Frequently Asked Questions
How big should I expect my conure to get?
While we can’t tell you exactly the adult size of your conure, we can provide an estimated range based on the species. The adult size largely depends on the type of conure you choose. On average, you can expect a Green Cheek Conure to weigh around 60-80 grams, a Sun Conure to weigh 110-130 grams, and a Jenday Conure to weigh 100-120 grams. This size can vary slightly based on genetics and diet, but these are the general size ranges for the species.
Will my conure loose feathers?
Conures, like most birds, do lose feathers. They go through regular molting cycles, during which they will lose feathers and grow new ones. This usually happens a few times a year and can last a few weeks.
While conures do loose feathers, they do produce dander, which can be an issue for people with bird allergies. It’s important to keep your conure’s environment clean to minimize dander buildup, including regularly cleaning their cage, using air purifiers, and bathing your bird. Some species of conures may produce more dander than others, so if allergies are a concern, we’ll guide you in choosing a bird that produces less dander.
How much exercise does my conure need?
Conures are active birds and need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Providing around 1 to 2 hours of out-of-cage time for free flight or supervised play is ideal. This allows them to stretch their wings, climb, and engage with toys or other activities that encourage mental stimulation.
If free flight isn’t an option, setting up a safe area for them to explore and offering toys and activities is essential. Providing plenty of opportunities for exercise and interaction will keep your conure physically fit and mentally engaged, reducing the chances of behavioral issues like feather plucking.
Do you recommend cage training for conures?
Yes, cage training is highly recommended for conures. A cage provides them with a safe and secure space where they can retreat to when they need rest or privacy. It’s important to make the cage a positive, comfortable place, filled with toys, perches, and fresh water to keep them entertained.
Start by allowing your conure to explore the cage on their own terms, and offer treats when they enter. Make the cage a relaxing environment, and avoid using it as a form of punishment. Over time, they’ll start to associate the cage with positive experiences and will willingly return to it when it’s time for rest or when you’re away from home.
Additionally, make sure the cage is large enough for them to move around, stretch their wings, and play. Regular time outside the cage for supervised exercise is also essential for their overall well-being.
How can I help my new conure adjust?
Lots of patience and care! Conures need bonding time with their new family to build trust and feel secure. Spend time sitting near their cage and talking to them in a soft, calm voice. Offer treats and let them come to you at their own pace. Gradually, you can encourage them to step up onto your hand or a perch. Positive reinforcement, such as giving them treats or praise when they interact with you, helps to build their confidence.
You can also help your new conure feel secure by making their environment comfortable and familiar. A covered cage, with a blanket draped over the top, can create a sense of security, especially during the first few days. A soft, comforting object like a Snuggle Puppy might also help ease their transition, giving them something familiar to cuddle with during stressful times. It’s important to provide them with plenty of toys and perches to keep them occupied and mentally stimulated as they adjust.
Just like puppies, conures need time to feel at home, and the more love, patience, and consistency you provide, the smoother their transition will be.
What is the lifespan of my conure?
Conures typically live between 20 to 30 years, depending on the species, with proper care. Some larger conure species, like the Sun Conure, can live up to 30 years or more, while smaller species may have a lifespan of around 20 years. Regular veterinary care, a healthy diet, and a stimulating environment can help ensure your conure lives a long, happy life.
what are the best chew toys for my conure?
For your conure, it’s important to provide safe and appropriate chew toys to keep them entertained and to help maintain their beak health. Some great chew toys for conures include:
- Wooden blocks and beads: Birds love to chew on natural wood, which helps keep their beaks trimmed.
- Leather strips: Non-toxic leather strips can be great for chewing and are often used in bird toy designs.
- Shreddable materials: Paper or cardboard tubes, along with untreated wicker balls, can provide great stimulation.
- Foraging toys: These encourage natural behavior and can keep your conure engaged for longer periods.
Avoid:
- Toys with small parts that can be swallowed or toys made from toxic materials like plastic or painted wood.
- Be sure to regularly check chew toys for wear and tear, as they can become hazardous if broken into small, swallowable pieces.
Let me know if you’d like more information on suitable conure toys!
what things should i avoid feeding my conure?
Foods to Avoid:
- Avocado: Contains persin, which is toxic to birds.
- Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, etc., it can cause rapid heart rate and other issues.
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to birds.
- Coffee: Like caffeine, it contains toxic compounds for birds.
- Citrus fruits: While a small amount may be okay, too much citrus can be harmful to birds and cause digestive issues.
- Grapes and raisins: Can cause kidney failure in birds, even in small amounts.
- Milk and dairy: Conures, like most birds, are lactose intolerant and can have gastrointestinal upset.
- Onions, garlic, chives: These can cause gastrointestinal issues and damage red blood cells.
- Raw or undercooked meat: Can lead to bacterial infections.
- Raw eggs: Risk of salmonella and biotin deficiency if consumed in large amounts.
- Bones: Especially cooked bones from meats (chicken, pork, etc.), as they can splinter and cause choking or internal injury.
- Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in many foods, gum, and candies; it can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver damage in birds.
- Fruit pits: Pits from cherries, peaches, apricots, etc., contain cyanide, which is poisonous to birds.
- Macadamia nuts: These are toxic to birds.
