Green-cheeked conures are great companions for bird lovers. These adorable little birds are friendly, affectionate, and sometimes shy. They are a good team player and can get along well with their owners, even if they are sometimes independent and mischievous.
It will be a fun experience to own a green-cheeked Conure. You never know what they’ll do next. Because of their small size, these parrots can be very attractive. Let’s find out more about these sweethearts from the tropical jungle.
Species Overview
| Common Name: | Green-cheeked parakeet, green-cheeked parrot |
| Scientific Name: | Pyrrhura molinae |
| Size for Adults: | 10 inches, 3 ounces |
| Life Expectancy: | 30+ Years |
Origin and History
The green-cheeked parrot is native to South America. These birds are family-oriented and often form close-knit flocks of up to 20 birds that fly through tropical forests or wooded areas.
The majority of conures live in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. They are gaining popularity in the bird-owning community, but it is still a matter of debate on how they fare in captivity.
Temperament
Green-cheeked conures may display a variety of personality traits, each bird being unique. They are affectionate, intelligent, playful, and sassy. They are social creatures who thrive on interaction and don’t enjoy being left alone.
They may be very particular about their environment and dislike certain stimuli, such as sounds, animals, or people. They may bond with one person but show disinterest in others. Others might be curious about strangers, and may even show off their talents.
The green-cheeked conures tend to be gentle and love being groomed. They are fond of melodious tunes such as singing and whistling, and they may even dance happily to the music, humming along.
They love to look at their reflections and are fond of shiny objects. They will be more engaged if they have lots of toys to keep them busy while they are free-ranging.
Your green-cheeked cone will let you know if they don’t like what’s happening. These birds can be quite vocal, even though they aren’t usually the loudest parrots. However, they can become very upset or frustrated if they get too excited.
- Fun-loving
- Affectionate
- Playful
- Interactive
- Theatrical
- Bonded
- Intelligent
- Filled with personality
- Can you be specific?
- One person can be bonded to you
- It could be a nippy
- It could be loud
Vocalizations & Speech
Green-cheeked parrots can be chatty at times, but they do not have extensive vocabulary like other parrots. The green cheeks are less vocal than other conures.
These birds emit loud, high-pitched chirps which can have different meanings depending on their feelings.
- Chirps are conures that make happy sounds when they feel love and affection.
- Squawks: When your conure notices something strange or new around them, they might squawk. This is usually loud and in short bursts.
- Screams: They are letting you know that they don’t like something. These screams can be shrill and unavoidable.
- Whistles are a sign of “Where are you?” If your conure is whistling when you leave the room and you don’t hear them, it means that the person you love has gone.
- Bald Eagle Noise: Although it might sound strange, your conure may sound like a bald eagle and a sharp caw. This is usually a sign that your conure is territorial or aggressive.
- Quacks: Your conure can make a duck-like quack sound. This is usually a sign that they are becoming uncomfortable, but not scared.
Green-Cheeked Conure Markings and Colors
Although your green-cheeked conure may have different color patterns than other birds, the overall appearance is the same. They are a mix of green and red. They have a pattern of black and gray almost indistinguishable on their chests.
You can also choose from these color variations:
- Pineapple: A combination of yellow-sided, green-cheeked conures and cinnamon. These are more vibrant and popular because of their bright colors.
- Cinnamon: These conures are pale in color and have a different color palette than their usual.
- Yellow-sided: Although the color is the same as the original, this variant has more yellow on the chest.
- Turquoise: This mutation results in a remarkable dilution from the normal green, creating beautiful turquoise and blue feathers.
- Violet: This new coloring is very eye-catching. These conures are deep blue, with a dark head and underbelly that is almost black.
- Jade: This can be a very dark jade or a very light green.
- More Conure information is available here: How much does a green-cheeked conure cost?
Care for the Green-Cheeked Conure
One of the key elements to making your green-cheeked Conure a happy bird is providing a healthy environment.
Pairing
Although green-cheeked conures can be very social, they don’t necessarily require a mate. Some conures may be territorial in situations where they are sharing the same sex. It might be best to keep them in separate enclosures if they don’t get along.
A conure can live happily in an all-bird home if they have lots of time with you. If they are unable to spend much time with their conure, a buddy could be the solution.
Grooming
Your bird will love bath time. A shallow bowl of warm, non-toxic water is a great way to keep your bird clean and happy.
Bathing can be done at your home but you will need help trimming flight feathers and nails if you are not very skilled in this area. This should be done by a professional groomer/veterinarian.
Cage
A tall cage with a high ceiling for green-cheeked conures is recommended. The rule of thumb is that the bigger the cage, the happier the conures will be. Your conures love to be able to roam around freely, so the larger the enclosure, the better.
