Quakers: Ok for me?

[mishalee]

I've been researching several different kinds of birds and I am stuck between getting a pionus, cockatiel, or a quaker. I may choose to get a quaker, however, I would like to know if they scream(normal chatter and squawks don't bother me) and If I let the bird out for a maximum of 2 hours a day, maybe more, would that suffice.(I go to school for a good 6-7 hours. Any input?

[primrose04]

Yes Quakers have an annoying quaker swack but if you get one you will love it. They will talk to you and love you so much you will wonder why you didn't get one sooner. I have 2 tiels that I love too, but I must say that the quaker is my favorite. Go to quakerville.com and read about them. I say that if you get a quaker you will not be sorry. Mine was a rescue from an elderly lady's house that didn't give her any attention. she was 3 years old then and that was about 7 months ago. now she says all kinds of things, gives kisses, and just the most loving bird that I have. when she is on my shoulder and snuggles into my neck and purrs, how could you not love that. Just one caution they can become a one person bird very easy so socalize it with other people.

[Wally]

Yes, go to Quakerville. One of the best Quaker info sites. We have had a Quaker for two years now. She (?) flew in our building's 9th floor fire-escape. When we took her in, the vet thought she was only 5 months old. Quakers are a very strong willed bird. They are also bullies to other birds. They are survivers, and love companionship. Our Quaker tries to bully our amazons, whick are twice her size. Our Sugar loves to get scritches and loves to try and communicate. She doesn't talk much, but she has a very cute vocalization when she's being sweet. She can chirp loud and ear shattering when she wants.... They can get to feather plucking if not watched. Ours had a bout with that. We have all our birds out when ever we are at home. They are in their cages for maybe 5 hours average [and also when they sleep] in the mornings, and then my wife comes home and lets them out. Wally

[LtlWngdAngl]

my quaker gets loud often. My old roomate HATED him! It was a small price to pay for his affection and companionship, at least to me. My new roomates love him so it doesn't bother them much either. That's really the only bad thing I can say about quakers though...and it doesn't even bother me that much. If you have a roomate or an apartment with thin walls, I would suggest the 'tiel.

[mishalee]

My grandpa has an African Grey and her squawks really don't annoy me(not even in the mornings and evenings), and I don't think a bird as noisy as her would be a problem for my family. I would like to get a quaker now, but this summer I will hopefully get one or receive my parent's consent so they will let me buy one.

[Majj]

My Quaker Buddy doesn`t squawk loud EXCEPT when he is doing the sun conure scream that he picked up fromhis friend Sunny .....They are just the BEST littel fids ...No. 1 Quakers. IMO

[robotralph]

:aiwebs_02

I have 2 quakers and they are free 24/7 in my home as well as my 2 african greys, and nearly 60 teils. only time there is any conflict is when they want to share my shoulder and then the smaller ones know when to let the larger have the roost. I am amazed at the tolerance they have with one another. I have found with my flock no one breed is any lourder than the other only the larger birds have the ability to be louder if they want too but usually dont.

:aiwebs_01

[cfaviary]

Hi Mishalee: Quakers pros and cons:
Pros: Active and Playful
High level of talking ability
Reasonably priced ($200 range)
Good companion bird
Medium on noise level
Cons: Can become a bit cage protective
Some are prone to feather picking
Are illegal in some states

Pionus are a more expensive bird but make great pets. Generally considered one of the quieter of the parrots. May not be as snuggly as the quaker, but can be quite dedicated to their owner. Medium level of talking ability.

Cockatiels are the least expensive choice. A good handtamed 'tiel is a wonderful companion bird. While on the low-med. level of talking ability, some learn quite a few phrases (especially the males). They are easily handled and love their owners but can be left alone for longer periods without problems. I would recommend this bird especially for a first time owner.
One con: females lay eggs indescriminately which can turn into a chronic problem in some birds.

Good luck with which ever bird you decide on.
Linda@Crazy Feathers Aviary

Originally Posted by mishalee

I've been researching several different kinds of birds and I am stuck between getting a pionus, cockatiel, or a quaker. I may choose to get a quaker, however, I would like to know if they scream(normal chatter and squawks don't bother me) and If I let the bird out for a maximum of 2 hours a day, maybe more, would that suffice.(I go to school for a good 6-7 hours. Any input?