III How long do they live? Are they prone to any health problems?
Quakers can live to be 25 to 30 years of age and perhaps even longer. They are very hardy birds. In fact, there are wild colonies of Quakers in many of the eastern as well as the southern states. They appear to thrive in even the coldest climates! For some very interesting facts concerning feral Quakers, please read the section that discusses legal issues. I have heard that Quakers are prone to Fatty Liver Disease. To ensure that your Quaker has the longest lifespan possible, do not allow him/her to become overweight and make sure you stay away from all-seed diets and other high fat foods. Feather plucking is another problem that is sometimes seen in Quakers. There can be both physical and behavioral causes for this disorder, so an examination by an avian vet is strongly recommended. In a few rare cases, Quakers have been known to self-mutilate, chewing into their skin instead of just chewing on or pulling their feathers.
