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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making the lifelong commitment of adopting your first bird. You should
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