Conures as Pets—What Makes Conures Good Pets

Conures make fantastic pets! Discover their charm, intelligence, and playful nature, making them delightful companions for bird enthusiasts

Conures, known for their vibrant plumage and goffy personalities, are often celebrated as charming and entertaining pet parrots.

These parrots can learn and mimic words, phrases, and sounds, forming unique and engaging bonds with their human owners, and their playful and social nature makes them loving and affectionate additions to family and household.

However, owning a conure comes with its set of challenges!

Conures are highly social animals, requiring a significant amount of attention and interaction. Training is also essential to manage their strong beaks and prevent biting issues.

These birds can be messy, pooping everywhere, tossing food and producing dust, feathers, and seed hulls that demand regular cleaning. Allergies to bird dander is also a concern for some individuals.

Additionally, their vocal abilities, while endearing, can result in noise that might not suit all households.

So, whether you’re a first-time pet bird or a seasoned avian enthusiast, understanding the pros and cons of having a conure as a pet is crucial for establishing a harmonious and fulfilling relationship with these intelligent and charismatic feathered friends.

To that effect…

…in this blog post, we’ll explore why (and which) conures make wonderful companions, as well as the challenges that come with their ownership.

Are Conures Good Pets

Conures make good parrot pets, even for beginners and families. They are small and medium-sized, so they do no require overly big cages or aviaries.

Their care and maintanance needs are lesser (compared to larger parrots), and most species are less expensive and destructive. Conures are also not prone to flight and night terrors. They are bold and audacious, making them slightly better beginner parrots than budgies and cockatiels, especially around other house pets.

Most conure species are interactive and affectionate and readily bond with their owners. They are also loving and gentle, so they are good around children, although they can be nippy and aggressive when not given enough attention.

The birdies are particulary goofy and intresting and will give you perfect company and companionship, which is more reason to love them.

They are constantly fooling around, sometimes hanging up-side down, swaying back and forth or dancing to music, hence perfectly nicknamed “clowns of the parrot world”.

Conures require relatively moderate attention and socialization, especially when kept in bonded pair (about 3 to 4 hours a day), and most species are intelligent enough to learn a few words.

However, conure speech is mostly chunky and raspy and are often difficult to understand.

Most species can also be one person birds demanding plenty of time and attention from their owners, and, some like, Sun conures, are awfully loud are not suitable birds for people living in apartments.

Conures, like other parrots require a special diet that includes fruits, pellets, seeds (as treats), and vegetable and play toys and enrichments that you need to change on a regular basis, which can be expensive.

Conures are messy too!

They will spray their food everywhere and poop quite a bit, so you will require a lot of time and wash and clean after them.

Fortunately, conure are not too dusty and do not produce a lot of dander, like cockatiels and cockatoos, so they are a better choice for owner with allergies.

Conures as Pets Pros: Why Conures are Good Pets

Conures are popular pet birds for several reasons, and they come with a variety of pros that make them appealing to many bird enthusiasts.

Here are some of the reasons you may want to consider having a conure as a pet:

1 — Personality

Conures are playful, affectionate, and social parrots known for their lively and curious personalities. They are often vocal, enjoy interaction with their owners, and thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity.

The little birdies always want to be where the action is. They will perch on your shoulder or hand even when you are engaged in other activities around you house.

Although they can be feisty at times, their adaptability and intelligence make them popular pets for those willing to provide the attention and care they need.

2 — Intelligence

A conure’s intelligence is often on par with many other medium-sized parrot species. They can be excellent problem solvers and have the ability to mimic sounds and words to varying degrees.

Conures are generally considered to be intelligent birds.

They belong to the parrot family and exhibit many of the traits associated with intelligence in parrots, like problem-solving abilities, mimicry, intricate social behavior (bonding, cuddling), playfulness, and learning and mastery.

A Conures will figure out how to access food or toys, navigate his environment, and perform various tasks without much help. It can also be trained to perform tricks and follow commands. Many conure species are also capable of mimicking sounds and even words.

