Green-cheeked Conure

Animal Diversity Web describes the green-cheeked conure as highly social, living in the treetops and not defending territory; flocking is its best defense against predators. Its calls include short and long chirps, whistles, screams and tongue clicks, and it also shows danger or excitement through posture, head bobbing and tail wagging. Merck considers it small (even smaller than a cockatiel) and relatively quiet among conures.

In a 2011 survey of avian veterinarians and parrot owners by Gaskins and Bergman, the most common behavior problems were aggression, screaming and feather picking. These often appear together with boredom, loneliness or too little stimulation.

The green-cheeked conure suits people who can spend long stretches with their bird every day, set aside a room for flight and accept a commitment that can last up to 25 years. RSPCA Australia reminds readers that birds can live 10 to 50 years, that noise levels vary greatly by species, that a bird vet can be hard to find, and that while the purchase price may be low, setup and ongoing costs can add up quickly.

According to Animal Diversity Web it lives in the dense forests of Paraguay, northwestern Argentina and Bolivia, and also of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil; it nests in tree holes and spends most of its time in the treetops. It is rated Least Concern by the IUCN; the population is declining but not alarmingly, though deforestation and fragmentation are future threats.

The same source says the species is common in the pet trade and that diseases such as polyomavirus, psittacosis and chlamydiosis can spread under trade conditions. So choose a documented, known breeding source.

Animal Diversity Web gives an average length of about 10 in (26 cm) and a weight of 2.2–2.9 oz (62–81 g, average 72 g). It has a green body, a darker head, green cheeks and a reddish tail; different color mutations exist in captivity. Its small size suits home life, but its beak is strong and it likes to chew. Even a small bird's beak is strong enough to damage household items; cables, furniture corners and curtains can become chewing targets, so arrange the flight room with the bird in mind and never leave it unsupervised. Feather condition is also a clue to health: a bird with fluffed, dull or plucked feathers should be seen by a vet.

• Flight: Free flight in a safe room every day; window, door, fan and heater precautions; toxic plants removed.
• Mental work: Merck lists lack of mental stimulation among the causes of feather picking. Rotate toys and set up foraging games.
• Regular attention: Merck recommends consistent interaction.
• Sleep: Merck values uninterrupted nights and a steady day-night rhythm; RSPCA suggests a separate night cage instead of covering the cage.
• Bathing: A mister or shallow dish; adjust the frequency to the bird.

Also see bonding with your bird and toys for birds.

RSPCA Australia's rule for a pair: the width at least three times the combined wingspan of the two birds, the height at least three times the head-to-tail length of the largest bird, and at least two wingbeats between perches; bigger is always better. For a bird about 10 in (26 cm) long, that is a height of at least about 30 in (80 cm). Birds fly horizontally, so a long cage is good. RSPCA writes that birds confined to cages risk obesity, arthritis, boredom, feather picking and screaming; a flight aviary or regular safe flight is a must.

• Material: For aviary wire for birds of 20–80 g, RSPCA suggests 12 x 12 mm mesh with 0.7–0.8 mm wire; for 80–200 g, 1.2 mm wire. Poorly galvanized wire can poison with zinc; Merck prefers stainless steel.
• Perches: Natural, non-toxic branches; avoid metal pipe, cotton-rope and sandpaper-covered perches.
• Bowls: Stainless steel, glass or glazed ceramic.
• Floor: Newspaper or paper towel.
• Location: In a corner, away from traffic and constant noise. See the cage placement guide.
• Cleaning: At least weekly, ideally every 1–2 days.

According to Merck Veterinary Manual, a diet built around seeds and nuts is fatty and lacks many vitamins and minerals. The recommended base is a complete formulated pellet plus a smaller amount of fresh vegetables and fruit; work out the proportions with a vet who sees birds. Animal Diversity Web says wild birds eat fruit (figs, mango, papaya, oranges), seeds, nuts, flowers and nectar, and a varied diet at home is advisable.

• Fresh water every day; do not mix powdered supplements into the water.
• For harmful foods, see foods that are harmful to birds.

Merck says birds hide illness. What follows is for information; for diagnosis and treatment, talk to a veterinarian who sees birds.

• Nutrition problems and obesity: Linked to seed-heavy diets; vitamin A deficiency is common and often missed.
• Feather picking: Merck says medical causes should be ruled out first, then psychological ones such as stress and boredom considered.
• Chlamydia (psittacosis): A disease that can spread through droppings, nasal discharge and feather dust and pass to people; Merck lists testing new birds, isolating sick birds, gloves and hand washing. If you develop flu-like symptoms, tell your doctor you keep a bird.
• Fume and gas poisoning: Overheated nonstick coatings, aerosol sprays, room fresheners and burning plastic can kill birds quickly.
• Heavy metals: Galvanized wire, metal toys and old paint are risky.

Merck says up to 25 years. Animal Diversity Web says 25–30 years are expected both in the wild and at home, but also notes that the average in captivity came out at 10 years and attributes this mainly to neglect and poor diet. That shows a long life depends on care, not just the bird. The expert panel in Chalmers and colleagues (2024) lists the lack of a life plan for birds (moves, illness, rehoming) among the priority welfare issues for pet parrots.

• Legal status: The EU regulation (aligned with CITES) lists the Psittaciformes order generally under Appendix II ("II"); this species is not explicitly excluded. Animal Diversity Web, though, writes "no special status" for it, and that information may be out of date. When buying, ask for the exact species name and CITES paperwork; confirm the details for Türkiye with the relevant official authorities.
• Wild-caught birds: Animal Diversity Web says that in the US the species is bred on bird farms or illegally imported. Choose a documented breeding source.
• Rescues and shelters: Look for organizations that rehome birds.
• Assess the seller: Pick one who knows the species, gives health and diet information, and offers returns or support; RSPCA warns against impulse buying.
• Vet: First find out whether a bird vet is available near you.