Birds
Sun Conure – Full Profile, History & Care
Brilliantly colorful, intelligent, friendly and full of personality, the sun conure has long been popular with families who love pet birds. But owners need to be prepared; this bird is one of the loudest of all medium-sized parrots. It is not a good starter bird as it requires regular training, daily interaction and constant socialization to keep it tame and well behaved.
Species overview
Common names :
Sun conure, sun parakeet
Scientific name: Aratinga solstitialis
Adult size:
12
inchesExpectation
of
life
: 25 to 30 years
Origin and history
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The sun conures are native to northeastern South America, including Venezuela, northern Brazil, and Guyana. It is mainly found in inland tropical habitats, but it can also inhabit dry savanna forests and coastal forests. It usually inhabits fruit trees and palm groves.
The population of this currently endangered bird is rapidly declining due to habitat loss and trapping for the pet trade. About 800,000 birds are trapped each year, despite the import ban imposed by the United States in 1992 and by the European Union in 2007.
Temperament
The sun conure is a playful and amusing bird that enjoys athletic tricks. These birds are intelligent, interactive and easy to train. In general, it is a very affectionate and cuddly bird that is gentle with all members of the family as long as it is treated well. The bird is not without assurance, however; it can suddenly become aggressive if provoked.
This parrot can go through phases of tetanus which can be difficult for both children and adults. Even the tamest pet bird can be startled and bite. It’s not an exact reflection of his personality, it’s a natural reaction.
Like all parrots, sun conures are social birds that need a lot of interaction with their human owners to be happy. They are naturally playful and affectionate when given the attention they need, which makes them particularly suitable for those who want a bird to keep them company.
Do not forget that the sun conure is extremely strong, capable of emitting piercing cries at the ears. Its loud, shrill call is used in the wild to draw attention to important situations from miles away. Likewise, this bird can be a great watchdog version for your home.
Speech and vocalizations
In captivity, this bird’s loud, screeching calls can elicit back calls from angry neighbors. This bird is not suitable for apartment or condominium dwellers. You can’t expect to “train” their screaming, but you can train them early on to limit excessive screaming. They express their excitement and fear with shrill cries. Conures are not shy birds and will let you know vocally if they are bored or if their needs are being neglected.
Sun conures aren’t known for their ability to talk, but some birds demonstrate an uncanny ability to mimic other types of sounds, like doorbells, microwave buzzers, and telephone chimes.
How to teach your bird to talk
Sun Conure Colors and Markings
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When fully grown, a sun conure is bright orange and yellow with streaks of green and blue. Young sun conures are not nearly as colorful as adults, which is a natural defense mechanism. The first feathers are olive green in color and change to a mixture of yellow-orange around the age of 6 months. Full color plumage appears around one year of age. Sun conures have black beaks and feet and characteristic white patches around each eye. The sexes are identical in terms of color and markings. To determine the sex, your bird must undergo a genetic test or a surgical sex determination procedure.
Caring for a Sun Conure
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The sun conure is an active bird that will be happiest in a spacious enclosure. Give it a minimum cage size of 20 inches by 20 inches in footprint and a height of at least 36 inches. Make sure the cage has relatively close spacing between the bars (3/4 to 1 inch) to prevent the bird from getting its head stuck between the bars.
Like most other parrot species, the sun conure needs safe areas outside of its cage for exploration and research. This athletic bird likes to create his own tricks. Provide a playroom on top of his cage so he can stretch his legs and wings.
Like most pet birds, sun conures require training if you want to have a positive and fun relationship with them. Use positive reinforcement techniques to train this parrot to do multiple rounds of gymnastics. This bird will not react well to scolding or any type of negative reinforcement.
Sun conures are less enthusiastic about bathing than some parrots, but most will splash around and bathe every day if the cage has a bowl of clean water every day. Conures don’t like jet showers as much as some other parrots.
The 8 Best Brightly Colored Pet Birds
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normal wild-type Green-Cheeked Conure male |
normal wild-type Green-Cheeked female |
 100% Green Cheeks of both genders |
This mutation has been found in the wild and was first identified in imported birds by Steve Garvin. |
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Yellow-Sided… therefore, these males can produce it without the mutation being visual. |
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a sexed-linked mutation that can only be passed on by the hens if it is visual. |
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Visual Cinnamon females |
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parents of this pair are both Cinnamons |
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Male Yellow-Sided |
female Cinnamon |
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Yellow -Sided that are not split (can only produce Yellow-Sided) |
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visual normal male, (parents are Cinnamon and Yellow-Sided) – can produce the babies shown below- |
visual female Yellow-Sided (she cannot be split to Cinnamon as this charcteristic is sex-linked) |
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female Yellow-Sided- cannot be split to Cinnamon  female Pineapples |
female Cinnamons |
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(she is a visual Cinnamon -Yellow- Sided, both in same bird) |
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Cinnamon males split to Yellow- to |
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Common health issues
Like other conures and parrots, the sun conure can be prone to feather picking. Although this can be caused by medical reasons, more often than not it is a sign that the bird is bored or not getting the attention it needs.
