Conures
By Charlie Plaza, CPbirds.com
Conures are highly favored in aviculture due to their remarkable intelligence, friendly nature, and vibrant colors. These parrots, ranging from very small to medium sizes, are part of the conure family. Their popularity continues to grow daily, making them increasingly sought after.
Description:
Conure parrots are small to medium-sized, vibrant birds known for their playful and social nature. They have a variety of colorful plumage, often featuring shades of green, yellow, and orange. Conures are intelligent and can mimic sounds, making them popular pets. They thrive on interaction and enjoy engaging with their human companions.
Conures come in different dshapes and sizes. They range between 10 inches to about 22 inches, including their tail. The Green Cheeked Conure, for example is one of the smaller conures and the Patagonian, Mitred and Blue Crown Conures being on the larger size. Sun conures fall in the middle of the pack.
Visit CPbirds.com to view all the different colors and mutations.
Care of Conure Parrots
Conures are often recommended for beginners due to their gentle nature, ease of care, and their ability to bond with humans. They are also highly inquisitive, eager to learn tricks, and mimic sounds. A spacious cage is necessary for them to exercise comfortably, with 2-3 toys and multiple perches, ensuring it's not overcrowded. I suggest a cage size of at least 30"L x 24"W x 30"H; larger is preferable for the bird's well-being. Additionally, a playpen is advised for the bird to interact with the family without barriers. However, safety precautions are essential to protect the bird from household hazards like toxic plants, mirrors, open windows, or other pets.
Conure Diet
Conures have a diverse diet and are open to trying various foods. In their natural habitat, they consume a mix of nuts, seeds, plants, vegetables, fruits, and some insects. To replicate this diet, CPbirds.com provides a balanced selection of seeds, including cockatiel mix, high-quality pelleted food like Roudybush Pellets, and an assortment of fresh vegetables such as broccoli, corn, green peas, and romaine lettuce, along with fruits like apples, seedless grapes, and berries. It's crucial to maintain this diet for at least the first two weeks after taking a baby quaker home, which is why all our babies are weaned onto these foods.
Breeding Conures at Home
Breeding conures can be a rewarding experience. Make sure to prepare thoroughly and provide the best care for both the parents and the chicks. Here are a few tips to get you started but if you have any questions, please feel free to use the CONTACT US page to send us a message and we would be happy to support you along this exciting journey.
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Age and health of the parents must be optimal. Anytime between 1-3 years of age would be a good starting point.
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The pair must be compatible. They must preen themselves, feed themselves, sleep together and keep the "bickering" between them to a minimum.
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The environment must be clean, stress free with a temperature between 70-84 degrees.
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The nest box should be about 10" x 10" x 20" deep with pine shavings at the bottom.
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During the breeding season, typically in the spring and summer in the USA, you should increase the protein, fat and calcium levels to stimulate them to breed.
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Lastly, be prepared on how you are going to provide homes for the young. Most states require you to have a state license to rehome them or sell them. Ensure you have an outlet before you breed them to give you the greatest success at placing them in the right homes.