Hello my name is Milo!
Myiopsitta monachus
I am a presumed male Quaker Parrot who is 5 years old. I entered FOTA's program in February 2026 after my mom at the time sent an urgent email that she needed help. She got in touch with FOTA because both myself and my sister Mia were in need of medical care asap and she could not afford the vet bills. She had purchased us off Kijiji thinking we were healthy birds.
As soon as volunteers met us they knew we were in rough shape. We were both weak, malnourished, couldn't perch, and I had a huge hole in my skin due to Feather Destructive Behaviours.
Our prognosis didn't look good but FOTA and the amazing team at Burloak Animal Hospital wanted to give us a chance. They sent us to an experienced foster home with meds and instructions for adapted cages (I was in a hospital tank!) .
Likes
My foraging toys, snuggling up with my foster mom, stealing snacks from the jar, and target training!
Dislikes
I don't really have any dislikes or fears. I don't like if its too quiet so music is normally on for me.
Fav Foods
Safflower Seeds are my favourite snack and I like Sweet Potato, Eggs, Apples, Peas, Peach, etc
What I Can Say
Nothing I've shared so far.
I do make little grumbles when asked to share my noises!
Friends
I lived with other birds but we did not interact. Previously I was bonded to Mia before we got sick.
About Me and Other
Quaker Parrots
My ancestors are naturally found in South America across countries like Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. However Quakers are considered invasive in 31 countries including the USA, Greece, Japan, and Italy! We are also referred to as Monk Parakeets because our green (or sometimes blue or yellow) and grey pattern mimics a monk's outfit. We nest in large groups and are known for our huge nests that house multiple breeding pairs.
Quakers are a smaller species of parrot but require just as much specialized care, socialization, and enrichment as a larger bird. As a companion, a Quaker's lifespan is about 30 years. Because they are considered an invasive species it is actually illegal to own them in many US states. These birds are very smart and emotionally intelligent.
Unfortunately, Mia passed away just before her 5th birthday. She had a known heart condition but didn't react well to the medication, the same weakness and arthritis as Milo, and after she passed we learned she had Bornavirus. Her appetite began to decline and she soon started experiencing neurological episodes. Despite emergency veterinary care, follow-up visits, and several medications, it became apparent that she was likely suffering from seizures. Sadly, her quality of life deteriorated. She could no longer hold herself upright, eat, or respond to light and sound. We made the difficult decision to help her cross the rainbow bridge peacefully, surrounded by the volunteers who loved her.
Once in care and on the road to recovery, Milo’s personality emerged. Despite his rough start, he is friendly and loves snuggling. Now that he has more energy he is struggling with feather-destruction and learning to escape every collar we make. We could not have provided the veterinary care he needed without the incredible support of our community!
Quaker Parrot numbers have skyrocketed. They are found in many countries not native to their range. It is thought that escaped or let go pets have started these wild colonies and are able to survive outdoor
What I'm up to Now
I am in FOTA's Foster Program!
I have made so much incredible progress. I started off unable to lift my head or eat on my own and now I'm target training, doing an adapted step up (into a towel), chewing and throwing toys to forage for snacks and am getting lots of love. I will forever be on meds and need an adapted cage set up but I am living my best life, keeping mentally and physically active, and am working on more cooperative care to give me choices that are listened to even though I need extra help. My foster mom loves me so much and is planning on adopting me!
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