How to Encourage a Quaker Parrot to Build

Quaker parrots are the only parrot species that builds nests in the wild. Quakers will build elaborate shared "condos" with a section for each mated pair of birds. In captivity, some quaker parrots still retain their building instinct. Even though they don't need to create a home, it's good to encourage their building instincts. It helps relieve boredom and gives them some exercise. Take some simple steps to encourage your quaker's inner builder.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Provide a surface on which your quaker parrot can build. In the wild, quaker parrots often choose platforms on utility poles. In a cage, you can provide a corner shelf or a sleeping tent. Don't be surprised if your quaker parrot also tries to weave building materials through the cage bars.

2. Provide a variety of building materials so your quaker parrot can pick and choose. Typical materials include popsicle sticks, wooden skewers with the sharp ends blunted and drinking straws. Place a selection of materials in a holder that you hang in your quaker parrot's cage. Your bird will soon let you know which materials it favors.

3. Don't give up if your quaker parrot doesn't start building immediately. Some quakers have a stronger building instinct than others, and some take a while to give building a try. Simply leave the building materials in the cage and don't get impatient if you bird ignores them for weeks or even months.

4. Don't move your quaker parrot's creation until it's absolutely necessary. If your quaker is building in an area where its "nest" is getting dirty or contaminated, you'll have to eventually remove it from the cage. Normally this doesn't stop a quaker from building. Instead it will simply start over again. But the longer you can let your quaker keep its creation, the more elaborate it will become.

Tips & Warnings

• Wrapping leather thongs in the cage bars or clipping clothespins to the bars will create "slots" into which your quaker parrot can place or weave straws, skewers or other sticks.
• Quaker parrots should only be provided with safe building materials. Make sure the materials you provide don't have any sharp points and that they are not painted or coated with a toxic substance.

Resources

• Video of a pet quaker parrot building an elaborate nest.