Conure Parrots: Info, Personality, Food & Care Guide (With Pictures)

If you’re looking for a pet bird, a conure is one of the best options. They’re small and easy to care for, but they still have plenty of personality! Here, we discuss what you need to know before adopting your own.

The first question that you should answer is: What kind of conure do you want? There are many different types, so it can be difficult to pick just one. The most popular type of conure is the sun conure because of its bright patterns and availability.

If you’re interested in getting a new avian friend or just curious about this colorful animal, read on to learn more about conures.

Species Overview

Origin and History

“Conure” is an umbrella term for a group of parrots and other birds that all share a few basic traits. They can be found on many continents, including Africa and Asia, though they are believed to have originated in South America. The word “conure” comes from an old French term meaning “parakeet,” which these animals were once known as.

Conures have enjoyed popularity with humans for centuries because of their colorful plumage, friendliness to people, and ability to mimic speech like other larger parrot species, such as macaws.

Temperament

Conures are known for being some of the most friendly and playful birds in the avian kingdom. However, they can be noisy, so you need to consider this if you’re looking for a quieter pet! But don’t let that put you off—their noise is bearable and not as loud as that of larger parrots, such as macaws.

Many people buy conures because they love how playful, friendly, and cuddly these birds are. Some can even enjoy being held (the ones that don’t like to fly). They are smart birds that can be trained to do many different tricks, such as rolling over, standing on one foot, and even begging!

As long as you provide them with attention, they will be happy. This is partly because these birds are not satisfied just to have toys; they want a lot of contact from their owners too.

Speech & Vocalizations

Conures can learn words, and some can say their own name. Some conures like to mimic the sound of other birds or dogs barking. The bird’s speech capabilities will depend on which species they are.

Mexican parrots are most known for talking well, while Amazonian conures are less vocal. When a conure is looking for attention, they might growl, chatter their beak, and even screech. Both large and small conures are able to mimic human speech or other sounds that they hear around them.

In the wild, speech is an important part of these birds’ lives, as it helps keep the flock together. When one can’t communicate well with others in the flock because they have a speech impediment, it can cause great stress on the individual. Speech is also how they bond with their owners and vice versa.

Conure Colors and Markings

Conures are some of the most colorful birds in the world. Most conures are predominantly green, with red feathers that make them seem to glow! A few have yellow or blue on their heads and wings.

Usually, they will not be found in a mixed color of browns and oranges like some other parrots might be, though there are exceptions to this.

Caring for the Conure

While conures are not among the toughest birds to take care of, taking care of a bird is different from that of other animals. You need to understand the different types of food they need, how much they eat per day, and their habitats.

The first thing you’ll need to do is prepare your bird’s living area. You’ll need to provide them with a cage or other container that allows them enough space and light. It should also be large enough so they can fly around without getting exhausted, but it should not be too big because this will make it hard for you to keep the place clean.

Next, make sure your conure is mentally happy because this will affect their physical health. Conures need to feel like they have a safe place to get enough sleep and eat well, so make sure you provide them with plenty of toys and other things that interest your bird (these may be different from what interests other birds!).

You’ll also want some leaves or branches inside the cage to mimic their natural environment. Note that birds are prone to depression, so be on the lookout for any change in behavior or appetite.

Common Health Problems

Just like any other animal, conures are unfortunately prone to developing certain health issues. With proper monitoring and quick reactions, though, you can save your bird from being in pain.

One of the most common problems is a mite infestation. Mites are tiny, eight-legged bugs that feed on feathers and skin. If they’re present in large numbers, you may be able to see them or feel their presence. Another common problem is fatty liver disease, which can often be caused by excessive fat intake (i.e., too many fatty foods).

One more condition to watch for in conures is beak overgrowth. If the conure has been using their beak instead of their feet to get around, it can cause excessive growth in the bone that’s supporting the beak, often resulting in deformity or even infection.

Allergies are also more common among these birds than others because they come into contact with a greater variety of pollen, dust, and mold. Preventative treatment for common conditions is recommended to ensure that your bird has a long life and stays happy in their home environment.

Diet and Nutrition

Conures are omnivores, which means they’ll eat anything from plant life (fruit/vegetables) to insects or other small animals (such as eggs). You should also feed them special pellets designed specifically for conures because it has all the vitamins and minerals they need in one easy package!

If you want to give your conure a special snack, chews are good for your bird and can keep their beak healthy. You can buy these in pet stores or make them at home from fresh vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and celery. Cut the veggie into small pieces so it’s easy for the bird to eat; you don’t want a big chunk of food blocking their throat!

Conures also need a good amount of water to stay hydrated throughout the day, so be sure they always have fresh water available!

Exercise

Birds of all species need exercise and conures are no different. If you don’t provide it for them in your home, they’ll find a way to get some on their own! This could be by perching or walking around the cage constantly.

They need at least an hour of exercise out of the cage each day unless another parrot needs one-on-one time. You can play with your bird to provide this, but they also need to be able to fly in an open area if you can’t.

• Related Read: Why Does My Conure Bob Its Head?

Where to Adopt or Buy a Conure

Conures are popular pets in North America, so they are easy to find. There are different places where you can adopt or buy a conure, like a pet store, shelter, rescue group, and even breeders who specialize in them. The price will vary wildly depending on the species being bought and its rarity. Some common specimens go for $100, while rare kinds have reached five-figure pricing!

Keep in mind that getting your bird will not be the only cost involved, as they will need a cage, food, toys, and most importantly, veterinary care.

The best place to adopt or buy your conure is from an experienced breeder because they are knowledgeable on the specific needs of that breed and can provide you with any necessary advice before you take them home.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a beautiful, sociable pet that will make your life more fun and interesting, then consider the conure. These birds have so much to offer in terms of personality and beauty. They are also smart, which means they can be trained rather easily.

Conures need lots of affection from their owners, but with enough love, these pets will show it back tenfold! We hope this blog post has been informative about what conures do best, along with the pros and cons for owning one yourself.

We have plenty of other articles about birds, so don’t hesitate to look around and soak up the knowledge!

You May Also Like: 

• Crimson Bellied Conure
• Half-Moon Conure
• White-Eared Conure
• Can Conures Eat Oranges?
• Fascinating & Fun Conure Facts You Never Knew

Featured Image Credit: Rutpratheep Nilpechr, Pixabay