|
Green Cheek Conures (Pyrrhura Mollinae)
The Green Cheeked Conure is one of the smallest
conures weighing around 70 grams. That is about 15 grams smaller than a Cockatiel. They are generally around 10 inches
in length. But, don't let their small size fool you. They have every bit of the great personality as the bigger conures. Green
Cheeks have a “clown like” personality, and are a favorite to bird owners because of their sweet personalities
and exquisite coloration.
Life span:
10 years with a potential lifespan of 30
years or more with proper care.
Colors:
Green Cheeks are predominantly green, although
the secondary and primary flight feathers are blue. A frontal band is present and it is narrow and mahagany colored. The nape,
throat, and upper breast are all greenish brown, but the nape may include some pretty blue feathers. Each feather in these
areas are edged with a dull yellow-gray, giving definition and a scaling effect which is typical of conures. The ear coverts,
forehead and back of the head are all brown, and the abdomen is mahogany. The tail underside is also mahogany, and the
upperside has feathering of the same color over a green base. Immature Green Cheeks have much duller plumage, and have much
less mahogany feathering over their abdomens than do adults. There
are also mutation colors including Cinnamon, Yellow Sided, Pineapple, and Turquoise. They now have even mutated the mutations
to create new colors.
Energy level:
Very high - Rotate toys often and plan on
playing with them on a regular basis.
Talking ability:
They can be taught to say simple words and phrases! Not really
into whistling, but will try and some will do very good at it. Most will repeat common household noises. 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 green cheek to many situations and people!
Noise:
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:
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, and 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 my green cheeks a 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.
Back
|
