Birds raised on seed

[Matt_95]

Hey all,
I'm about to be a first time parrot owner in the coming months. I have decided on a quaker however they aren't all that easy to come by where I love. I have found one breeder and we have exchanged a few messages. His birds are 9 months old and they have begun to talk. He has told me they are being fed a small parrot mix which I understand is seed? They are also getting a bit of fresh fruit and vegetables a few times a week as well.
As I understand, that diet doesn't seem to be all that balanced, will there be any long term problems if I get a bird that spent the first part of his or her life eating a mainly seed diet? I am glad to hear they are eating fresh foods already as I believe that should make it easier on me to get them eating more of it.

Thanks in advance,
Matt

 

[RainbowRose]

Hey! So mixed seeds is okay, but it shouldn't make up the majority of the diet. Pellets are really important to feed them. I know seed mixes may throw in some pellets, but parrots should get a separate dish for that. At least that's what I do. He has seed mix in one dish and pellets in the other. My bird Tiki loves his Zupreem pellets because it has a variety of flavored pellets. If he eats a whole bunch of seed at any point, I wait til he eats a good quantity of pellets before giving more seed. Too much seed = lack of nutrition.

The key to a healthy bird and good diet is VARIETY. Seed mix has variety, of just seeds. Pellets are a must. Fruits and vegetables (safe ones) give a great healthy boost, even chicken. However, when you get your bird do not feed them without seeds. Don't take away from the diet they've known for so long because they may not respond well to a complete change of food. ADD to the diet, don't remove, and just balance it out more.
My bird is currently recovering from pretty bad anemia so he needed more than just a seed mix with few pellets and the occasional fruit or vegetable. Good brands are Zupreem, Harrison's, Kay Tee, etc. The vet told me exactly what I am explaining to you, so I hope this helps!

The birds are still young so this shouldn't hurt the bird long term, especially if you add pellets to the diet and balance it out more when you acquire one. It's good they are getting fruits and veggies though, it's a good start to variety. Pellets are a little difficult for young birds to eat, especially the smaller they are, so most people start with seeds and then add fruits and veggies. I added pellets but I still get the parakeet size so that they are the same size as his seeds. I always go a size down, just cause I have a softbill. I have a Kakariki which is the size of a cockatiel. So if you have a Quaker which is a large parrot, maybe get them cockatiel size. One bag size down. I get small for my medium bird, so maybe get medium for your large bird, just at first to introduce it and since he/she will still be young. Hope that made sense, LOL

 

[JoeJoe]

I own a Quaker. You should be fine, just keep in mind paying attention to the breeder or seller is just as important as is looking at the birds condition.

 

[SilverSage]

My first thought it less about the diet and more about the age - why are his birds that old? Most reputable breeders sell their babies LONG before 9 months. I suggest asking him why the birds are so old, as that could indicate birds who have been returned to him for some reason, or other issues. Is breeding birds his main profession, or did his pets just happen to have babies? If the latter, I suggest looking elsewhere. Remember, shipping a bird from farther away from you is an option. However, do look into the laws nearby, as Quakers are illegal in many states, which could be why you are having difficulty finding them.


As to the diet, seeds are not the best, and just because he is feeding fresh does not mean they are eating it. I suggest using sprouted seed (Whatever seed mix they are on should be fine to sprout, just remove any pellets from the mix) to get them started on fresh food. Sprout the seeds for longer and longer until they are eating little plants Then mix in pea-sized or smaller pieces of other fresh food. Be very careful with your bird's tummy though. In the wild a bird will try just a little of a new food for a few days before really eating it. If at any time during those days they feel sick, they reject the new food.

 

[RavensGryf]

I own a Quaker. You should be fine, just keep in mind paying attention to the breeder or seller is just as important as is looking at the birds condition.

My first thought it less about the diet and more about the age - why are his birds that old? Most reputable breeders sell their babies LONG before 9 months. I suggest asking him why the birds are so old, as that could indicate birds who have been returned to him for some reason, or other issues. Is breeding birds his main profession, or did his pets just happen to have babies? If the latter, I suggest looking elsewhere. Remember, shipping a bird from farther away from you is an option. However, do look into the laws nearby, as Quakers are illegal in many states, which could be why you are having difficulty finding them.

