Your FeatherBaby's Care Instructions

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Pelleted Food vs. Seed Diet
Most “parronts” ask about the normal diet for their feather baby and what it should look like. The answer is always the same. Pellets first. There are several great pelleted food sources for your baby and we move between a few of their favorites in our flock. Our main pelleted food is Roudybush Daily Maintenance Nibles and the majority of their meals contain mostly a generous helping of these vitamin packed pellets. We give plenty of healthy seeds as treats & snacks. Our favorite seed mix is Sleek & Sassy Garden Small Hookbill Bird Food which we mix with the pellets. It has tons of vitamins and minerals to keep their feathers bright and shiny and help with their skin & beak health.

Preventing Accidents
There are a lot of dangers in our homes that can be dangerous for our featherbabies. Here’s a list of what we have found to be the most common. Birds NEED outside of the cage time every day. Don’t let this section scare you into keeping them like prisoners in a cage 24/7. That’s not fair to your parrot! Instead, take precautions and help your featherbaby to fly safely always with supervision.

1.  Open Doors: When your bird is outside the cage, it is extremely important to make sure the doors are closed to the outside world. Even for clipped featherbabies the danger of being carried up and away by a gust of wind should not be underestimated. If a bird gets outside and is looking down on your property it CANNOT tell where you are. It will be scared and do what birds were made to do, FLY.

2. Window Glass & Mirrors: Birds naturally seek freedom and a clear glass will be like an open invitation to explore. Mirrors have the same appeal. They don’t realize that they can’t pass through it and will crash into it full speed. This can cause injuries that could be fatal.

3.  Uncovered Beverage Glasses: This is a danger that most people wouldn’t consider but I have known bird parents that have lost their baby to drowning in a glass of liquid. NEVER leave a glass of tea, water etc. sitting out while your baby is outside the cage. They can fall head first into the glass and submerge their heads in the liquid and drown because they can’t get themselves back out.

4.  Cooking Dangers: We have to remember that our parrots are like toddlers when we give them room to roam. They can and will be EVERYWHERE they can possibly go! This includes a boiling pot of water on the stove and an opened oven door when you’re getting hot food out! My mom’s parrot Twittles flew into the oven when she opened the door and he landed in a very hot pizza. This burned his feet and belly. He recovered thankfully, but it was a slow and painful recovery. Also, be sure you are cooking with SAFE cookware. Teflon will absolutely KILL YOUR PARROT. Some air fryers are also toxic, so be sure before you turn it on.

Toxic Substances

There is a toxicity of certain substances to which birds should never have access. This list is not comprehensive so do your own research before giving your parrot any new foods or toys. Certainly, numerous items in our homes have the potential to be harmful to birds, including specific plants, candles, air fresheners, and various other hidden hazards. By using common sense, keeping a close eye on our cherished birds when they are outside their cages, and providing them with only safe foods and toys, we can help ensure their safety and well-being. Remember, if you have any concerns about the potential toxicity of something to your pet, seek advice from a veterinarian knowledgeable about birds.

1. Heavy Metals, Especially Lead, Zinc and Copper
Metals are common in our surroundings and often overlooked as a potential source of toxicity in pet birds. They can be present in various items like paint, linoleum, soldering, wire, zippers, and twist ties that birds tend to chew on. Even certain older bird toys, particularly the clappers on metal bells, have been found to contain lead. Birds that interact with lead-painted surfaces, metal toys, soldering, or metal zippers may unknowingly ingest heavy metals, leading to potential intoxication. Ingesting substantial amounts of these metals can harm nerves, resulting in symptoms like vomiting, digestion issues, neurological problems such as imbalance and clenched toes, and even seizures. Timely detection and treatment of heavy metal toxicity in birds can prevent permanent nerve damage. However, routine testing for these metals in birds is not standard practice unless the owner suspects exposure. Therefore, if you suspect your bird has consumed any of these substances, promptly inform your veterinarian to ensure timely intervention, as it could be crucial for your bird's well-being.

