Linnies...

Question
Hi Maggie,
How are you?
I just have a general question about the lineoated parakeet.  Depending on what site you read the opinions of them differ.
Can you give me any thought/knowledge you might have of them?
Currently we have 2 English budgies that are 31/2 years old. We had 3, but regretfully one of them passed away around christmas of last year.  I would like to add another bird to the flock, but want something different from a budgie.  We looked into getting a Quaker, but my husband is not quite ready I think to go to something that is bigger and louder!!
Thanks so much!!

Linda

Answer
Hi Linda,

Unfortunately I don't have first had experience with Linnies, and there isn't much information on them as pets. From what I hear though, they tend not to be overly affectionate with their owners (like many quakers can be). In other words- lineoated parakeets aren't as cuddly as most well-socialized quakers are.

However, Quakers can also be quite a handful (they are bigger, and louder... like your husband has pointed out). Quakers can also be quite demanding and more mouthy (in other words- more prone to biting) if not properly raised. I also wouldn't trust a Quaker alone with your budgies, because there is such a size difference, the budgies could get seriously injured- even if just from one nip from a quaker.

This is not to say that a lineoated parakeet would get along with your budgies either, but I think they would be more closely matched. (Of course, any new bird you get should be properly quarantined and examined by an avian vet before being exposed to your existing flock).

Sorry I couldn't help more.

-Maggie