Quaker a good first bird?

[Aries]

Never had a bird and I'm leaning toward a quak. I was going to get a budgie but can't find a tame one. Jumping on the budgie train a bit late. Would a Quaker be a good first bird. I dont mean to say that the budgie would be treated with any less respect. I just mean easier to maintain less complicated etc. I don't know. Just wondering what you guys think.

[pitufina73]

I dont want to say no to you, but quakers are very demanding, now if you get one as a baby and learn about them reading quaker books it can be helpful.
I have one and she gets crazy sometimes, she is loud and nippy, ask yourself if you can stand screaming and noisy, if you live by yourself maybe it wont bother you, but if you live with someone i might be a problem in the future, now not all quakers are screamers, i dont want to scare you but its reality.
i would say if you very interested in one, please read about them first.
here is a link for a new book, i think its updated which is good.

Guide to the Quaker Parrot (Second Edition) by Mattie Sue Athan - Quaker parakeet books and quaker parakeet DVDs from Avian Publications.

good luck! and feel free to ask me more...

[pitufina73]

if you an easier bird, a cockatiel wouldnt be that bad. i started with a cockatiel and now i have three demanding birds LOL

[tvymola]

The book that pitufina73 refers to has very good accurate information about Quakers. I read it and found quite helpful. I have a quaker too that I hand fed since 6 weeks of age, and I absolutely adore him! He is the only one of my birds that is hand tame. They do get very loud, and I have found mine to be a true joker who likes to mimic EVERY sound he hears. He is already talking at 7 months of age! They are demanding, so plan on setting some time aside daily for some one on one. I would say that a quaker is a good first bird to have, but make sure that you live in an area that can tolerate their noise. Also check your state laws because they are illegal in many states.

[pitufina73]

it also depends on the quaker attitude to make your life easier, mine is adopted from someone who didnt treat her lovely, she is tame, sweet but a big monster LOL

[Aries]

Thanks guys. I live with my husband and two kids. We live at the end of this little dirt road and we have two acres so no neighbors to worry about. Originally we wanted a quite bird. That's why I was going to go with a budgie becuase it talks but it has a little voice and is quieter. But then my husband decided he wanted to sacrifice the quit for an excellent talker. So of course while doing my research I found that a Quaker was a great talker with all the big bird personality in a little package. We have a four foot cage so plenty of room I think. I am a stay at home mom so I have a good amount of time to spend with him/her. I do wonder sometimes if I will be able to deal with the noise. So it makes me a bit nervous. I keep thinking maybe I should start out with a budgie. My cage will be a place to a budgie LOL. I do lots of research on birds everyday as I am trying to make my decision. And will definitely check out some books. I have good intentions to give whatever bird I get a great life. I really want to make the right decision. I would not want to get a bird I later want to get rid of. t would make me feel bad as well as be a lot of money lost. And I don't have enough money to be throwing it out the window. :) But of course the bird is more important and a bigger factor.

[Conure crazy]

It's really great that you are doing your research, however keep in mind that there is no guarantee that a bird will talk. Some greys never talk. I just hope that you are willing to love & keep a quaker even if he never utters a word.

I love having a bird but I also feel important to warn new bird owners that they can be loud, they are definitely messy, and did I mention expensive? Your first office visit will run at least $200. My dogs exam is only $27 but Kermit is $55 just for an exam. Kermit may be small but she is definitely the most expensive pet in our house.

My first bird was a quaker & he was wonderful. I was in middle school & bought him at a yard sale (military). We're not even sure how many homes he had before us. So yes quakers can be good first birds.

If talking is a top criteria then I recommend buying a bird that is already talking.

[nestbox]

Not all Quakers are loud,I've found when you have just one it's not bad. When there's a group that's when they start having a party.
I love Quakers, I'd say that is a great first bird especially if it's the only bird. Good luck.

[pitufina73]

it looks a nice place for a quaker, since you dont have neigbors, can move in with you? lol
budgies are cute and they are smart birds too, try to find a breeder that have tame bugdies if not it takes a while to tame them from the store.

i forgot to add something, quakers are very opionated birds, she loves me, but hates my boyfriend Bruce. so psychologically she thinks im her mate whoever gets close to me bamm! she bites! they have their own mind.

im glad you doing some research, thats the best thing someone can do instead of jumping and getting a bird and they dont know what to do. very smart of you!

[Aries]

I do plan on getting just one. I know that not all birds talk and yes I would love it either way. But I do hope it talks LOL. Especially a Quaker. Since that is where the moneys at for me. I was interested in one that was already talking but then decided to go with a younger one instead. Well that and the lady I was talking to didn't turn out to be to my liking. From what I read, there seems to be a pretty nice chance that it will talk. But if it doesn't oh well.