parrot is sick. Quakers are very active and noisy, and any prolonged lull (except sleep) should be alarming.
- The feathered anus should be dry. If it is wet and has traces of droppings on it, then the individual is affected by E. coli.
- A thin monk with a sharp chest is a sick bird. The reasons may be different.
If the bird is all right, you can bring it home and try to make friends.
Quaker character
The parrot is very friendly and sociable, easily adaptable. He learns without problems, has a good memory, is able to memorize more than 50 words and even sentences. A bell will start to work more often in the house, the door will creak, water will make noise, coughing and laughter will sound - this will all imitate a parrot monk. Quaker also imitates animals and birds.
Birds of this species are strongly attached to the host. Sometimes this develops into dependence if communication between a person and a gate is too frequent. A prolonged lack of communication in a feathered person can cause longing. Parrots have a strong hoarse voice. When he begins to get bored, he makes sounds that are unpleasant for the human ear.
Acquaintance and getting used to beginners is difficult. But after the parrots will be happy to communicate. With a lack of attention, the bird becomes wild and aggressive, and can even die.
The flock of parrots and sociable birds include the parrot Kalita. Quakers take their masters as members of the pack. Among all, they will definitely choose one of the family members and will treat him especially, with increased attention and devotion.
It happens that the bird flies out the open window, but you should not be very upset, as the parrot is very faithful and will begin to look for the way home. But there is no need to tempt fate.
Content Features
In order for the pet to feel good and comfortable in the new house, some nuances should be taken into account:
- Keep track of lighting. For good development and growth a bird needs light. In the warm season, it is desirable to take out the cage in the sun so that one of its corners is in the shade. If the monk becomes hot, he can hide there. In winter, a lack of light can lead to a deterioration in the condition of the pet. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase special lamps for lighting.
- Regulate humidity and air temperature. The most comfortable temperature for a Quaker parrot is considered to be 20-25 ° C. Humidity is not less than 65%, but also strong hydration - more than 75% - will not benefit. It is better to purchase a humidifier with air conditioning.
- When communicating with a pet, one must take into account that stress affects him badly. From this, the bird can get sick and even die. Breeders are advised not to make loud and sharp sounds, quickly blink light, dramatically change the climate, often move the cage with the parrot around the house.
A parrot perceives a prolonged stay in a cage as a conclusion. The mood begins to deteriorate, and with it the character. The Quaker begins to show anger, irritation, and even begin to pluck its feathers.
Kalita must definitely nibble something. It would be good for a bird to purchase a special toy or make it with your own hands. Otherwise, the parrot will begin to spoil the furniture, doors and peel the wallpaper.
Housing for birds
Size and shape play a big role. The cage for this species of birds should be more spacious than for the usual wavy representative. Quaker must fly in a cage. Acceptable sizes:
- Length - 100 cm.
- Height - 80 cm.
- Width - 60 cm.
Ptahs are often kept in large cages on the street. A house for keeping a pet should be metal, as parasites or weevils often settle in a wooden one. And the bird itself will quickly turn the cage into chips thanks to its sharp beak.
The shape of the enclosure should be with corners, that is, rectangular or square. In the corners, the pet likes to hide. In a round cage, not finding a place for solitude, the bird will begin to experience stress.
Cage Furniture
A photo of a Quaker parrot is tender. It’s joyful to watch a feathered friend when he climbs different poles and rings in the cage. It is simply necessary for the bird. Especially the perch. On them the monk sleeps or rests. Poles are best made from hardwood trees, otherwise they will turn into chips in the shortest possible time.
The cell door is equipped with a good-quality lock, otherwise the gate will open the door itself. Drinking bowls, feeders and bathtubs should be made of non-toxic and strong materials.
Do not forget that a parrot needs to nibble twigs, sharpen its beak and claws. It is worth bringing twigs regularly. It is desirable that they contain resin and tannins, for example, from the family of conifers.
Pet food
Under natural conditions, the Quaker parrot eats sweet fruits, wheat, berries, and corn. At home, it is better if it is not only a grain mixture:
- Millet, hemp, flax and sunflower seeds.
- Boiled rice, corn, pearl barley.
- Lots of raw vegetables and fruits.
- Fresh weed.
- Boiled and chopped chicken or quail eggs.
There is no need to overfeed the monk, otherwise obesity will come. But if it turns out that way, it will be necessary to provide for the gate more free flight and active games in order to lose excess deposits.
The Quaker parrot reviews are usually positive. They do not require painstaking care and special nutrition, but are prone to liver pathology. It is not recommended to feed the feathered companion with dry food. This will lead to serious health problems.
Flights and games
At first, the parrot should get comfortable in the new house. This period lasts up to a month. After that, the pet will get used to it, understand that nothing is threatening him and no one will begin to behave more boldly. Then they slowly show more attention to him. Having passed the cell, you can say hello to the Quaker or say a phrase and repeat it daily. So the monk will learn to speak.
If the bird began to approach the edge of the cage by the perch, give it a piece of apple - they love them very much. Gradually accustoming to the hands, the pet will start eating with them and sit on the finger.
To let loose a bird for flying is a prerequisite. Playing with Quaker is a pleasure. With the help of a small ball, you can try to play football. Pulling the rope is great. One end is pulled by a beak of the Kalita, and the other is the owner.
The Quaker Parrot is a wonderful companion and friend. With him, neither adults nor children are bored. A bit noisy and with character, but a kind, bright and cheerful pet will revive the situation in any family.