Albeit not good talking parrot as some larger species, their ability to imitate sounds imply a degree of cognitive ability.

3 — Colorful and Beautiful

Conures are colorful parrots known for their vibrant plumage, with a range of colors depending on the species. Common colors include green, red, blue, yellow, and orange.

The specific shades and patterns often vary among conure species (though most are green), so the choice of the most beautiful conure for a pet is subjective and your choice is only limited by personal preferences.

Some owners will favor the stunning reds, yellows and orange of the Sun and Janday conure, and some will opt for the more subtle yet colorful Green-cheeked Conure. Other will prefer the blue and turquoise hints (within the green background) seen in species like the Blue-crowned and Nanday Conure.

4 — Size

Conures are relatively small parrots, making them suitable for people who have limited space or live in apartments. Their size also makes them easier parrots to manage and less intimidating than larger parrot species.

The Green-cheeked Conure is one of the smallest conures (most popular and accesible), measuring about 9 inches (23 cm) in length. Species like the Blue-crowned and the Dusky-headed Conure fall in the mid-range and are around 12 to 14 inches (30 to 36 cm) in length.

The Patagonian Conure is one of the largest conure species, growing up to about 18 inches (45 cm) in length.

For smaller conures, a cage that is at least 24 x 24 x 24 inches (61 x 61 x 61 cm) is a good starting point. Larger conures, like Patagonian Conures, may require a significantly larger cage, but you always have the choice of a small and mid-sized species if limited by space.

5 — Playfulness

Conures are active and playful birds and are are often characterized by their high energy levels and love for interactive activities.

They enjoy playing with toys, climbing, and exploring their surroundings and are quite social and value human interaction.

Conures can also be quite entertaining with their playful antics, which often include climbing, swinging upside-down, swaying, dancing and even perching on their owners.

6 — Affectionate

Many conures bond closely with their human caregivers and enjoy physical interaction, like cuddling and preening, and often form strong emotional bonds with their owners.

While individual personalities can vary, many conures can be quite cuddly as well.

Their level of cuddliness can depend on factors like their upbringing, socialization, and individual temperament.

7 — Longevity

Conures can have a relatively long lifespan, often living for 15 to 30 years or more with proper care. This means they will provide companionship for a substantial portion of your life.

However, note this might be a disadvantage if you are no ready, willing, and able to remain dedicate to your bird for that many years.

8 — Vocalizations

While some people may find their vocalizations loud or repetitive, others appreciate the vocal nature of conures. They can be taught to mimic sounds and words, making them interesting conversation partners.

But please not conures are not the best talking birds. There speech is often raspy and it might be difficult to discern what your birds is saying.

9 — Social Creatures

Conures thrive on social interaction, and they can become attached to their owners. So, if you have the time and energy to invest in a social pet, they can be very rewarding.

The downside to that is they sometimes become “one person pets” unwilling to entertain any other person, making them less desirable as a family pet, keeping the parrots in pairs might help, although is not a substitue to human socilization and attention or an alternative to toys and enrichments.

10 — Easier Maintenance

Conures are generally easier birds to care for than some larger parrot species. They have managable dietary and housing requirements (contrast to Lories and Lorikeets), and their grooming needs are relatively straightforward.

But please do not groom your conures (beak, claws, wings) if you do not have enough experience. Take him to an experience bird owner, breeder, or better still, an qualified avian veterinarian.

Conures as Pets Cons: What are The Disadvantages of Conures

Now…

…while conures will make wonderful and affectionate pets, there are some disadvantages and challenges to consider before bringing one into your home.

Here are some of the cons of having a conure as a pet:

1 — Noise

Conures are known for their loud vocalizations. They can be quite noisy, especially during the early morning and evening hours, which can be disruptive in a household where noise is a concern.

Well, not all conure species are too noisy, but if the shrieking, screaming, and squawking often gives you the irks and readily gets to you, then you will be limited to very few options.

Green cheeked conures, and other Pyrrhuras, like Pearly and painted conures, and maybe dusky headed conures (Aratinga), are the only relatively quiet species.

