Sun Conure
Aratinga aratinga
Distribution - Central and South America
Description - Weight: 100-180 gm
Size: Approximately 11 inches in length.
Distinct Markings: Overall green, olive green breast fading to yellow green, black wing primaries edged in blue, base of tail green tipped in blue, head gray brown, edged in blue, bare white area around eye, black bill, under side of tail black, reddish cere.
Aratinga species can be endearing pets, being palyful, gregarious. Pyrrhura conures often do not stay tame and are better suited for aviary specimens. Many conures are very noisey especially in the afternoon. Conures are generally poor talkers. Enicognathus have especially endearing personalities but are uncommon in aviculture.
Behavior/Aviculture -
Conures are Small to medium sized parrots with long tapered tails. Many are brightly colored while others are predominately green. Their voices are often loud and harsh. The voices or Pyrrhura conures are not so loud but they are less likely to be tame and personable. Conures are very hardy and adaptable.
Conures are highly active and love to chew. Counres should always be provided with toys, especially wooden blocks which can be chewed, and branches from non-toxic trees. In order to ensure safety companion birds should not be allowed unsupervised freedom in the home as they often encounter toxins or dangerous items. Young birds should be socialized to many people and exposed to a variety of situations such as new cages, toys, visits to the veterinarian, handling by friends, wing and nail clips, etc. to avoid fear of novel situations.
Routine bathing or showering is vital to maintaining good plumage and skin condition. Birds can be misted and allowed to dry in a warm room or in the sun, or dried with a blow drier. Conures are very efficient flyers and require more extensive wing clipping than more heavy bodied birds. Clip only enough so the bird will glide to the floor.
All companion and breeding birds should be individually identified to assist in recovery if lost and assist in maintenance of medical and genealogical records. Many breeders apply closed legs bands when chicks are young. While they present a slight risk of entrapment closed bands are preferable to no identification, especially for breeding birds. Microchips which can be implanted into the muscle or under the skin are a reliable means of identification but require electronic readers to verify identification. Tattoos may be used but often fade or become illegible with time. Foot prints may have some application in identification.
While room for flight is ideal, conures can be kept and bred in relatively small cages, 2' x 2' x 4'. Two perches should be provided so they can move, preferably fly, between them. Chewing material should be provided.
Life Span: may be up to 25 years, average probably 10-15 years.
Age at maturity: 1-3 years
Diet -
Conures should be fed a formulated (pelleted or extruded diet) as a basis for good nutrition. The diet should be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables daily to add variety and psychological enrichment. Treats maybe given in small amounts especially as rewards for good behavior. Fresh clean water must be provided every day. Conure bleeding syndrome, vitamin K deficiency, may occur on an inadequate diet. Vitamin supplements are not needed for birds which are eating a formulated diet. Pretty Bird Daily Select or Breeder Select diets are well suited for conures. For Conversion see our brochure on Converting your seed eating bird to a formulated diet.
Breeding Information -
Conures typically breed in the spring and summer but some may breed year round. Clutch size is typically 3-6 eggs but may be larger.
Vertical nest box, size dependent on size of species.
Conure species show no obvious sexual dimorphism (visual difference between the species) therefore endoscopic examination or laboratory sexing techniques are needed for accurate sex determination.
While room for flight is ideal, conures can be kept and bred in relatively small cages, 2' x 2' x 4'. Two perches should be provided so they can move, preferably fly, between them. Chewing material should be provided.
Common Diseases And Disorders - Feather and skin disorders, feather picking
Conure Bleeding syndrome Carriers - Pacheco's parrot disease Bacterial, viral, fungal infections polyomavirus
Injuries
Many common health problems can be prevented by good diet, nutrition and routine health care. Routine veterinary examination (annually) can help you to keep your pet in excellent health and enhance your relationship with your bird.
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