green cheek conure care sheet Green cheek conures are highly inquisitive, bold and engaging birds. Like other conures, they can be playful and affectionate. Their voices are softer than many conures. facts scientific name: Pyrrhura mollinae average adult size: 10 inches long, head to end of tail average life span: 20+ years with proper care diet: herbivores Bird pet parents should avoid non-stick cookware and appliances as they can release fumes hazardous to your bird’s health. Note: The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional information, refer to the Sources section or contact your veterinarian as appropriate. Developed with and approved by a qualified veterinarian. green cheek conure Developed with and approved Pyrrhura mollinae care sheet by a qualified veterinarian. diet habitat should be placed n Birds should be socialized n Do not use a lot of cleaning A well-balanced green cheek off the floor in an area that daily by the pet parent. agents around your bird as conure diet consists of: is well-lit and away from the fumes can be harmful. n Specialized pellets should drafts. normal behavior It is recommended to use a n Green cheek conures are make up 60 to 70% of diet, natural cleaning product. n A habitat approximately social birds that enjoy plus fresh vegetables and 24"W x 24"D x 30"H, human interaction. grooming & hygiene fruits and small amounts of with metal bars spaced n Provide filtered, chlorine-free, fortified seeds. no greater than ½" to n They like to chew and lukewarm water regularly for ¾" apart, makes a good require a lot of toys to n Clean, fresh, filtered, bathing; remove the water home for one green chew on. chlorine-free water, when done. As an alternative, cheek conure. It is best to changed daily. n Provide foraging toys, mist the bird with water. provide the largest habitat which promote important n Do not feed birds avocado, possible. mental stimulation. n Clipping flight feathers, when fruit seeds, chocolate, done correctly, can help n Perches should be at least caffeine or alcohol as these n Ensure toys are strongly prevent injury or escape; 9" long and ½" in diameter; can cause serious medical attached as green cheek consult an avian veterinarian a variety of perch conditions. Avoid sugar and conures can unscrew on what is best for your bird. high-fat treats. diameters to exercise feet c-clamps, which can cause and help prevent arthritis injury. n Nails should be trimmed by feeding is recommended. a qualified person to prevent injury to the bird. Things to remember when n A metal grate over the habitat feeding your green cheek droppings tray will maintenance conure: n Clean and disinfect the signs of a keep the bird away healthy animal n Fresh food and water from droppings; line habitat and perches n Active, alert and sociable should always be available. the droppings tray regularly with a 3% bleach solution; replace substrate n Vegetables and fruits not with habitat paper or n Eats and drinks throughout or habitat liner weekly or eaten within a few hours appropriate substrate the day for easier cleaning. To more often as needed. should be discarded. n Dry nares and bright, dry avoid contamination, do n Replace perches, dishes n Treats should not exceed eyes not place food or water and toys when worn or 10% of total food intake. containers under perches. damaged; rotate new toys n Beak, legs and feet normal in appearance housing n Green cheek conures can into the habitat regularly. n Green cheek conures be kept alone to bond with n Ensure that there are no n Clean, dry vent acclimate well to average their pet parent or in pairs habitat parts or toys with n Smooth, well-groomed household temperatures, to bond with each other. lead, zinc or lead-based feathers not to drop below 65°F Different types of birds paints or galvanized parts or to exceed 80°F; be should not be housed as these can cause serious cautious of extreme together. medical issues if ingested temperature changes. The by your bird. red flags common health issues n Beak swelling or n Runny or Health Issue Symptoms or Causes Suggested Action accumulations discolored stools Chlamydiosis Appetite loss, fluffed feathers, Seek immediate avian n Fluffed, plucked or n Favoring one foot nasal discharge, lime green veterinary attention. soiled feathers when not sleeping feces, conjunctivitus. Diarrhea Fecal portion of stool not Consult your n Sitting on floor of n Eye or nasal formed; multiple causes, from veterinarian and habitat discharge change in diet to internal ensure proper diet. parasites. n Wheezing or n Red or swollen eyes coughing Feather Bird plucks own feathers; may Consult your n Loss of appetite plucking be due to boredom, poor diet veterinarian and or other illness. relieve boredom with attention, new toys or more room. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian. Polyoma virus Anorexia, lethargy, weight Seek immediate avian loss, sudden death. veterinary attention. shopping list for needed supplies q Appropriately sized habitat q Habitat cover q High quality conure food q Millet spray q Millet holder q Treats q Habitat paper or litter q Food and water dishes q Variety of perches q Variety of toys q Mineral block chews q Mister spray bottle q Nail clippers and styptic powder q Vitamins and supplements q Play gym q Book about green cheek conures sources Ask a store partner about Petco’s selection of books on green cheek conures and the variety of private brand products available for the care and happiness of your new pet. All private brand products carry a 100% money-back guarantee. Because all birds are potential carriers of infectious diseases, such as Chlamydiosis, always wash your hands before and after handling your bird or habitat contents to help prevent the potential spread of disease. Pregnant women, children under the age of 5, senior citizens and people with weakened immune systems should contact their physician before purchasing or caring for birds and should consider not having a bird as a pet. Go to cdc.gov/healthypets and petco.com/ caresheet for more information about birds and disease. This Care Sheet can cover the care needs of other species. Go to petco.com for more information. © 2016, Petco Animal Supplies Stores, Inc. All rights reserved. (06/2016).