Black Capped Conure Care Info

Black Capped Conures (Pyrrhura Rupicola)

The Black Capped Conure is one of the smallest conures weighing between 55-70 grams and their length is 9 1/4 inches (23 cm). That is about 15-20 grams (2 1/2 ounces) smaller than a Cockatiel. Don't let their small size fool you. They have every bit of the great personality as the bigger conures. Black Capped Conures have a “clown like” personality, and are a very enjoyable companion parrot. They have been described as being very timid and shy. They love to bathe and bathe.

Life span:

10 years with a potential lifespan of 30 years or more with proper care.

Colors:

Black Capped Conures are mainly green, but also have black-brown foreheads, crowns, napes and headbacks, a dark brown throat and upper breast. Their abdomens are tinged with various shades of red, as are the wing edges and primary coverts. The primary colors are slightly tinged with blue, and the top of the tail is green and the underside is a dark gray. The feet and legs are also gray along with the bill. There is one known mutation and it is Voren Strain Opaline Mutation or the Yellowsided Black Capped Conure.

Energy level:

Very high - Rotate toys often and plan on playing with them on a regular basis.

Talking ability:

Fairly well. They can be taught a simple words or phrases and they enjoy singing. One of the most adorable things that they do is sing in their sleep!! Each bird is unique and the talking will depend on the interaction it receives from you the teacher and caregiver. Socialization is key…introduce your new baby black capped to many situations and people!

Noise:

Black Capped Conures are a lot more quiet and laid-back than most conures. 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. The volume level is very well suited 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 household, making them more suitable for families with children. Although, expect them to join in as your household noise level increases.

Unique characteristics:

One of the most adorale things they will do is sing in their sleep! Black Capped Conures 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 to check out the view, and will hold food or treats with a foot while eating, like a big parrot. In doing this they create a soup like mixure in their water dish. So, fresh water at all time is very important. They enjoy being scratched all over, usually while lying upside down in your hand or on a lap. These birds have no dander, (like a cockatiel does), making them a better choice for those with allergies.

Problem behavior:

-They can get a little carried away when playing.

-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.

Curiosity:

While curiosity is one of the great characteristics of the conure, it can get him into a ton of trouble. Particularly with other pets, the bath tub or any other water source. Keep a close eye on your Conure, as this can easily become his very last bathe.

Recommended equipment:

- Cage size:

I recommend a minimum of 18" x 18" x 24", with ½” bar spacing or less. Cage size also depends on how much time the bird will be spending in the cage. A bird that just sleeps in the cage can be housed in the minimum recommended cage size stated above: however, birds that spend much of the day in their cage would benefit from a cage larger in size. This way a shallow water dish can be placed in the cage for taking baths. Always remember to remove right after bathing!

-Play stand:

Provide your bird a place where it can get out for exercise, and have fun playing. There are many different play stands on the market. So search around for one that best suits your life style and needs.

-Perches:

Provide your bird with a few different perches, ranging in diameter. Natural perches are best, as they provide varying shapes which is best for your bird’s feet. Pedicure perch: This is a textured perch that helps keep toenails trimmed and smooth, as well as the bird’s beak.

Diet:

I feed a good Pellet diet, (Zupreem) occasionally I give them a small amount of a good fortified seed mix, as well as fruit, veggies, and sprouts. I also offer them a cuttle bone and a mineral block.

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