What Is Safe for a Sun Conure to Eat?

Sun conures are birds native to most of Central and South America. They grow to about a foot long and are known for brilliant colors which range from orange to blue to yellow. People keep sun conures as pets, as these birds enjoy interacting with humans. For optimal health, you must provide your sun conure with the proper diet and know which foods are safe.

  1. Basics

    • Although sun conures feed off of seeds, nuts and fruit in the wild, sun conure owners will likely feed their birds a commercial small parrot mix, supplemented with a few other ingredients. For example, a mix prepared for cockatiels will suffice for sun conures. Supplements include mealworms, millet spray and some fresh fruit and vegetables. Do not restrict your conure to a formulated diet because not only does it not provide the phytonutrients found in fresh fruit and veggies, the bird will likely become bored with it and act out.

    Non-formulated Diet

    • If you decide to create your own diet for your sun conure, 50 percent of the food should be grains, cereals, seeds and breads. Beside the millet spray, sun conures can safely eat safflower seeds, sunflower seeds, canary grass seeds and peanuts. The next 45 percent of the diet should be fresh vegetables. Safe choices include cucumber, spinach, chickweed, lettuce, carrot tops and broccoli crowns. The final five percent is fruit and protein such as apple and orange slices.

    Nutrition

    • Sun conures need a good amount of calcium to remain healthy. Feeding them green leafy vegetables is the best way to ensure they get the calcium they need. Protein is also important and can safely feed them cooked kidney and navy beans, as well as lentils to serve as a source of protein. Only feed them fruit as a special treat. Once a day is safe, during playtime and socializing periods.

    Caution

    • Some foods are toxic to sun conures and should never be introduced into their diet. Chocolate, salt, avocado and coffee are all extremely dangerous to these birds. Birds cannot excrete salt and chocolate and coffee contain an alkaloid called theobromine that can be deadly to birds. Take care when using sunflower seeds also. Although a small amount is okay, the high fat content can make your conure overweight if it eats too many of them.