After talking to him I called a bird farm in Florida and bought 6 pairs of surgically sexed Quakers.Breeding Quakers has been one of the most rewarding thing I have done with birds of any kind. The first nest of baby Quakers I raised were the cutest things I had ever seen and I fell in love with them right then and there. They looked up at me and bobbed their little head and flapped their little wings and I swear they look just like they were smiling at me. What a happy bunch of baby birds.

Since then I have learned that they are excellent talkers, they are sweet and affectionate. And they are one of the most intelligent birds I have ever come across. I have  never regretted buying those first 6 pairs. I only wish I would have bought more back then. A pet Quaker is a personal thing and no two birds are alike. The first thing you should do is try and find a reputable breeder in your area and find out if they have any babies for sale. If you have never hand fed a bird you should either leave it up to the breeder to do or have him let you come over and help hand feeding so that the baby can bond closer to you. Some breeders do not agree with this but we have trained many new Quaker owners through out the years and if properly done it is a rewarding experience that cannot be explained.

If you cant find a breeder near by then you may have to go to a pet store and purchase one. In either case you should check out the environment from where you will buy your future family member. Is the place clean? Does the staff or breeder seem knowledgeable? I have people call me all the time asking questions about birds they bought from other breeders that they (the other breeders) cant answer. Are they feeding a base diet of pellets? Quakers should not be on a seed diet as they are prone to fatty liver disease and seeds increase the likelihood of them getting it.

Are they Friendly? I believe that if a person handling birds is basically a friendly person then they are friendly and kind to the birds and animals they care for and that it shows in the attitude of the birds they raise. There is nothing that beats T L C. especially when caring for and training birds. They are very smart and pick up on bad attitudes quicker than you would believe. Ever go to a  place where a grumpy person was selling birds? I bet his or her birds were grumpy also. You  cant raise a nice friendly bird if you are not nice yourself.

Okay we have picked out a nice clean, friendly, healthy environment where the diet is good. Now we have to pick out a Quaker baby. I find it best to let the bird pick out me. Birds are like people when it comes to who they like and who they dont like. Ideally you should have 2 or more birds to pick from. I kind of play with them from afar. (from the outside of the cage or play area that they may be in) and talk to them. You will notice that some will come over and see what you are doing and some will run the other way.

From the ones that come over and see what you are all about pick one and get him up to further evaluate him for compatibility. If he likes you it will be evident right off the bat. He will be satisfied to sit on your finger or cuddle in your hands without trying to fly away. He will most likely do a little "Quaker Quake" while you hold him gently and talk soothingly to him. I like to get them right up to my face and talk softly and stroke their feathers on their head. If the first one you pick up is not like this then try another one. You will know when you have found the bird for you. There will be no doubt in your mind that "this" is the one. Take your time and handle all of the friendly ones to find that "perfect" little Quaker that is sure to make you happy for many years to come with his smiley face and intelligent antics. If by some chance (hardly likely) that you dont find one that is openly affectionate to you then I would wait until the breeder has a new clutch or pet store has some other ones in.

Buying a Quaker for a pet is a rewarding experience and you should not rush it. I have some breeding pairs that consistently produce really sweet babies and I am sure other breeders do also so why not wait for the right one!