It is said by many owners of the blue Quaker that they have found blue Quakers to be sweeter than the standard green Quaker; however, according to Theresa Jordan, an expert author in avian behavior, a blue Quaker is only a mutation and is the exact same type of bird as the green Quaker with the only difference being the color. Blue Quaker parrots are mostly darker blue with lighter bluish grey in their underwings, chest and forehead. Blue Quaker parrots, according to Jordan, are produced by Quaker parrots that have the recessive trait for blue coloration. Expect your blue Quaker parrot to act just like a normal green Quaker. The bird will have the same quirks, temperament and drawbacks as any other type of Quaker parrot.
Quaker Mutilation Syndrome (QMS)
Quaker mutilation syndrome (QMS) is a serious life-threatening syndrome found only in domesticated Quaker parrots. According to Theresa Jordan of Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine, researchers do not know what causes Quaker parrots to develop QMS; poor diet or lack of socialization does not appear to be a factor. Quakers who suffer from QMS do not just pluck their feathers; they mutilate their skin by chewing, biting and gnawing on their own flesh to such a devastating degree that they often die of blood loss or infection. Because QMS has such a detrimental effect on Quaker parrots, it is important to seek the help of a qualified avian certified veterinarian who has experience in treating QMS.
Behavioral Problems
Quaker parrots are notoriously cage aggressive and territorial with their play areas as well as the person they have bonded to. To help establish human dominance, avoid allowing your bird to perch on your shoulders. If your bird bites you, ignore the bite and immediately place him in his cage for 30 minutes. Repeat every time he bites you, and avoid screaming out in pain. It can be difficult not to scream when a bird bites you because bird bites do hurt, but by screaming out in pain you have rewarded your bird for biting you. Quaker parrots enjoy both good and bad attention. Every time you react to bad behavior by screaming, hitting or withdrawal of food, the unwanted behavior will only increase.
Talking Ability
Quaker parrots are highly desired for their talking ability, but many owners underestimate just how annoying a parrot can get. Dr. Larry Lachman, an animal behaviorist expert, states that talking parrots mimic human language and environmental sounds almost flawlessly. This means that your blue Quaker has the ability to acquire a large vocabulary that can include anything you say in your home. If you do not want your Quaker to use swear words, do not use them in your home. If you leave your television on when you leave the house, make sure you turn the television to a child-safe channel to prevent your Quaker from learning inappropriate language.
Dietary Needs
Quaker parrots should be fed a daily varied diet consisting of vitamin-fortified bird pellets, fruits and vegetables, small amounts grains, pastas and meats, and plenty of fresh water. Because Quakers are prone to fatty liver disease, avoid all foods that are high in fats. Quakers need only small amounts of seed or nuts, and sunflower seed should only be given as a treat. A well fed blue Quaker parrot will have brighter feather plumage and have more energy than a bird fed an inadequate diet. For best feather coloration, Dr. Ron Hines suggests feeding a high quality bird pellet.
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