You do not want a sun conure if you cannot condone a noisy pet parrot.

2 — Messiness

Conures, like most parrots, are messy birds. They can scatter food, droppings, and feathers around their cages and play areas, so keeping their living environment clean can be a constant chore.

They particularly have a playful and enthusiastic approach to their food, which result in alot of food particles, shells, and debris being scattered around their feeding area.

Conures quite often also toss food with their beaks, so you will not be short of dirty wall around you parrots cage. You can plenty of crashed seeds, and spill water too.

Fortunately, conures are non-powder birds, so there will be limited dust and dander, which is good if you have allergies or babies around.

3 — Destructive Behavior

Conures are natural chewers, and they may chew on furniture, walls, or anything they can reach. This can lead to damage to your home and belongings.

4 — Long Lifespan

Conures have relatively long lifespans, often living 20 to 30 years or more. Owning a conure is a long-term commitment, and you must be prepared to care for them throughout their lives.

5 — Need for Social Interaction

Conures are highly social birds and require a lot of attention and interaction. They can become stressed, bored, or develop behavioral problems if they don’t receive enough mental and physical stimulation.

6 — Potential Aggression & Nipping

Some conures can become aggressive or territorial, especially during breeding season or when they feel threatened. They may bite if they feel threatened or agitated.

7 — Allergies

Some people may develop allergies to feathers, dander, or dust from conures. This can be a health concern for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.

8 — Legal Regulations: Some species of conures may be subject to legal regulations or restrictions in certain regions, which could affect your ability to own one as a pet.

Best Conures as Pets: What is The Best Conure to Have

When considering conures as pets, it’s important to choose a species that suits your lifestyle and preferences.

Some of the best, most popular and readily available conures include the Green Cheeked Conure, Nanday Conure, Jenday Conure, and Sun Conure.

For owners looking for smaller conures, options like the Painted Conure, Green Cheek Conure, and Pearly Conure are great choices. They are compact and easier to accommodate in smaller living spaces.

If you prefer a mid-sized conure, you can opt for species like the Nanday Conure, Jenday Conure, Dusky Conure, or Blue Crowned Conure. The Patagonian Conure is a substantial choice if you want a large conure.

If vibrant colors are a priority, the Golden Conure (Queen of Bavaria), Sun Conure, and Jenday Conure are exceptional options. These birds exhibit striking plumage that will surely catch your eye.

If conures that can mimic human speech and be great talkers is your vibe, the Blue Crowned Conure, Mitred Conure, and Red Masked Conure are renowned for their impressive vocal abilities and mimicry.

The Green Cheek Conure is often considered one of the quieter options in case parrot screeches and chatter is not you charm. Please do not buy a sun or Jenday conure if you hate noise, they park decibles in equal measures they do brilliant colors.

Queen of Bavaria (Golden conure) is a beautiful, rare option, but they are quite expensive and importation and sale is restricted to captive bred birds.

See the table below of conure species and the home lifestyle and environment the best fit:

Sun Conures as Pets

Sun Conures are charming pets known for their vibrant personalities and eye-catching looks. They are super active and full of energy, and absolutely love playing and exploring.

The little parrots are often the life of the party and will readily become best buddies with their human caregivers (in a flock) and absolutely thrive on hanging out with you.

Sun Conures are also cuddly creatures. They love snuggling up against your neck and shoulders, giving you that warm, fuzzy feeling of companionship.

Their cheerful chatter and playful antics are sure to bring smiles to your home as well.

All sunnies are splendid mix of bright yellow, orange, and red feathers.

Because sun conures are incredibly active and social, they demand plenty of attention and enrichments. To keep them happy, you’ll need to have plenty of toys and fun activities on hand and at least 4 to 5 hours of interaction daily.

Sun Conures are also super smart and quick learners that love solving puzzles. So teach them tricks, words, and activities, to improve trust and bond.

Perhaps the only downside of sun conures is noise! They are certainly one of the loudest conure species, with loud screeches, screams, and everything in between, especially in the morning and evening hours.

Similar to other parrots, sun conures are noisier if they are not well socialized.

