Green Cheek Conures are a unique and beautiful species of parrot that are native to South America. These birds are known for their vibrant green feathers, which complement various shades of blue, red, and pineapple colorings on their wings, breast and crown.
Their playful and social personalities make them a popular choice among bird enthusiasts, but they also require a lot of care and attention. Green Cheek Conure talking should not be the primary reason to considering buying or adopting one, but they do have an ability to mimic some words and interact with their human family.
We have had a green cheek in our household for 15 years. I love dogs, but my wife is leery of them, so we settled on a small parrot. After some research I chose these little conures and our lives have been better for it ever since!
In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Green Cheek Conures and explore their origins, physical characteristics, behavior, care, and diet.
Origin of Green Cheek Conures
Green Cheek Conures are native to the Amazon Basin of South America, including Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. They are also found in the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago. These birds inhabit the tropical rainforests and prefer areas with tall Cheeks and dense vegetation. They are often seen in flocks of up to 20 birds and are known for their distinctive calls.
Physical Characteristics
Greencheeked Conures are small to medium-sized parrots that measure around twelve inches in length and weigh between 5 to 6 ounces. Their small size makes them a great parrot option for someone who lives in a small apartment or other small space.
They have a slender body with long, tapered wings and a long, pointed tail. The feathers are predominantly green, with a bright red patch on their foreheads that extends down to their eyes. They also have blue feathers on their wings and a yellow-green belly. The conure’s beak is strong and curved, which they use to crack open nuts and seeds. They have zygodactyl feet, which means they have two toes facing forward and two toes facing backward, allowing them to grip onto branches and climb with ease.
Behavior
Normal Green Cheek Conures are social birds that thrive on interaction with their owners. They are intelligent and curious birds that love to play and explore their environment. They are also very vocal birds and enjoy making a variety of sounds, including whistles, squawks, and mimicry. They are known for their playful antics, such as hanging upside down and playing with toys. Conures are a joy to keep as companion pets.
As affectionate birds, they enjoy interacting with their owners and are easy to teach and train. They desire to have their humans close by. They quickly identify their flock and desire to be near their owners throughout the day.
Conures will not do well if left alone all day and not allowed time out their cage. Please don’t consider getting a conure, or any parrot species, if you are not committed to having designated times that the bird will be allowed outside the cage. They are very intelligent birds and need time to explore and interact with their human family and safely explore. They are eager to step-up, crawl, climb, and perch on or near their owners.
Conures are also very active birds that require plenty of exercise. They should be provided with ample space to fly and climb, such as a large cage or aviary. They should also be given plenty of toys and other forms of enrichment to keep them entertained.
You should provide plenty of time out of the cage – a perch near the cage makes a great option for exercising and enriching your bird’s experience. It is also a good option for interacting with you bird, feeding treats, teaching them tricks, etc.
Green cheek conure bites do occur, although as parrots go their bite is very minimal. As with most small parrots the green cheek likes to explore using their beak and most of their potential bites are really just an attempt to feel their way around or steady themselves.
They are among the quietest parrots you can keep and may be the right pet bird for you. They make great birds for an apartment, although like most birds they become vocal in the early morning and late evening.
Cage
Green Cheek Conures require close care and attention to thrive. They should be kept in a large cage or aviary that is at least 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 36 inches tall. The cage should also be equipped with perches of different sizes and textures to promote foot health and exercise. They should also have access to plenty of toys, such as ropes, swings, and puzzles, to keep them mentally stimulated.
Green Cheek Conures Care
Conure parrots need fresh food and water daily. Provide them a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains, as well as a high-quality parrot pellet. They should also be given access to calcium supplements, such as cuttlebone, to promote healthy bone development.
With proper care, conures should be able to live 20 – 25 years (or more) in captivity. Ensure your bird gets veterinary visits, especially when young, and that you understand how to provide proper care. Pay close attention to your bird’s habits, tendencies, and behaviors so you will easily understand that behavior might be a signal for a health problem.
