Conure

• ExerciseVery high

  A high-energy flyer — serious daily flight time and enrichment are essential.

• GroomingEasy upkeep

  Fresh bath water and an occasional mist are all they ask.

• Living spaceStandard cage

  A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment15–30 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Feather plucking · Respiratory issues · Egg binding

The conure is a comedian in feathers — playful, affectionate and full of character, it sleeps on its back, dances for treats and cuddles enthusiastically. The one thing every prospective owner must know is the volume: conures are astonishingly loud for their size, with a piercing scream that makes them a serious consideration for anyone with close neighbours or a low noise tolerance. They are social birds that need daily interaction, a roomy cage, out-of-cage play and lots of toys and foraging. Diet, as with all parrots, should be mostly pellets and fresh vegetables rather than all seed, to avoid obesity. Conures are active and enjoy plenty of exercise. Watch for feather plucking driven by boredom, respiratory and fungal disease, and, in some conures, a bleeding disorder linked to vitamin-K and calcium issues; a good diet helps protect against it. Their small lungs are highly sensitive to non-stick fumes, aerosols and smoke, which are quickly fatal. Give a conure companionship, enrichment and tolerance for its noise, and it will be a devoted, hilarious companion for fifteen to thirty years.

• How much activity does a Conure need?

  Very high. A high-energy flyer — serious daily flight time and enrichment are essential.

• How much feather care does a Conure need?

  Easy upkeep. Fresh bath water and an occasional mist are all they ask.

• What cage does a Conure need?

  Standard cage. A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Is a Conure a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Conure live?

  15–30 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Conure?

  Keep an eye out for Feather plucking, Respiratory issues, Egg binding. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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