Animal-World > Pet Birds > Conures > Sun Conure

Sun Conure

Family: Psittacidae

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Oscar Aratinga solstitialis Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Becca Edmonds

   When the Sun Conure is fully mature and has all its coloring it is gorgeous, but even juveniles are extremely pretty!

Widget Photo Courtesy: David Brough

   Sometimes "Widget" sleeps, or plays "dead bird" in his owners hand. He loves to hang out and he is free to fly about, but when he's ready for a break he always goes back to his cage . "Widget" is fun to be with, fun to play with and fun to look at!

For more information about the care of Conures see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Conure

Distribution:
   These birds are native to Guianas to northwestern Brazil.

Description:
   The Sun Conure, a small member of the parrot family, is one of the most colorful of the conures. Their nice personalities and their gorgeous coloring make them a favorite pet. There are a variety of conures, and most make excellent pets. They vary in coloring and size, the Nanday Conure, for example, is a larger conure with a black head and green body. For a smaller bird and a great pet, a conure is a great choice.

Size - Weight:
   These birds get up to 12" (30 cm).

Care and feeding:
   A roomy cage is required unless the bird is to be let out for extended periods. Many birds can spend most of their time on a play pen or parrot perch. They eat a variety of sprouts, seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and commercial pellets, as well as the same nutritional foods humans eat.

   See About Conures: Housing and About Conures: Care and Feeding for more information.

Social Behaviors:
   They live in pairs or small groups of 10 to 20 birds. They love to play, and can be fairly destructive if not watched. They can also be rather noisy. Despite all this, they make a real fun pet and are very popular.

Activities:  Loves to climb and play. Provide lots of toys.

Thorn Photo Courtesy: Kristy "Thorn" is a real good example of color variations that conures can have within one species. He is very yellow, and this is after his very first full molt! ...Kristy

Breeding/Reproduction:
   They breed readily if they have the right size aviary. The hen lays four eggs which are incubated for about 26 days. The young fledge (leave the nest) after about 8 weeks. The nest box size should be 12" x 12" x 12".

Potential Problems:
   As with most Aratinga species, this bird can be noisy.
   See About Conures: Potential Problems for information on illnesses.

Availability:
  This bird is generally available. They can usually be found at pet stores and reputable breeders.

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Latest Comments
Conures are wonderful pets! My conure Taxi is the funniest little thing. When he wants my attention he calls me over by saying, " Kiss Mama Kiss Mama" and makes the kissing noises to go with it. The other side of Taxi, is no fear. If you have other pets in the house, be very careful when you socialize them together. Taxi has no problem standing up to my 70 lbs. bird dog. I have also found Taxi aggrivating my turtle, he'll sit at the edge of the tank and squak at her. Have fun with your bird! Vicki 2008-09-15
TRANSLATED: I have a sun conure of 4 weeks. I am giving it food with a syringe three times a day. I wanted to know at age will it eats on its own. Thanks in advance for an answer. Clara COMMENT AS WRITTEN: tengo un Sun conure de 4 semanas le doy con una jeringuilla comida tres veces al dia quisiera saber a que edad come solo. gracias de antemano por sus respuesta. clara Clara 2008-06-06
Hello all! Bought Louie from a loving breeder at 5 weeks old. He's now 10 weeks and says "WHAAAT?" fairly well. Breeder said conures need lots of toys and things to keep them busy and quiet. She was right. I have absolute confidence that much attention/devotion will bring out wonderful things from (Screwy) Louie. He's very friendly, funny, and sociable, can give kisses upon request, and loves being petted/stroked. After studying up on conures, I think the only reason most people's Suns don't speak much is lack of devotion, and if they squawk alot, it's 'cause the owner just hasn't given them enough things to occupy their minds with. They are creatures of mimicry, and are limited only by the patience, knowledge, and skill of their owners. Ounce for ounce, I honestly think Louie has more brains than many people (LOL). Never give up the training. The returned love is well worth it! Kris 2008-03-25
I just got Harry, a Sun Conure, about 3 months ago. He immitates kisses and is attempting to say "I love you". He is so funny that I can't help but laugh. The Nanday is the only other conure that rivals their clownish ways. Mallori Mallori 2008-02-24
Hi Everyone, In 2005 we brought our baby sun conure home named "ABBY". If you ask her to "call the dog" she replies "Murphy come here" and then states in a firm voice "Murphy's here", or "come here". She says "hello", what's up" and kisses. She is a joy. Take care of your animals they depend on us and give us such a reward. Thanks Di & Chuck Diane Swanstrom 2008-01-12
Comments Dr Jungle REALLY Likes to Hear!
i just have to say that i am so greatful that i found this place, i have the most wonderful sun conure and his name is HOMIE!!! YEA i know!! lol but he is the love of all our lives. in a day he took to the kids and o how he loves his mamma! he rolls over and lays down with me when its time to go to sleep, but his lil goffy self wants to stick his foot in my mouth for some strange reason like its comforting to him. he will do flips and summersalts and to top it off plays catch with our dog. they run the ball back and forth to each other. its the neatest thing to see, i guess i am a proud momma of homie and wanted to share! i love him and cant wait to come back to learn more about the conures lyric 2005-11-04

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Author: Clarice Brough, CAS