Conures are often described as birds belonging to the small to medium-sized parrots coming from South America and the Caribbean Islands. Popular for their bold and outgoing personalities, Conures are intellectual and affectionate as well. A wonderful family pet, the Conures are incredibly expressive birds that love having people around.
Conures are described as a member of the small to medium-sized parrots within the biological group of long-tailed birds.
During their discovery, Conures were thought to be a Western Hemisphere parrot or a large Parakeet. However, Conures vary in size due to their long tails making them too large to be classified as a parakeet.
In some areas, these birds are treated as agricultural pests due to their incessant consumption of grains with their small but sturdy beaks.
Conures are proven to be an excellent family pet due to their playful nature. With the variety of species, there’s certainly a suitable bird for every type of keeper who is keen to have a Conure as a pet.
Depending on the species, a Conure’s size may differ. It can stand from 10 to 20 inches long from head to the tip of its tail. Kinds of Conures include:
Conures vary in colour and size. Some may reach only up to 10 inches long, whilst others may reach 17 to 20 inches long from head to tail.
Conures were thought to have resembled a parakeet at first because of its dominant green colour but their colourful patches have proven otherwise. Besides their long tails, Conures have small but strong beaks which they often use to chew on a number of different toys and things.
In terms of grooming and hygiene, Conures are fond of taking baths—may it be with the usual spray bath, in the shower with the keeper, or dipping themselves in birdbaths.
Rather than being cautious and reserved, Conures are adorably affectionate, playful, daring, and can be excessively loud. These birds produce high-pitched screeches when excited, surprised, or when they just simply want to get your attention. Its personality makes it a suitable family pet.
They are good entertainers as they love getting attention from people. This type of bird will dance, mimic a person’s movement, or stand on a person’s shoulder for a cuddle.
Conures can be taught to talk as well. They can learn 5 to 10 words and phrases. They are very quick to learn tricks due to their kinaesthetic intelligence and playful nature. They are commonly known for learning how to wave, turn around, and shake hands easily. They can be taught to perform tricks a lot better when trained carefully.
With their high intelligence, they need constant access to toys for them to play with to avoid getting bored and keep their brain stimulated.
For families with young children, it would be best to teach them beforehand how to handle the birds with care and patience. Conures have the tendency to nip anyone when frightened or hurt.
The dietary needs of a Conure depend on psychological condition, level of activeness, egg-laying, and growth.
Aside from pellets and seed mixes, fresh greens, vegetables, fruits and grains are recommended:
Greens
Chard, mustard, sorrel, cilantro, parsley, kale, collards, carrot tops, arugula
Vegetables
Pepper, squash, cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, beet, yam, pumpkin, snow pea, broccoli, potato, cooked beans
Fruits
Apple, lemon, orange, grape, berries, banana, pear, plum, mango, cantaloupe, melons, papaya, fig
Grains
Brown rice, barley, millet, amaranth, quinoa, farina, oats, corn
Harmful foods such as avocado, coffee, chocolates, cured meat, fatty or oily foods, salty food, sugary products, and alcohol must be avoided.
A well cared for Conure can live from 20 to 30 years. Depending on the breed, a Conure can also possibly live up to 40 years or longer.
Conures are naturally active birds that need a spacious cage to move around. Cages with the minimum size of 36 inches long, 24 inches wide and 24 inches high are best for this type of bird. Other species of Conures (besides the Green-Cheeked Conures which produce a tolerable amount of noise) are best for detached homes due to their loud vocal prowess. Cage placement should be away from too much sunlight because these birds can overheat when exposed to sunlight for long periods.
These birds explore everything with their beaks so expect them to peck at their toys, wooden blocks, garments and pieces of furniture.
Conures are prone to feather plucking. Feather plucking or picking is a common behavioural disorder among birds in captivity and other domesticated mammals according to comparative psychology. When this happens, going to an avian veterinary to get them checked is the best possible option.
Conures can cost between £100 and £500. A good cage can cost between £200 and £500. In addition, a Conure owner would also have to spend for toys, perches, varied diet of pellets, fresh greens, vegetables and fruits. Most importantly, set aside some cash for annual or emergency avian check-ups.