The little birdies can also be nippy and aggressive when bored or not given enough attention.

Last but certainly not least, sun conures are excellent at flight, so you should be very careful if you let yours keep its flight wings. If your house is not birdsproof or you leave doors and windows open, you can very easily lose your conure!

Sun conures have similar behavior as Jenday conures and Nanday conures.

Jendays are perfect substitutes to sun conures if you also want a similary sized and bright conure, and the Nanday is ideal if you want the same characteristics but with a noticable color difference.

Green Cheeked Conures as Pets

Green cheeked conures are wonderful pets with unique personalities and are very fun and loving. They are a perfect alternative to budgies and cockatiels if you want a small-sized parrot.

They are relatively quiet for most conures but vocalize quite a bit, especially if not propely socialized. Because of their relatively quiet nature, GCCs make better pets for owners living in apartments.

Green cheek conures are also relatively easier to care for and need slightly smaller cages than other conure and other parrots species, so they are ideal for beginners too.

GCCs are not as longlived as other parrots, so they are not a lifetime commitment, and are great even for aged owners, but you still have to prepar for 10 to 15 years of dedication and commitment, which is how long these conures live in captivity.

Green cheeked conures are relatively to find and are reasonably priced. For this reason, there are prone to impulse buying, so consider adoption (from a rescue) and do extensive research before you get one.

Of course, like any other parrots, green cheeks are fun, loving, and cuddly, but they still 5+ hours of socialization daily and plenty of toys and enrichments.

They also need a spcious cage, a diet fit for conures, and regular avian vet visits, all of which are expensive, even though relatively cheapers than for rare and larger birds.

Green cheeked conures are birds and parrots which cannot be entirely quiet. They poop, chew, and produce dust, which is bad if you have allergies.

Now…considering green cheeks are perhaps the most popular and captive-bred of all conures, there are many different color form!

Some of the most common types of green cheeked conures include:

1— Normal Green Cheek Conure

These are the “wild-type” or natural-colored conures. They have a green body, blue flight feathers, and a maroon tail.

2— Pineapple Green Cheek Conure

Pineapples are a combination of the yellow-sided and cinnamon mutations. They have yellow and orange tones on the body with a cinnamon-like coloring.

3— Yellow-Sided Green Cheek Conure

This mutation has vibrant yellow coloring on its sides, giving it a striking appearance. The green is a bit muted compared to the normal green cheek.

4— Cinnamon Green Cheek Conure

Cinnamon green cheeks have a softer, more muted coloration. Their greens are lighter, and the overall effect is a warmer, cinnamon-like tone.

5— Turquoise Green Cheek Conure

These conures have a bluish-green coloring instead of the usual dark green. Their tail is maroon, just like the normal green cheek.

6— Suncheek Green Cheek Conure

This is a combination of the yellow-sided and cinnamon mutations as well. Suncheeks have a lighter, peachy appearance with yellow and orange coloring.

7— Dilute Green Cheek Conure

Also known as the “American Dilute” or “Yellow-Sided Dilute,” this mutation has a softer, diluted appearance of the usual colors. The green is lighter, and the maroon areas may appear more muted.

8— High Red Green Cheek Conure

These conures have a higher concentration of red coloring, particularly on the belly and sometimes extending to the back. The intensity of the red can vary, creating a visually dynamic and vibrant bird.

Jenday Conures as Pets

Jenday conures, often sought after as delightful companions, share many characteristics with their close relatives, the sun conures.

In terms of size, both species are relatively similar, with Jendays typically measuring around 12 inches in length, just a tad smaller than the sun conures.

These vibrant birds exhibit a striking color palette, adorned with splashes of reds, yellows, greens, and blues that contribute to their visually appealing appearance.

The distinguishing factor lies in the distribution of these colors; while sun conures boast a predominantly yellow plumage with touches of orange, Jendays feature more extensive red and green hues.

When it comes to behavior and personality, Jenday conures share the lively and sociable nature inherent in their sun conure counterparts. Both species are known for their affectionate tendencies, forming strong bonds with their human companions.

