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Patagonian
Conure
Common Names: Burrowing
Parrot,
Cliff-dwelling Parrot, Lesser Patagonian Conure, Andean Patagonian
Conure, & Greater Patagonian Conure.
Scientific
Name:
Cyanoliseus patagonus patagonus, Cyanoliseus patagonus
andinus, &
Cyanoliseus patagonus bloxami
Origin: South
America
(Argentina
& Chile)
Relative Size: Medium-small: 200- 300 grams depending on
which specie is kept.
Average Lifespan: 20-30 years
The Patagonian
Conure is a unique conure. It looks different then most conures,
yet it acts and behaves like a typical conure except for its
breeding behavior. This specie of conure has its own genus that is
comprised of three species, the
Lesser
Patagonian Conure, the Andean Patagonian Conure, and the Greater
Patagonian Conure. All look almost identical but their size
separates them.
They inhabit Northern and Central Argentina and can be seen in some
parts of Chile. They are not as abundant in the wild as they used
to be, due to habitat destruction, and they are considered pests to
local farmers because of crop damage. For that reason alone they
are shot and killed.
This conure has been given many names due to their breeding
behavior. Unlike most conures in the wild, who nest in tree
cavities,
Patagonian
Conures prefer to nest inside cliffs. Their nests are made of
tunnels that are deeply rooted into the rocks. That's why this
conure has been named the Cliff-dwelling or the Burrowing Parrot.
Pet
Aspect:
Patagonian
Conures make fantastic pets. They are very affectionate and very
easily entertained. These birds enjoy being petted and will always
seek attention from their owners. They are not prone to being nippy
and are not overly aggressive in such a way that needs to be
continually worked with. All family members can usually interact
with the conure without worrying about getting bitten. The conure
will gladly sit on all family member’s shoulders all day long, or
snuggling by their neck while watching television (be cautious of
facial bites).
Like most
conures, Patagonian Conures are great at doing tricks. They can do
simple tricks such as waving, turning around, or flapping their
wings. More advanced tricks such as puzzles or object oriented
tricks can easily be learned as well. Putting a coin into a
piggybank is no problem. Keep in mind you have to show him how to do
them. It takes work and commitment from both you and bird. To begin
training, start by using positive reinforcement towards wanted
behaviors. Your conure will quickly mold or perform behaviors to
your needs if you continually reinforce them.
Conures are
not known for their talking ability, but Patagonian Conures can talk
moderately. They are one of the better speaking conures and can
easily compete with Cherry-headed or Mitred Conures. You should
note that they will never have the clarity of an Indian Ringneck,
which is a parrot that is similar in size, but their clarity is
still somewhat understandable.
Teaching your
conure to speak takes work and you need to be patient. To increase
the likelihood of your conure talking, repeat phrases while you
interact with your parrot. Try to make your voice full of energy
and try to uses different words if your bird seems uninterested.
You’ll be amazed at how much quicker your conure will start to
talk. Keep training sessions fast and exciting for best results.
Handfed babies are more likely to talk than untamed ones.
Toys:
A Patagonian
Conure will easily entertain itself on a play stand with toys. Like
most conures, chewing is an enjoyable activity and needs to be
accommodated. Owners will find that new wooden toys will quickly be
turned into toothpicks in a matter of hours. Having an ample supply
of ropes, wooden toys, and chew toys, should keep the parrot busy
until you restock. Though chewing is a favorite pastime, so is
being active.
Your conure
will climb around its play stand or swing from ropes. Ladders need
to be randomly placed throughout the stand for proper exercise.
Expect your conure to flap its wings excessively while holding on to
the perches. If your conure wonders of the stand be sure to place
him back on. Continually do this and your conure will understand
his boundaries.
Screaming:
Conures are known for their shrill screams. If fact, special
techniques need to be used to help reduce excessive screaming.
Because the
Patagonian
Conure is larger than most conures, its calls will be louder. The
neighbors will easily know a parrot is present in your house. These
birds cannot be kept inside apartments due to their noise level.
Like all parrots, screaming should be expected during early morning,
noon, and before sunset.
Diet:
The diet of your conure needs to be well rounded. The key to a
healthy diet is providing nutrients and proper nourishment. A seed
only diet should not be the only diet you feed your
Patagonian
Conure. It will shorten the lifespan greatly. Instead, keep an
even ratio between pellets and seeds. Include fresh fruits and
vegetables daily. Just don’t feed your Patagonian Conure chocolate,
avocado, or alcohol.
If a healthy
diet is followed, your conure will easily reach an age of 20 or more
years.
Cage:
The cage should also be large enough to give the bird plenty of room
to exercise. They are large and need extra space. From head to
toe, the conure measures 18 inches. A cage for an African Grey or
Amazon will suffice. The cage needs to have a grill that can easily
be removed and easily cleaned. The doors need to accommodate the
bird and your hands for easy removal.
A good rule of
thumb to house your conure properly is that it needs to be able to
climb around, swing, flap his wings, and turn around without
touching the cage bars. The cage should be as large as your budget
can afford.
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