How to Pick a Quaker Parakeet

Quaker parrots are one of the most popular pet parrots in the United States due to their temperate, beauty and relative ease to care for. However, due to this huge demand for quaker parrots, 'mill' parrot breeding factories have developed -- giving pet owners a hard and difficult time to find a quality quaker parrot to keep. Luckily, with some hard work and effort, anyone can identify the essentials that make up a healthy quaker parrot and enjoy their beauty as a pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Ruler
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Instructions

  1. How to Choose a Quaker Parakeet

    • 1

      Identify any local breeders that you wish to consider using to purchase your quaker parrot. To do this, simply visit websites such as birdbreeders.com and identify legitimate local breeders. Using word of mouth, such as speaking with parrot enthusiast groups (can be identified if you speak with your local town hall) is also a useful tool to identify potential breeders.

    • 2

      Research and understand your breeder's background. By simply looking online, you can find previous owners of quaker parrots purchased from the breeder and read their feedback. By doing some further sleuthing, you can also get in direct contact with them and ask specific questions about their impression on the quality of the quaker parrots.

    • 3

      Locate and visit the breeder if your online research has produced promising results. At the sight, ask to see the birds quarters and not just the 'show' quarters. Identify any hazards or irregularities that you see in the bird quarters and use your judgment to gauge the quality vs. quantity that the breeder is using.

    • 4

      Examine the birds by looking at their basic bodies and identifying any anomalies such as a limp or a runny eye. Particularly look at the quaker parrot's plumage and look for smooth feathers. Ruffled and missing feathers usually indicates overcrowding and unhygienic conditions. Look into their pupils and attempt to identify any dull stares or fluid running from the eyes. The quaker parrots should have bright and quick eyes that are responsive to your every move.

    • 5

      Extend the bird's wingspan and place your rule along it. The wing bone of the quaker parrot should be aligned with the ruler and no bends or odd angels should be present. The wingspan is one of the most critical aspects to inspect as it helps identify any long term problems that particular quaker parrot may have.