Breed profile

Quaker (Cotorra Monje)

= the monk parakeet. In the UK it is a controlled invasive species, and keeping or releasing it is restricted.

Origin: Sudamérica Size: Mediano Lifespan: 20-30 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Mizuu editorial teamupdated on October 14, 2026Not yet reviewed by a vet. Are you a vet? Review itReport an error

Ideal for

Families with time for daily interaction
Spacious homes (large birds need a room)
Those who accept a decades-long commitment (parrots live a long time)

Reconsider if

×Homes without time to socialise the bird
×Those who cannot tolerate noise (all parrots vocalise)
×Homes without space for flight

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Is the Quaker (Cotorra Monje) a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Ease of training

Grooming needs

Vocalisation / noise

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

Estimated cost of ownership

30-60 €/month

Pellets, vegetables and fruit (15-28 €), toys for chewing and foraging (10-20 €) and pro-rated prevention (8-15 €). Separately: annual check-up with an avian vet (45-80 €) and a spacious initial cage (120-300 €).

History and origin

Originating from South America. = the monk parakeet.

Temperament and character

Intelligence varies by species. Parrots form strong bonds with their humans. They need daily mental stimulation · NOT just a cage.

Living together

Children: depends on the species + individual character. **Other birds:** better in a pair/group (except territorial species). **Larger pets:** avoid — a real risk of predation.

Life stages of the Quaker (Cotorra Monje)

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 20-30 años.

Chick

0-3 months

Hand-feeding formula and warmth; the only psittacine that builds a nest of twigs

Juvenile

3-12 months

Weaning, strong talking ability and early socialisation

Adult

1-15 years

Low-fat diet; monitor lipomas and plumage (feather syndrome)

Senior

15-30 years

Weight and liver control and regular check-ups

Care

Cage: at least twice the size of the bird with its wings spread. A dedicated room is better.

Feeding: SEEDS are NOT a complete diet. A combination of pellets + fresh fruit/vegetables daily.

Free flight: at least 1-2 hours/day out of the cage in a safe area.

Vet: an avian specialist vet (exotics vet). Annual check-up.

Care in detail

Nutrition

A pellet base with plenty of vegetables and some fruit; limit fatty seeds (sunflower) due to its strong tendency towards fatty liver. Fresh water daily.

Grooming

Regular baths or misting. It is one of the few birds that builds elaborate nests: offer it safe material to chew and manipulate.

Training

Very intelligent, sociable and a good mimic of speech; learns tricks and words with positive reinforcement. It can become territorial over its cage if not well socialised.

Exercise

High energy: needs several hours a day out of the cage, chew toys and plenty of interaction to avoid screaming or self-mutilating.

Breed-specific health

Aspergillosis (fungal), psittacosis (chlamydiosis), feather problems from stress/deficiencies. Life expectancy of 20-30 years with appropriate care. Before taking on a large parrot, consider that you will share your entire adult life with it.

Health predispositions for this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

Psitacosis (clamidiosis aviar)Intoxicación / envenenamiento Megabacteriosis aviar

Common diseases in birds

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

Intoxicación / envenenamiento Fractura ósea Hemorragia (sangrado importante)Psitacosis (clamidiosis aviar)Megabacteriosis aviar Quemaduras

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Quaker (Cotorra Monje)

Recommended tests and screenings

Psittacosis/chlamydiosis screening (PCR)
PBFD (beak and feather disease) and polyomavirus testing
Liver panel / assessment of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver)
Behavioural assessment of Quaker self-mutilation syndrome

Prevention

A diet of pellets and vegetables, avoiding excess fatty seeds (a predisposition to fatty liver), plenty of social and physical enrichment to prevent self-mutilation, and check-ups with an avian vet. Check the legal status first: in the UK it is a controlled invasive species.

Check-up schedule

A check-up with an avian vet at the time of acquisition and an annual check-up; regular weighing.

Warning signs

!Biting/self-mutilating the chest or feet
!Lethargy, fluffed-up plumage or breathing difficulty
!Overweight or lethargy (fatty liver)
!Abnormal feathers or beak lesions (PBFD)

Quaker (Cotorra Monje) gallery

Foto de la raza quaker — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Quaker (Cotorra Monje)

How long does a Quaker (Cotorra Monje) live?

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The life expectancy of the Quaker (Cotorra Monje) is 20-30 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Quaker (Cotorra Monje) weigh?

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An adult Quaker (Cotorra Monje) weighs between 90-150g, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is mediano.

Where does the Quaker (Cotorra Monje) breed come from?

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The Quaker (Cotorra Monje) originates from Sudamérica. Originating from South America. = the monk parakeet.

How much exercise does a Quaker (Cotorra Monje) need?

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The Quaker (Cotorra Monje) has media energy. **Cage:** at least twice the size of the bird with its wings spread. A dedicated room is better.

Is the Quaker (Cotorra Monje) good with children?

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**Children:** depends on the species + individual character. **Other birds:** better in a pair/group (except territorial species). **Larger pets:** avoid — a real risk of predation.

Who is the Quaker (Cotorra Monje) NOT recommended for?

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It isn't the right breed for: Homes without time to socialise the bird. Those who cannot tolerate noise (all parrots vocalise). Homes without space for flight. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

What health problems does the Quaker (Cotorra Monje) have?

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Is it legal to keep a Quaker in the UK?

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It depends on the jurisdiction. The monk/Quaker parakeet is listed as an invasive alien species, and keeping and breeding it are regulated or prohibited in various places. Find out before acquiring one.

Does it talk well?

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Yes. Despite its medium size it is a great mimic, able to learn many words and phrases in a clear voice.

Why is it called 'monk'?

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Because of the grey plumage on its chest and face that resembles a monk's habit. That is why it is known as the monk parakeet.

Is it noisy?

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Fairly. It vocalises a lot, especially when bored or demanding attention; it needs stimulation and company to avoid excessive screaming.

Why does it pluck its feathers?

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Quaker self-mutilation syndrome is associated with stress, boredom or health problems. Enrichment, routine and a veterinary check-up are essential.

Learn more about birds

Practical veterinary guides to support your Quaker (Cotorra Monje).

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Diet

Seeds vs pellets

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Sources and references

Content compiled from official breed standards and leading veterinary sources.

WikipediaMyiopsitta monachus (Monk Parakeet) ↗
World Parrot TrustMonk Parakeet ↗

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