Quaker Parrot

The Quaker Parrot is native to the temperate and subtropical grasslands, open woodland and farmland of central and eastern South America, particularly Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and southern Brazil. They are unique among parrots in building large, communal stick nests — sometimes massive colonial structures containing chambers for dozens of breeding pairs — rather than nesting in tree hollows. This remarkable nest-building behaviour is one of the most distinctive characteristics of the species and is expressed in captivity through an often intense drive to weave and arrange materials.

Quaker Parrots have established self-sustaining feral populations on every inhabited continent outside their native South America through escaped and released captive birds, owing to their exceptional adaptability and colonial nesting behaviour. In Australia, they are kept as exotic cage birds, and requirements for secure housing exist in some states due to their potential to establish pest populations if escaped. In Queensland, the Quaker Parrot is recognised as a 'domestic bird' under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006, which requires birds to be kept in a secure cage. In Victoria, escaped birds are considered a biosecurity risk and keepers are encouraged to report sightings. Always confirm current requirements in your state before purchasing, as regulations can vary and change.

Quaker Parrots are outstanding companion birds — intelligent, entertaining, highly vocal and deeply bonded to their owners. They are legal to keep in most Australian states with appropriate secure housing.

Quaker Parrots are active and require a well-appointed cage that provides room for movement and climbing. Minimum cage dimensions are 90cm W × 50cm D × 90cm H with bar spacing of 1.5–2 cm. Powder-coated or stainless steel construction is recommended. The cage must have secure, Quaker-proof latches — this species is notably adept at opening standard cage catches.

Provide three to four perches of varying diameter and material — natural timber, rope perches and textured perches at different heights. Quakers will actively use horizontal bars for climbing as well as perches. A play top or separate gym stand provides important out-of-cage territory. Place the cage in a socially active household area — Quakers are gregarious and need to feel part of household life.

Importantly, provide materials that satisfy the Quaker's strong nest-building drive — safe paper strips, palm strips, dried grasses and soft wooden sticks placed in or near the cage allow the bird to weave and arrange as it instinctively desires. This enrichment is particularly important for Quaker Parrots and is not simply a luxury — it addresses a deep behavioural need. Provide a minimum of six rotating toys: chew toys, foraging toys, foot toys, swings and bells. Cover at night with a breathable cage cover.

Quaker Parrots should be fed a quality medium parrot pellet as their primary dietary component — approximately 60–70% of total diet. Supplement daily with fresh fruit and vegetables, including apple, pear, mango, grapes, capsicum, corn, peas, carrot, broccoli, sweet potato and leafy greens. Remove fresh food within two to three hours. Never feed avocado, chocolate, onion, garlic, caffeine, fruit seeds, or processed and salted human foods.

A small amount of quality parrot seed mix can be offered as a supplement (10–15% of diet) and is useful as a foraging and enrichment tool. Nuts in small quantities make excellent training rewards. Quaker Parrots are naturally active foragers and benefit from having food presented in ways that require engagement. Cuttlebone should be available at all times for calcium. Vitamin supplements (a quality bird vitamin supplement) can be added to water two to three times per week. Fresh water must be changed daily.

Quaker Parrots respond very well to positive reinforcement training and form strong bonds with consistent, patient handling. Establish step-up training from day one. Handle daily to maintain tameness — Quakers that are not handled regularly can become aggressive and territorial around their cage. Short daily training sessions using food rewards are highly effective.

Quakers can be aggressive toward other birds, particularly around cage territory and food — introduce any companion birds carefully and never leave unsupervised with significantly smaller species. Supervised out-of-cage time of thirty minutes to one hour daily is important for physical and mental wellbeing.

Quaker Parrots need daily mental and physical enrichment. Foraging enrichment is highly effective — hide food in foraging toys, wrap in paper, present in puzzle boxes or scatter among safe materials to encourage natural searching behaviour. Nest-building enrichment is species-specific and important: provide safe weavable materials such as paper strips, palm strips, dried grass and soft wooden sticks, which the bird will incorporate into a nest structure with evident enthusiasm and purpose.

Trick training with positive reinforcement is highly effective with Quakers — they are quick learners and enjoy structured interaction. Many develop impressive trick repertoires and vocabularies. Provide a rotating selection of chew toys, foot toys, puzzle feeders, swings and bells. Supervised out-of-cage time with a play gym as home base provides physical exercise and environmental engagement.

Psittacosis (Chlamydiosis): Annual vet checks and good hygiene are preventative.

Feather Destructive Behaviour: Uncommon in well-managed birds but can develop with chronic boredom or insufficient social engagement.

Fatty Liver Disease: Possible on seed-heavy diets — maintain a pellet-based dietary foundation.

Respiratory infections: Often linked to vitamin A deficiency; a pellet-based diet reduces risk.

Aspergillosis: Fungal respiratory infection; maintain good ventilation and cage hygiene.

Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD): Source from healthy, reputable breeders.

Cage escape injuries: Quakers are persistent and creative cage escape artists — ensure all latches are secure and perform regular cage integrity checks.