How Long Do Sun Conures Live?
When well-cared for, sun conures can live a long time. Read on to find out more about their lifespan as pets and in the wild.
Baby sun conures are green and become more colorful as they molt. This happens between six and eight months of age.
Sun conures should be fed a quality South American pellet and fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds and water daily. Vitamin supplements may also be added to the diet.
Diet
Sun Conures enjoy a well-balanced diet in captivity, consisting of leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and high quality pellets. They should also have access to fresh water daily. Pet parents should never share their own food or drinks with their birds as they may contain microorganisms that could make them sick.
In the wild, Sun Conures feast on a wide variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, flowers, vegetables and insects. They have a particular fondness for red cactus fruit and Malpighia berries.
Sun Conures’ stunning plumage is complemented by their playful personalities and keen intelligence. However, the bird can quickly become bored and depressed if it is not given enough exercise and mental stimulation. The bird may begin to mutilate itself and will not eat or drink as much as it should, which can lead to health problems and even death. Luckily, if properly cared for, the bird can live up to 30 years in captivity.
Exercise
Sun conures are medium-sized birds and are the perfect choice for those who love the classic look of a parrot but do not have the space to accommodate a larger species. They can grow to be about 12 inches from beak to tailfeathers, and they are a stunning combination of orange and yellow with traces of green on their wings and feathers.
In the wild, sun conures live in pairs and form close bonds with their partners. They also call loudly to keep in contact with each other while they are flying through the trees searching for food. This loud calling can carry for miles and is particularly audible at sunrise and sunset.
In captivity, these beautiful birds can be taught to perform several athletic tricks and are great companions for those who enjoy spending time with a playful parrot. However, these birds can become bored easily if not given regular physical and mental stimulation. They can also begin to pick at their feathers, which is a sign that they are depressed and not receiving enough attention.
Habitat
The sun conure can live quite a long time if given the right environment and care. These neotropical parrots are very active and require a large cage to give them the room they need. They are also very noisy and can sometimes scream, so it is important to keep them in an area that does not disturb other people.
When sun conures feel bored, stressed, or want attention they will scream, which can be quite loud and ear-piercing. However, they will scream less when they are well-fed and exercised regularly.
Ensure your sun conure has a spacious habitat and a high-quality diet. They should eat mostly pellets, which are formulated to provide them with the rounded nutrition they need. They should also eat a variety of vegetables and fruits. Make sure to wash all produce before chopping them and to provide them with fresh water at all times. Also, provide a birdbath or water bowl for them to bathe in.
Care
Sun conures are a great bird to have as a pet. Their playful personalities and keen intelligence are endearing qualities that bring joy to their owners. However, if they don’t get the right amount of care and maintenance, they can become frustrated and begin acting out destructively.
This is why it is important for their owners to spend time with them each day, talking to them, petting them, and teaching them tricks. This socialization helps improve the bond between owner and bird.
Another thing that can help with the mental stimulation of a sun conure is to rotate a variety of ladders, bridges, perches, and toys in their cage. Make sure the toys are made from materials your bird can’t break off and swallow (and possibly become sick) and that are designed to be used.
Lastly, make sure your bird is getting enough baths each day, either through an overhead mister or by providing them with a shallow bowl of water. This is especially important when they are molting as it can help them shed their feathers more quickly and easily.