Conure Care Guide
Conures are a group of small to medium-sized parrots native to Central and South America. These birds can be wonderful companions and many different species are available in the pet trade, including green-cheeked conures, sun conures, Jenday conures, and Nanday conures. Pet conures may live 15–30+ years.
Enclosure
Conures should be housed in a cage with minimum dimensions of 24″ long × 24″ wide × 36″ tall, though larger enclosures are preferred. Perches should be placed at different levels to allow full exploration of the cage and should vary in diameter and texture. Natural wooden perches made of java or manzanita wood are ideal, as they reduce the chance of abnormal wear on the feet that could lead to bumblefoot (pododermatitis).
Temperature
As tropical species, conures prefer warm temperatures in the 70–80°F range. Supplemental heating may be required if the temperature drops below 60°F.
Humidity
Conures prefer a humidity level of 40–60%, which can be measured with a hygrometer. A humidifier can be used if necessary. Many birds appreciate a warm misting 1–2 times per week to encourage healthy skin and feathers.
Lighting
Access to sunlight is recommended, just as with other bird species. Ultraviolet-B rays in sunshine help the body produce vitamin D3, which allows for appropriate calcium absorption. The best way to provide this is to take your bird outdoors in unfiltered sunlight. Keeping a bird near a window may help with normal circadian rhythms, but glass and window screens block UVB rays. Always monitor your bird closely outdoors to prevent overheating or escape.
If safe outdoor access isn’t possible, a UVB lamp such as ZooMed’s Avistar 5.0 is a good alternative. Place it 12–18 inches from the bird and run it for about 6 hours a day.
Diet
As with other parrot species, it is recommended that 60–80% of the diet be in the form of a pellet. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains should make up the remainder. If you are switching your conure to a pellet diet and need help, please refer to our handout on tips for diet conversion.
Enrichment
Toys are a necessity to keep a conure happy and stimulated. Conures like to hide behind toys and enjoy cozying up in small spaces. Wooden, rope, and paper toys are all good choices. Homemade toys from cardboard and paper are also appropriate.
We generally do not recommend fabric bird huts for conures, as they can lead to medical issues including fabric ingestion and gastrointestinal obstruction, entanglement injuries, and hormonal aggression, excessive nesting, and egg-laying behaviors. If you choose to use a fabric sleeping hut, close supervision is essential.
Wellness & Preventive Care
Conures should have an annual wellness exam and fecal evaluation. Depending on your bird and individual circumstances, infectious disease screening may also be appropriate. DNA sexing is available to determine if your bird is male or female.
