Conure Information


Traits

Conures are medium-sized, intelligent and affectionate members of the parrot family. They are social birds and require handling and attention daily. Conures are vocal birds, some have even been able to learn to talk. If properly cared for, Conures can live up to 25 years. The Conures in the genus Aratinga are among the most colorful of pet birds. They range from 10-15 inches in length.



Feeding

Conures should be fed a staple diet of a fresh-pelleted formula or a fortified conure seed diet. Pelleted diets are recommended since each pellet contains balanced nutrition. Besides a pelleted or a seed mix diet, each day offer chopped dark green and yellow vegetables, and a small amount of fresh fruits. Whole grain bread, cooked rice, and cooked pasta can also be offered. Protein supplements can include cooked legumes, chopped hard-cooked egg, or tofu. Conures also relish millet seed sprays.

Avoid the following foods: iceberg lettuce and cabbage (these can cause diarrhea), caffeine, cola, chocolate, avocado, and sugary or salty snacks (these can be harmful). Remove fresh fruits and vegetables within 4 hours of offering to prevent spoilage. If the bird gets too much liquid from the fresh fruits and vegetables, the droppings could become runny and discolored. Stop the fresh fruits and vegetables for a day if this occurs to determine if this is the reason.

Birds require fresh water each day. Wash and rinse their water dish thoroughly prior to adding fresh water. Powdered vitamins can be lightly sprinkled on the fresh food, or added into the drinking water. Always have a cuttlebone or mineral block available to supply calcium and prevent beak overgrowth.



Housing

Conures must be able to stretch their wings without hitting them and still have room for a variety of toys, therefore, the larger the cage the better. The cage for a Conures should measure a minimum of 22" length by 18" high and 18" wide. The cage should be your Conures secure area where it feels safe, but it should be allowed out of the cage when supervised for socialization. Perches are an essential part of the cage and should be chosen to suit the feet of the bird. A variety of perch sizes, shapes, and diameters will help exercise the bird's feet and toes. Place perches strategically to prevent droppings from contaminating water and food dishes and to prevent the tail from hanging in dishes or on the floor.

Many different types of toys in the Conures cage will keep your bird entertained. Be sure when choosing toys that they are intended for a Conure and not for large parrots or something small such as parakeets. Place your Conure's cage at eye-level in a bright area free from drafts and direct sunlight. Make sure it is safe from small children, dogs and cats. Conures like to see what is going on in the house and do well when placed in the family room or commonly frequented parts of the house.



Bird Safety

Do not place the birdcage in the kitchen or areas near smoke or fumes. Be very careful when cooking with a pan that is Teflon coated, an overheated pan will give off fumes that can kill your bird up to 35' away. Fumes from oven cleaners can also be deadly for you birds! Cigarette smoke is especially harmful to bird's sensitive respiratory systems.



Handling

Conures enjoy being picked up and having human interaction. Always supervise children around any Conures, as, when they are frightened, their bites can be painful. Conures are very intelligent and should be trained basic commands such as to "step up" onto your hand and "step down" when putting them back into their cage. This will make handling of the Conures much easier as it matures from an easily handled baby to a more independent adult bird. Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet bird, or after cleaning its cage. Keep the cage clean to prevent the possibility of disease for the safety of your family and your companion bird.



Special Requirements

Conures need to have a great deal of socialization and stimulation to remain a happy, healthy member of your family. To aid the bird in keeping itself clean, we recommend a light misting with room temperature water from a clean spray bottle on a frequent basis.


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