How to Breed Green Quaker Parrots
Quaker parrots, also known as Monk parrots or Quaker parakeets, are medium sized birds, only growing to about a foot in length. The green variety of the breed is brightly colored, with emerald feathers along their heads and backs and gray plumage on their underside. These birds are considered to be very adaptable and hardy. Paired with their relatively small size, they make a good choice for a new bird keeper. They are also easier to breed than some other varieties of parrots and can help you gain experience with that particular type of bird care.
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Things You'll Need
- Aviary
- Nest boxes
- Nest making materials
- Vitamin and calcium supplements
Instructions
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Determine the gender of your birds. You'll need a male and female in order to successfully breed, of course. Since the gender of green Quaker parrots cannot be determined by looking at the bird, send DNA from your bird, such as a feather, to a special bird sexing company, which can accurately tell you the gender of your bird.
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Provide a large aviary for the birds to breed in. The aviary should be large enough that each bird has plenty of space to fly and move around. You can breed one pair at a time in this aviary, or you can place several pairs together. Quaker parrots are very social and often build their nests together, with each female laying her eggs near the other females' eggs. For one pair, an aviary of three feet square is large enough. Increase the size according to the number of birds in the aviary.
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3
Place a nest box in the aviary. This is a small box, usually made of wood or metal, where the birds will lay their eggs. They can be made from scratch or purchased at a pet store. Place one nest box in the aviary for each bird pair in the aviary. Place the nest boxes near each other.
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Place twigs, small branches, grasses or straw in the bottom of the aviary. The Quaker parrots use these materials to build their nest in the nest box.
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Leave the birds alone, letting them get to know each other. Quaker parrots are generally not as choosy as other parrots about their mates, who might reject the partner you have chosen for them. However, it's best to simply observe the parrots as they become comfortable with each other.
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Feed the birds a healthy diet that contains many vitamins and minerals. Vitamin and calcium supplements, which will help the female lay her eggs, can be sprinkled on the birds' food to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need. Vitamin supplements for birds are available at most pet stores.
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Wait for the Quaker parrots to breed. The birds will do this whenever they feel ready. Most Quaker parrots prefer to be left alone, without human interference, as they breed and incubate their eggs. Disturbing them could disturb the breeding process.
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References
- Photo Credit Tom Brakefield/Stockbyte/Getty Images
