How to Care for a Patagonian Conure

Olive brown to yellow in color, the Patagonian conure is not the most visually appealing bird, but it can make a great pet. This conure species is very affectionate and smart enough to talk with a little training. They tend to have a loud or harsh voice and can be tough to deal with. They live up to 30 years and will grow to about 18 inches tall.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bird cage
• Food and water bowls
• Substrate
• Perches
• Bird toys
• Spray bottle
• Fortified bird seed
• Non-chlorinated water
• Fruits and vegetables

1. Provide an enclosure that matches your bird's expected adult size. The minimum measurements for your bird cage should be 30 inches by 25 by 35. Buy a cage with horizontal bars that are spaced up to one inch apart.

2. Cover the bottom of your new pets cage with an easily cleaned substrate like newspaper or corn cob.

3. Place three bowls in the bird's cage. One should be filled with clean non-chlorinated water at all times. Fill another bowl with fortified bird seed and use the third bowl for fresh fruits and vegetables.

4. Change the water and substrate every day or as needed to keep a clean healthy cage.

5. Put several perches in the cage. One should be a cement perch to help with the birds nails. You should also add a few toys and cuttlebones to keep your conure entertained when you are not around.

6. Set aside time each day to get your bird out to interact with you. The Patagonian conure is a very social bird and will crave as much of your attention as you can give.

7. Spray your bird with a light mist of room temperature water once a week for bathing.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy the biggest cage you can, because the bigger the cage, the happier and healthier your bird will be.
• Avoid feeding your Patagonian conure chocolate, alcohol, avocado or caffeine as these substances can kill your bird.
• Do not keep the bird near your kitchen because cooking with Teflon emits fumes that can kill your bird.
• Place yours birds cage in an area away from temperature fluctuations like direct sunlight or drafts. Your bird can be very sensitive to these temperature changes.