Quaker Parakeet
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fearless Class: Aves Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae Genus: Myiopsitta Species: M. monachus Weight: Approx 100g Lifespan: Approx 25 years Sexing: Requires DNA or Surgical Sexing to differentiate male from female The Quaker or Monk parakeet is a popular pet, they are a small parrot but don’t let size fool you, Quakers can have enormous attitudes. Quakers have a solid ability to imitate words and sounds, but tend to maintain their trade mark throaty, rumbling voice when mimicking human speech. Did you know? The Quaker parrot got its name from the unique rumbling noise it produces! There is evidence to suggest that Quaker parents get assistance in raising their young from “helpers” such as an older sibling that drops in to feed the youngsters from time to time. Quaker Parrots are colony birds and are the only parrot that builds a stick nest rather than nesting in the hollow of a tree. These stick “cities” are erected by wild Quakers just about anywhere, including tree tops, power poles, on top of buildings and all sorts of random places! Quakers are notorious for being loud and boisterous birds, they can be fearless little terrors and sometimes their attitude will get them into trouble. They can be territorial to a fault and may try to attack other animals so take care to prevent injuries – to and from your Quaker. Pet suitability: Being colony birds, Quakers make fantastic hand raised pets. However socialising with as many members of the family as possible from a young age is important. A well socialised Quaker is playful, adventurous and provides plenty of laughs and cuddles. Breeding: Quakers are prolific breeders, generating a number of feral bird colonies overseas. They can adapt between the hot and cold climates making them a very resilient species. Due to this they have been regarded as a nuisance in some countries and even banned as pets. Quaker Parrots become sexually mature around 2-3 years of age. The average clutch size is four to eight eggs and incubation lasts for about 25 days. The babies begin fledging when they are 6 to 8 weeks old and will usually wean between 8 and 10 weeks of age. Quaker nests are also built with separate areas or rooms for each couple and can house up to 40+ Quaker Parrots at a time – Like an apartment building for birds! Although small stature, Quaker’s nests can weigh up to 100kg - That’s the same as a heavyweight boxer! Quakers originated in South America, but have been introduced to the US. Feral populations have also been spotted in Germany and Mediterranean locations. You will find Quakers within lowland, savannah, farmland, orchards and urban areas. Distribution Wingspan 48 cm 30 cm Diet: As pets, Vetafarm recommends South American Mix pellet to replicate the natural diet of the Quaker. Fruit, Vegetables and a small amount of nuts should be added to the diet for variety. Native branches are also a great inclusion to a Quakers cage to provide natural stimulation.
description
Some simple facts about the fearless Quaker Parakeet! Contact the Vetafarm team for more info! www.vetafarm.com.au
Transcript of Quaker Parakeet
fearlessClass: AvesOrder: PsittaciformesFamily: PsittacidaeGenus: MyiopsittaSpecies: M. monachusWeight: Approx 100gLifespan: Approx 25 yearsSexing: Requires DNA or Surgical Sexing to differentiate male from female
The Quaker or Monk parakeet is a popular pet, they are a small parrot but don’t let size fool you, Quakers can have enormous attitudes. Quakers have a solid ability to imitate words and sounds, but tend to maintain their trade mark throaty, rumbling voice when mimicking human speech.
Did you know?The Quaker parrot got its name from the unique rumbling noise it produces!
There is evidence to suggest that Quaker parents get assistance in raising their young from “helpers” such as an older sibling that drops in to feed the youngsters from time to time. Quaker Parrots are colony birds and are the only parrot that builds a stick nest rather than nesting in the hollow of a tree. These stick “cities” are erected by wild Quakers just about anywhere, including tree tops, power poles, on top of buildings and all sorts of random places!
Quakers are notorious for being loud and boisterous birds, they can be fearless little terrors and sometimes their attitude will get them into trouble. They can be territorial to a fault and may try to attack other animals so take care to prevent injuries – to and from your Quaker.
Pet suitability: Being colony birds, Quakers make fantastic hand raised pets. However socialising with as many members of the family as possible from a young age is important. A well socialised Quaker is playful, adventurous and provides plenty of laughs and cuddles.
Breeding: Quakers are prolific breeders, generating a number of feral bird colonies overseas. They can adapt between the hot and cold climates making them a very resilient species. Due to this they have been regarded as a nuisance in some countries and even banned as pets.
Quaker Parrots become sexually mature around 2-3 years of age. The average clutch size is four to eight eggs and incubation lasts for about 25 days. The babies begin fledging when they are 6 to 8 weeks old and will usually wean between 8 and 10 weeks of age.
Quaker nests are also built with separate areas or rooms for each couple and can house up to 40+ Quaker Parrots at a time – Like an apartment building for birds!
Although small stature, Quaker’s nests can weigh up to 100kg - That’s the same as a heavyweight boxer!
Quakers originated in South America, but have been introduced to the US. Feral populations have also been spotted in Germany and Mediterranean locations.
You will find Quakers within lowland, savannah, farmland, orchards and urban areas.
Distribution
Wingspan 48 cm
30 cm
Diet: As pets, Vetafarm recommends South American Mix pellet to replicate the natural diet of the Quaker.
Fruit, Vegetables and a small amount of nuts should be added to the diet for variety. Native branches are also a great inclusion to a Quakers cage to provide natural stimulation.
