Are Quakers fast learners?

Question

I am considering on adopting either an African Grey Parrot, Macaw, or a Quaker. I have been looking into a Quaker the most and am wondering, can they learn to talk quickly/easily? (I know that African Grey's and Macaws are the top 2). Which type of Macaw is the best? Also, out of these three, which species is generally nicer? Thanks! =]

Answer 1

I've lived with a quaker for nearly 10 years and I can tell you that what it lacks in size is more than made up for in personality, intelligence, and affection. There's a lot of bird in this little package. They're not hard to care for, but do require a lot of time and attention. Like a child, they cannot be left alone for long periods, and need to be loved, petted, played with and talked to as much as possible. If you can't spend at least a few hours everyday with the bird, don't get one of any kind. You should also take into consideration that all these birds live a long time. Quakers have a life span of 25-30 years and the larger birds even longer, so it's pretty much a lifetime commitment.

Answer 2

Yes - if you are a good teacher a Quaker will learn to talk quickly.

However, if you can afford a grey they are by far the best talkers.

Answer 3

Good job saving a life. I'm not an expert on Macaw species, but those and the Greys are the most intelligent. I'm a big bird lover and handler, but I favor the Macaw over the Grey and Quaker. Saving any bird's life is honorable, but since you can choose I would recommend the Macaw. Here are your considerations for the Macaw:

1 - Needs large cage.

2 - Requires attention and medical care for good health, else becomes depressed, plucks feathers, bites, or all three.

3 - Lots of food and cage expendable cage material.

4 - Throws food, lots of p**p.

5 - Bites the hardest out of all three, but Grey is close behind.

6 - Might have to trim nails, depending on what perches you get. Many people are against the gritty cement perches because they say it is cruel to the bird. The logic being, it is hard on their feet and can cause them problems. Would YOU sit on a rough cement perch? Certainly not. That's the point that enthusiasts make.

7 - Long life expectancy. But not 80 years like you hear. That's only in the wild, in their natural environment and around other socials.

Okay good luck with whatever bird you choose.  

Answer 4

If you are getting a parrot for the first time I would recommend the Quaker over the Macaw and African Grey. With great size comes great responsibility- the larger parrots can be difficult to manage if you are a beginner. They need tonnes of attention and mental stimulation otherwise you will get some serious problems.

I have heard the Quaker referred to as 'the poor mans african grey' because they are very intelligent and great talkers.

How fast your bird learns to talk will depend on many different factors, but in the end its the individual bird that matters. Some will pick things up faster than others.

If you are giving your quaker several hours of your attention a day and saying the same things at the same time, etc- theres no reason he shouldnt learn how to speak.

When I was trying to get my quaker to 'step up' he picked up the words faster than he picked up the command!