A roosting box, also used

for breeding, is essential for

conures in the Australian

colder climes

AUSTRALIA IS NOT THE NATIVE LAND of the conure and,
hence, all are considered exotic birds to our avicultural hobby.
Years ago, conures were the next ‘big thing’ and were a focus for
many breeders while demand was high. Breeding results were
good for most species and numbers increased to the point of
market saturation, which left prices very low, drastically reducing
demand and interest within the hobby.
Other species of conure that were never really successfully
bred in large quantities also suffered a loss of interest and focus
as more prolifi c species encouraged keepers to move on to
new trends and interests. As a result, many of the species that
were available in Australia
are particularly hard to fi nd,
despite prices here being the
lowest they have ever been.
There is a real possibility that,
unless something changes,
some may be lost to us forever.

WHAT IS A CONURE?
Conures are small to medium
parrots from South America,
and fall into the category of
New World parrots. Physically,
conures are well-proportioned,
streamlined birds that are very
capable fl iers—a consideration
essential to their enrichment
within a captive environment.
Conures are very inquisitive
and intelligent for their size
and are often a bird of choice
within the pet market due
to their adaptability and
trainability. Conures are very
mobile and therefore provide
their keepers with a visually
active and pleasing presence in
an aviary.
There are two primary genus
of conure—Pyrrhura (most
common), and Aratinga—
while Nandayus nenday and
Cyanoliseus patagonius each
comprise a single species genus.
Typically, those seeking to keep conures should consider their
noise and need for enrichment, which may require a little more
deliberation than other similarly sized parrots. Toys and fabric-
based shelters suit the smaller conures very well, and conures can
be relatively easy to entertain. But, as always, with an increase in
size comes greater intelligence and behavioural complications,
with the Queen of Bavaria Conure often regarded as the most
diffi cult species to cater for.

BREEDER PERSPECTIVE

AUTHOR ANDREW RANKMORE

Rare Conures in

AUSTRALIAN AVICULTURE

A RANKMORE

HUSBANDRY

A roosting box is essential for

conures in Australian weather.

This protects the birds from

the cold and ensures they

will survive the winter nights

without environmental heating.

The roosting box can double

as a nest box but, without one,

conures would rarely, if ever,

survive cold temperatures.

Conures generally adapt

successfully to the captive

environment, with enclosure

sizes and types varying widely.

However, the minimum

enclosure size should take into

account the body size of the

specifi c species and the need

for space to exercise.

DIET

The diet of conures is relatively typical of most medium to small

South American parrot species. In my experience with a few

of the Pyrrhura and Aratinga species, sprouted mix, mixed

vegetables, pellets and a small amount of sunfl ower are the norm,

while exotic fruit or extra spoils/treats can be provided to help

stimulate condition in the lead-up to breeding season. Overall, for

most conures, maintenance is not diffi cult.

The Sun Conure was one of the most highly sought after Aratinga

species in the world pet market, and heavily focused upon by

breeders in Australia. Over time, breeders then delved further into

the nature, personalities and rarities among the genus

A RANKMORE

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