Features of Quaker Parrots

In pet stores, you can sometimes find unusual and amazing birds - Quaker V-tail parrots. This is the only species belonging to the genus Myiopsitta. The natural habitat is steppes, palm groves and forest thickets of southern South America. Like domestic pigeons and sparrows, birds feel great in the streets of cities close to people.

Quakers in different countries are called differently: a parrot monk, a wicket. Feathered got such an unusual name due to discreet plumage, reminiscent of the robes of Quaker monks. The upper part of the bird, including the back of the head, back and wings, is painted dark green, there is a gray “cap” on the head, this outfit is very similar to a plain cloak with a gray hood. The chest is white-gray in color, the legs are “worn” with bright green pants - this is the natural color of the parrot.

Birds of this species are usually not very large in size — males are 30 centimeters long, and the wingspan reaches half a meter. Females are 20-25 percent smaller than males. Monk parrots breed rapidly, laying four to eight eggs at a time. Visually distinguish the gender of the birds is not possible - no sexual characteristics.

At home, potassium is considered a pest. Possessing huge numbers, birds cause irreparable damage to agricultural land and orchards.

These are noisy birds, prone to making sharp, frightening sounds for almost any reason, whether it's anxiety or an interest in something.It is this tendency that is the characteristic feature that makes it possible to accurately distinguish a monk from other varieties of parrots. These are very domestic birds, which will certainly return to their habitat, whether it is the owner’s house in captivity or a favorite place in the open.

Quakers are the only species of parrots who prefer to build nests for laying eggs. Like many birds, their nests are built from natural material - tree branches. The location of dwellings so unusual for parrots can be not only trees, but also roofs of houses, overpasses, piers of bridges and power lines.

Also, parrots monks can choose hollows and rocks, placing their family nests on them. Chicks in them appear during the year no more than two times. The natural color of parrots of this species is green. But by artificial means, as well as as a result of mutations, it was possible to bring out individuals of various colors:

• blue - the upper plumage, including wings and legs, has various color shades of blue, natural green is absent;
• blue - natural green color has replaced saturated blue; the appearance of the birds is unusual;
• orange - Unique instances of saturated color, which is very difficult to hide in the green leaves.

The monks are very friendly, quickly become attached to the owner and are ready to accompany him everywhere. They are easy to learn to speak: like most parrots, they have excellent abilities in this area. But the words Kalita does not pronounce clearly, while several dozen can remember them. A feathered conversation is more like scraps of individual words than coherent speech.

Much better they get an imitation of various sounds made by both humans and other animals, as well as objects and instruments. In addition, the bird is able to hum the melodies that it likes. Birds prefer company, do not tolerate loneliness, becoming irritable and noisy. But as a company they prefer a person or their relatives.

They love Quakers and new toys, they can carry various trinkets they like to their hiding place, and then quietly play with them. One of the entertainment is swimming: birds can soak not only themselves, but also small objects that are within reach.

In nature, parrots live in nests, easily mastered in various climatic environments. In captivity, they need to equip a comfortable home, as well as create favorable living conditions, which is especially important for the health and longevity of the pet.

Monks are very active and mobile creatures, for whom it is very important to fly for a long time. When choosing a cell, this nuance should be taken into account: the space inside it should be large, providing the opportunity for flights.

Birds should be protected from any stressful situations., which can cause serious illness until the sudden death of the gate. Especially the birds are afraid of harsh sounds, unexpectedly flashing bright light, sudden random movements of the cage.

As for the cell: choose metal, which in its composition does not contain substances harmful to living things. Undoubtedly, wood is an environmentally friendly and safe material, but under the sharp beak of a Quaker parrot a wooden cage will turn into chips in a short period of time.

Artificially created housing must have corners - The presence of a secluded place is very important for a feathered pet. Poles are also a mandatory attribute of arranging a cell, after all, birds spend a significant part of their life on them.A lock should be provided on the door: the monks are so inventive that without the knowledge of the owner they can open ordinary locks.

Parrots need sunlight, in winter its deficiency can be compensated by the rays of an ultraviolet lamp. Temperature and humidity also play a huge role in the life of these parrots.

In captivity, parrots breed reluctantly. However, having created for them a special environment and placing a nest in the cage, one can count on healthy offspring. Like in the wild, the female is able to lay up to eight testicles - one per day. She will hatch them in turn with the male for about 26 days.

Accustom to independent life of chicks should after they reach three weeks of age. From this age, babies should live separately from their parents. The sooner you start taming them, the better results you can achieve.

In their natural habitat, Quakers feed on crops, berries, and fruits of fruit trees. In captivity, they need a more diverse diet rich in vitamins and minerals. The fact is that parrots of this species have an increased tendency to liver diseases, in connection with which the owner will have to patiently accustom them to the variety of the table. You need to feed them with dry mixes in combination with boiled cereals, vegetables, fruits, herbs (grass and leaves).

In the case of offspring, chicken eggs, finely chopped beef heart are necessarily added to the diet (but not in large quantities).

As a treat you can give fresh cracker and freshly squeezed juice. Do not forget about water - it is the basis of life of all living things. You can add honey or citrus juice to bird water.

Monk parrot life expectancy is on average three decades. The more their living conditions are close to natural, the more comfortable the feathered pet will feel. Do not forget that birds are predisposed to diseases such as gout and ornithosis, which can only be cured with timely contact to the veterinarian.

In addition, the behavior of birds should be constantly monitored - they tend to pinch themselves. Thus, subject to the basic rules for care and feeding, Quakers are able for many years to please the owner with their presence in an artificially created habitat.

You will learn how to choose and tame a Quaker from the next video.