How to Stop a Quaker Parrot From Screeching

The sound a Quaker parrot makes when screeching is not dissimilar to the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard but louder. Quakers, like many parrots, love to screech, which many parrot owners refer to as vocalizing. Quakers in particular have disproportionately loud (given their small size) and unpleasant screeches. Quakers are also one of the most popular parrot species to adopt because of their high intelligence, aptitude for language, affectionate nature and playful spirit. The methods you can use to reduce a Quaker's screeching apply to almost any other parrot as well (though perhaps not as effectively in all species) but are particularly important to practice with the noisy little Quaker.

Things You'll Need

  • Large towel
  • Bird foot toy
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Instructions

    • 1

      Anticipate when your Quaker will screech. Distract it before the screeching begins. Give your Quaker a long-lasting treat or a complex foot toy (a toy it can hold in its claw) right before it typically begins to vocalize. For example, if your parrot screeches when you leave the room or when the television is turned on, give it a distraction right before these events.

    • 2

      Tell your Quaker how long you will be gone. Quakers have impressive language skills. Use short, simple phrases, such as "Back very soon," each time you are only going to the next room or "Back in a few minutes," if you're running to the grocery store or "Back much later," if you're going to work. Your Quaker will make the connection between the phrase you say and how long you will be gone.

    • 3

      Whistle, sing, or talk to your Quaker when it is screeching. Provide an alternate vocalization for the bird that is not so offensive to human ears. Teach it a new, short tune to whistle, such as the theme song to "The Andy Griffith Show" or teach it to say phrases, such as "(Your Quaker's name) want a cracker" or "Good night."

    • 4

      Many Quakers screech early in the morning and in the evening. Cover your bird's cage with a towel or blanket while you sleep at night. Most parrots who are covered will take the darkness for nighttime and will quiet down.

    • 5

      Accept some screeching as a normal part of living with a Quaker. You can reduce the amount of harsh noise your pet bird makes, but you cannot eliminate it completely.