CHOOSING A CONURE
General information
There are numerous species of conures (Aratinga and Pyrrhura sp. and others)
but only a few are commonly kept as pets. They are native throughout Mexico,
Central and South America. Members of this group of birds are considered small
to medium sized birds and are characterized by their long slender bodies, long
tapered tail and large beak. They are a gregarious, mischievous bird known for
their sassiness and may bite if they do not get what they want. Tame conures
can be very affectionate, social birds who demand a reasonable amount of attention.
Conures are not well known for their capacity to speak but can often be irritatingly
vocal. This bold, inquisitive bird loves to play and chew. Providing nontoxic,
washed, fresh branches and pet-safe toys will afford many hours of entertainment
for this curious little pet. Some commonly kept conures include the Jenday conure,
Blue-crowned conure, Nanday conure, Mitred conure, Sun conure, Green-cheeked
conure, and Maroon-bellied conure.
Purchasing a Conure
Conures may be purchased from a pet shop or, better, a reputable breeder. When
selecting a conure, try to choose a young bird as it may be easier to tame and
train. Older, wild, colony or parent raised birds may prove difficult to tame.
Hand raised babies often make better pets since they have been completely socialized
with humans. Young birds are easier to tame and adapt readily to new environments
and situations. Importantly having a captive-bred bird also means that the wild
bird population is not threatened further by catching and importing wild birds.
This practice is bad both for the bird captured and transported as well as for
the dwindling population left in the wild. Your new bird should be exposed early
to different events (young and old people, males and females, other pets, car
trips, visits to the vet, etc.) to help promote a calm, well adjusted pet. The
lively, alert bird that is not easily frightened is more likely a healthy bird.
After purchasing your new bird, have it examined by your vet.
Veterinary care
Conures require regular, routine veterinary health checkups. Your veterinary
surgeon can perform a physical examination, grooming (beak, nail or feather
trim) and laboratory tests as needed. During these semiannual checkups., health,
nutritional and maintenance issues can be identified and addressed. Veterinary
checkups. help prevent disease and will aid in the maintenance of a long lasting,
healthy relationship between you and your bird.
Color
Mature
- green is the predominant body color with a broad mixture of colors including
red, orange, blue, yellow, brown, black and white.
Immature
Sexing
Mature
- no external sex differences between most of the species.
Weight - average 2.5 - 7.0 ounces (70 - 200 grams)
Size - average 9 - 20 inches (23 - 51 cm) in length
Life span - 8 - 15 years (maximum 30 years)
Diet - consult your vet or see the information page here
Breeding - sexual maturity at 1-3 years depending on species - prolific
breeders in captivity.
Brood size - 2 - 5 eggs hatch in 23 - 35 days, young leave the nest
in 6 - 8 weeks
Cage - minimum 2 ft x 2 ft x 3 ft (60 cm x 60 cm x 90 cm) depending
on species
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