Conures are also prone to avian viral diseases like proventricular dilation disease and psittacine beak and feather disease. They can also be affected by bacterial infection of psittacosis, beak malocclusion (excessive biting of the beak) and fungal infection of aspergillosis. If you think your bird is sick, you will need an avian veterinarian or exotic species specialist to examine your bird. You should plan to have annual checkups with this specialist vet.
Diet and nutrition
In the wild, sun conures feed primarily on fruits, nuts, and seeds. In captivity, they do best on a balanced diet in pellet form supplemented with fruits, leafy greens, and root vegetables. Lightly steamed sweet potatoes are an excellent food for your conure.
You can give them an unlimited amount of food in the form of pellets; they will only eat what they need. As for fresh fruits and vegetables, offer them about 1/8 to 1/4 cup in the morning and evening.
Seed vs Pellets: a way to Feed Your Bird
Practice
For
- Social, affectionate and cuddly
- Intelligent, we can teach him things
- One of the brightest colored birds
Versus
- Noisy, not suitable for apartments or close neighbors
- Not known for his ability to speak
- Can become nervous around children if provoked
Where to Adopt or get a Sun Conure
If you are considering purchasing a sun conure, make sure it is certified for captive breeding. These birds can cost between 500 and 700 dollars. Some adoptions or rescues that may feature sun conures include
- Bird breeders
- save the birds
- Petfinder
If you go the breeder route, make sure of the breeder’s reputation by asking how long he’s been breeding and working with sun conures. Carefully inspect a bird before bringing it home. A healthy bird is alert, active, has bright eyes, clean feathers, and full feathers.
More Pet Bird Species and Further Research
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Other medium-sized parrots can be considered:
- Indian Rose-ringed Parakeet Species Profile
- Quaker Parrot Species Profile
- Green-Cheek Conure Species Profile
Otherwise, check out all of our other medium-sized parrot species profiles.
Prevue Pet Products
Prevue Pet Products has been in the business of making bird cages for a long time. The company’s products are not limited to those for birds, but include a number of other pet related goods. Some of their offerings include a line of aquariums, water dishes, and pet beds. In addition, the company manufactures an extensive line of feeders and feeder accessories. A number of their more technologically advanced bird cages feature innovative features like a slide out tray for easy cleaning.
Prevue’s Double Roof Bird Cage is a stylishly designed unit with rounded corners and a unique 2-in-1 front door. Its dual-roofed design allows it to house two cockatiels and other small birds in comfort and style. As an added plus, the double roof boasts a spacious outside play area. For a mere fraction of the cost of some of the more elaborate designs, you can provide your feathered friend with a safe and secure home.
While the company’s product lines are fairly limited, the company does have some of the most reputable customer service in the industry. Whether you need a bird cage for one or a whole aviary, you can be confident that you’re getting a quality piece of equipment that is well made and will last for many years to come. Besides, no pet cage is truly complete without a pet owner. That’s why Prevue offers a wide variety of helpful advice and support. Moreover, the company is also known for offering a wide selection of accessories, toys, and other miscellaneous goodies.
ZENY Bird Cage
A ZENY Bird Cage for parakeet is ideal for bird lovers who want to provide their parrots with a home that is secure and durable. With its solid construction, this cage offers plenty of room for your pet to move around and interact comfortably. It’s also easy to clean, making it the perfect choice for those who like to spend time with their feathered friends.
The ZENY Bird Cage for parakeet features a sturdy main metal frame, an environmentally-friendly feeding station, and two wooden perches. It also has a sliding grate, making it convenient for you to access the cage contents. This cage is easy to clean and rust-resistant, which is great for any home.
Another feature of this cage is its patented bird-proof locks. The top and bottom doors are lockable, keeping smart birds out. It’s also equipped with a removable debris tray. In addition, the arc-shaped wires on the doors help keep your bird safe.
This birdcage for parakeet is made of high-quality metal. It’s covered with a non-toxic epoxy-baked finish that’s not harmful to your pet. Moreover, it’s water-resistant for indoor use.
It also comes with an extra storage shelf and a detachable mobile stand. Both of these features make it a breeze to travel with your bird. Furthermore, it’s large enough to fit several medium-sized animals.
For your bird’s convenience, you can remove the bottom grille to create a space for feeding and cleaning. You can also add a warm mist air humidifier to keep your bird healthy.
When it’s time to clean, just pull out the slide-out grate and the removable metal grate for quick and easy access. If you need a place to put your bird’s toys, you can install a flat-top. Also, you can open the front door and leave the rooftop play area open.
This birdcage for parakeet has a large and spacious interior, allowing multiple birds to live in it comfortably. There are two feeder cups for food and water, plus a large space for fun toys.
Having a parakeet as a pet is a wonderful experience, especially if you can talk to them while they flap their wings. Watching them do so can help you relax and relieve stress.
Bird cages are a great way to show off your pet, and you can get a variety of styles at Petsmart. But there are a few things you need to keep in mind when picking out your new cage, as well as keeping your bird healthy and happy.
