The number one thing you should know about a Quaker, and I think most everyone here will agree, is that a QP is more your friend than your pet. They really don't seem to know that they're not a person, and frankly, after owning my QP for a year (and recently adding a second one), I'm not convinced they aren't!

They are most definitely spunky, inquisitive, and playful, although in my opinion not as acrobatic as say, a macaw, conure or lory. "A big parrot in a small package" is the most apt description in the world for these little guys. As for cuddly, that depends on what you mean by cuddly. You can't cuddle a QP like you can a puppy, simply because you'll overheat or suffocate the bird. And they're not as cuddly as a cockatoo...but then, nothing on earth is a cuddly as a 'too! QPs are however very affectionate (mine is covering my face with kisses as we speak), and they love to have their heads scratched and even make a purring noise while you're doing it! Some birds are cuddlier than others, and I can say from experience that my older QP is much more affectionate now than he was as a baby. It is truly amazing how your relationship with your QP will actually deepen the more time you are together, and the more trust you develop in that relationship.

QPs are a relatively small bird and therefore don't have the lung volume of a larger bird such as a macaw, cockatoo or Amazon. However, noise tolerance, as opposed to volume, is kind of a personal decision. They are noiser than a cockatiel, and like most parrots tend to vocalize twice a day, mostly after sunrise and before sunset. They'll also call out to you if they hear you in a different room, because you are their "flock", and they need to guide you "back home"! However, there are ways of controlling screaming when it does happen  It's rare that you'll get a noise complaint or a migraine from a single pet Quaker. Add more, and they will call to each other, but honestly, it's not bad at all. I have 10 birds, two of which are QPs, and I've gotten no noise complaints at all, even living in an apartment! Quakers also have the PROPENSITY to talk quite a bit, which we can cover some other time =)

Quakers and other birds: QPs can be little bullies, and they don't know how small they are. which means they beat up tiels and budgies, and try to harass larger birds. They are also escape artists, which means if you don't want them to get out of a cage, you need to fasten it closed with a C-clamp (like the kind found on toys) or a dog lead or something similar, or they will get out and get themselves into trouble. Rule of thumb: don't let them out near any other bird unsupervised. There are always exceptions (my Ernie is best buddies with my lesser 'too), but that's the general rule. They aren't overly mean or aggressive to birds their own size (such as conures), but better safe than sorry.

Last thing: QPs DO tend to bond to one person if not socialized with many different people. The best thing is to expose the young bird to different people and situations while it's young. How they treat the other humans in the home to which it isn't bonded runs the gamut from indiffernence to biting! My Ernie used to love only me, be friendly/indifferent to strangers, and bite the heck out of my husband.

Usually a Quaker is most aggressive to the person whom it feels poses the most competion for the person it IS bonded to. However, this isn't a permanent situation: while I was on an extended trip this summer, Ernie and my husband became buddies, and though he still loves me best, he no longer attacks my husband at all. It's important for the "left-out" bird owner to realize this isn't a personal affront. Just keep a sense of humor and keep bribing the bird with Nutraberries =)

This is the straight skinny on owning a QP, without all the glowing reports and mushiness I COULD give you. Quakers, in my opinion, are the very very best birds you could ever have the pleasure of sharing your life with...good luck in your decision!