Jendays, however, are often considered slightly more independent and less demanding of attention compared to the more outgoing sun conures.

Both Jendays and sun conures are not shy about expressing themselves. Their vocal repertoire includes a variety of squawks, chirps, and even the occasional mimicry.

However, some owners note that Jendays may be slightly less noisy than their sun conure counterparts, making them a favorable choice for individuals who prefer a pet that doesn’t fill the entire household with constant chatter.

Generally, Jendays and suns share more commonalities than most of the other conures, making them equally delightful choices as pets as alternative or companions.

The decision between the two will ultimately come down to individual preferences regarding noise levels, activity levels, and coloration.

Jenday conure live for 25 to 30 years as pets.

Nanday Conures as Pets

Nanday conures, cherished for their spirited personalities and engaging behavior, share similarities with their conure relatives.

In terms of size, Nandays typically measure around 12 to 13 inches, falling within the range of Jenday and sun conures.

However, their appearance is distinctive, featuring a predominantly green plumage with a black face, throat, and chest, accentuated by a striking blue rump.

This unique coloration sets them apart from the more flamboyant Jenday and sun conures, and are ideal when you want a conure that looks less like a sun, but with similar characteristics and behavior.

Nandays are known for their lively and outgoing nature, echoing the sociable traits common among conures. They are often described as playful and affectionate, forming strong bonds with their human companions.

These are reputed for being mischievous and energetic compared to Jendays, adding an extra layer of exuberance to their interactions, although they are also slightly more aggressive and territorial.

Nandays may exhibit a more robust vocalization than most species, often displaying a loud and distinctive call, perhaps second only to patagonian or sun conures, making them more suitable for owners who appreciate a more vocal avian companion.

When contrasting with Green Cheek Conures, Nandays tend to be larger in size and may possess a more assertive demeanor, requiring a bit more patience and consistent training.

Generally, they strike a balance between the vibrant allure of Jenday and sun conures and the playful charm and coloration of Green Cheek Conures.

As with any conure species, prospective owners should be prepared to invest time and effort into providing the social interaction and mental stimulation these spirited birds require for a fulfilling life as a cherished pet.

Golden Conures (Queen of Bavaria) as Pets

Golden conures, also known as Queen of Bavaria conures, are captivating parrots renowned for their vibrant plumage. They boast a predominantly golden-yellow coloration with splashes of green on their wings and tails.

In terms of size, golden conures typically measure around 13 inches in length, showcasing a robust yet manageable stature.

Typical to conures, Queen of Bavaria are social and affectionate nature. They form strong bonds with their human companions and thrive on interaction.

In comparison to other conure species like sun, Jenday, Nanday, and Green-cheeked conures, golden conures share similarities in terms of social needs and intelligence. However, their striking appearance and somewhat reserved demeanor set them apart.

However, their striking appearance and somewhat reserved demeanor set them apart. They are not known for excessive noise, making them suitable for apartment living.

They are intelligence, trainability and quick learners, able to pick up tricks and commands with consistent positive reinforcement.

Attention and socialization are paramount for golden conures. They thrive in environments where they receive regular interaction and mental stimulation and neglecting their social needs may lead to behavioral problems.

The limited availability of captive-bred golden conures underscores their high price and the importance of responsible ownership and breeding practices, given their vulnerable status in the wild.

Keep in mind importation, transport, and sale of wild caught golden conures is illegal in many places because their populations are threatened.

Aratinga Conures as Pets

Aratinga conures are not one bird but a genus comprises several distinct species, including the Sun Conure, Jenday Conure, Nanday Conure, Golden-capped Conure, Dusky-Headed Conure, and Sulphur-Breasted Conure, all commonly kept as pets.

This is contrasted to other typical pet conure genus, like the Pyrrhura (Green cheeked, Maroon Bellied Conure, Pearly Conure, Maroon Tailed Conure, Black Capped Conure, and Painted conures), Psittacara (Cherry Headed Conure), and Eupstilla (Half-Moon Conures).

