Monk Parakeet (Quaker)

Animal Diversity Web describes the monk parakeet as a social, colony-living bird that does not avoid people and is found even in cities and on farms. Merck says hand-raised birds are fairly good talkers and can be very affectionate, but that the species is sometimes loud and known for chewing. In other words, a smart, attention-seeking bird with its own voice and beak.

In a 2011 survey of avian veterinarians and parrot owners by Gaskins and Bergman, the most common behavior problems were aggression, screaming and feather picking; be prepared for these with a monk parakeet too.

The monk parakeet suits people who can spend time with their bird every day, set aside a roomy living space, accept the noise and chewing, and take on a 20–30 year responsibility. Merck describes it as sometimes loud and known for chewing and adds that farmers in many countries consider it a pest. RSPCA Australia reminds readers that birds can live 10 to 50 years, that noise levels vary greatly by species and that a bird vet can be hard to find.

According to the World Parrot Trust it lives in southern Brazil, Uruguay and northeastern Argentina, with subspecies reaching western Argentina, southeastern Bolivia and Paraguay; it is rated Least Concern by the IUCN and is described as common to abundant. Animal Diversity Web says it uses low, open savanna, scrub and palm groves, as well as city parks and farms. Adults build large, domed nests of sticks; the World Parrot Trust says up to 20 pairs can share one structure.

Through the pet trade and escapes, the species has settled in the wild in many countries. The World Parrot Trust lists feral populations in several US states, Puerto Rico, the UK and parts of Europe, and says about 710,000 wild-caught birds have entered international trade since 1981. Blanco-González and colleagues (2026) report that Spain has Europe's largest population (about 21,000 birds in 2015, a third of them in Madrid), that the species is on Spain's catalog of invasive alien species and that control programs have been run. The same study found that its nests also shelter 11 native species. In short: an escaped monk parakeet affects local nature.

The World Parrot Trust gives about 11.5 in (29 cm) and 4.5–4.9 oz (127–140 g); Animal Diversity Web gives a lower average. The face and chest are grayish, the back and wings green and the beak orangey. Feather condition is also a clue to health: a bird with fluffed, dull or plucked feathers should be seen by a vet.

• Flight: Free flight in a safe room every day; window, door, fan and heater precautions; toxic plants removed.
• Chewing: Merck says it is known for chewing; give sturdy, non-toxic chew toys and swap them often. Avoid toys with metal parts or string.
• Mental work: Merck lists lack of mental stimulation among the causes of feather picking.
• Regular attention: Merck recommends consistent, regular interaction.
• Sleep: Merck values uninterrupted nights; RSPCA suggests a separate night cage instead of covering the cage.
• Bathing: A mister or shallow dish.

Also see bonding with your bird and toys for birds.

RSPCA Australia's rule for a pair: the width at least three times the combined wingspan of the two birds, the height at least three times the head-to-tail length of the largest bird, and at least two wingbeats between perches. For a bird about 11.5 in (29 cm) long, that is a height of at least about 3 ft (90 cm). A long cage beats a tall one. RSPCA writes that birds confined to cages risk obesity, arthritis, boredom, feather picking, screaming and aggression; a flight aviary or regular safe flight is a must.

• Material: For aviary wire for birds of 80–200 g, RSPCA suggests about 1.2 mm wire; for a bird that loves chewing, choose sturdy material that is hard to pry apart. Poorly galvanized wire can poison with zinc; Merck prefers stainless steel.
• Perches: Natural, non-toxic branches; avoid metal pipe, cotton-rope and sandpaper-covered perches.
• Bowls: Stainless steel, glass or glazed ceramic.
• Floor: Newspaper or paper towel.
• Location: In a corner, away from traffic and constant noise. See the cage placement guide.
• Cleaning: At least weekly, ideally every 1–2 days.

Animal Diversity Web says the wild monk parakeet eats seeds, fruit, blossoms, buds, insects and parts of trees. According to Merck Veterinary Manual, a diet built around seeds and nuts is fatty and lacks many vitamins and minerals. The recommended base is a complete formulated pellet plus a smaller amount of fresh vegetables and fruit; work out the proportions with a vet who sees birds. Switch gradually.

• Fresh water every day; do not mix powdered supplements into the water.
• Vitamin A deficiency is common and often missed in seed-fed birds.
• For harmful foods, see foods that are harmful to birds.

Merck says birds hide illness. What follows is for information; for diagnosis and treatment, talk to a veterinarian who sees birds.

• Nutrition problems and obesity: Linked to seed-heavy diets.
• Feather picking: Merck says medical causes should be ruled out first, then psychological ones such as stress and boredom considered.
• Chlamydia (psittacosis): A disease that can spread through droppings, nasal discharge and feather dust and pass to people; Merck lists testing new birds, isolating sick birds, gloves and hand washing.
• Fume and gas poisoning: Overheated nonstick coatings, aerosol sprays, room fresheners and burning plastic can kill birds quickly.
• Heavy metals: Galvanized wire, metal toys and old paint are risky.

Merck says 20–30 years, the World Parrot Trust up to about 25, and Animal Diversity Web an average of 22 in captivity. A long journey. So think before you get one about the cost of care, access to a vet and who will look after the bird when you travel. RSPCA likewise reminds owners to plan care even for travel or hospital stays.

• Legal status: The World Parrot Trust and Animal Diversity Web show the species in CITES Appendix II, and the EU list also puts the Psittaciformes order generally under Appendix II ("II"). Merck says keeping it is illegal in many US states, and Animal Diversity Web says in California; it is restricted in some countries. We could not confirm the situation in Türkiye from a source: ask the relevant official authorities.
• No wild-caught birds: Choose a documented, known breeding source.
• Rescues and shelters: Look for organizations that rehome birds.
• Assess the seller: Pick one who knows the species, gives health and diet information, and offers returns or support; RSPCA warns against impulse buying.
• Vet: First find out whether a bird vet is available near you.