How to Breed Green Cheek Conures

If you seek the rewarding satisfaction of successfully breeding your Green-Cheeked Conures, setting up the proper environment makes all the difference. Being of a sweet and gentle temperament, these birds are among the easiest to breed. Although they can live up to 40 years, they mature at between 1 and 3 years, often reaching sexual maturity at 1 year of age. Some females can mature as early as 7 months, but for the overall health of the bird, professional breeders discourage allowing them to mate before they reach 1 year of age.

Things You'll Need

  • Vertical nesting box
  • Nesting material
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Instructions

    • 1
      Typical nesting box with removable lid for nest inspection and cleaning.

      Secure the nesting box near the top of the darkest corner of the cage. It should measure at least 12 inches by 12 inches by 18 inches, though 16 inches by 24 inches is preferred, if room allows. Shield the box from too much heat or light in warmer months, or the birds may overheat. The box's internal dimensions should be approximately 6 to 8 inches, while the entrance hole should be about 3 inches in diameter. The lid may be removable for inspection and cleaning purposes.

    • 2
      Shredded newspaper makes ideal nesting material.

      Layer about 2 inches of nesting material at the bottom of the nesting box. Choose the nesting material carefully, as its purpose is two-fold; it not only stabilizes the eggs but also serves to absorb the chicks' droppings. Preferred materials include nontoxic sawdust, corn cobs, shredded newspaper or clean straw. Wood shavings may be used, but choose larger chips or the parents may feed it to the chicks or the chicks may independently eat it.

    • 3
      Providing toys for your birds keeps them active, happy and healthy.

      Maintain proper diet, bathing and playing opportunities to encourage mating behavior. Offer a healthy diet mixing a variety of fruits, vegetables, seeds and prepared pelleted food. Minimize table scraps to avoid excess weight gain, and include a calcium supplement to prevent potentially fatal egg binding in the female.