Sun Conure (sun parakeet)

Brilliantly colorful, intelligent, friendly and loaded with personality, the Sun has long been loved by families who love pet birds. But owners should be prepared for one of the most powerful medium-sized parrots.
Common name
The sun conure is also known as the sun parakeet.
Scientific name
The taxonomic name for the sun conure is Aratinga solstitialis .
Origin and History
Found primarily in inland tropical habitats, the Sunshine can also inhabit dry savanna forests and coastal forests. They usually inhabit fruit trees and palm groves.
This brilliant bird is currently endangered, with the population rapidly declining due to habitat loss and trapping for the pet trade. It is estimated that around 800,000 people are trapped each year, although importation into the United States was banned in 1992 and importation into European Union countries was banned in 2007. It is advised buyers to ensure that the bird they are purchasing is captive certified.
Temperament
The sun conure bird is a playful, fun-loving bird that loves athletic tricks. In general, it is a very affectionate and even cuddly bird that shows kindness to all family members if they treat it well. It is easily formed. The bird is not without assurance, however; it can suddenly become aggressive if provoked.
The sun is extremely noisy, capable of emitting piercing cries. In the wild, this call is used to communicate with other birds miles away; in captivity, it may elicit return calls from angry neighbors. This is not a bird for apartment or condo dwellers.The loud, shrill call is used to draw attention to important situations and many birds are known to be excellent watchdogs.
Sun Conure Colors and Markings
When fully grown, a sun conure is a bright orange and yellow bird with streaks of green and blue. Juvenile sun conures are not as colorful as adults – this is a natural defense mechanism. The first feathers are olive green in color and change to a mixture of yellowish-orange around six months of age. The full color plumage can be observed around the age of one year. Sun conures have black beaks and feet, as well as characteristic white patches around each eye.
The sexes are identical in color and markings.
Caring for the Sun Conure
The sun is an active bird that will be happiest in a spacious enclosure; at a minimum, give him a 20 x 20 inch cage with a minimum height of 36 inches. Make sure the cage has fairly narrow bar spacing (3/4 to 1 inch) to prevent the bird from getting its head stuck.
As with most other parrot species, the sun conure needs safe areas outside of the cage to explore and explore. Like all parrots, sun conures birds are social that need considerable interaction with their human owners to be happy. The Sun Conure is naturally playful and affectionate when given the attention it craves, making it particularly suitable for those who want a bird for stable companionship.
Feeding the Sun Parakeet
In the wild, the sun mainly feasts on fruits, nuts and seeds, but in captivity it is best to have a balanced diet. This pet parrot has a diet that includes a basic parrot mix supplemented with fresh vegetables such as leafy greens and root vegetables. Lightly steamed sweet potatoes are a wonderful food for your pet’s conure. Like other pet birds, a sun conure needs and appreciates treats, so remember to feed your bird food that it likes but make sure they are healthy choices. If you want to make feeding your new companion easier, try making her a Grain Bake. And nuts are always a good choice for a treat – walnuts and almonds are excellent choices. And don’t forget the occasional fruit offering.
Exercise
As with all birds, good physical activity is essential for good health. Sun conures are very active by nature and need ample space to fly, explore and play. Keep this in mind, your sun should be allowed out of the cage several hours a day. Be sure to provide them with a variety of interesting toys and change them up at regular intervals to keep your pet from getting bored.
Common health issues
Conures are also prone to proventricular dilation disease (PDD), psittacin beak and feather disease, psittacosis bacteria, beak malocclusion, and aspergillosis fungus. Have an avian veterinarian perform regular checkups to catch these problems early on.