Feeding Quaker or Monk Parakeets

Our knowledge of bird nutrition is constantly evolving due to heightened awareness of the importance of nutrition and increased research into birds’ different needs. As with all other animals, birds need a proper balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins, minerals and water. Different species of birds often require different foods.

Quaker parrots are also known as Quaker parakeets or monk parakeets, even though they do not belong to the parakeet bird family. Their native home is South America, but they have set up North American colonies from South Florida north to Illinois and west to New Mexico and Arizona.

Should I be concerned about what my Quaker parrot eats?

Proper nutrition is commonly neglected and critically important in pet birds. You should discuss your parrot’s nutritional needs with an avian veterinarian. Too often, owners assume they are feeding a proper diet to their bird when, in fact, they are not.

Poor nutrition is a common reason for many health problems in birds. It is essential that bird owners are educated about what to feed their birds. Bird owners should stay in contact with their avian veterinarian to stay current on their birds’ nutritional needs. Your bird’s health depends on how well it is fed.

What do wild Quaker parrots eat?

Wild Quaker parrots eat a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, berries and vegetation such as leaf buds and blossoms. Some eat insects and their larva. They also like to raid farmers’ crops.

What should I feed my Quaker parrot?

Like other birds, Quaker parrots need to eat a balanced diet to stay healthy. Quaker parrots are prone to obesity and high cholesterol issues.

Seeds

Wild Quaker parrots eat a great variety of seed types as different plants come into season. Commercially available seed and nut mixes may contain 2–5 different kinds of seeds. However, the seeds tend to be high-fat and nutrient deficient and are not the same kinds of seeds that wild birds eat. 

Often, these seed and nut mixes are fed as the only source of food, leading to ill health and potentially shortened lifespan. When offered a mixture of seeds, Quaker parrots tend to selectively eat only 1 or 2 of their favorite types of seeds and nuts. They often choose peanuts and sunflower seeds preferentially; however, these items are particularly high in fat and deficient in calcium, vitamin A, and other nutrients, which often leads to malnutrition.

Seeds are highly palatable and preferred by birds, but they are nutritionally deficient. Seeds should only be a very small part of a balanced diet and never be the entire diet. In addition, nuts should only be offered occasionally, as their high fat content can contribute to high blood cholesterol and the deposition of cholesterol in arteries (referred to as atherosclerosis), which can predispose birds to strokes and heart attacks. This predisposition seems to have a genetic basis in Quaker parrots, so the amount of fat in their diets should be carefully controlled. If you gradually offer fewer seeds in favor of more nutritionally balanced items, your bird will usually start eating other foods.

Pelleted Diets

Several types of commercially formulated pelleted diets in various colors, shapes, and sizes have been developed to meet most birds’ nutritional needs. Pellets are the ideal diet for most birds, so seed-eating birds should be slowly weaned off seeds and placed onto a pelleted diet. Pellets should ideally represent a minimum of 70% of the bird’s diet. Mature birds raised on seed diets may be particularly difficult to convert to a pelleted diet. Hand-raised babies are generally the easiest to start on a pelleted diet.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits, vegetables, and greens should account for no more than 20–40% of the daily diet. Pale vegetables with a high-water composition, such as iceberg or head lettuce and celery, offer very little nutritional value and should not be offered to your Quaker parrot. Both avocado and onions are potentially toxic and should never be offered to a bird.

Fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly to remove chemicals and potentially harmful bacteria before feeding your cockatoo. They should be cut into small pieces appropriate to the size of the bird. It is not necessary to take the skin off. Fruits and vegetables may be fed in a separate dish. Fruits are high in water content and natural sugar, so they should be fed in limited quantities. 

If your bird appears to develop a particular fancy for only one food item, reduce its volume, or stop feeding it temporarily to promote consumption of other foods. Fruits and vegetables should be left in the cage for no more than a couple of hours, particularly in warm climates, or they may spoil.

