Pets

The Green-cheeked Conure(Parakeet) is a small parrot of the genus Pyrrhura native to South America. It is green, with a grey breast, dark head, maroon tail and blue flight feathers. Normal weight is about 70 g.

Green-cheeked conures are common as pets. They are playful and affectionate, and can learn to talk, though with a somewhat limited vocabulary and a gravelly voice. They like to be held (although some like it more than others - each bird is different) and can learn tricks, such as laying on their backs and "kissing."

Along with other Pyrrhura conures, they are only moderately loud, and are thus a preferred bird for apartment dwellers. They can be prone to biting, particularly when young, but an owner can cure this behavior with patience and time. They love ice cream, sunflower seeds and fruits, especially bananas and raisins. However, a bird pellet diet with a calcium supplement will give them the proper nutrition. They are very similar to the maroon belly conure, and can live up to 35-40 years old.