Small Conure Care 2025 🦜 | Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Welcome to the ultimate 2025 guide to caring for your small conure—such as green-cheeked, dusky, or jenday types! In this article, backed by avian veterinary science, we cover all you need: habitat, nutrition, grooming, enrichment, health care, behavior, and training tips to ensure your feathered companion thrives. 😊

1. 🐦 Understanding Small Conures

Small conures, like the green-cheeked (Pyrrhura molinae) and dusky conure, are lovable parrots known for their playful, affectionate, and intelligent personalities (Fisheries & Lafeber info):contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. They range 10–14″ long and live 15–30+ years in proper care :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. They're social flock birds needing daily engagement.

2. Housing & Environment 🏠

2.1 Cage Size & Setup

• A suitable cage: minimum 24″ W × 30″ H, larger is better. Bar spacing ≤ ¾″ to prevent escapes or injury :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Include a metal grate and paper-based liners at the bottom for easy spot-cleaning and dust reduction :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Varied perches (~½″ diameter) made of wood, rope, concrete; avoid sandpaper perches to prevent foot injuries :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Place the cage in a family area, away from drafts, kitchen fumes, Teflon products, and HVAC vents :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Provide full-spectrum UV light 10–12 hours daily (replace bulbs every 6 months); outdoor supervised UV exposure also helps vitamin D production :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

2.2 Enrichment & Toys

Small conures are highly intelligent and energetic. Provide rotated toys—from chewable wood and paper to foraging puzzles—to prevent boredom and behaviors like feather-plucking :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}. Always ensure no loose parts or entanglement risks.

3. Nutrition & Diet 🍽️

• High-quality pelleted diet (small-parrot formulation) should make up 60–70% of daily calories :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables (~20–30%)—offer carrots, broccoli, leafy greens, berries; avoid avocado, onion, garlic, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, salt, sugar :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Seeds and millet sprays as treats (~≤ 10%)—should be hull-free; no grit needed with pellets :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Clean, fresh water daily; wash bowls thoroughly to avoid bacterial growth :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Provide cuttlebone or mineral block to support beak health and calcium intake :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Discard uneaten fresh food after ~10 hours to prevent mold or spoilage :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

4. Grooming & Hygiene ✂️

• Provide a shallow bath dish or gentle misting 2‑3× per week to maintain plumage health :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Nail trims and wing trims should be performed by an avian vet or trained groomer to avoid injury :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Clean cage daily—remove droppings and disinfect liners; deep clean weekly using bird-safe cleaners or diluted bleach, rinse, and dry before replacing materials :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

5. Exercise & Socialization 🧩

Let your conure spend at least 2–4 hours a day outside the cage in a bird-proofed area. Supervision is key—never leave them unattended :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}. Interaction with owners, vocal play, and toys satisfies their social instincts and prevents behavioral issues.

6. Behavior & Training 🧠

• Conures can bite when threatened or excited. Avoid yelling—use calm “time-outs” by gently placing them down when nipped :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Learn body language: pinned eyes, flared tail, lunging = stress. Respond by giving space :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Teach “step-up” and simple tricks with gentle, consistent, reward-based training—short daily sessions build trust :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Early hand-taming and socialization supports bonding and reduces fear :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.

7. Health Monitoring & Veterinary Care 🩺

• Annual wellness exams with an avian vet including physical check, weight, bloodwork, droppings, beak and nail assessment :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• Be alert for signs: lethargy, appetite changes, diarrhea, sneezing, fluffed posture, tail-bobbing, respiratory noise—seek vet care promptly :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
• Common problems include mites, psittacosis, feather destructive behavior, overgrown beak or nails—early detection improves results :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.
• Have an emergency plan ready: clean travel carrier, contact for the nearest avian emergency clinic, heating pad, towels in case of sudden illness or injury :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.

8. Daily Care Checklist ✅

• ✔️ Fresh pellets, produce & water
• ✔️ Spot-clean cage & liners
• ✔️ Provide fresh toys or rotate existing ones
• ✔️ Bath or misting 2–3× weekly
• ✔️ 2–4 hrs supervised out-of-cage time
• ✔️ Engage in training or social play every day
• ✔️ Observe appetite, droppings, behavior
• ✔️ Annual vet wellness exam

9. Why Trust Ask A Vet?

At Ask A Vet, you can connect instantly with avian vet experts via telehealth or get help finding an in‑person appointment. Whether your conure has a minor behavior glitch or a sudden health issue, we’re here 24/7. Download the Ask A Vet app for peace of mind and expert care at your fingertips. 📱🦜

10. Final Thoughts

Small conures are joyful, clever companions—but they require dedication in habitat, nutrition, grooming, training, and health care. With the right knowledge and support, your conure can thrive for decades and reward you with love, laughter, and feathery friendship!

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

👉 Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for expert avian care anytime! 🐦✨