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Post by mamabird on Oct 25, 2014 21:03:49 GMT -5
Hi! I am new on here. I am really hoping that you all can help me decide if a Quaker Parakeet is the right choice for my family. When I was a young girl I owned and loved my little parakeet and it broke my heart when I lost him. My family had rescued a cocketiel but he only let my dad handle him....he hated females due to his previous owners. I have also had a dove before and she was a sweet heart. This was many years ago and now I am a mom of two boys amongst 3 cats, 3 dogs & many fish. Lol! We live on a working ranch so room for all! My boys really want a bird each for Christmas and we have had many discussions on what it takes to be a good daddy to a bird. One is mid elementary & my other is in late elementary & due to living on a ranch they understand the concepts of feeding, cleaning up after animals, and working with them. Having owned birds before I understand the major undertaking of a bird in our home. My questions are:
1) Are quaker parakeets suitable for kids?
2) Can I put 2 together in a cage?
3) Can I put the same sex in the cage?
4) If I can put them together, what is the appropriate size of cage for them so that they are comfortable?
5) What is the average price?
Let's just start there...Lol. I appreciate your help!!!
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Post by Caseysmom on Oct 25, 2014 22:16:12 GMT -5
Quaker Parrots tend to choose their special person, my Quaker Casey knows kids can be unpredictable and loves to try and get a reaction from them by biting. But they do like the people that work with them. Casey willingly lets two people reach into her cage and handle her but she isn't always receptive to others. When she was young anyone could handle her so if your kids work with her daily a quaker can get used to more than one person. If you put two birds in one cage, they are more likely to bond with each other and not be receptive to interacting with you. Prices vary by regions but in our area they are around $350 from a breeder
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Post by biteybird on Oct 26, 2014 0:30:59 GMT -5
Hi and welcome. Bonnie cost $450AU (our breeder charged $50 extra for the blue colour over the standard green colour). The other things you might consider are noise and lifespan. I think QPs can live up to 35 years or so and it would be a shame for them to bond to your kids & then your kids grow up, move out and leave them behind (you could discuss it with them). I agree with Caseysmom, it might be harder for them to bond to humans if they are in a cage together. That's all I can think of for now!  |
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Post by easttex on Oct 26, 2014 10:14:53 GMT -5
I love Quakers. In my limited experience with them, they tend to be bold and sassy and a lot of fun. I personally would not recommend them as a child's pet, though. They're complex little creatures whose needs exceed the grasp of most young children.
They need a lot of social interaction to thrive, every day, and as mentioned already, that could be for 30 years or more. Even the tamer ones will bite if startled or displeased, or sometimes for no discernible reason. This can be painful to the psyche as well as to the body, but you have to go on as if it never happened, because they still need what they need. They develop behavioral issues that require sustained patience, empathy, and a willingness to forget everything you think you know. I don't think most children can be expected to have the needed tools.
I hate to be a wet blanket, but I've seen too many birds being rehomed, or attempted to, when their young owners have a big life change such as going off to college, getting married, etc., or who have just lost interest. Parrots form strong attachments and rehoming can be traumatic. It's better than neglect, though.
Just my two cents.
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Post by mamabird on Oct 26, 2014 11:16:07 GMT -5
Thank you for your replies. After considering your responses I am wondering if a cocketiels or budgies would be best. Any thoughts on that? Can you put one of each together or stick with 2 of the same kind?
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Post by Caseysmom on Oct 26, 2014 19:06:11 GMT -5
I would stick to two of the same kind if you plan on getting two, budgies might be fun to start with. I love listening to their little chatter  |
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Post by biteybird on Oct 27, 2014 1:07:12 GMT -5
I agree, I don't think you can go wrong with budgies. They are friendly, not too demanding and quite smart. Also their little noises are very melodious to listen to (unlike the screech of a quaker... . |
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