Quaker family bird?

[lorishopaholic]

Hi! We are trying to find the right bird for our family. A reputable breeder nearby has Quakers and GCC. She recommended the Quaker. Which led me to researching them but just like so many of the breeds I've looked into it seems the opinions vary so greatly. I'm hoping somebody here can help us based on your experience. My daughter is in college so we just have one son who is 7 in the house.(and hubby and I) I'm home all day so have lots of time to spend with a bird. We would like something that enjoys being handled and loved on. The noise isn't huge factor. I would prefer not to have my ear drums bleed but we are in a single family home with no close neighbors. Talking would be a added bonus but not a necessity. Something with a lot of personality and that all of us could enjoy. Of course my son would be supervised when handling the bird but it would need to accept him as well. My three tops choices are Quakers, Green Cheeks and possibly Parrotlets but I think I've ruled them out. I've also ruled out the powder birds such as cockatiels. Which have come highly recommended but can't deal with the powder. I have read that Green Cheeks are super nippy are Quakers as well? We aren't to keen on having bloody fingers! Lol I know bites will happen but would like to avoid that as much as possible. With all birds having their own personality is there one species that you would lean toward for us? I'm so confused at this point! Any information would be a great help! TIA

 

[Allee]

Hello Tia, best of luck choosing a new feathered addition, what a happy dilemma!

Were it not for the powder, and I do understand, I would also suggest a cockatiel, most have sweet personalities and tend to be extremely interactive if given the chance.

It sounds like a a GCC or a Quaker would be a nice fit. If the local breeder has chicks of both species and would allow you to visit before purchasing that could give you an idea of which species is right for your family.

I will let our GCC parronts describe their species specific traits.

Quakers as a species have some exceptional qualities, they tend to be highly interactive, affectionate and playful. There is no guarantee any bird will talk but quakers have a remarkable ability to speak in context and mimic sounds. Beware the bite, for such a small parrot they can deliver a nasty chomp. Most respond to positive training very well and after being trained they are pretty trustworthy. Neither of my quakers appreciate too much hands on snuggling, my female will sit on my shoulder and rub her face against mine and let me tickle her tummy occasionally. My male will let me scratch his neck, he plays peek-a-boo, asks for kisses and makes kissy sounds. Quakers' individual personalities can vary greatly, if you choose a quaker it would be ideal if the breeder could guide you in choosing a chick.

Best of luck, I can't wait to hear what you decide.

 

[flyingron]

I agree with Allee. My quaker is quite pleasant around kids (though she loves tall men). She's very imitative and picks up new sounds and words. She's definitely a character. The funniest one was when my daughter had her baby over and after while we noticed the bird would cry like the baby.

 

[Caitiebird]

I personally have both and I would honestly have to say my Green Cheek is the most tolerant of my kids and literally the sweetest bird I have ever met. My Quaker has his moments but he's very cage aggressive and has bonded to my green cheek so he is also very possessive of her. Of course every bird is different and has it quirks so you never know, good luck! No matter which you choose I promise you will not be disappointed!

 

[Leah00]

I won't pretend to be an expert because I only have one Quaker and he's my first but they are individuals like all other pets (and people).
My Yoshi is NOT a family bird at all. He does not like anyone but me. He used to tolerate my husband and kids but now he doesn't even do that.