Green cheeks require regular grooming to maintain their health and appearance. They should be given regular baths or showers to keep their feathers clean and healthy. Trim their beak and nails regularly to prevent overgrowth. They especially need access to wood for chewing because it helps them maintain their beak in peak condition.
If you need to travel overnight and can’t take your bird along, please arrange for someone to check in on your bird while you’re away. A family member, pet-sitter, neighbor, etc. should stop by and provide fresh water, a treat, and some time with the bird each day or two.
Our conure loves to travel in the car, so that is always an option. I don’t recommend it in extreme cold or extreme hot weather though just in case the heater or air conditioning malfunctions. It could put unnecessary stress on your friend, which could lead to more serious health issues. They do tolerate heat better than extreme cold but will do best in a steady-state environment with temperatures between 70 – 85 degrees.
As with all birds, take care to keep them away from draughts of cold air. Our breeder also cautioned us that conures will not do well when exposed to temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below 55 degrees for extended time could have severe consequences.
Green Cheek Conure Diet
Conures are omnivores and require a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein sources. They should be fed a high-quality parrot pellet as a base diet, as this provides a complete and balanced source of nutrition. They should also be given fresh fruits and vegetables daily, such as apples, bananas, carrots, and leafy greens. Grains, such as brown rice and quinoa, can also be added to their diet.
Green Cheek Conures also require a source of protein in their diet. They need access to nuts and seeds, although these should be given in moderation as they are high in fat. Zupreem pellets provide a good option for daily food rations and then Lafeber’s Nutri-Berries make a nice daily treat. Our veterinarian explained that the pellets provide necessary vitamins and minerals for our bird and the treats provide a little “extra” bit of stimulation and allows the birds to experience foraging, which is a natural instinct.
It is important to note that green cheeks are prone to obesity, so their food should be monitored carefully to ensure they are not overeating. They should also have access to fresh water at all times.
Health Issues
Green Cheek Conures are generally healthy birds, but like all animals, they are prone to certain health issues. Some of the common health issues that can affect Green Cheek Conures include:
Psittacosis
This is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans. Symptoms in birds include respiratory issues, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
As a general rule, it’s not a good idea to keep your bird’s cage in the bedroom. Dust, dander, and particles from the cage may be breathed in while you sleep.
Aspergillosis
This is a fungal infection that can affect the respiratory system. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
Feather picking
This is a behavioral issue that can be caused by boredom, stress, or inadequate diet. Birds may pluck their feathers or chew on their skin, which can lead to infection and other health issues.
We’ve noticed feather chewing in our bird sometimes whenever we travel out of town for a few days. It’s a sign of boredom and loneliness. It’s typically cured in our bird by giving her more attention and time with us once we return home. Please don’t punish your bird for feather chewing. It’s a natural response and typically the fault of something in their environment caused by humans. They don’t do well with sporadic changes and prefer to have an established routine.
Obesity
As mentioned earlier, these small birds are prone to obesity. This can lead to health issues such as heart disease and liver problems. Green cheek conure size should range from about 55 grams for a young bird to 75 grams for an adult bird.
To prevent health issues in your new conure, it is important to provide them with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a clean and safe living environment. Regular veterinary check-ups can also help catch any potential health issues early on. As will any pets, having them vet-checked regularly will help ensure their optimal health.
Conclusion
Fancy Green Cheek Conures are a unique and beautiful species of parrot that make great pets for those willing to provide them with the care and attention they require.
These playful and social birds require a large cage or aviary, plenty of toys and enrichment, a balanced diet, and regular grooming. They are prone to certain health issues, but with proper care and attention, they can live happy and healthy lives.
If you are considering adding a green cheek to your family, it is important to do your research and ensure that you can provide them with the care and attention they need. Considering adopting your new-to-you green cheek conure.
