Greencheek Conures

This is a 2 year old breeding pair.

The Green Cheeked Conure is one of the smallest conures weighing around 70 grams. That is about 15 grams smaller than a Cockatiel. They are also one of the most readily available conures in aviculture, and therefore the least expensive. But, don't let their small size or price fool you. They have every bit of the great personality as the bigger conures. I think they are a great "next-step-up" from Cockatiels, (for pet owners and new breeders), since they are more like having a big parrot.

Life span: 30 years or more with proper care.

Colors: Green Cheeks are mainly green, but also have maroon tails, a grey to yellow throat area, bright blue wing tips, and a maroon patch on the belly area. There is also a diluted version called Cinnamon and an intensely colored version called Yellow-Sided. Turquoise is still quite rare and very expensive. Breeders are combining these colors for some very beautiful results. We will have Normals, Cinnamons, Yellow-sided, and combinations available starting spring 2006.

Energy level: Very high - lots of toys and attention are nessesary to keep these birds happy.

Talking ability: Fairly well. Equal ability among males or females. They have such tiny voices that usually only the owner can understand. Not really into whistling, but will try. Most will repeat a few words and common houshould noises. Can have large vocabularies with coaching.

Noise: Volume is not nearly as loud as the larger conures. Frequency of noise is moderate. Expect some squawking at dawn, when entering or leaving the house, and if disturbed while trying to take a nap or while sleeping. I would imagine the volume would be suitable for apartment living. Frequency tends to increase if they don't get enough attention or toys. These birds don't seem to mind a noisier houshold, making them more suitable for families with children. Although, expect them to join in as your household noise level increases. I have found that pet Green Cheeks will often choose to use words or noises they have learned (instead of squawking) once they discover it gets them attention.

Unique characteristics: Will lay on their back to play or sleep, bathe frequently with entire body submerged, dangle by one foot from the top of the cage or a human friend's hair just to check out the view and will hold food or treats with a foot while eating, like a big parrot. They enjoy being scatched all over, usually while laying upside down in your hand or on a lap. They also enjoy and seem to never tire of "Peek-a-Bird" (a bird version of peek-a-boo). They will hide under a towel or even your shirt and run in and out. Be carefull not to squish your hiding bird. These birds have no dandruff, (like a cockatiel does), making them a better choice for those with allergies.

Problem behavior:

-It seems youngsters don't know their own strength when using their beak. They can also get a little carried away when playing. Almost like a young child, they need to be calmed down when play becomes too rough. They can be taught to be more careful, but they need frequent reminders.

-Their love for bathing can be a problem with the water dish. They also like to dip their food in the water making some kind of "soup". This can be a problem if you are not home to change the water frequently, because it can leave nothing to drink. I recomend a water bottle in addition to the dish. With their natural curiousity, they will learn of the new water source quickly.

-Curiosity. While curiosity is one of the great characteristics of the conure, it can get him into a ton of trouble. Particurly with other pets, the bath tub, the toilet, a boiling pot of water, etc. Keep a close eye on your Conure, as this is can easily become his doom.

Recomended equipment:

- A cage and toys suitable for a Cockatiel will work for a Green Cheek Conure. Although, avoid cages with doors that slide. Green Cheeks are smart and can become escape artists. I learned that lesson the hard way.

-Toys and more toys. Rotate toys of various texture and colors. They seem to really enjoy leather stips, twisted cotton rope with wood beads, and swings. Most also enjoy playing with little balls, particurally the ones that look like miniture whiffle balls and have a bell in the middle.

-Pedicure perch. This is a textured perch that helps keep toenails short and smooth. It sure beats trimming and risk cutting the quick. Short toenails are safer too, they don't snag on clothes or the carpet, not to mention less painfull on skin. Put this perch up high in the cage and your bird will sleep on it at night, getting the most use of the perch. They also seem to enjoy the secure grip of these perches for sleeping.

- A Happy Hut, or simular. Green Cheeks like tunnels and caves. Likely their natural nesting instict kicking in. They also like cuddling and can provide comfort to a Green Cheek that has no cage mates, and while your unavailable.

- A deep, wide water dish for baths.