Last Updated on March 13, 2025 by Mitch Rezman

Conures are a diverse group of small to medium-sized parrots, primarily from South and Central America.

While their exact species count varies, approximately 120 species are classified as conures. They can be categorized by size and their corresponding nutritional needs.

1. Small Conures (9–12 inches)

Examples:

• Green-cheeked Conure (Pyrrhura molinae)
• Black-capped Conure (Pyrrhura rupicola)
• Maroon-bellied Conure (Pyrrhura frontalis)
• Painted Conure (Pyrrhura picta)
• Crimson-bellied Conure (Pyrrhura perlata)

Nutritional Needs:

• High-quality pellets (60–70%) with a focus on balanced nutrients.
• Fresh vegetables (20–25%), including leafy greens (kale, spinach), carrots, peppers, and squash.
• Some fruits (5–10%) such as berries, apples, and mango (moderation due to sugar).
• Limited seeds and nuts (5%) as occasional treats.
• Require a lower fat diet than larger conures.

2. Medium Conures (12–16 inches)

Examples:

• Sun Conure (Aratinga solstitialis)
• Jenday Conure (Aratinga jandaya)
• Nanday Conure (Aratinga nenday)
• Blue-crowned Conure (Thectocercus acuticaudatus)
• Mitred Conure (Psittacara mitratus)
• Dusky-headed Conure (Aratinga weddellii)

Nutritional Needs:

• Balanced pellet-based diet (50–60%) with a mix of grains and essential vitamins.
• A wider variety of vegetables (25–30%), including dark leafy greens, root vegetables, and bell peppers.
• Slightly higher fruit intake (10–15%) than small conures, including tropical fruits (papaya, banana, melon).
• Moderate seeds and nuts (5–10%), especially for more active conures.
• Require more energy-dense foods due to their higher activity levels.

3. Large Conures (16+ inches)

Examples:

• Patagonian Conure (Cyanoliseus patagonus)
• Golden Conure (Queen of Bavaria Conure) (Guaruba guarouba)
• Slender-billed Conure (Enicognathus leptorhynchus)
• Red-masked Conure (Psittacara erythrogenys)

Nutritional Needs:

• A diet higher in pellets (50%) but with an increased need for fresh vegetables (30%).
• Higher calorie fruits (15%) such as bananas, figs, and mangos.
• Higher percentage of nuts and seeds (10–15%), particularly for Patagonians due to their high energy expenditure.
• Require a higher fat content than smaller conures due to their larger size and active lifestyle.

Additional Notes on Conure Diets

• Vitamin A is crucial for all conures (found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and red peppers).
• Calcium and D3 supplementation may be needed, especially for egg-laying females.
• Avoid high-fat seeds like sunflower and safflower as staples—only occasional treats.
• Fresh water daily and occasional herbal teas (like chamomile) can be beneficial.
• Enrichment feeding, like foraging for fresh foods, is essential for their mental and physical health.

This breakdown helps ensure that each size category receives the appropriate diet tailored to their metabolic needs and activity levels. Let me know if you want a deeper dive into any specific conure species!

Conure Nutritional Needs Based on Size

Conures, a diverse group of parrots hailing mainly from South and Central America, come in various sizes and have unique dietary requirements depending on their size and activity levels. Ensuring they receive the correct nutrition is vital for their health and well-being.

1. Small Conures (9-12 inches)

• Examples: Green-cheeked Conure, Black-capped Conure, Maroon-bellied Conure, Painted Conure, Crimson-bellied Conure
• Nutritional Needs:
  • High-quality pellets (60-70%): These should form the foundation of their diet, providing balanced nutrients. Look for pellets specifically formulated for small parrots.
  • Fresh vegetables (20-25%): Offer a variety of leafy greens (kale, spinach, collard greens), carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and squash. These provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
  • Fruits (5-10%): Fruits like berries, apples, pears, and mango can be offered in moderation due to their sugar content.
  • Limited seeds and nuts (5%): These are high in fat and should only be given as occasional treats.
  • Lower fat diet: Compared to larger conures, small conures require a diet lower in fat to prevent obesity and other health issues.

2. Medium Conures (12-16 inches)

• Examples: Sun Conure, Jenday Conure, Nanday Conure, Blue-crowned Conure, Mitred Conure, Dusky-headed Conure
• Nutritional Needs:
  • Balanced pellet-based diet (50-60%): Pellets remain crucial, but the proportion can be slightly lower than for small conures.
  • Variety of vegetables (25-30%): Offer a wide selection, including dark leafy greens, root vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes), and bell peppers.
  • Slightly higher fruit intake (10-15%): Compared to small conures, they can have a bit more fruit, including tropical options like papaya, banana, and melon.
  • Moderate seeds and nuts (5-10%): These can be given more frequently, especially for active birds.
  • Energy-dense foods: Due to their higher activity levels, medium conures need foods that provide more energy.

3. Large Conures (16+ inches)

• Examples: Patagonian Conure, Golden Conure (Queen of Bavaria Conure), Slender-billed Conure, Red-masked Conure
• Nutritional Needs:
  • Higher pellet intake (50%): Pellets are still essential for balanced nutrition.
  • Increased fresh vegetables (30%): These are crucial for providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
  • Higher calorie fruits (15%): Fruits like bananas, figs, and mangoes can be offered more frequently.
  • Higher percentage of nuts and seeds (10-15%): These provide essential fats and energy, especially for highly active Patagonian Conures.
  • Higher fat content: Compared to smaller conures, large conures require a diet with a higher fat content to support their size and activity levels.

Additional Considerations for All Conures

• Vitamin A: Essential for all conures, found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and red peppers.
• Calcium and D3: Supplementation may be necessary, especially for egg-laying females.
• Avoid high-fat seeds: Sunflower and safflower seeds should only be given as occasional treats.
• Fresh water: Provide fresh water daily.
• Herbal teas: Chamomile tea can be offered occasionally.
• Enrichment feeding: Encourage foraging and other activities to stimulate their minds and bodies.

Remember:

• Consult an avian veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations for your conure.
• Monitor your bird’s weight and adjust their diet as needed.
• Introduce new foods gradually.
• Variety is key to a healthy and balanced diet.
• Always provide fresh, clean water.

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Mitch Rezman

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