Green-cheek and crimson-bellied conures are playful, intelligent, and affectionate parrots that make excellent companions. These social birds thrive on interaction and bond closely with their caregivers or companions.
Appearance and Personality
Green-Cheeked Conures
Green-cheeked conures are small parrots, about 10 inches long, with vibrant green feathers accented by grayish breasts, maroon tails, and blue flight feathers. They also come in stunning color mutations.
Crimson-Bellied Conures
Crimson-bellied conures are slightly larger than green-cheeks, with striking plumage: bright green bodies, deep crimson bellies, and blue accents on their wings and tails. Their iridescent feathers shimmer in the light, making them one of the most visually stunning conures.
Both species share these personality traits:
Inquisitive and bold: Always curious and eager to explore.
Playful and affectionate: They love to interact and bond with their caregivers.
Trainable: Both species can learn tricks and simple words with practice.
Social and energetic: They thrive with interaction and companionship.
Why Two Is Better Than One
Both green-cheeked and crimson-bellied conures are highly social birds, and they truly thrive when they have a companion. Having a second conure can:
Provide constant companionship: Preventing loneliness and boredom.
Encourage mutual grooming: Helping to keep their feathers in top condition.
Offer enrichment: They’ll play, chatter, and keep each other entertained, leading to happier, healthier birds.
Even though green-cheeked and crimson-bellied conures are different species, they can happily share a habitat and form strong bonds. This combination of companionship and mutual enrichment is one of the key factors in ensuring their long-term happiness and health.
Supplies Needed for Green-Cheek Conures
To ensure your conures’ happiness and health, you’ll need the following:
Habitat: Minimum size of 30" W x 22" D x 30" H with metal bars spaced no more than ¾" apart. A larger cage that allows flight is ideal.
Perches: At least 9 inches long and ½ inch in diameter, made of varied materials such as wood, braided rope, and natural branches.
Toys: Bright, interactive toys made of paper, cardboard, or hard plastic. Avoid toys with small parts that could be ingested. Rotate toys regularly to prevent boredom.
Food and water dishes: Multiple feeding stations if housing more than one bird.
UV light: Designed for birds, shining 10–12 hours daily for vitamin D synthesis.
Liners or litter: Paper-based substrates for easy cleaning.
Other essentials:
High-quality pelleted food.
Fresh fruits and vegetables.
Treats (e.g., millet sprays).
Cuttlebone and mineral block chews.
Mister spray bottle for bathing.
Bird nail trimmer.
Play gym for out-of-cage activity.
Building the Perfect Habitat
Placement: Choose a well-lit, active area of your home, away from drafts and extreme temperatures (ideal range: 65°F–80°F).
Perches: Provide a variety of perch sizes and textures to promote foot health and prevent pressure sores. Avoid sandpaper covers, which can harm their feet.
Toys: Rotate toys regularly to prevent boredom. Securely attach them to the cage to avoid accidents.
Bathing: Include a water dish large enough for bathing or use a mister bottle to gently mist them several times a week.
Liners: Use a metal grate to separate droppings from the bird’s feet, and replace liners weekly or more often if needed.
Diet and Nutrition
Conures thrive on a varied and balanced diet:
Pellets: 60–70% of their diet.
Fresh produce: Offer vegetables and fruits daily but remove uneaten portions within a few hours.
Treats: Limit to 10% of their diet, including millet sprays and fortified seeds.
Foods to Avoid: Avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and fruit seeds, as these are toxic. Avoid sugary, salty, or fatty treats.
Health and Maintenance
Signs of a Healthy Conure: Bright eyes, smooth feathers, and active behavior.
Common Issues: Watch for signs of illness such as fluffed feathers, lethargy, or labored breathing, and consult an avian vet if needed. You can find an avian vet in your area at aav.org.
Cleaning: Spot-clean the habitat daily, wash food and water dishes daily, and disinfect the cage weekly with bird-safe cleaners.
Final Thoughts
Green-cheeked and crimson-bellied conures are lively, affectionate, and intelligent companions. While they can bond deeply with humans, they are happiest when they have a conure companion to share their lives with. By providing proper care, interaction, and enrichment, you’ll create a joyful, fulfilling environment for these wonderful parrots. Consider adopting two for a harmonious and enriching environment that will bring endless joy to both you and your feathered friends.