Advantages of Quaker Parrots?

[animalgirl1623]

I'm planning on getting a quaker parrot, and have always been interested in owning one. Unfortunately though,one of my family members isn't convinced and thinks that birds can be too messy. We used to own two budgies, but had to give them away because they shed too much, and my brother was very sensitive to them and had allergies. That's why I settled for Quakers, because they don't seem to shed as much as budgies. I also think they are very nice birds and would be fun to tame and train

I would like to know the advantages of owning a Quaker parrot vs others, so that I can convince my family members to get one. I would also like recommendations for birds that shed less
Thanks for your help

 

[Allee]

Hello there! Welcome to the forums! Glad to see you doing research before adopting a feathered kid.

I'm sorry to tell you, but if your brother had a serious allergic reaction to budgies, more than likely, he will have a similar reaction to any parrot. Birds don't shed, they molt, some species produce powder to condition their skin and feathers, some people are highly sensitive to the powder. Air purifiers and keeping the bird and cage extra clean will help some but isn't always enough. Quakers aren't powder birds.

Quaker parrots are wonderful for the right families. Not everyone likes them. They are highly intelligent and some of them are excellent talkers. They can be strong willed and in the wrong hands can become aggressive biters. They can be very noisy and extremely messy. Their species is prone to plucking which in some cases can lead to Quaker Mutilation Syndrome or QMS. A Quaker may be the right bird for you after you are living in your own place.

Good luck with your search.

 

[animalgirl1623]

Thanks! My brother just got tested for allergies, and it seems that he is only allergic to tree pollen and certain plants. My parents are still worried though, that birds may aggravate it. Do you have any recommendations for other species I could consider? Also, if I were to give a Quaker parrot attention and care, would it still pluck feathers?Or do they only do it out of stress?
Thank you! Sorry about the extra questions...

 

[Allee]

That's great that your brother has been tested and isn't specifically allergic to birds.

There are many reasons for plucking. Every bird is an individual, it's hard to predict which birds will pluck for any given reason, not all birds pluck, but birds of any species can pluck.

Most quakers are easy to train and highly interactive. Well cared for Quakers are less likely to pluck but there is no guarantee. When Quakers do bond they are loyal and can be very affectionate.

Have you looked at Green Cheeked Conures? They are about the same size as quakers and I hear they are also wonderful pets.

 

[Weezerj]

Another vote for green cheek conure. So pretty and such nice personalities.

 

[Ann333]

My green cheek is my best friend. He is also very smart and affectionate. Some people like quakers because of their talking ability, but it is never a guarantee you will get a talking bird. Green cheeks are not known to be very good talkers, but my boy can say an aweful lot! I have allergies as well and neither my gcc or my tell bother me. Just make sure your family is all okay with getting a bird. It would be terrible for the poor thing to end up having to be rehomed.

 

[animalgirl1623]

Thanks! We're considering a green cheek now. I also heard they were very quiet and tolerant birds! Whatever we agree on though, is the one we'll get.

 

[Ann333]

I would not say gcc are quiet. They can get pretty loud. The good thing is that it is not constant noise all day. They get very loud in the morning and evening. The rest of the day they tend to use their inside voices hehe. I much prefer my gcc occasional screaming fits over my mom's quiet but constantly chattering budgies. It just depends on what your family finds more acceptable.

 

[MikeyTN]

All birds are noisy to a certain extent. Your family should all go with you to visit somewhere with lots of different kinds of birds available then make your decision there. And to make sure your brother isn't really allergic to birds for sure.

 

[cnyguy]

If you're seriously considering a Quaker, a GCC, or any kind of parrot, I'd recommend that you try to get to know some of those parrots personally. Spend some time with them at a pet store if you can, and if you know anyone who has either kind of parrot, see if they'll let you visit with their parrots. Do lots of research on any kind of parrot you're interested in-- there are books available specifically about Quakers and Conures (and most other types of parrots too). One I recommend is Mattie Sue Athan's Guide to the Quaker Parrot. Reading through the posts about QPs and GCCs here on the Forum is a good way to learn more too.

 

[flyingron]

Quakers have the behavior and intellect of some of the large birds but are of a more manageable size. Bacca was a rescue but now that she gets the attention she needs she's real sweet.