Habitat Requirements
When setting up a home for your new bird, it is recommended to provide the largest habitat possible. The minimum habitat size for one green-cheek conure is approximately 24" W x 24" D x 30" H, with metal bars spaced no more than 3/4" apart. Commercially available habitats are generally made with stainless steel bars (either with or without nontoxic coating); homemade habitats and those made of wood or galvanized wire are not recommended because wood cannot be disinfected properly, and birds can chew on their habitats and ingest potentially toxic chemicals.
Conures acclimate well to average household temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. Their habitats should be placed off the floor in well-lit areas, away from drafts and inaccessible to other curious pets, such as cats and dogs. Habitats should also be placed in an area with lots of household activity to fulfill their socialization needs. Ensure that no part of the habitat contains lead, zinc, or other toxic heavy metals, lead-based paints or galvanized parts, as these can cause serious medical issues if a bird ingests them.
- Perches: Perches should be at least 9" long and 1/2" in diameter. Use perches made from different materials, such as wood, braided rope and natural branches, to give your bird their choice of surfaces to stand on
- Toys: Conures are very intelligent birds; foraging toys are important for enrichment and mental stimulation. Toys should have a variety of colors, shapes and textures to entice birds to interact with them
- Liner and litter: A metal grate over the habitat bottom will allow droppings to fall away from birds’ feet and keep the habitat cleaner; the tray in the habitat bottom should be lined with habitat paper or other paper-based substrate to ease cleanup and minimize dust
- Bathing: Water dishes should be large enough for birds to bathe in. Birds who don’t bathe regularly can be misted gently a few times a week with warm water from a plant mister to maintain healthy plumage.