Conures

Caring for a Conure

Conures are small to medium-sized parrots and are highly intelligent. Caring for a conure requires a commitment to supervise and interact with your bird. They are easy to train and make a great companion pet.

General Care

Conures are good-natured birds that originate in South America. Conures are considered a companion animal and without proper care and attention, parrots can develop unhealthy habits, such as screaming, biting and destructive chewing. Their wings should be kept properly clipped; ask your Avian vet for recommendations on this and general conure care.

Housing

Cage width and depth are more important than height. Make sure the cage is zinc safe, lead free and has appropriate bar size and spacing; your parrot should not be able to fit its head between the bars or to bend or damage the bars with its beak. Natural hardwood branches make the best perches. We recommend a variety of perches to exercise the conure’s feet. Choose a variety of nontoxic wood or acrylic chew toys to occupy your bird and rotate them to avoid boredom. Even with a large cage, Conures need play and socialization time outside of the cage as well. Keep the cage placed up off the floor and away from any drafts and directly in front of windows. Make sure there is a grate over the droppings to keep the bird away from its waste. Do not place water, food bowls, or toys underneath perches to avoid soiling. Cover Bird’s cage nightly for warmth and safety.

Diet

Conures need a large variety of fresh, healthy foods, whether on a pellet or a seed diet. Beneficial foods include dark green, leafy vegetables like kale, broccoli, dandelions, and chard, as well as carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. Healthy table foods like cooked eggs, corn, beans, pasta, and rice can also be offered. Remove perishable foods after a few hours and at bedtime. Ideally, seed should make up no more than 20% of the total diet. A seed only diet will result in malnutrition. Eventually, a parrot should become acclimated to a diet containing specially formulated pellets. An avian vet can help with more information. Do not feed birds fruit seeds, avocados, chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol.

Cleaning

Tray liners should be replaced every day and the cage bottom, fittings and dishes regularly washed with a safe bird cage cleaner.  

Fertility

Egg laying is quite common in the smaller parrots and can start any time from five months to over ten years of age. Excessive egglaying can be a health risk. If you have a pair of Conures, check with an avian vet for recommendations. Females laying eggs should be given extra calcium to avoid deficiencies.

Health

Conures should be examined by a qualified avian vet at least once a year or as soon as possible if any bleeding, injuries, or other signs are noted. It can be hard to tell when a bird is ill, and by the time you notice a problem, the sickness is usually welladvanced. Delaying a visit with an avian vet or using overthecounter or human medicines may be fatal.

Warnings

Conures have extremely sensitive respiratory systems and should not be exposed to cigarette smoke, aerosols, harsh cleaning products, or other toxic fumes. Do not use non-stick cookware near a bird (they release fumes that are toxic to birds).

Companion animals are potential carriers of infectious diseases that can be passed to humans. Taking these simple precautions can help prevent the potential spread of diseases:

  • Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet and/or habitat contents
  • Carry hand sanitizer when venturing outside of your home with pet
  • Do not kiss or let your mouth come into contact with your pet
  • Keep your companion’s habitat, water & food bowls, décor, and other surfaces as clean as possible and remove droppings daily

Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should speak with their physician when considering a new pet. For more information regarding pets and disease, go to the Center for Disease Control at cdc.gov/healthypets/. The information provided on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. It is strongly advised to seek further information on the care of your animal. In the event of serious health concerns please consult your veterinarian. 

Recommended Supplies at Your Local Kahoots

  • Conure Seed Blend
  • Pelleted Bird Food
  • Food & Water dishes
  • Cuttlebone
  • Millet
  • Bird Treats
  • 2-3 Toys
  • Zoo Med Avian+ Vitamins
  • Nail Trimmer
  • Kahoots Stain & Odor Remover/ Cage Cleaner
  • Spray Bottle (for bathing)

Additional Recommended Supplies

  • 18”x18”x23” or larger cage
  • 1-2 perches, different diameters for foot health