2. Avocado
Different parts of the avocado plant, particularly the leaves, contain a fatty acid derivative known as persin. This compound has been linked to heart failure, breathing difficulties, and sudden death in many bird species. While certain bird species like Lories have consumed avocados without issues, the safety of specific avocado varieties for different bird species remains uncertain. To err on the side of caution, it is advisable not to feed your bird guacamole.

3. Caffeine
Caffeine is a big no-no for feather babies. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and soda are tempting to share with your bird, but even a few sips of these beverages can be extremely hazardous to your feather baby. Caffeine may cause increased heart rate, arrhythmias, hyperactivity and even cardiac arrest in birds. So stick to water and occasional sips of safe fruit drinks, such as apple or cranberry juice, and keep him heart healthy.

4. Chocolate
Many birds share our love for chocolate, but it can have harmful effects on them. Chocolate can lead to vomiting and diarrhea in birds due to its caffeine and theobromine content. These substances can elevate heart rate, trigger hyperactivity, cause tremors and seizures, and even result in death for birds. Remember, the darker the chocolate, the higher the cacao percentage, making it more toxic to your feathered friends. Instead of chocolate, opt for a sweet fruit treat like a ripe banana or juicy grapes to keep your birds safe and healthy.

5. Onions and Garlic
These flavorful spices, known for their heart-healthy benefits for humans, can be harmful to dogs and cats, and have led to fatalities in geese and other pet birds. Onions, whether cooked, raw, or dehydrated, contain sulfur compounds that, when ingested, can break down red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Additionally, onions can cause irritation in a bird's mouth, esophagus, and crop, potentially leading to ulcers. Garlic contains allicin, a compound that can also cause anemia in birds in rare instances. It's best to keep your bird's diet bland and free from spices to ensure their well-being.

6. Salt and Fat
Many of us overindulge in this favorite condiment, salt, and birds love it, too. Let’s face it what bird doesn’t love to munch on a bunch of salty chips, popcorn, crackers or pretzels? But for a small bird, a few chips or pretzels can contain potentially toxic amounts of salt that can upset his electrolyte balance, leading to excessive thirst, dehydration, kidney dysfunction and even death. Similarly, fatty foods, such as large amounts of butter, nuts and fatty meat, can lead to the buildup of fat deposits within arteries known as atherosclerosis that can make some birds, like people, prone to heart disease and stroke. Some bird species, such as Amazon parrots and Quakers, seem to be predisposed to high cholesterol and triglyceride levels and to coronary artery disease, just like humans. Also, in general, the smaller the bird, the higher the risk with even a few bites of high fat or high salt foods, so to be safe, simply avoid these foods in birds’ diets.

7. Fruit Pits and Apple Seeds
Most birds have a penchant for fruit, and in general, fruit is safe for them to eat. However, caution should be exercised when offering fruits with seeds (like apples and pears) and pits (like cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, and plums) to birds. It's best to prevent birds from consuming the seeds and pits of these fruits as they contain traces of cardio-toxic cyanide. On the other hand, seeds in fruits such as grapes, citrus fruits, squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, melons, mangoes, pomegranates, and berries are safe for birds to consume. Simply remove the seeds and pits from cyanide-containing fruits and allow your feathered friends to enjoy the rest. Grapes are fattening and should be given only in moderation. Raisins in high amounts can become toxic, so be sure to limit the amounts of these foods.

8. Xylitol
While this artificial sweetener, commonly present in sugar-free gum and various diet products, hasn't been thoroughly researched in birds, it can lead to severe hypoglycemia, liver harm, and even death in dogs. Therefore, it's advisable not to risk using this sweetener with birds, as they have a higher metabolism than most mammals and could be affected by even tiny amounts of this substance. Birds do not need to consume gum or artificial low-calorie foods. Overweight birds can opt for low-starch vegetables to manage their calorie intake. It's best to keep sugar-free items out of reach.

