Green Cheek Conure Diet

In the wild, the Green Cheek Conure diet includes a variety of fruits, nuts, vegetables and other foods. Green Cheek Conures in captivity must rely on their owners for food, and it is important to make sure your bird receives the right foods and adequate nutrition to stay healthy.

  1. About Green Cheek Conures

    • Green Cheek Conures are small parrots that resemble miniature Macaws in appearance. They are friendly and intelligent and enjoy bonding and interacting with their owners. For these reasons, they are popular pets for bird lovers--but like all exotic pets, they require specialized care, particularly when it comes to their diets.

    Green Cheek Conure Diet: Seed Vs. Pellets

    • For many years, a diet of seeds was considered optimal for Green Cheek Conures. Conure experts today acknowledge that this is not the best diet for a Green Cheek or any other bird, since seeds are extremely high in fat and low in nutrients. Instead, it is recommended that commercial food pellets make up the majority of the diet, and that seeds be offered in small amounts, along with other foods.

    Healthy Foods For Green Cheek Conures

    • In addition to pellets and seeds, Conures should be fed fresh vegetables on a regular basis. Other foods Conures can eat include fresh fruit, breads, and meat, in small amounts. Since most birds are lactose intolerant, dairy products should be given in moderation.

    What Not To Feed Green Cheek Conures

    • Knowing what not to feed a Conure is just as important as knowing what to feed it. Avocados should never be given, since are poisonous to birds and can cause heart damage. Other foods and substances to be avoided include chocolate, coffee, alcohol and caffeine in all forms.

    Vitamins And Health Issues

    • Green Cheek Conures in captivity are prone to Vitamin K deficiencies, which can cause "Conure Bleeding Syndrome" and other health problems. Providing Conures with vegetables and fruits containing Vitamin K--including grapes, chickweed, kale, appleseend--sweet potatoes are the best way to combat this. With the right care and feeding, Green Cheek Conures in captivity can live up to 20 years.