Best Food for Quaker Parrots (Monk Parakeets)

Quaker parrots, also called monk parakeets, are clever, chatty little parrots with big personalities. They're also known for loving their food a little too much, so a well-balanced diet is important.

What Quaker parrots need

• A pellet-based diet. Quakers are prone to weight gain and fatty liver on seed-heavy diets. A quality pellet or pellet-based blend should be the foundation.
• Plenty of vegetables. Leafy greens, carrots, sweet potato, broccoli and peppers are all great choices.
• Fruit in moderation.
• Seeds and nuts as treats, not the main meal.

Our recommended foods

Paradise Ultimate Blend

Our signature blend of fortified, non-colored pellets with nuts, dried fruits, dried vegetables and fresh herbs. It's a great everyday food for Quakers and an easy way to move them off a seed-only diet.

Small Bird Benji Ultimate Blend

The same idea with smaller pellets and fruit pieces, designed for small to medium birds.

Natural Choice Ultimate Blend

A lower-sugar option with organic pellets and no peanuts, sunflower seeds or raisins. A good fit for a Quaker that's carrying a little extra weight.

Keep your Quaker busy

Quakers are natural builders and foragers. Give them shreddable toys and hide treats in paper or foraging toys. See foraging with in-shell nuts.

Watch the weight

Weigh your Quaker weekly on a gram scale. If the weight creeps up, cut back on nuts and seeds and add more vegetables, and talk to your avian vet.

Check your local laws

Because wild Quaker populations can establish themselves outdoors, Quaker parrots are restricted or banned as pets in some US states. Check your state's rules before getting one.

Related reading: What do parrots eat? A complete diet guide