9. Smoke and Other Aerosols
Besides edibles, certain substances can be highly toxic to birds. For instance, smoking, which is harmful to humans, is even more detrimental to birds. Birds have a unique respiratory system where they inhale and exhale simultaneously, making them very sensitive to smoke and aerosols. Cleaning sprays, hair spray, perfumes, incense, and even candle fumes can irritate birds' lungs and air sacs, essential for their breathing. These products should not be used near birds, and if exposure occurs, birds should be moved to well-ventilated areas immediately. If birds exposed to these substances do not improve with better ventilation, they should be taken to a veterinarian promptly for supportive care like fluids and oxygen. Remember: When spraying, ensure birds are kept at a safe distance.

10. Teflon
Most bird owners are familiar with the risks associated with nonstick cookware, but some may not be aware of them. When Teflon and other nonstick surfaces are heated to high temperatures, they emit tiny vapors that can be fatal if birds inhale them, given their extremely sensitive respiratory systems. There have been documented cases where multiple birds in a household died at the same time when Teflon pans were overheated near them. It is advised to avoid all nonstick cookware and appliances with nonstick coatings, like certain stoves (especially those with self-cleaning oven features) and toasters, in homes with birds. If birds accidentally inhale fumes from these pans or appliances, they should be moved immediately to a well-ventilated area, such as outdoors, to help clear their airways. Unfortunately, even with prompt relocation to a better ventilated space, most birds exposed to these fumes perish quickly without exhibiting any symptoms before they can receive oxygen therapy or other treatment at an animal hospital. It is recommended to contact the manufacturer of any questionable appliance before using it around birds. In general, the rule for bird owners is straightforward: Steer clear of nonstick products entirely.

10. Cleaners
Since birds require oxygenation through special organs in their skin, fumes of any kind can potentially be a problem. Oven cleaners, like easy off, will absolutely kill your bird, so please do not ever use it. You can use vinegar and baking soda to clean your oven and it’s much safer (even for you). As for cleaning the cages and enclosures, we use diluted original pine-sol ( ¼ part cleaner to 2 parts water) and it has never been a problem for any members of our flock. We also use antibacterial dish soap like dawn diluted in warm water to help dissolve droppings from perches and cage areas when necessary. There are also several cleaners that are made just for bird parents that can help break through droppings and keep your cages fresh. I think the most important thing is to clean regularly to prevent build-up from happening.

About The Quaker Parrot

Quaker parrots are recognized for their vibrant feathers and engaging personalities. They are medium-sized birds, typically around 11.8 inches long. One of their most captivating traits is their talent for mimicking sounds and speech, making them wonderful companions.
These birds are very social and enjoy interacting with their human companions. They are playful and inquisitive, often exploring toys, hanging upside down, and solving puzzles. Quaker parrots love being the focal point and can form strong bonds with their owners.

However, it's crucial to understand that Quaker parrots may display aggressive behavior if not properly socialized and trained. This behavior can include biting, screaming, or feather plucking. By consistently using positive reinforcement and patient training, these behaviors can be addressed, fostering a loving relationship.

To ensure the happiness and mental stimulation of your Quaker parrot, it's important to offer a variety of toys, puzzles, and activities. They thrive in an environment that challenges them mentally and promotes physical exercise. Regular time outside of their cage and social interaction with their human companions are vital for their overall well-being.

Establishing a Comfortable Habitat for Your Quaker Parrot

Ensuring a suitable habitat is crucial for the well-being of your Quaker parrot.  The cage size should permit full wing extension and comfortable movement.  A minimum cage size for a single Quaker parrot is 24 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 24 inches high.  Include horizontal bars for climbing and ample perches for rest and exercise.  Position the cage in a well-lit area, avoiding drafts and direct sunlight to maintain a stable temperature for your sensitive Quaker parrot.  Regularly clean the cage to prevent waste buildup and bacteria accumulation.  Offer a variety of toys, perches, and swings inside the cage to keep your Quaker parrot engaged and mentally stimulated.  Rotate toys frequently to prevent boredom.  Place a tray or grate at the cage's bottom to catch food debris, as Quaker parrots tend to be messy eaters.  This practice facilitates easier cleaning and helps uphold a hygienic environment for your feathered friend.

