- Scientific name: Pyrrhura molinae
- Average lifespan: 10–15 years (sometimes longer with excellent care)
- Size: 25–26 cm
- Weight: 60–80g
- Temperament: Affectionate, cheeky, intelligent, curious
- Noise level: Moderate (quieter than sun conures and larger parrots)
- Best for: Families, singles, first-time parrot owners, apartments
They’re small, but full of personality — playful, cuddly, and often clown-like. They love interacting with their humans and thrive in a home where they receive daily attention.
🧠 Temperament & Behaviour
Green-cheeks are known for:
- Strong bonding with their favourite person
- Cuddly and affectionate behaviour
- Playfulness and clown-like antics
- Smart problem-solvers
- Curious and energetic
- Enjoying training and learning tricks
They rarely scream compared to other conures, but they still communicate through chirps, squawks, and happy noises.
🏡 Housing & Cage Setup
Green-cheek conures are active, climbing birds that need a spacious and stimulating environment.
Minimum cage size:
- 60 cm wide x 50 cm deep x 80 cm tall (bigger is better)
Bar spacing:
- 1–1.5 cm
Cage essentials:
- Natural wood perches of varying thickness
- Rope perches
- Stainless steel food/water bowls
- Foraging toys
- Shredding toys
- Swings
- A flat platform or snuggle area (no fabric huts)
Place the cage in a social area of the home, avoiding drafts and direct sun.
🧩 Enrichment & Mental Stimulation
Green-cheeks need daily enrichment to prevent boredom.
PROVIDE:
- Puzzle toys
- Foraging trays and boxes
- Rotating toys weekly
- Daily out-of-cage time
Safe branches/leaves to shred- Training sessions (step-up, target training)
A stimulated conure is a happy, well-behaved conure.
✋ Handling & Taming
All Nurtured Nests birds are hand-raised and socialised, but their new home is a big change. Continue gentle handling:
Tips:
- Allow 24–48 hrs to settle
- Use slow movements and soft voice
- Begin with hand-feeding treats
- Practice “step up” daily
- Keep sessions short and positive
- Never force handling — build trust gradually
Green-cheeks bond very strongly when handled kindly and consistently.
✂️ Grooming Needs
- Bathing: encouraged 3–5 times per week
- Nail trimming: every 2–3 months if needed
- Wings: optional trim depending on your preference
- Beak: should naturally maintain with chew toys
🩺 Common Health Issues
Usually hardy birds, but can be prone to:
- Fatty liver (seed-heavy diets)
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Respiratory infections
- Bacterial infections
- Feather-plucking (boredom or stress)
- Overgrown nails or beak (lack of chew items)
Signs of illness to watch for:
- Fluffed feathers
- Loss of appetite
- Quiet or withdrawn behaviour
- Nasal discharge
- Sitting low on perch
- Changes in droppings
Seek an avian vet if any symptoms appear.
♥️ Why They Make Great Pets
- Affectionate, cuddly companions
- Intelligent but not overly demanding
- Quiet enough for units
- Amazing personalities
- Easy to train
- Bond strongly with their humans
- Social and interactive
Green-cheeks bring so much joy, connection, and entertainment to a home.