Conure Parrots Care Sheet
Conure Parrots make exceptional pets because of their diversity and fun clownish personalities. There are many types of conures ranging from the smaller Green Cheeks to the larger Sun Conure, all of which range in many different color variations. Conures are excellent pets for the more experienced bird handler, as they are larger and do take a lot more attention to keep them happy.
An average size for an adult conure ranges from 9 to 13 inches from head to tail, depending on species. Conure's can live 20+ years with proper care, they are also herbivores.
An average size for an adult conure ranges from 9 to 13 inches from head to tail, depending on species. Conure's can live 20+ years with proper care, they are also herbivores.
Housing
Conure's love space, the larger the better. The cage should be tall enough that the Conure's tail does not touch the bottom and there is enough room for unrestricted movement. For a small size conure(green cheek), a minimum of 24"x16"x20" (60 x 40 x 50 cm), and for the larger species(sun), a minimum of 44"x26"x40" (120 x 65 x 100 cm). This will provide room for both horizontal exercise and vertical climbing.
Bar spacing should be small enough that the bird cannot squeeze through. Depending on the species of Conure, bar spacing can vary. For a smaller conure (green cheek) we recommend a bar spacing between 1/2" to 5/8". For the larger of the Conures (sun) no larger then 1/2" to 3/4". There should be a minimum of two perches one for roosting up high and one down low for food and water.
Placement of the cage is very important, you want to ensure your bird is in a secure location away from any harmful substances, fumes or drafts. At night it is recommended to cover their cage to provide security to sleep.
Make sure you fill your cage up with toys and things to forage and to help keep them from boredom.
You'll want to provide two metal bowls, that can attach to the cage and keep your bird from flipping them over constantly. One bowl for food and one bowl for water, the bowl you use for water can be larger then your food bowl to allow your bird to take baths in it, or you can provide a separate bowl designed specifically for baths.
Bar spacing should be small enough that the bird cannot squeeze through. Depending on the species of Conure, bar spacing can vary. For a smaller conure (green cheek) we recommend a bar spacing between 1/2" to 5/8". For the larger of the Conures (sun) no larger then 1/2" to 3/4". There should be a minimum of two perches one for roosting up high and one down low for food and water.
Placement of the cage is very important, you want to ensure your bird is in a secure location away from any harmful substances, fumes or drafts. At night it is recommended to cover their cage to provide security to sleep.
Make sure you fill your cage up with toys and things to forage and to help keep them from boredom.
You'll want to provide two metal bowls, that can attach to the cage and keep your bird from flipping them over constantly. One bowl for food and one bowl for water, the bowl you use for water can be larger then your food bowl to allow your bird to take baths in it, or you can provide a separate bowl designed specifically for baths.
Habitat Maintenance
REMEMBER: ONLY USE BIRD SAFE CLEANERS
Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems and can get extremely ill and even die if any unsafe cleaners are used around them.
Daily Cleaning:
Weekly
A few acceptable cleaners to use around birds:
On another note bird owners should avoid non-stick cookware and appliances as they can release fumes hazardous to your birds health.
Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems and can get extremely ill and even die if any unsafe cleaners are used around them.
Daily Cleaning:
- Rinse out food and water bowl, always provide fresh food and water.
- Change out bottom substrate of droppings and seeds. (We recommend using plain newspaper or paper towels at the bottom of the cage to make it easier to clean)
Weekly
- Clean all toys and perches.
A few acceptable cleaners to use around birds:
- Nature's Miracle
- Vinegar and Water Mixture
- Poop-Off
- Healthy Habitat
On another note bird owners should avoid non-stick cookware and appliances as they can release fumes hazardous to your birds health.
Feeding
Conures eat a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, berries and vegetation such as leaf buds in the wild. The most recommended diet is a 75%-80% specialized pellet diet. With small amounts of fortified seeds mixed in. It is not recommended to feed just seeds as they are usually high in carbohydrates and lack vital nutrients. Fresh fruit and vegetables should make up the other 20%-25% of your birds diet.
Cuttlebone should also be provided for your conure at all times. Cuttlebone is the calcareous internal shell of a cuttlefish. It provides necessary minerals and calcium, which helps birds with bone formation and blood clotting. Cuttlebone has a rough texture, making it an ideal tool to help support beak strength. Birds can use cuttlebones to help keep their beaks trimmed and sharp.
You can also provide spray millet for your conure, millet is an excellent treat and healthy. It allows your bird to forage as well, which many birds love to do.
For a list containing safe and unsafe foods for your conure please visit this website;
Cuttlebone should also be provided for your conure at all times. Cuttlebone is the calcareous internal shell of a cuttlefish. It provides necessary minerals and calcium, which helps birds with bone formation and blood clotting. Cuttlebone has a rough texture, making it an ideal tool to help support beak strength. Birds can use cuttlebones to help keep their beaks trimmed and sharp.
You can also provide spray millet for your conure, millet is an excellent treat and healthy. It allows your bird to forage as well, which many birds love to do.
For a list containing safe and unsafe foods for your conure please visit this website;
Activities
This photo is an example of what a birds cage should resemble, lots of toys and things to play with and do. Conures can get very bored very easy, you will need to provide lots of toys, chews, and things to mess with in their cage to keep them occupied and safe from boredom.
Conures are capable of learning small tricks, and love to come out and play with their owners. It is recommended if you get one of these beautiful birds that you make sure you have time to handle them and bring them out to play daily.
Species of Conure
Care sheet created by JMW
We do not claim any photos above, they are strictly for educational purposes.
We do not claim any photos above, they are strictly for educational purposes.