Socializing Your Parrot

Quaker parrots are social birds that thrive on regular interaction with their human companions. They enjoy being part of the family and require attention to build a strong bond. Here are some tips for caring for your Quaker parrot:

• Engage with your Quaker parrot daily through talking and playtime to foster a strong connection.
• Start handling your Quaker parrot gently from a young age to familiarize them with human touch. Offer treats and gradually introduce touch on different body parts to ease them into handling.
• Training your Quaker parrot can be a fulfilling experience for both of you due to their high intelligence. Use positive reinforcement like treats and praise to teach tricks and commands.
• Teach basic commands like step up, step down, and recall to set boundaries and improve behavior control. Patience and consistency are key during the training process as your Quaker parrot learns and responds to commands.

Common Health Issues

Like all pets, Quaker parrots can face specific health issues that require attention for their well-being. Obesity is a common problem in Quaker parrots due to their tendency to overeat, especially high-fat or sugary foods. Maintaining a balanced diet and monitoring their weight regularly can help prevent this issue. Providing opportunities for exercise, such as out-of-cage time and flying, is also important for their physical health.
Respiratory infections are a potential risk for Quaker parrots, often triggered by exposure to drafts, cigarette smoke, or poor air quality. To safeguard against respiratory problems, ensure their cage is well-ventilated and keep them away from smoke and harmful chemicals.
Feather plucking is another concern for Quaker parrots, often linked to stress, boredom, or health issues. To discourage this behavior, offer mental stimulation, social interaction, and a nutritious diet. If feather plucking persists, seeking veterinary advice is recommended to rule out underlying health issues.

Vetafarm Parrot B-Calm is a highly recommended complete diet designed by avian veterinarians to promote balanced nutrition and reduce stress and anxiety in parrots. Regular visits to an avian veterinarian are essential for monitoring your Quaker parrot's health and addressing any potential problems early. Choose a veterinarian experienced in treating Quaker parrots to ensure your bird receives optimal care.

Enrichment & Mental Stimulation

Quaker parrots are exceptionally intelligent and need mental stimulation to avoid boredom and behavioral issues. To keep them engaged and prevent destructive behavior, consider the following tips:

• Provide a variety of toys, puzzles, and activities to keep their minds active.
• Toys that promote foraging and problem-solving are especially beneficial for Quaker parrots.
• Rotate their toys regularly to keep their environment fresh and engaging.
• Offer safe materials for them to chew on and explore, such as paper and appropriate toys.
• Allow your Quaker parrot out-of-cage time in a safe and supervised area for exercise, mental stimulation, and bonding with their human caregivers.

Lifespan & Care Considerations

Quaker parrots typically live for 20 to 30 years, and with proper care, some can exceed this lifespan. Owning a Quaker parrot requires a long-term commitment and thoughtful planning.
Before welcoming a Quaker parrot into your household, ensure that you can dedicate the necessary time, resources, and dedication to create a suitable environment and provide proper care. This involves regular vet visits, a well-rounded diet, mental stimulation, and social interaction.
Keep in mind that Quaker parrots are known for being noisy. Their vocalizations, including squawks, chirps, and mimicry, can be quite loud. If you reside in an apartment or have nearby neighbors, consider the potential noise levels before deciding to adopt a Quaker parrot.
Quaker parrots are fantastic companions for bird lovers. Understanding their unique traits and specific care requirements will help you create a nurturing and engaging environment for your feathered companion. Here are some tips to ensure your Quaker parrot's well-being and happiness:
Provide a balanced diet, a suitable living space, ample social interaction, and mental stimulation.
Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive measures are essential for their health.
With patience, affection, and proper attention, your Quaker parrot can bring joy and companionship into your life for many years. Embrace the journey of caring for these intelligent and charming birds and relish the fulfilling experience it brings.