While predominantly green, Aratinga conures also exhibit variations in color, with notable reds, oranges, and blue hues, especially evident in species like the Sun, Jenyday and Nanday conures.

In terms of size, the parrots are generally compact, with an average length ranging between 12 and 14 inches (30 to 35 cm) and need a cage of at least 36 by 24 by 24 inches (90 by 60 by 60 cm) will provide sufficient space for their comfort and movement.

Turning to personality and behavior, these conures are renowned for their engaging and lively nature. Their playful demeanor brings joy to their presence, making them delightful and entertaining pets.

Aratinga conures form strong bonds with both their avian counterparts and human companions and their emotions are evident through various vocalizations, including calls, squawks, and chirps.

However, these and other conures are not the best talkers, although Duskies have decent audiblity.

How to Keep Conures As Pets: What I Consider

Keeping conures as pets can be a rewarding experience filled with vibrant colors, playful antics, and the joy of companionship, but you need to consider a host of items to get it right.

Start by choosing the species that best suits your living situation!

For instance, green cheeks are quiter and ideal for apartment, while sun conures are more suited for families because they are active and energectic. Jendays are perfect alternatives to Suns, so are Nandays only with diffently colored plummage.

You also need to purchase a cage for your conure(s), and consider the cost and accesibility of food (nutrition and diet), enrichments (toys and perches), and veterinarian care.

Here’s a guide to help you navigate the essentials of conure care:

1 — Conure Cage

When it comes to cage size for conures, bigger is better! For a single conure, a minimum cage size of 24 x 24 x 30 inches is recommended and a bar spacing between 1/2 to 3/4 inch.

Conures are curious and active birds, and a cage with the right spacing ensures they can’t accidentally injure themselves or find a way to slip through.

However, considering the active nature of these birds, especially species, like Sun conures, it’s advisable to aim for larger dimensions. Green-Cheeked Conures and other Pyrrhuas, although slightly smaller, still benefit from a spacious living area.

Providing ample room allow your bird to stretch their wings, move freely, and maintain a happy, healthy lifestyle and perfect bar spacing preventa your conure from getting its head or body stuck between the bars.

Now…

While a flight cage is not a strict necessity, it can significantly enhance the well-being of your conures. They are designed to provide horizontal space for birds to fly short distances within the cage.

For energetic and playful conures, especially those with a penchant for aerial acrobatics like Sun Conures, a flight cage is a plus for them.

That said, conures thrive in environments that offer both physical and mental stimulation, so key elements include in a conure cage:

— Perches

Natural wood perches, like manzanita or eucalyptus, will promote your conures’ foot health, while cement perches naturally trim their nails. Rope perches offer a soft and playful surface, and thermal perches keep your conure cozy in colder weather.

Include multi-branch perches to mimic natural settings, window perches to provide scenery and sunlight, flat perches to offer stable resting spots inside your home, and bendable perches to create dynamic environment for your bird.

Regular inspection and cleaning will ensure a vibrant, engaging space, promoting a happy and healthy life for your conure.

— Toys

Enrich your conure’s environment with a diverse range of toys essential for parrots’ mental stimulation and physical exercise.

Wooden toys, like blocks and swings, promote beak health, while rope toys encourage climbing. Foraging toys will stimulate natural instincts through puzzles and treats, and bells provide auditory entertainment.

Shreddable toys satisfy the desire to chew, and mirrors offer interactive engagement.

Interactive toys challenge problem-solving skills, and swings provide dynamic exercise.

Rotate the toy regularly to keep your conure engaged and always prioritize bird-safe materials.

— Feeding and Water Stations

Stainless steel bowls are ideal for conures because of their durability and ease of cleaning, but you can opt for ceramic bowls for better stability and weight.

Some cages may come with built-in feeding stations to simplify access.

For water stations, consider stainless steel or BPA-free plastic water dispensers.

Consider the hanging type with sipper tubes for lesser mess and automatic feeders to maintain a consistent feeding schedule.

To add enrichment, consider puzzle feeders or foraging toys encouraging mental stimulation during mealtime.

