Thinking of getting a Quaker

[Erik1]

Hello Guys,

I am thinking of purchasing/adopting a Quaker, however my biggest concern is that my schedule keeps me out about 10 hours a day. I have been doing lots of reading on parrot care and I hear mixed reviews on the topic of them being alone. I am a huge animal lover, and the last thing I would want is for the bird to become lonely and stressed.

The second question is about the right place to find one. I want to adopt, however I have only found a few places in the NYC area, and none of them carry single quakers, usually they come in pairs. I would prefer to have a bird thats bonded with me over another bird if possible.

Appreciate any advice!

-Erik

 

[Dinosrawr]

Hello!

I would say that if you're gone 10 hours a day, and you need around 8 hours of sleep (if that's not included), that leaves you with 6 hours with your bird if you abstain from any social life or outside activities. In general, I'd assume you'd have 1-3 to devote entirely to your bird.

Honestly, I don't think there's ever a perfect answer for how much time a bird needs as every one of them is so individual. Some birds don't particularly care if you're doing anything with them so long as you're around, and some are very very dependent on interaction with you. However, as a rule of thumb, you should be able to spend at least 3-4 hours a day with your bird for one-on-one time.

That being said, I do know many parronts who have very busy schedules but still make time for their birds and make it work. If you understand that your bird will need you to interact with it, clean its cage/perches/toys/food bowls often, prepare healthy fresh or cooked foods, and simply be around it when you're home, then I think there shouldn't be much in your way as it is a personal choice. I also think it's great that you'd like to adopt! It is difficult if you happen to get two birds that are bonded, but if you can interact with them, love them, and have them accept you as part of their flock (instead of as their mate, which is often the case and isn't really all that healthy for them anyways) then perhaps it would be better to get two. Especially since you'll be busy with work. I would assume that most parrot rescues would allow you to interact with the birds before purchasing them, so I'd do some trial and error with the bonded pairs you come across.

Parrots are wonderful additions to our lives, but they require lots and lots of love and attention! If YOU feel that you can provide that, then go for it. If you have ANY doubts about the care you can provide, perhaps you should wait until you are able to spend more time at home with them.