Quaker for Apartment

[marceldacs317]

I've mostly narrowed down my choices to either a Quaker parrot or Green Cheek Conure. There seem to be more quakers being sold around me then green cheek conures. I live in a Condo in Chicago. I am not sure about sound proofing of the condo, but my unit is pretty big and i would be placing the cage in the center of the unit, away from any walls near the neighbors. I also know that the building is pretty empty still. Its a 53 floor skyscraper completed only a couple years ago. If i get a female quaker, would she still be too noisy? This bird would be a single bird if that matters. Constant light chattering is ok along with a couple loud screams throughout the day. I just wouldn't want people complaining if she screams constantly throughout the day. How about comparisons with the conure. I don't care that much about talking ability. I would like a bird that is very cuddly and sweeter. The ability to learn tricks would be nice. However, the main thing that i like more about the quaker is that it is bigger, and easier to find at local stores and breeders. I have only had parakeets for the past 5 years and i would like to get a larger bird, the bigger the better.

 

[weco]

If, as you say, you're more interested in a bird that "is very cuddly and sweeter," don't get a bird for the bird.....another bird would be OK, but you don't want to do what a lot of newbies do...get a companion for their bird then wonder why the bird doesn't pay any attention to you again.....unless you have a long standing relationship with a bird...before...getting it a mate, they generally establish a relationship of their own, at your expense.....if you get another bird, keep it in its own separate cage.....

As to noise, the Quaker could be louder than the green cheek, but recent high-rise condos are generally built to a different standard, so you should be good.....

Good luck.....

 

[marceldacs317]

uhh im not sure where you got the impression that I was looking for a second bird. I currently don't have a bird but I have experience with budgies. Im looking for a "step up" if that makes sense.

 

[jroyal]

I personally would go with the conure. I've worked with a lot of Quakers that can get pretty loud. Quakers are generally sweethearts but they're a little loud. Conures are like clowns, especially the green cheek. They are constantly playing and really active. They aren't very loud but all parrots can and will scream when they excited or scared. The conures aren't that much bigger than parakeets but they are a bigger responsibility as they need that socialization that larger parrots needs . Quakers in my opinion tend to be pluckers and they get the same behavioral problems that larger birds get. I would say a quaker would be a step up from a green cheek conure

 

[Pajarita]

Quakers almost always scream when they fly... they also scream when they don't fly -LOL- and they do have a powerful screech. They can be very cuddly but they can also have behavioral issues and/or be VERY nippy. GCCs need hours of attention daily as well as a steady routine (so do quakers) or they become nippy (I got four given up because of aggression and they all turned out to be sweethearts once they were put on a strict schedule -they all belonged to young people and never had a strict schedule- had somebody that spent hours with them so consistency and three hours of one-on-one are a must but, if you do this, they hardly ever screech so, in your situation, I would say go with a GCC or, better still, a pair (it's real hard on them to be all by themselves all day long).

 

[mrgoogls]

for a step up from budgies, I would get a GCC. I have a quaker and he is my pride and joy, but he can get loud. he is CONSTANTLY chirping, not loud, just non stop. contact calls whenever im out of site, which gets louder if I don't respond. and he DOES scream once in a while. GCC are not as loud. also quakers are known to be "cage aggressive" and cooper defiantly is. but once he is out of his cage he is very nice. overall I would recommend a GCC.

 

[cnyguy]

My QP Ralph is relatively quiet, and I doubt that anyone in my apartment building even notices that he's here. His normal vocalizations aren't that loud, especially compared with the barking of the three dogs who also live in the building.

All the qualities you're looking for are certainly possible in a Quaker-- but each parrot (of any kind) has his or her own unique personality. Some are quick to learn tricks, some are big talkers, some are neither. Some love to cuddle, while others prefer a hands-off policy. Try to get to know a few Quakers and maybe you'll find what you're looking for-- or maybe a Quaker will choose you.

 

[USMCQUAKERS]

The gcc and Quaker are 2 completely different birds. I love my Quakers but they can and will yell. My older Quaker Yells words and I have gotten texts from my neighbors when I am at work informing me someone is in my house yelling. Do your research and get the bird that will make you happy! Quakers can be very cuddly if you invest the time!