Keep in mind that regular cleaning and fresh water supply are key to maintaining a hygienic and inviting feeding environment for your conure.

— Hideaway Spots

Hiding spots in your conures’ cage is crucial for their sense of security. Options include cozy huts made of soft fabric, wooden nest boxes for a secluded retreat, and woven straw huts providing a rustic shelter.

Disposable cardboard hideouts offer a temporary solution, while coconut shells create a permanent, snug, earthy space. PVC or plastic boxes provide durability and easy cleaning, while wooden platforms offer both perching and hiding, and tunnel toys serve as playful hideaways.

Place these options at different cage levels to natural need for a well-rounded and enriched living environment that enhances your conure’s overall sense of comfort and well-being.

2 — Conure Food

For your pet conures, a balanced diet is crucial for their health and well-being. Start with a high-quality pellet designed for conures, ensuring it makes up about 70-80% of their daily diet.

Pellets provide essential nutrients and prevent selective eating!

Introduce a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, constituting 15-20% of their diet. Offer a mix of leafy greens, such as kale and spinach, along with fruits like apples, berries, and melons. These provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Seeds should make up the remaining 5-10% of their diet.

While conures enjoy seeds, they can be high in fat, so offer them in moderation. Opt for a mix that includes safflower, sunflower, and millet seeds.

Include a calcium source, like a cuttlebone or mineral block as well, to support their bone, beak and claw health. This can be provided separately in their cage.

Feed your conures twice a day, offering fresh food in the morning and again in the evening. Monitor their intake, adjusting portions based on their activity level and weight. Typically, 1-2 tablespoons of pellets per bird per meal is a good starting point.

Remember to provide fresh water daily, and be mindful of any changes in their behavior or weight, adjusting their diet accordingly. This balanced approach ensures your conures receive the nutrients they need for a vibrant and healthy life.

Monthly costs for a conure’s diet, including fruits, vegetables, and seeds is sbout:

• Pellets

$10 - $20 per month

• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables:

$10 - $20 per month

This cost can vary based on the types of fruits and vegetables you choose, as some may be more expensive than others. Buying in-season produce and in bulk can help reduce costs.

• Seeds and Nut Mix:

$5 - $15 per month

Seeds and nuts can be offered as occasional treats or as part of a balanced diet. They should not make up the majority of the conure’s diet but can be included in moderation.

Note, these are general estimates, and actual costs may vary based on factors like location, the specific diet plan you follow, and fluctuations in food prices.

3 — Conure Price and Expenses

All parrot are exotic, high-maintenance pets, but conures are generally considered to be moderate maintenance species compared to larger parrots.

The intial price of different species can vary widely depending on factors such as rarity, color mutations, and the breeder’s reputation, but on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $800 for most conure species.

Popular species, like the Green Cheek Conure may be on the lower end of the price range, while uncommon species or color mutations, such as the Queen of Bavaria Conure or Pineapple Conure (green cheek variant), can be on the higher.

Here is a chart of common pet conures prices but keep in mind these are just general estimates, and prices can fluctuate based on various factors, such as geographic location.

Now, the intial price is only the first expense of owning conures, here’s a rough estimate of the other costs associated with keeping a them as a pet.

1 — Initial setup

• Cage: $100 - $300
• Toys: $20 - $50
• Perches: $10 - $30
• Feeding and water bowls: $10 - $20

2 — Monthly recurring costs

• Food: $20 - $40
• Bedding/Litter: $5 - $10
• Toys (rotating to keep them entertained): $10 - $20
• Veterinary care (annual check-ups, vaccinations, unforeseen issues): $50 - $400 (varies widely)

3 — One-time or occasional costs

• Grooming supplies (nail clippers, etc.): $10 - $20
• Travel carrier: $20 - $50
• Training tools: $10 - $30

4 — Insurance

• Monthly insurance cost: $10 - $50
• Annual insurance cost: $120 - $400

The costs are alternatives, its either one or the other.

5 — Potential emergency fund for unexpected vet expenses

• $100 - $300 (recommended)