These are important points brought up. You want a quality breeder who is well versed in every way such as knowing how to keep birds healthy, disease prevention, knowledgable about the species, diet and housing considerations, good business person - as friendly and willing to answer questions as any business 'professional' would be. Preferably with a contract and health guarantee.

Also, as was mentioned, look at the link below to determine if Quakers are even legal in your state. I live in CA where they're illegal to keep and sell no exceptions, although I HAVE seen them out here from time to time. No where reputable is going to risk selling or keeping them. If it is an illegal state, I'd just pick a different species.

Illegal and Restricted States

 

[SilverSage]

Thanks for sharing that link! Something to consider, just in general is that Quakers are becoming illegal in more and more and more states. They are illegal in NY, NJ, Hawaii and Kansas, just to name a few and show that it is not just in one area. They are dangerous not only to crops and native species, but in NY and other states they are actually considered "dangerous invasive species" because their colony nests are often built in power stations and can take out our electricity. I find Quakers adorable and have owned them (Before my mother forced rehoming them when I was a teenager - perfect example of the dangers of living at home with parrots) and like them. But perhaps you should consider a species that is less likely to become illegal in your state?

 

[Matt_95]

Thanks for the response guys!
I live in Queensland Australia and this is the states page about quakers, they are legal here for now and if they were to make them illegal, anyone who currently owns one should be allowed to keep but not breed or sell it. That's that they have done here in the past when they have made something illegal to own anymore.
https://www.daff.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/65597/IPA-Monk-Parakeet-Risk-Assessment.pdf

This here is the link for his add, I'm not sure if it is his main profession but he certainly looks to be breeding a fair few birds.
Handraised cockateils - Taking deposits | Birds | Gumtree Australia Fraser Coast - Maryborough | 1053919687
I'm not sure why they're so old and now that I do think about it, it is a bit odd. I actually think I may pass on these guys, when I initially connected the seller I asked how much his Quakers are, what they are eating and if they're able to step up and he only answered me with their price, I had to ask again about the other questions. I'm just getting a bad feeling in my gut about it now so I think I will pass.

Thanks for all of the information regarding diet I have been doing lots of research and I stumbled across parrot nation last year and found out about the chop concept. I was planning on feeding chop and mixing that with sprouted seeds as I've found out that they have many more nutrients at that stage in their life than at any other time and that they're less fatty then dry seed. I was planning on feeding them with a good quality pellet as well.

I love kakarikis, they're very common in Australia and I was seriously considering one however I don't think they're the ideal bird for me. I thought that Quakers and cockatiels were the same size? Just the Quakers are more beefier. Is it the the more stocky build that makes them a larger parrot?

Matt

 

[RainbowRose]

Kakarikis suprised me. I live in NY and discovered one in an exotic pet store. He's the best bird I've ever owned. Not too big, pretty quiet, doesn't bite, loves to play and explore. Just a great friendly bird

 

[SilverSage]

I have never seen a Kakariki, but yes a Quaker is roughly cockatiel sized with a bit more heft to them I think they are a very nice size, personally, especially for someone who wants a "parrot shaped" bird with a smaller beak.

 

[Matt_95]

If I get a second parrot, I think it will probably be a kakariki.

The breeder got back to me and he said he still has them because they bred a lot of Quakers last season and they don't sell very quickly. I'm not sure if I should get one of his Quakers or not. There will be a fair few available in November and December however I have a small holiday early 2015 and I would like to have had him for a reasonable amount of time before I leave him with a sitter.

 

[SilverSage]

I suggest visiting the birds. If they and their environment look clean and healthy, ask to handle them. See if they step up for you. Personally, I would feel that if he has had them that long they should be pretty well socialized by the breeder, and willing to step up in the cage at least for the breeder, and step up for you outside of the cage without fear. If they cannot do these things at least, I would find a different breeder.

 

[Matt_95]

Thanks for all of the advice and information guys. The breeder I wanted to get my quaker from lived three hours from me so I wouldn't be able to visit before picking one up.
I've actually found a breeder who lives about an hour away and I feel much better about this breeder, he feeds seed, pellets and veggies. He is also willing to hold him for me until I am back from holidays and he requested that I come and meet him before I take him home so that we are able to see of we are a good match. I feel like he really does care for these guys. I'm going over tomorrow and I am very excited.