What should I know about Blue Quaker Parrots?

Hello! There are a few things that stand out when determining the differences of blue Quaker Parrots when compared to their usually green counter-parts!

Size

Many people have pointed out that the blue quaker parrot is slightly smaller than its green counterpart. A typical blue QP may average around 100 grams. While a standard green QP will weigh around 120 grams. This means the blue QP is on average somewhere around 83% smaller than a green quaker parrot. Though the sizes of the birds may vary depending on diet/nutrition and exercise (a flying quaker parrot will typically need a little more food to sustain weight). 

Temperment

There have been a few reports of people claiming their blue quaker parrot is a little sweeter than a normal green quaker. Obviously this will vary much from bird to bird, as all birds are different. Quaker parrots have been known to be a little temperamental. The parrot I take care of pico (a green quaker parrot) is quite sweet, and I've also met several blue quakers who were sweet as well. Personally I don't believe a parrot's temperament can/should be judged on color, and have not noticed any differences in temperament between the two.

Speech

Some people say green quaker parrots tend to talk a little more than their blue cousins. This is not something I'm able to verify, but it's likely that your parrot will talk more the more time you spend with it. Often times teaching a parrot how to talk is just a matter of being friendly, sweet, and playing with your parrot. I've also found that talking in a high sweet voice, saying the same thing over and over has taught pico quite a lot!

How long do blue quaker parrots live?

Expect your blue quaker parrot to live to be around 30-35 years old! Adoping a quaker parrot is a big commitment. Like dogs they are extremely smart and form relationships with people individually. My quaker parrot gets sassy when I'm not around, but when I'm around he's quite excited! Please just make sure if you get a quaker parrot you realize that it is a lifetime commitment. It's not easy for a quaker parrot who has bonded to you to go to a new home.

Are Blue Quaker Parrots good pets?

Quaker parrots are naturally from south america near Argentina. If you live somewhere that's not too cold, a quaker parrot can be a good pet. Often times people have small cages for their bird and never let them out. People will clip their wings so they can't fly. To me this is cruel. Parrots need exercising, and this means flying. If you can provide them with exercise, love, and a big enough space they can be great pets! Consider getting a friend for your parrot to make their life more interesting!

Monk Parakeets (Quaker Parrots) in the wild

Quaker Parrot Color Variations

Hello! Welcome!

This is a new webpage I've created to document the little-well known blue Quaker Parrot.

cute blue Quaker Parrot (bqp) stands next to green Quaker Parrot

How does the parrot become blue?!

The blue color comes from a genetic mutation. Currently green quakers are much more common, however with time this may change. Often times people will breed a certain type of genetic mutation into the gene pool. This can commonly be seen with all the different types of dogs! This is called selective breeding. Some pet stores carry bqp's, and in the future it will most likely become more common.

Do quaker parrots come in any other colors besides green and blue?

Yes!  Quaker parrots have a few other genetic mutations that result in different colors.

          1.) Lutino (yellow)

yellow lutino mutation - quaker parrot

2.) Cinnamon blue/Cinnamon green (blue/green color with a brownish tinge)

cinnamon blue (brownish tinge)

3.) Albino quaker

                                        

4.) Violet quaker parrot

                      

5.) Pallid blue quaker (light blue)

                    

   

Are there any other color mutations?

Yes! There are several. Perhaps the most informative website on these color mutations right now is this website listed below:

http://www.loriinae.com/quaker_mutations.html

At the website above they describe not just the color variations but the scientific reasons for these variations. One thing the author mentions is that it's possible to combine any of these color combinations. Sometimes people name new cross-bred mutations in order to sell the parrots. But mutations aside, all quaker parrots are created equal! I think it's very important to remember that regardless of the color of the bird, all of them are extremely smart creatures each individual in their own special way.

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