- Walnuts: Can be difficult for birds to digest and may cause gastrointestinal issues.
Plants to Avoid:
Refer to the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants for a full guide. Here’s the link: ASPCA Toxic Plants List.
It’s always best to double-check new foods or plants before introducing them to your conure’s diet. Always provide them with bird-safe foods and fresh water.
what conure food do you recommend?
Recommended Conure Foods:
High-Quality Pellet Diet: A high-quality pellet should be the foundation of your conure’s diet. Brands like Harrison’s, Lafeber, and Roudybush offer well-balanced pellets that provide all the essential nutrients your conure needs. Avoid seed-only diets, as they can be lacking in essential vitamins and minerals.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Conures benefit from a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. You can offer apples (without seeds), bananas, berries, carrots, broccoli, kale, spinach, and sweet potatoes. Make sure to avoid toxic foods like avocado, grapes, and citrus in large amounts.
Nutri-Berries or Avi-Cakes: These are great treats that combine pellets and fresh ingredients, providing variety while ensuring balanced nutrition.
A Healthy Mix of Seeds: While pellets should be the base of their diet, a mix of seeds can be included in moderation. Opt for a mix specifically designed for conures, as they are higher in healthy fats and nutrients than typical wild bird seed mixes.
Fresh Water: Always provide fresh water for your conure. Change it daily to avoid bacteria buildup.
If you’re transitioning your conure from one food to another, it’s best to mix the old food with the new food gradually to prevent digestive upset, similar to how you would transition dog food. For example, you can mix the current food with the new food for a week, gradually increasing the new food portion.
By providing a variety of fresh and high-quality foods, you’ll help your conure stay healthy and vibrant.
how much should i feed my conure?
Amount to Feed Your Conure:
- Pellets: Offer about 1 to 2 tablespoons of pellets per day. This should make up the majority of their diet.
- Fresh Fruits & Vegetables: Supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. Offer about 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh produce per day. Be sure to avoid overfeeding, especially with high-sugar fruits.
You can adjust these portions based on your conure’s appetite, but it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet that combines pellets, fruits, vegetables, and occasional treats. Monitor your bird’s weight and condition to ensure they’re receiving the right amount of nutrition.
Feeding Tips:
- Fresh Water: Always provide fresh water, and make sure it is changed daily.
- Treats: You can offer occasional treats such as small pieces of nuts or seeds (in moderation), but these should not exceed 10% of their daily intake.
- Monitor: If your conure seems over- or underweight, adjust portions accordingly. Always consult an avian veterinarian if you’re concerned about their diet or health.
It’s important to note that every bird is different, so these guidelines can vary based on your conure’s specific needs.
why does my conure breathe so fast while he/she sleeps?
It’s completely normal for a conure to breathe faster while sleeping, especially since birds have a naturally faster respiratory rate compared to mammals. Conures, like all birds, have a higher metabolism, which leads to a faster heart rate and breathing rate.
While sleeping, a conure’s breathing may appear more rapid due to the following reasons:
Dreaming or REM Sleep: Just like mammals, birds can experience REM sleep, which causes changes in their breathing patterns. During this stage, their heart rate and breathing rate may increase slightly.
Natural Metabolism: Birds, including conures, have a higher metabolism, which requires more oxygen and leads to faster breathing even while resting.
Temperature Regulation: If your conure is feeling too warm or stressed, they may breathe faster. Birds may increase their breathing rate to help regulate their body temperature, especially in a warm or humid environment.
Resting but Active Brain: While your conure is sleeping, its brain may still be active, leading to faster breathing. This is similar to how puppies breathe faster during certain sleep stages.
As long as your conure’s breathing rate is consistent with their normal sleep behavior and they don’t show signs of distress or health problems (like wheezing, labored breathing, or lethargy), there’s usually no need to worry. However, if you’re concerned about your bird’s respiratory health or notice any unusual behavior, it’s always a good idea to consult an avian vet.
why does my conure twitch while he/she sleeps?
Conures, like many other birds, can twitch while they sleep due to a few different reasons, most commonly related to their natural sleep cycle:
Dreaming (REM Sleep): Just like humans and some other animals, birds experience REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is the stage of sleep associated with dreaming. During this stage, a bird’s body can experience twitches or jerks, much like what we see in puppies. These movements are completely normal and likely linked to the brain processing information during sleep.
Myoclonic Twitching: This term refers to brief, involuntary muscle twitches or jerks that can occur during sleep. In birds, these twitches are usually harmless and may simply reflect the brain’s activity during REM sleep. It’s similar to how people may twitch or jerk in their sleep when they’re dreaming.
Muscle Relaxation: As your conure enters a deeper sleep phase, their muscles may relax, which can sometimes cause small, random twitches as the nervous system calms down.
Stress or Physical Discomfort: In some cases, twitching may be due to stress or physical discomfort, especially if the bird is in an environment that’s too loud, bright, or stressful. However, this is less common than the natural twitching associated with sleep.
If the twitching is not accompanied by signs of illness (such as lethargy, difficulty flying, or changes in behavior), it is likely just part of your conure’s normal sleep cycle and nothing to be concerned about. However, if the twitching seems excessive or is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it’s always a good idea to consult an avian vet to rule out any underlying health issues.