Sun, Fun, and Feathers: Life with a Sun Conure

The sun conure (Aratinga solstitialis) parrots are vibrant sun yellow colored parrots that are most commonly known by their intelligence and bright colors. They are also called as Sun Parakeets.

They are found generally in South America. Their population trend is declining due to habitat destruction and trade as pets.

Physical Characteristics of Sun Conure

The sun conures have a very impressive bright array of colors with bright yellow and orange plumage with green and blue accents. Their size is neither much large nor much short. Their size lies approximately between 10 inches to 13 inches. Their weight is between 4 to 6 ounces which is equal to about 110 to 170 grams. They have bright yellow crown and face. Their underside and abdomen are of orange-red color. Their wings and tails are green and have blue flight feathers. Their beak and feet are black colored.

Behavior and Temperament

Sun conures are known by their lively, affectionate and social nature. Their common and important key traits are:

• These conures love to play. They love to explore the toys, climbing and also love playing.
• The sunnys love their owners very much. They bond strongly with their owners and needs a lot of attention and interaction by them.
• Their sound is highly pitched and is very loud. They love chirping and whistling.
• These birds are very intelligent and are known by their problem solving and the learning tricks.

Diet and Nutrition

The most important thing that is necessary for these birds is the balanced diet that is crucial for maintaining the bird’s health. The healthy diet for these birds contains.

• These birds need a nutrient rich food, so provide the birds with nutrient-rich commercial parrot food.
• They need fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet. So provide the conures a variety which contains leafy greens, carrots and sweet potatoes.
• Provide nuts and seeds in their diet.
• Make sure to provide them with fresh water on daily basis.

Health considerations

The most common health issues that can a sun conure parrot have are:

Fatty Liver disease

If the birds take more fatty diet then the concentration of fats increases in them and they may have Fatty Liver disease. In this disease the excess of fats is accumulated on the liver of these birds and it leads to inflammation. This is due to high fat foods which include seeds and nuts. The lack of exercise can also lead to the fatty liver disease in these birds. Some birds can also develop this disease genetically. This can be treated by a veterinary examination and dietary changes.

Feather plucking

Feather plucking is also a very common disease in these birds. In this disease the birds pluck their feather by their mouth which can may lead to bald patches, skin irritation and infection. The cause of this disease includes changes in the environment, social isolation and loud noise that can may lead to the mental stress. It can also caused by insufficient mental and physical stimulation that can cause the birds to engage in self destructive behavior. Nutritional deficiencies can also caused this problem. This can be treated by consulting with a veterinarian and by stimulating environment with the toys.

Psittacosis

Another common disease in these birds is Psittacosis. This is also known as the parrots fever. In this disease the bacteria affects the birds. In this disease the birds show respiratory issues like coughing and sneezing. In this disease a yellow or green discharge from the nostrils and eyes takes place. In this disease the birds show gradual weight loss. In this disease the birds may appear fluffed up or have ruffled feathers. This can be treated by veterinary examination and by using the antibiotics.

Respiratory problems

Respiratory problems are also common in the sun conures. In this problem the birds can not properly breathe. This is because of exposure to the pollutants such as cigarette smoke and strong chemicals. This can also be due to bacterial, viral or fungal infections. It can be due to poor ventilation which causes inadequate air circulation. This can be treated by keeping the environment clean and by providing good ventilation. Avoiding of pollutants exposure can also prevent them from this issue.

House and caring

The most common factor for these birds is the proper care and housing for them. The common components for their care and housing are.

• These birds need a large cage of size of 2x3x4 feet which is equal to 60x90x120 cm. In this size of the cage the birds can accommodate their active nature.
• The bar spacing in the cage should be less than 1 inch. Because if the bar spacing is more than 1 inch then the birds can get their head or wings stuck.
• Provide the birds with good ventilation and prevent the buildup of the ammonia from droppings.
• Keep the temperature range between 65°F to 85°F and need a small drop in the temperature at the night time.
• The humidity of the environment should be 50% to 60% that can prevent the birds from dry skin.
• Use a safe and absorbent bedding material that should not be harmful for them. Use the bedding material like paper based products or the aspen.
• Clean the cage regularly. This can be cleaned by removing soiled bedding and by cleaning food and the water dishes regularly.
• To prevent the birds from any infection, we can use a pet safe disinfectant.
• They need the natural light so provide them an access of natural light but avoid the direct sun light because direct sunlight can cause overheating in the birds.
• To meet the requirement of calcium mechanism, offer the UVB light to these birds. This can also prevent the birds from metabolic bone diseases.
• Provide them a variety of toys like swings and chew toys. Because this activity can make them more active and healthy.
• One of the most important things is to spend quality time with your pets and do some activities with them such as playing and cuddling.
• Handle your sun conure parrot gently and be polite with them.

Conclusion

For praising the colorful aspects of nature, Sun Conures are best choice to keep as pets. These birds are friendly, social and can be easily handled. However, these birds chirp in loud noise which may cause irritation for some peoples. So select these pets with advance approvals of all family members.