Quaker parrot features

In the pet stores sometimes you can find unusual and amazing birds - Quaker wedge-tailed parrots. This is the only species belonging to the genus Myiopsitta. Natural habitat - steppe, palm groves and forest thickets of southern South America. Like domestic pigeons and sparrows, birds feel excellent on the streets of cities near people.

Quakers in different countries are called differently: monk parrot, kalita. The birds got their so unusual name due to the unpretentious plumage resembling the robes of Quaker monks. The upper part of the bird, including the back of the head, back and wings, is painted in a dark green color, there is a gray “cap” on the head, this outfit is very similar to a plain raincoat with a gray hood. The chest is white and gray in color, bright green pants are worn on the legs - this is the natural color of the parrot.

Birds of this species are usually not very large - males reach 30 centimeters in length, their wingspan reaches half a meter. Females in size are less than males by 20-25 percent. Monk parrots multiply rapidly, laying four to eight eggs at a time. It is not possible to visually distinguish the sex of birds - there are no sexual signs.

At home, kalita is considered a pest. Possessing enormous numbers, the birds cause irreparable harm to agricultural land and orchards.

These are noisy birds, prone to the publication of sharp frightening sounds for almost any reason, whether it is anxiety or interest in something. It is this propensity that is a characteristic that makes it possible to accurately distinguish a monk from other varieties of parrots. These are very domestic birds, which will certainly return to their habitat, whether it is the owner's house in captivity or a favorite place under the open sky.

Quakers are the only species of parrots who prefer to build nests for laying eggs.. Like many birds, their nesting sites are built from natural material - tree branches. The location of dwellings that are so unusual for parrots can be not only trees, but also roofs of houses, overpasses, piers of bridges and power lines.

Also, parrots monks can choose hollows and rocks, having placed their family nests on them. Chicks in them appear during the year no more than two times. The natural color of parrots of this species is green. But by artificial means, as well as as a result of mutations, it was possible to bring out individuals of various colors:

• blue - upper plumage, including wings and paws, has various color shades of blue color, natural green is absent;
• blue - natural green color replaced saturated blue; the appearance of the birds is unusual;
• orange - Unique instances of rich color, which is very difficult to hide in the green leaves.

The monks are very friendly, quickly become attached to the owner and are ready to accompany him everywhere. They are easy to teach to talk: like most parrots, they have excellent abilities in this area. But the words of kalita are not clearly pronounced, but several dozens can remember them.. Speaking of birds is more like fragments of individual words than coherent speech.

Much better they get an imitation of various sounds, made by man and other animals, and objects and instruments. In addition, the bird is able to hum favorite tunes. Birds prefer company, do not tolerate loneliness, becoming irritable and shrill. But as a company they prefer a person or their relatives.

They love Quakers and new toys, they can carry various knick-knacks they like to their cache, and then play with them on the sly. One of the entertainment becomes swimming: Birds can soak not only themselves, but also small objects that are within reach.

In nature, parrots live in nests, easily settling in various climatic environments. In captivity, they need to equip a comfortable dwelling, as well as create favorable living conditions.which is especially important for the pet's health and longevity.

Monks are very active and mobile creatures for whom it is very important to fly for a long time. When choosing a cell, this nuance should be taken into account: the space inside it should be large, providing an opportunity for flight.

Birds should be protected from any stressful situations.that can cause serious illness up to the sudden death of kalita. Birds are especially afraid of harsh sounds, unexpectedly flashing bright light, sudden random cell movements.

As for the cell: choose metal, which in its composition does not contain substances harmful to living beings. Undoubtedly, wood is an environmentally friendly and safe material. but under the sharp beak of a Quaker parrot, a wooden cage will turn into chips in a short amount of time.

Artificially created housing must have corners - The presence of a secluded place is very important for the feathered pet. The perches are also a mandatory attribute of the cell arrangement, because birds spend a significant part of their lives on them. A lock should be provided on the door: the monks are so inventive that, without the knowledge of the owner, they are able to open the usual locks.

Parrots need sunlight; in winter, its lack can be compensated for by the rays of an ultraviolet lamp. Temperature and humidity also play a huge role in the life of these parrots.

In captivity, parrots breed reluctantly. However, by creating a special environment for them and placing a nest in a cage, it is possible to count on healthy offspring. As in the wild, the female is able to lay up to eight testicles - one per day. She will hatch them in turn with the male for about 26 days.

To teach the independent life of chicks should after they reach three weeks old. From this age, babies should dwell separately from their parents. The sooner you begin to tame them, the better results you can achieve.

In their natural habitat, Quakers feed on cereals, berries, and fruits of fruit trees. In captivity, they need a more varied diet rich in vitamins and minerals. The fact is that the parrots of this species have an increased tendency to liver diseases, and therefore the owner will have to patiently teach them to the diversity of the table. Feed them to dry mixes in combination with boiled cereals, vegetables, fruits, herbs (grass and leaves).

In the case of the appearance of offspring, chicken eggs, finely chopped beef heart are necessarily added (but not in large quantities) to the diet.

As a delicacy you can give fresh cracker and fresh juice. Do not forget about water - it is the basis of the life of all living things. Honey or citrus juice can be added to bird water.

The life span of parrot monks averages three decades. The more conditions of their maintenance are close to the natural ones, the more comfortable the feathered pet will feel. Do not forget that the birds are prone to diseases such as gout and ornithosis, which can only be cured with timely treatment to the vet.

In addition, the behavior of birds should be constantly kept under control - they have a tendency to self-salting. Thus, while observing the basic rules of care and feeding, Quakers are able for many years to please the host with their presence in an artificially created habitat.

How to select and tame a Quaker, you will learn from the following video.