Australian Birdkeeper – June-July 2018

Blue-throated Conure juvenile

ABK

Patagonian Conure

P ODEKERKEN

large aviaries. The set-ups I have seen attempt to replicate a more

natural scenario for the species, and are certainly an impressive

sight. I applaud their efforts, but cannot really explain why this

approach has not resulted in reliable breeding and aided an

increase in population numbers. Hopefully, the status for such a

unique and beautiful species turns around in Australia.

J WELCH

Nanday Conure

NANDAY CONURE
Once very rare, due to its somewhat less prolifi c nature, the
Nanday Aratinga nenday was highly desired for some time. A
peak in numbers led to a corresponding price drop from their
height 7–8 years ago, with their market desirability to date never
really recovering. The unique colouration and larger size within
this genus had created a sustained interest for many years. Today,
they do pop up on the market from time to time, but sourcing
quality unrelated birds is quite a mission.

BLUE-THROATED CONURE
For a time when they were popular, many Australian breeders
were turning out good numbers of Blue-throated Conures
Pyrrhura cruentata for the aviary market. Strangely, this same
breeding success has not been refl ected elsewhere in the world
and they remain a rare item in other avicultural domains.
Now that conures as a whole have lost favour in Australia,
prices have dropped to the point that most serious breeders
have either sold them on or no longer provide the focus that
is required to breed them in previous numbers. The species is
most endangered in the wild
and I would encourage any
interested keepers to acquire
them to maintain their numbers
and ensure their status as a
species remains viable well
into the future.

VALUABLE RARE CONURES
IN AUSTRALIA
I separate these species
because they do still command
a good price, although prices
have reduced somewhat as
interest and money have fl owed
into other feathered options
within the hobby. I have yet to
personally keep these species,
but admire those who do,
and watch with keen interest.
Typically the species listed
below are much harder to
breed than those listed above
and I doubt the Patagonian
Conure and Queen of Bavaria
Conure will ever be sighted in
communal aviaries in backyard
collections on any scale.

BLUE-CROWNED CONURE
A relatively recent success, the Blue-crowned Conure
Thectocercus acuticaudata (formerly classifi ed Aratinga), also
known as the Blue-headed or the Sharp-tailed Conure, came from
total obscurity in the hobby to something that is now available on
a fairly regular basis. Those that keep them appear to be having
breeding success within the 2–3-year mark which indicates that
they have turned the corner into a sustainable species. The price
is becoming more affordable and they have a pleasing presence in
both colour and form when viewed in an aviary. This species also
famously featured in the fi lm Paulie, which may add additional
interest to those with young children wishing to have a family pet.
In the USA they are primarily bred for the pet market.

PATAGONIAN CONURE
This species is in serious trouble in Australia. The Patagonian
Conure Cyanoliseus patagonus is simply not being bred on a
sustainable level, and I suspect could be in decline. This is of
concern, and I believe we may need to borrow on husbandry
practices from the USA.
Due to their current expense, it is quite impressive to see some
breeders acquire enough individuals to attempt colony breeding in

K

Blue-crowned Conure

P ODEKERKEN