Hormones & Personality Changes In The Quaker

During spring, companion parrots may exhibit challenging behaviors due to hormonal changes triggered by shifts in weather, longer daylight hours, and other factors. These changes result in chemical shifts in their bodies, leading to unusual actions. While some parrots remain unaffected, others may display temporary behavioral changes, with a few becoming noisy and aggressive. These behaviors can persist for weeks or even months, with varying intensity from one season to the next in the same bird.
The important thing to keep in mind is that your bird is not misbehaving; it's simply following its natural instincts. It falls on you to manage and correct any undesirable behaviors in a way that preserves your bond once the moment has passed.
One of the biggest, avoidable triggers for Quaker Parrots lies in how we give them pets and love. Avoid long strokes that go from the head down to the tail as this can stimulate mating behaviors and can increase hormonal hostilities. Keep the scritches to under the chin and the sides of the head to avoid creating a hormonal feather baby.

Here are a few tips on how to deal with a hormonally charged bird:

1. Keep Them Out Of Dark Corners. To prevent your bird from exploring dark, secluded areas that may resemble comfortable nesting spots, be cautious. Even a slightly shadowed corner can intrigue a male cockatoo. He enjoys playing inside a paper bag, a box, or under his cage cover. Discourage these behaviors as they may provoke territorial instincts. The paper bag could be mistaken for a nesting area, potentially unsettling your typically docile pet if encouraged.

2. Be Respectful Of Their Cage. Show great respect in and around the bird's cage, as it is their domain and sanctuary. They will fiercely protect it, even from you. During cleaning or toy changes, place the larger birds in a carrier with toys and a treat, then move them to a different room. It's preferable for them not to realize you are in their cage at any point.

3. Be Vigilant. Be Consistent. You may need to occasionally limit the time your parrot spends outside its cage to avoid behavioral issues. If you notice your parrot getting nippy or displaying nesting behavior, return it to the cage promptly. It's crucial to address this before it escalates. Trying to remove your parrot from under the couch could lead to a bite. Remember, even the bend of your arm might be seen as a nesting area by a clever bird. Consider letting your parrot out for shorter but more frequent intervals to prevent problems.

4. No Mash. Steer clear of warm, soft foods as they can trigger hormonal responses. During this season, I prefer to consume more raw vegetables and stay away from mashed foods.

5. Understand Parrot Anatomy. Be cautious about which parts of his body you handle. Stick to the head and neck only. Avoid touching under the wing, on the back, tail, and especially the vent area. If your bird perches his rear end on your hand while being held, gently place him on a perch. It's advisable to keep your bird away from your shoulder and face while carrying him, and this is particularly important during the spring season.

6. Control Your Birds Daylight Exposure. During the spring season, it's important to provide your birds with 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep by keeping their environment dark. Excessive light exposure can lead to breeding behaviors and increased egg laying in females. Ensure that the room where your birds sleep is adequately dark if you choose not to cover them at night.

When Hormones Are Raging

If you are facing challenges with your hormonal bird, remember that each new day brings a fresh start. There are several times each year when it seems to me that every single flock member believe wholeheartedly that they alone are solely responsible for continuing the quaker species. And believe me when I say we are all feeling the pressure in those moments.

Their behavior reflects this belief, leading to moments of intense aggression towards me. They would scream like sirens (Imagine eight of them screaming at once). On top of the shrieking, they also hiss and lunge at me. I don’t take it personally and I have learned to minimize the struggle.
I’ve had quakers for close to a decade now, so I’m no stranger to this sort of stress. I quietly go about my tasks and just let them throw their fit and then when I leave their presence and they quiet down I appreciate the lack of deafening shrieks much more fully than I would have before. Silence is golden.

The bottom line is that while it can be very frustrating when faced with an obnoxious little meanie that just wants to scream and nip at you ~ you cannot take it personally. It’s going to be a process and it’s going to be uncomfortable for a little bit, yes. But remember; this too shall pass. It's absolutely crucial to show respect and patience. Let your bird be who they are in that moment without becoming upset or internalizing it.
It can help tremendously to be proactive and keep an eye out for any behaviors that might lead to issues. When you observe any changes, take immediate action to try to steer the focus in a different direction before things escalate.

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