Conures possess a unique charm, not only in their vibrant colors and captivating personalities but also in their spunkiness. I’ve always heard that conures are big birds in a little bird body, and I have found that to be true — in a good way. If you’re thinking about bringing a conure into your home, the first thing you need to decide is what variation to choose. Conures are highly sought-after parrot pets in the avian world and come in multiple varieties, including Green-cheeked, Sun, Jenday, Dusky-headed, Patagonian, and more. Before embarking on this feathered journey, it’s essential to consider the associated costs. Beyond the initial purchase price of the bird, which may vary, it’s crucial to factor in their cage, play area, upkeep, nourishment, and potential veterinary care expenses. Let’s explore the overall cost of owning a conure and ensure a joyful and fulfilling companionship experience.
How Much Does a Conure Cost?
Conures aren’t the most expensive birds to bring into your home, but they’re not the cheapest either. There are a few ways you could buy one of these birds. One could be through online marketplaces and the classified section of the newspaper — sometimes for free — but that route comes with risk. Sometimes people give up their pets because they simply cannot take care of them properly anymore, while others relinquish ownership because there is a health or behavioral problem. Those certainly aren’t insurmountable but could add cost on the back end in order to correct the issue or issues.
Pet stores like Petco and PetSmart carry various types of conures, which vary in price from $700 to $900. Your local pet shop likely carries conures as well. The most typical ones you’ll see in retail stores are Sun conures and Green-cheeked conures. Normally, the bigger the bird, the higher the cost. The same is true with conures, as the Sun variety is slightly bigger than the Green-cheeked and has a bump in price to match.
If you’d rather get your conure from a breeder, that’s also a good option. Be sure the bird you choose is hand-raised so that they are well-socialized and will better interact with your family. Local breeders are an option, and so are online shops. Either choice will cost you between $200 and $7,000, depending on the breed variety and your location.
Here are some places you could buy a conure online:
When I bought my Green-cheeked conure, I bought her at a local pet store — a solid option — but I also got a chance to meet the breeder, which gave me some insight into where she came from. If you can meet the breeder and tour the facility, I highly recommend it. The experience can go a long way in telling you exactly the kind of bird you’re going to get and the treatment your pet received since they hatched.
How Much Does a Conure Setup Cost?
Preparing a joyful and healthy home for your conure requires thoughtful consideration of their setup expenses. Your new avian companion will need an appropriate living space filled with fun toys, a balanced diet, cozy perches for resting, room to flap and climb, and bowls for food and water. Remember to have first aid supplies on hand for potential injuries so that you can stop any bleeding quickly. That’s something many people don’t think about until they’re in the thick of an issue.
Here is a better look at these individual costs, so you can prepare yourself — and your wallet.
How much is a conure cage?
At a minimum, you want to give your conure a cage that is two feet wide, two feet deep, and two feet high. Be sure there is between a ⅝-inch and ¾-inch space between the bars. That size would work for any of the smaller conures, but if you’re considering getting a Golden conure or a Patagonian, you’ll have to size up the dimensions of the cage appropriately. Conures have long tails, so you want to make sure it doesn’t touch the edges of the cage or toys. Although this type of bird isn’t terribly big,