Sun Conures are one of the most common
birds taken into homes around the world. Like any bird, the Sun Conure
is a bit of a prima donna. They’re not pets, they’re companions.
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They expect you to work with them, not
dominate them. They’re wild creatures who continue to hold
onto many instinctive and natural behaviors including screeching
loudly in greeting and exploring the world with their beaks. The
Sun Conure is different from many other Conures,
parrots, and birds in that they are extremely social and affectionate.
These loving birds are excellent for both experienced bird owners and
new bird owners.
Sun Conures are also known to be easily trained and if
you start training at a young age,
you can eliminate any potential
behavior problems that can occur during adolescence with Trick
Training. |
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Sun Conures are extremely curious so
owners will need to be diligent and make sure they have a safe
environment. Additionally, they are not the bird for
the owner that doesn’t have much time for interaction.
A Sun Conure wants
to develop a bond with their owner which means you will need to spend
time with them every day. If you cannot spend time with your
Conure, they can become unhappy which will lead to behavior problems
like biting and screaming
Sun Conures are also extremely
vocal or to be more blunt – they’re loud. If you live in an apartment
or do not think you can handle their greetings and expressions of joy,
you may want to look at a different bird.
Physical characteristics. Sun Conures were named because their plumage
resembles the colors of the sun during a tropical sunset. They’re
absolutely gorgeous and one of the most colorful birds on the planet.
When they’re born they are mostly green, however as they mature their
feathers begin to take on the colors of the sunset including red,
orange, yellow, blue, and green.
They grow to about 12 inches from head
to tail and live an average of 25 to 30 years. This lifespan means it
is important to do your research before you buy your Conure and bring it
into your home.
Sun Conures bond with their owners and it can be very traumatic if they
are forced to move from home to home. If difficulties do begin, they
generally occur when your Conure heads into adolescence, around 1-3
years of age. If you take time to socialize, train, and bond with your
Conure, you will eliminate the majority of problems that can arise
during this time.
Conures originated in South America and come in two subspecies the
Aratinga and Pyrrhura. The Sun Conure is of the Aratinga line along
with the Jenday Conure and the Cherry Headed Conure.
While they were
originally imported from South America during the early 1800s, they are
easily bred in captivity and the birds you find at the pet store or
aviary have most likely been bred in captivity and not captured and
imported from South America.
If you’re new to bird ownership, take the time to research the Sun
Conure. Visit an adult and listen to the natural sounds they make.
Talk with an owner, talk with an avian veterinarian and educate yourself
on the needs of Sun Conures before you bring one home.
Make sure you
have time in your day to spend with your bird, training and interacting.
Make sure you have room for a cage or two in your home, time to ensure a
proper diet, and the time and information to devote to their training.
Training is an important part of building a bond between you and your
bird, helping them to learn the rules of the home, and making sure
behavior problems do not occur. For further information on
training sign up for our
free e-mail
course. The lovely and affectionate
Sun Conure
is an excellent bird and a wonderful family addition for the right home.