Minimum cage size:
- Width: 24 in
- Maximum Height: 30 Inches
Activity
They should have plenty of toys and perches to play with, so they can explore different levels. You should keep conures occupied as they are active parrots. Conures are very active and need the stimulation of all kinds. They should always have lots of things to entertain them.
It is important to socialize your bird in as many different situations as possible. Birds can become withdrawn and aggressive if they aren’t familiar with other animals or people. Proper care includes bonding with your bird.
Common Health Problems
With proper care, green-cheeked conures are very healthy birds. Neglect can lead to more problems than any other.
These are some common health problems:
- Psittacine feather and beak disease
- Psittacosis
- Beak malocclusion
- Chlamydiosis
- Feather plucking
- Aspergillosis
Healthy birds are active, interested, and interactive. You might notice a change in your bird’s behavior. If your bird is suffering from an illness, you should immediately contact a veterinarian. Your bird’s life could be in danger.
Warn Signs
Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.
- Sitting at the bottom of the cage
- Coughing and wheezing
- Missing or disheveled feathers
- Lethargy
- Appetite loss
- Discolored, liquid stools
Diet and nutrition
Your conure should be fed a pellet diet that makes up 70% of their daily food intake. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and the fortified seeds should make up the remaining 30%.
These are some conure favorites:
- Apples
- Carrots
- Collard greens
- Broccoli
- Grapes
- Bananas
- Black beans
- Green beans
- Peas
- Melon
A daily supply of fresh, chlorine-free water is essential for them. Some chemicals can cause illness in green-cheeked conures, so they need to be kept hydrated with clean water.
Exercise
Your conure won’t need to be coaxed into playing. You can always rely on them to be happy and loving when you play with them.
Your conure should get at least two 15-minute play sessions a day to maintain their health. They should be able to solve puzzles, climb around and stretch their wings.
It can lead to aggression and depression if you don’t provide enough exercise and other activities for your green cheek.
Places to adopt or buy a green-cheeked conure
Many people don’t realize how difficult bird-owning can be. You might find someone trying to rehome their bird, supplies included. Rescues may also have green-cheeked adoptable conures.
This route will cost you $75 to $75 depending on the items included.
A conure can be purchased from a breeder or pet shop for $150 to $350. This is the cost of the bird.
Conclusion
You may still be interested in a green-cheeked Conure or just want to know more about these beautiful birds. These adorable, spunky parrots are so loving and caring for their humans.
You should choose wisely if you decide to purchase a green-cheeked Conure. This will ensure that your bird is healthy and long-lived.
Is a Green Cheek Conure a suitable pet?
Green-Cheeked Conure parakeets are a great choice for a family pet. The birds are small, affectionate, vivacious, and relatively quiet. They demand attention, but owners who spend time playing with them are rewarded with tricks, cuddles, and even a few words.
Do conures form attachments to a single person?
These conures are more likely to be family birds, rather than being bonded to a single person, which is a positive trait in many situations.
Do conures become envious?
According to the Avian Welfare Coalition, parrots can become envious of visitors and other pets. A jealous parrot is unpleasant to be around. It is critical to understand how to socialize and train your parrot to accept other people and pets.
Do conures have emotions?
Yes, Parrot Emotions! When the bird is properly understood, its emotions are almost human-like, making it a great pet that interacts with the entire family.
Where do conures enjoy being touched?
Avoid touching your parrot’s back, wings, or tail. The majority of parrots prefer to be stroked on the head. This is how many parrots interact with one another in the wild. Because parrots can’t reach to preen their own feathers, they frequently rely on the assistance of a friend to do so.
Do conures like to cuddle?
Cuddle Points: Conure parrots are extremely cuddly. They enjoy receiving attention from their families as well as interacting and playing with their flock.
What frightens conures?
Because parrots are prey animals, they are easily startled by new large objects, loud noises, and sudden movements. Keep your parrots away from predatory animals’ sights and sounds.
Do conures remember their owners?
They will recognize you from afar. Birds have excellent vision, but they can recognize their owner even when they are out of sight. They have good peripheral vision and hearing, which allows them to notice when they are not alone.
Do conures require a bed? So, do parrots require a bed?
Yes, some parrots require a bed to sleep well and comfortably inside their cages. However, because each parrot’s needs and personalities differ, a bed is not required for every parrot; however, those who prefer the cozy feeling and suffer from night frights definitely require one.
Are green cheek conures difficult to care for?
Some consider the green-cheeked conure to be a high-maintenance pet. Yes, if you don’t have the time to satisfy its need for attention or make regular trips to the vet. Apart from that, it chews a lot and can be destructive if not provided with foraging toys.