Quaker

Quakers rival much larger parrots for talking ability and often start young. Short, consistent daily practice sessions work far better than occasional long ones.

A pellet-based diet with fresh vegetables and limited fruit. An all-seed diet is strongly linked to fatty liver disease in this species, so it's worth moving off seed-only feeding early.

Feather Chef Quaker Blend ($15.99–$89.99), with five millet varieties and reduced sunflower and fruit, works well as a transition food, or try Passwell Parrot Pellets ($9.99–$54.99) once fully converted to pellets.

20–30 years is typical with good care, occasionally longer. It's a genuine multi-decade commitment, similar to a much larger parrot despite their small size.

Yes, they're loud for their size and bond strongly, sometimes to one person in particular. Without enough daily attention they can develop screaming or feather-plucking habits.

As natural nest-builders, Quakers love to shred and construct with material, so chewable and weaveable toys go down especially well.

Bagel Rings ($17.99), thick cardboard and wood beads on leather rope, are ideal for a Quaker's shredding instinct.