If you are looking into getting a parrot, you should do your research before making a purchase, as all parrots have different personalities, levels of independence, demands, and abilities.
Conures (excluding Green-Cheeked. Click here for a green-cheeked conure profile)
size: small. Tend to be nippy when not properly socialized like most medium-sized parrots.
noise: LOUD. Conures are best known for their loud, high-pitched screeching when excited, and they are NOT afraid to yell all day! Not suitable for apartment living.
talking ability: somewhat good.
lifespan: ranging from 10 to 25 years average, depending on the bird's health and living conditions
Independence: a good rule of thumb to remember is that the smaller the bird, the more independence they will have. Conures need more interaction and attention from you everyday than a cockatiel or budgie. Without this commitment, it is difficult to keep a conure socialized. However, they are extremely playful, and are so entertaining that it is not a burden!
Cuddling: Cuddly! Most conures love to get a head scratch from their favorite person. They do not tend to be shy. They are very social, entergetic birds!
Cost: high: ranging from 200$ to 1,800$. Conures require a medium-sized cage (a little bigger than a cockatiel's would be the minumum) cage stocked with plenty of toys that I can guarantee will be ripped to pieces and need to be replaced often. A cage can cost between 60$ - 150$ dollars alone, and toys often cost 8-30$ each for these larger birds. The toys are VERY necessary for parrots. Seeds are NEVER recommended to be regularly fed to birds with clipped wings; a good pellet diet for a medium parrot costs around fifteen dollars for six-eight weeks, and should be supplemented by parrot-safe fruits and veggies.
Personalities: clowny, entertaining, social, excitable, joyful, cuddly, learn tricks easily, inquisitive. Problems: very loud screech can be a nuisance in some living situations, can become unruly if not properly socialized, needs more attention than other smaller parrots.
Is it right for you?: These birds make great family pets for families enjoy interacting and giving attention to birds. They are fine around children and actually prefer it since they love being the center of attention. If a family is willing to put in the time and care this bird needs, conures make excellent pets for anyone.
Remember, no matter how small the parrot is, they are intelligent, high-demand animals, and you are making a commitment to provide attention, toys, and food when purchasing a parrot. If you can't afford what it takes to keep these birds happy, you can't afford the parrot.
