Reasearching Your Best Cage and The Conure

bird on a cage
Originally uploaded by EssjayNZ

Sometimes it's better to be on the outside looking in than on the inside looking out!

Why would a bird be unhappy with his cage? It is possible that the cage is not right for the bird you've brought home. Most people would know that a cage for a Canary wouldn't be the proper home for a Parrot. Therefore, it is very important to an extensive search in choosing a bird before deciding on your cage. After choosing the cage, it is equally important to add the proper perch, dishes, and toys to provide the optimum environment for your bird.

If the only research done in deciding which bird is for you is to go to the pet store and pick a pretty bird and the first cage you find and bring them home, you are being unfair to you and to the bird. As an example, you might observe the Conure which can be quite good looking. The Conure is a Parrot, but it might be surprising to find out that there are numerous species of Conures. Though there are some common features with all the Conures and other Parrots, there are some characteristics that are quite different. These differences will influence your choice of cage and even the type of perch you choose.

Even though the Conures are not the largest Parrot, the Sun Conure can produce a shrill screech that could challenge any of the large Parrots.


Sun Conure Parrots
Originally uploaded by anshu_si

These Sun Conures are a good example of the exquisite beauty you might encounter when meeting these birds for the first time. You might find it difficult to remember the importance of research prior to purchasing such beauties.

And, if your experience with birds is limited, the Patagonian Conure's screech might come as a total shock especially if it occurs for the first time at midnight on Halloween. It may be hard to believe, but the birds exhibit less aggressive behavior when they are in the proper cage and given adequate attention. In contrast to the Patagonian Conure, the smaller Green-cheeked, Black-caped and Maroon-bellied Conures, though they can be heard, are probably the quietest of the Conures and are the best choice if noise is a factor. Some of the other species in the Conure group includes the Gold-Cap, the Blue-crowned, the Peach-fronted, the Jenday, the Cherry-headed, the Half-moon, the White-eyed, Dusky-headed, and the Brown-throat.

Some of the common traits you might find among the Conures would include their eye-catching beauty. You might have to weigh the level of noise the Conure can make against their beauty if this is your bird of choice. Most Conures enjoy bath time and require their share of attention during the day. The Conures are often smart and easily trained if they are given the appropriate time and attention required and not left alone in their cage to entertain themselves. It is important to remember, too, that the Conures can live 20 to 30 years.

If you do decide to choose the Conure, the best cage for her would be one that is large enough for her to spread her wings comfortably. The space needs to accommodate the toys, perches, water and food bowls without crowding the bird. The minimum size cage would be 18”wide by 22”long by 24”high, but bigger would certainly be better. The Patagonian, who is a larger Conure, will need an even larger cage. You'll want to place the cage on a stand, but not too high since the Conures are curious and want to be able to observe the happenings in the room. They are sensitive to odors so the cage would be best if not close to the kitchen.

This is the type of information that you would uncover when doing research on which bird would best fit in your environment, your lifestyle, and your preferences. Your research will be the key to choosing the right bird for you, the best bird cage, and the right toys and will be the key to give you and your bird many years of pleasure.