Safety is paramount when choosing decor
If you have decided to buy a bird cage, you need to make sure you choose a safe one. A safe bird cage is an important part of keeping your pet happy and healthy. Keeping your bird safe involves a checklist of safety items to keep in mind.
The best bird cages are those that are made of stainless steel. These are durable, easy to clean and provide many benefits. You will find that a stainless steel cage makes an attractive addition to any room.
Another important feature to consider is the size of the bird cage. Small birds need smaller cages to avoid being trapped between the bars. In order to prevent this, the bars should be spaced at least a half-inch apart. Larger birds should have cages with bars spaced two inches apart.
Parakeets don’t need or want companions
If you’re looking for a pet that loves attention and doesn’t need a cage mate, a parakeet is a great choice. These birds are friendly, talkative and playful. They enjoy hanging out with their human companions, and they are also easy to care for.
Getting a parakeet can be a great experience, but it can be tricky if you haven’t owned a bird before. It can take a while to learn how to bond with your new friend. However, it’s well worth the effort. The more time you spend with your parakeet, the more attached they will become to you.
You’ll need to provide a safe, comfortable place for your parakeet to fly. They can get nervous when they are left alone. That’s why it’s important to have a cage that has a door or windows that are closed. Also, you’ll need to put a lot of toys in the cage.
Round, tall and narrow bird cages can cause behavioral issues
Although round, tall and narrow bird cages may be in vogue, they can actually be dangerous and confusing to your feathered pal. If you’re not careful, your pet may be entangled in a web of bars or stuck hopping around the house. There’s also the matter of finding the right size.
The biggest hurdle is choosing the best size for your bird. A rectangular metal cage may be the better choice. It’s also easier to clean. Stainless steel is not only durable, but isn’t likely to rust.
If you’re looking for a fun and interesting bird toy, a rope toy is a good choice. Some birds will regurgitate on it. Other birds will be more prone to destroying it. For smaller birds, a ladder toy is the way to go.
Birdseed can help keep your bird healthy and fed
If you are looking to keep your bird healthy and fed, consider investing in high quality bird seed. Whether you purchase store bought or make your own, be sure to store the seed properly. This can prevent insects from infesting your feed and can also help keep the seeds fresh.
The seed should be stored in a cool, dry place and rodent proof container. A covered porch or garage is ideal. Be sure to keep the container in a spot that is not near any animals, including cats.
Birds love sunflower seed. It is packed with fat, protein, fiber, and calcium. During the winter months, birds need a balanced diet.
Pellets are another popular type of bird food. They are made with a mix of different grains, fruits, and vegetables. Pellets are formulated to meet the needs of particular bird types.
Perches for bird cages
Bird cages at Petsmart have plenty of perches to choose from. Perches help birds exercise, clean their beaks, and climb. There are hundreds of different kinds to choose from.
Some of the best types are natural wood. Natural wood is free of paint and dye. This is a safer choice for your bird.
Hemp rope is also a great option. However, if your bird is a chewer, this type of rope might be unsafe. The threaded tips can become tangled in their claws. They are also easily swallowed.
Ladder perches are another good option. They come in varying sizes and are easy to mount. These types of perches are great for creating a “jungle gym” for your bird.
Perches made of concrete or sand are also popular. However, these are not recommended. Concrete and sand are cold, and can hurt your bird’s feet. Plus, the lime content in concrete can be extremely inflammatory.
Popular as pets due to their small size, beauty, and intelligence, green conures have captured the hearts of many bird lovers in recent years. Their curiosity, guts, and playful nature make them interesting and entertaining pets. Mischievous and attractive, green cheeks pack a lot of personality into a small package. The fact that it is less noisy than most other parrots, and more affordable, adds to the appeal.
Common names
The green-cheeked (or green-cheeked) conure is also known as the green-cheeked parakeet , the Yellow-sided Conure , and the green-cheeked parrot .
Scientific name
The taxonomic name for the green-cheeked conure is Pyrrhura molinae, a member of a genus that features a number of species of parrots with small bodies and long tails. There are at least six subspecies:
Origin and history
The green cone is native to South America, found in the forests and wooded areas of Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay.
size
One of the smaller conure species, the green-cheeked conure is typically around 10 inches long from the beak to the tip of the tail feathers. Adults weigh 2 to 3 ounces.
Average life
The green cheek conure can live for over 30 years when well cared for in captivity.
Temper
Packing a lot of personality into a pint-sized parrot, green-cheeked conures have exploded in popularity as pets in recent years. They are known to be affectionate and playful with their owners, thriving on the time spent socializing with them. Although quieter than most conure species, this can be a noisy bird and can be a problem for apartment dwellers. Some can learn a few words, but green-cheeked conures are not generally known as great talkers. However, most owners will tell you that their personalities more than make up for what they lack in the speech department.
Green-cheeked conure markings and colors
Green-cheeked green conures display a variety of colors in their plumage, sporting bright red feathers on their tails and breasts, bright green on their backs and the tops of their wings, olive green surrounding the red patch on their breasts, a whitish ring around the neck, black plumage on the head, and finally olive-green spots on the cheeks. The long, pointed tail is mostly blue/maroon. They have black bills and feet and display bare white rings around their eyes.
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