Quaker monk parakeet: incubation period, weaning age and breeding
Quaker monk parakeet eggs hatch after 23–24 days of incubation. Chicks fledge at 42–49 days and are weaned and independent at about 56–70 days. A typical clutch is 4–8 eggs.
Breeding numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult weight (g) | 90-150 |
| Length (cm) | 28-30 |
| Clutch size | 4-8 |
| Incubation (days) | 23-24 |
| Fledging (days) | 42-49 |
| Weaning / independence (days) | 56-70 |
| Breeding age (maturity) | 12–24 months |
| Lifespan (years) | 20-30 |
| Breeding season | Spring (Feb-Jun); colony nester, builds stick nests |
| Sexing | DNA only. Banned/regulated in some US states and parts of Europe (invasive). |
Origin: South America (Argentina and around) — Scientific name: Myiopsitta monachus
Size: 29 cm, 90-150 g
Breeding and care tips
Only parrot that builds stick nests - supply twigs. Loud but a good talker. Restricted in some countries as invasive.
Mutations and colours
Mutations Zajel calculates: Blue, Aqua, Turquoise, Ino (lutino/albino), Pallid, Cinnamon. Named only (not confirmed or polygenic — not used in the calculation): Dark factor (cobalt/mauve), Violet factor, Opaline, Grey-green (US), Red-eyed recessive 'cinnamon' (probably fallow), NSL ino, Pied.
Zajel's genetics lab predicts chick colours from both parents for established mutations only; disputed ones are shown with a note and left out of the calculation.
Need the exact date? Use the egg hatch calculator and the weaning age chart.
Related species
- Peach-faced lovebird
- Fischer's & masked lovebird
- Black-cheeked lovebird
- Nyasa Lilian's lovebird
- Cockatiel
- Indian ringneck
- Alexandrine parakeet
- Plum-headed parakeet
Frequently asked questions
How long do Quaker monk parakeet eggs take to hatch?
Quaker monk parakeet eggs hatch after 23-24 days of incubation.
How many eggs does a Quaker monk parakeet lay?
Usually 4-8 eggs per clutch.
When do Quaker monk parakeet chicks leave the nest?
Chicks fledge at about 42-49 days old.
When are Quaker monk parakeet chicks weaned?
They are weaned and independent at about 56-70 days.
At what age can a Quaker monk parakeet breed?
A Quaker monk parakeet reaches breeding age at about 12–24 months; pairing earlier is not advised.
What is the Quaker monk parakeet breeding season?
Spring (Feb-Jun); colony nester, builds stick nests
How do you tell a male Quaker monk parakeet from a female?
DNA only. Banned/regulated in some US states and parts of Europe (invasive).
How long does a Quaker monk parakeet live?
About 20-30 years with good care.