GREEN-CHEEKED CONURE

THE Green-Cheeked conure (Pyrrhura molinae) is one of the smallest conures, and is often confused with the Maroon-bellied conure (Pyrrhura frontalis), a close relative. These birds are so similar in appearance; they are often identified incorrectly by pet stores or their owners. They are the same size, about 10 inches long, and both are primarily green. The Green-Cheeked is a bit brighter in color than the Maroon-bellied, and has gray barring on its chest, fading into a slightly reddish belly. Both have a dark gray beak and feet. They are most easily confused when they are young, before their full color comes in after the first molt.

The Green-Cheeked conure is a favorite among bird novices because of its relatively low price, small stature, temperament and relatively low noise level, at least compared to its larger cousins. Owners love the Green-Cheeked for its relative quietness compared to other conures. It is not as loud or as frequent in their calling, but it is a bird, and will make some noise. Green-Cheeked conures have been known to talk, but they are generally not prized for they're talking abilities.

The Green-Cheeked as a Companion

Because Green-Cheeked are highly affectionate and love their owners intensely, they need an owner who is able to give them a great deal of time out of the cage. If your customer expresses concern that they may not be able to provide sufficient attention to the bird, suggest that they buy a pair.

If you don't have another Green-Cheeked in stock, you can pair this bird easily with a Maroon-bellied conure. Make sure that the pair get along before they leave the store, and encourage your customer to buy a larger cage than they may have previously intended. The Green-Cheeked will generally live peaceful with conures of similar size, though will not readily tolerate smaller birds, and might be in danger from the aggression of a larger bird. If your customer purchases or already owns a "cousin" bird, like a Maroon-bellied conure, tell them that, although companionship is great, they should not let the two species breed this leads to hybridization, which is abhorred in the bird community. The resulting babies will not be able to be sold or bred.

The Green-Cheeked is a little clown, always full of antics. These birds love to hang upside-down and clamor along the cage bars, waiting for their owners to play with them. Green-Cheeked are mischief-makers, so tell your customer to keep an eye on their bird at all times. This is a good second or third bird for children, as it is small enough for little hands to handle and is generally good-natured. However, realize that, if a bird has a beak, it can bite, and little fingers are tender. Always use caution around birds and children-especially for the bird's sake-it can be injured easily by a frightened child.

Basic Care

The Green-Cheeked conure will need a good deal of specific care to keep it happy and healthy-birds like these are easy to sustain but take some effort to keep properly. You will want to sell your Greencheeked customer a basic birdcare book, and perhaps add on a general conure book, as well. Your customer will not be able to find a book specifically on the Green-Cheeked.

Obviously, Green-Cheeked needs fresh water daily and a continuous nutritious diet. The breeder where you purchase your Green-Cheeked may have already weaned the youngster onto a specific diet. Instruct your customer to continue feeding their Green-Cheeked the food to which the bird has become accustomed. Greencheeks are not picky eaters if they learn to eat a variety of foods when they are youngsters, so you should instruct your customers to feed their bird a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables and safe table foods.

Housing

Make sure to tell your customers not to scrimp on the size of the cage. You should offer various, appropriately sized cages and steer your customer toward the largest cage that they can afford.

Green-Cheeked conures enjoy space to ramble around, and they love hanging toys. A confined Green-Cheeked may become neurotic and may begin to self-mutilate or show other behavioral problems.

The Green-Cheeked can live up to 25 years or more-that represents many years of food and equipment sales for your store. Your customer may not understand the ramifications of confining a bird of this size and energy, and it is up to you to help your customer make the right cage selection.

When helping the customer to choose a cage, make sure that the width between bars is not wide enough for the Greencheeked to stick its head through, a common behavior which can lead to serious injury. The head of this little conure is far smaller than the heads of the larger conures, so a "conure" cage may not be appropriate. Cages with cockatiel bar spacing should do the trick.

Supplies

Once the new owner has decided on a cage, you should guide the customer in the purchase of the bird equipment and accessories they will need to get started. A cage will usually come with two bowls, but you will want to encourage the purchase of at least four additional bowls, two for food and water rotation, the others for fresh foods. Some bowls come with a covered top and are perfect for avoiding mess, Green-Cheeked conures, like most birds, love to fling their food.

The Green-Cheeked, like all conures, are demolition machines and need lots of soft wood toys to keep them in good condition. Add on a few rope toys and a couple of indestructible acrylic toys, and the Green-Cheeked is ready to play. Since the customer will not be with the bird 24 hours a day, it will need to be able to entertain itself. Puzzle toys that hide nuts or dried fruit can be especially entertaining for a Greencheeked, who is always ready for a challenge. Be sure you stock up on toys so they can be rotated in and out of the cage on a weekly basis.

Finally, suggest a playgym. This purchase can be as elaborate as a hanging acrylic gym with tons of toys attached, or as simple as a cage-top stand made of safe wood.

GREEN-CHEEK BASICS

Reprinted by Pretty Birds from Pet Product News by Nikki Moustaki

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