Water

Fresh, clean water must always be available. Depending on the quality of your tap water, you might consider using bottled water. Dishes must be cleaned thoroughly every day with soap and water.

How do I convert my bird to a pelleted diet?

Some birds are more difficult than others to transition on to pellets. Seek the advice of a veterinarian familiar with birds to get tips on how to make this transition easier. Converting seed-eating birds to a formulated diet is not always easy. Initially, birds may not even recognize pellets as food. Pellets and seeds may be mixed, as birds will simply pick out the seeds that they like while being introduced to the look and smell of the pelleted diet.

Pellets may also be offered first thing in the morning, before other food, when your bird is most hungry. Since cockatoos are very social and love to eat with their owners, you can pretend to eat the pellets at the same time as you offer them to your bird. When they see you eating them, they may be more willing to try them. 

You can also grind the pellets up into a fine powder that you can sprinkle on to a very small amount of any moist food that your bird likes to eat (e.g., vegetables, fruit, cooked egg, pasta). If your bird eats the pellet-coated food, you can gradually grind the pellets into larger chunks and mix them with smaller amounts of moist food over time, so that ultimately you are offering nearly all pellets with minimal amounts of moist food mixed in.

"It may take days, weeks, or months to modify a bird’s diet."

It may take days, weeks, or months to modify a bird’s diet. If your bird is slow taking to pellets, you may offer a small amount of seed or fruits and vegetables later in the day. Seeds may be withdrawn completely only when you are sure your bird is eating the pellets, plus some fruits and vegetables.

This can be a stressful time for you and your cockatoo, but with patience, you can transition your bird from an unhealthy seed diet to a balanced, pellet-based diet. Remember to consult an avian veterinarian if you encounter any problems with this transition or with the health of your bird. You can find an avian veterinarian in your area on the Association of Avian Veterinarians website (www.aav.org)

Can I feed my bird people food?

As a rule, any wholesome, nutritious food that you and your family eat your bird can eat, but in very small quantities (a small handful for a Quaker parrot is equivalent to a dinner plate-size portion for a person and is appropriate). Follow the general guidelines discussed above regarding fruits and vegetables. Some birds even enjoy a small amount of lean cooked meat, fish, cooked egg, or very small amounts of cheese, occasionally.

Dairy products should be consumed in moderation, as birds are lactose-intolerant. Processed foods like cookies, crackers, or chips are not nutritional treats and should be avoided. Chocolate, products containing caffeine (coffee, tea, soda), and alcoholic beverages should never be offered to your Quaker parrot.

Will my bird have any different needs throughout its life?

Birds that are extremely young, stressed, injured, laying eggs or raising young may have certain special requirements. There are specially formulated pelleted foods available for birds with specific nutritional requirements. Consult your veterinarian regarding these situations.

Does my bird need extra vitamins, minerals or amino acids?

Your veterinarian can help you assess your bird’s diet and its particular needs. In general, birds that are eating pellets as the basis of their diets do not need supplements. Specific vitamins or minerals may be more important at various times during a bird’s life (e.g., egg laying requires calcium supplementation). Calcium supplements are available if your parrot is determined to be deficient.

Does my bird need gravel or grit?

Controversy exists over the need for gravel. Previously, it was believed that grit was necessary for the mechanical breakdown of food in the gizzard to aid in digestion. This is true for birds that ingest seeds whole, shell, and all. However, many birds remove the shell before ingesting the seed kernel. Birds that eat this way do not need grit in their diet. Some birds will have problems if grit is overeaten.

What pointers should I remember about feeding my Quaker parrot?

• Always monitor the amount of food eaten every day by each bird, especially if birds are housed together.
• Offer fresh water every day.
• Offer fresh fruits and vegetables every day.
• Clean all food and water dishes daily.
• If a bird rejects a food one day, it may accept it another day. Keep trying!

Some suggested food items include: