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BIRD / new pets

Conure Care Guide

Tips from home to health to food and fun

Overview

6 things to know about conures

  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Size: Most conures grow to about 15 inches (38 cm) long
  • Lifespan: They can live 20 years or longer
  • Temperament: Conures have playful personalities
  • Behavior: They need at least two hours of daily interaction with their humans
  • Origin: Conures are native to Central and South America

How do I set up my conure’s home?

  • Keep conures in a cage large enough for them to stretch their wings, climb and play.
  • Your conure’s cage should be 20 x 20 x 30 inches (51 x 51 x 76 cm) at minimum. The bigger the cage, the better.
  • Provide at least 2 perches of different thickness and materials; the variation helps keep bird feet strong and healthy. The perches should also be placed at different heights.
  • Don’t place perches over food or water dishes, because droppings will make a mess where your pet eats and drinks.
  • Birds are sensitive to smoke, gases, strong smells and drafts. Keep the cage away from the kitchen and open windows, and out of direct sunlight.
  • Line the enclosure floor with recycled-paper bedding or use a paper liner. Replace the liner at least every other day.
  • Cover the cage at night
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What do conures eat?

Conures enjoy a range of foods, including pellets, commercial birdseed, fruits and vegetables and occasional treats.

  • Pellets should make up 80-85% of your conure's diet. Keep your bird’s food bowl three-quarters full and refresh it daily.
  • Feed your conure dark, leafy greens, squash, berries, melons and other brightly colored fruits and vegetables.
  • Offer birdseed as an occasional treat.
  • Once a month, offer your bird wheat pasta and/or beans as a special treat.
  • Conures can have access to a cuttlebone to help keep their beaks healthy.
  • Your conure should have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
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How can I play with and groom my conure?

  • Conures are smart and sociable. With practice they can learn some tricks such as "step up" and "step down." They can even mimic human speech.
  • Your conure will enjoy spending time outside of the cage every day. Provide a T-stand or playpen as a hangout. Do not use these stands outside.
  • Inside the cage, keep your conure busy by rotating a number of toys to keep things new and exciting.
  • 2 or 3 times a week, give your conure a bowl of warm water to use as a bath. Or mist your bird gently with warm water from a clean spray bottle.
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How do I keep my conure healthy?

Try not to handle conures for 3 to 4 days after bringing them home to give them time to adjust.

Even a settled-in bird can feel sick. In addition to annual check-ups, talk to an avian veterinarian if you have questions about your bird’s health or if you notice any of these signs of illness or distress:

  • Decreased appetite or weight loss
  • Decreased activity or grooming
  • Sleep and feathers fluffed up
  • Long periods sitting at the bottom of the cage
  • Sneezing
  • Discharge from nose or mouth
  • Change in droppings for more than 2 days

PET SAFETY TIPS

  • Use caution when handling pets and remember they may bite or scratch (especially when stressed).
  • Supervise children around pets.
  • ALL ANIMALS can potentially carry viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases contagious to humans.
  • Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after contact with any pet or its habitat.
  • Adults should assist children with hand washing after contact with a pet, its habitat or aquarium water.

VET ASSURED™

Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our exclusive Vet Assured™ program, designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health and well-being of our pets.

Our vendors meet a high standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses. This program also includes specific standards for in-store pet care.

PETSMART PROMISE

If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you’re not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.