Green-cheeked Conure

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs hours of out-of-cage activity and mental challenges every day.

• 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.

• Commitment10–25 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Feather plucking · Respiratory issues · Obesity

The Green-cheeked Conure (Pyrrhura molinae) is a small Pyrrhura from the forests of Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, and is prized precisely because it is far quieter than the flashy Aratinga conures. At 60-80 g it packs enormous personality into a compact, long-tailed body, and colour mutations such as pineapple, cinnamon and turquoise have made it a modern favourite. Green-cheeks are goofy, bold and endlessly playful — they wrestle toys, hang by one foot and 'beak' everything to test it. They form tight bonds and can nip when overexcited or hormonal, so consistent gentle handling from a young age matters; they are one of the best starter conures for exactly this balance of fun and manageable noise. Offer pellets as the dietary base with daily vegetables, leafy greens and a little fruit, avoiding avocado, chocolate and caffeine which are toxic to all parrots. They need a roomy cage, several hours out each day and a rotation of foraging and shredding toys; without stimulation they turn to feather-plucking, and hens on a rich diet can become chronic egg-layers, so watch the calcium and the light cycle.

• How much activity does a Green-cheeked Conure need?

  High. Needs hours of out-of-cage activity and mental challenges every day.

• How much feather care does a Green-cheeked Conure need?

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

• What cage does a Green-cheeked Conure need?

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

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

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Green-cheeked Conure live?

  10–25 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Green-cheeked Conure?

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

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