Sun 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 · Obesity

The Sun Conure (Aratinga solstitialis) comes from the tropical savannahs of northeastern South America, where flocks blaze across the sky in green-to-gold flashes. Captive-bred birds weigh 110-130 g, live 15-30 years and reach full adult colour only at around two years old, molting from a mottled green juvenile into pure fire. They are among the loudest small parrots alive, so an apartment with thin walls is a genuine problem — a sun conure will greet the dawn, the sunset and every passing pigeon at full volume. In exchange you get a fearless, cuddle-hungry acrobat that plays on its back, buries into shirts and learns tricks eagerly with positive reinforcement. Feed a base of formulated pellets with daily fresh vegetables, sprouted seeds and limited fruit; all-seed diets cause the obesity and fatty-liver disease these birds are prone to. Provide a large flight cage, hours of out-of-cage time and constant foraging toys — a bored, lonely sun conure is the classic feather-plucker, so companionship and enrichment are not optional.

• How much activity does a Sun Conure need?

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

• How much feather care does a Sun Conure need?

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

• What cage does a Sun Conure need?

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

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

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Sun Conure live?

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

• What health issues affect the Sun 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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