How to Choose a Conure

Conures can make wonderful, loving pets. However, it can be intimidating deciding which conure is right for you. To choose a conure, find a responsible breeder or pet store that will help you make the right decision. Choose a younger, socialized bird with minimal behavioral problems. With a little diligence, you should be able to select a bird that will fit into your home.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Choosing a Breeder or Pet Store

  1. Look up bird breeders and pet stores that sell birds in a variety of places. You can check online listings, browse ads in the newspaper, ask friends who own birds, and check with your vet if you have one.
  2. Once you have a list ready, make some phone calls. You can ask breeders and suppliers whether they have conures and what the adoption process looks like. It's a good idea to schedule a meeting with breeders and stores that have birds readily available.
    • Ask about price range as well. It's important you find a store or breeder that's affordable for you.
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  3. When you meet with the supplier, you should ask a number of questions to ensure they raise and sell birds ethically. A quality pet store owner or breeder will not hesitate to address any concerns and have thorough answers ready for questions regarding their practices. [1]
    • Ask pet stores where they buy their birds. Ask breeders how long they've been breeding conures. In general, the longer the better.
    • Ask for a detailed overview of a bird's diet. The ideal breeder or pet store will feed birds twice a day and provide pellets, fresh produce, and supplements.
    • Ask about the bird's health. Ask whether there have ever been major health issues in their establishment, what their protocol is for treating sick birds, and what veterinarian they use.
  4. A good breeder or store owner will be invested in sending birds to a good home. They will ask you a number of questions regarding your lifestyle and experience with birds to make sure you're able to care for your conure. Do not work with a breeder or pet store that tries to sell you a conure quickly and without question.
  5. Birds should be kept in clean, spacious cages. They should be provided with toys, perches, and other supplies to keep them healthy and happy. [2]
    • In addition to observing the environment, ask how often cages are cleaned. A good pet store or breeder will have a strict cleaning schedule.
    • You should also ask to see any vet records associated with a potential new bird. Look for wellness visit as well as any treatments for diseases and conditions.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Selecting Your Bird

  1. Conures are great pets, but proper socialization at a young age is important. It's best to choose a young bird, as you'll have a chance to socialize and train the bird while they're still developing. Look for a bird that's been weaned for a month or less.
    • If you don't want a very young bird, an older conure that's been trained and socialized can also be a good option. However, make sure to ask a lot of questions about previous owners and how the bird was treated in the past.
  2. Conures are generally well-behaved pets, but any animal can have behavioral problems. Ask the breeder or pet store owner if any of the conures display aggressive or anti-social tendencies. Unless you know a great deal about birds, and have the time to dedicate to a problem animal, choose a conure without a history of behavioral issues. [3]
    • A quality breeder or pet store worker will be open about potential issues, as they will not want the animal returned or abandoned. If the breeder or worker hesitates to talk about a bird's behavior, this is a red flag.
    • To get a better sense of if a particular bird is right for you, be sure to spend a large chunk of time, at least 2-4 hours, with the bird.
  3. Look for a bird that seems interested and energetic when you're in the room. A good bird will not be nervous about being touched and will pay attention to humans. If a conure responds to your voice, this is a good sign it's been adequately socialized. [4]
    • You should also ask about how often the birds interact with people. More frequent interactions are generally better.
  4. A good pet store or breeder will not let you walk out with a bird the same day you came in. They will want you to come back and visit the bird you're interested in multiple times. After meeting a potential conure, schedule follow up visits. Visit any bird at least two or three times before making the decision to adopt.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Avoiding Mistakes

  1. When reviewing whether a place is in your price range, keep in mind the cost of adoption is only one fee. If you don't already have cages, toys, and food and water dishes, these costs can add up fast. Calculate how much it will cost to get the supplies you need and tack that on to the adoption fee. [5]
    • Exact costs will vary depending upon the specific equipment you get, as well as breeder or rescue fees. However, you can expect to pay at least $300, if not more, to get going. [6]
  2. Stick to only visiting one or two pet stores or breeders a day. You don't want to spread germs between different locations. If you do visit two places in one day, shower and change your clothes between visits.
  3. Conures do have issues with nipping and they also carry germs. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend adopting birds if you have children under the age of five. [7]
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww7e.htm
      2. ↑ http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww7e.htm
      3. ↑ https://www.beautyofbirds.com/conuresaspets.html
      4. ↑ https://www.beautyofbirds.com/conuresaspets.html
      5. ↑ https://www.care.com/c/stories/6064/how-to-choose-a-pet-bird/
      6. ↑ http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/spending/T063-S001-the-cost-of-owning-5-popular-small-household-pets/index.html
      7. ↑ https://www.care.com/c/stories/6064/how-to-choose-a-pet-bird/

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      To choose a conure, look for a bird that's been weaned for a month or less since you'll have an easier time training and socializing a younger bird. Additionally, ask the breeder or pet store owner about any birds you're interested in to find out if they're aggressive or antisocial since you want a conure that doesn't have behavioral problems. You should also look for a bird that's energetic and interested when you're in the room, which is a sign that it's been socialized. Once you find a conure you like, plan on spending a few hours with it over multiple visits to make sure it's the right bird for you. For tips from our Veterinary co-author, like how to find a reputable pet store or breeder to buy a conure from, keep reading!

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