Half-moon conures are green dwarf parrots widely appreciated as pets for their endearing traits. They are a perfect option for first-time bird owners as they form a quick and intense bond with their owners. Amidst all conures, this species is comparatively quieter. Although talking is rarely observed in them, but some are a very good mimic.
Half-Moon Conure
Quick Information |
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| Other Name | Orange-fronted conure, Petz’s conure, Orange-fronted parakeet |
| Color | Mostly green body with an orange forehead, blue crown, blue patches on the pointed tail, yellow irises and eye rings, horn colored beak. |
| Size | 8.9- 9.5in ( 23-24.13 cm) |
| Weight | 2.5-3 oz (71-81 g) |
| Subspecies |
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| Distribution | Throughout the west coast Southern Mexico, and Central America, from Costa Rica to Sinaloa |
| Habitat | Foothills and lowland, open woodlands like savannah |
| Diet | Fruits, nuts, figs, seeds, blossoms, and berries. |
| Breeding age | 2 years |
| Clutch size | 2-5 eggs |
| Incubation period | Around 23 days |
| Fledging | Around 50 days |
| Lifespan | 25-30 years |
| IUCN conservation status | Least Concern |
| Temperament as pets | Playful |
| Maintenance requirements | Not too fussy about anything specific |
| Noise level | Low |
| Talking ability | Common in some |
Half-Moon Conure Bird
Half-Moon Conure Pictures
Mutation
The blue mutation is observed only in an aviary of Wellington, Florida.
As Pets
Housing
Keep your pet in a cage sizing 18X18X18 inches or larger than it, as spacious the cage, better for the conure. The bar spacing should be within 5/8 to ¾ inch. Ideally, it should have some perches of variable sizes, with one close to the door, so that your conure can find it easier to come out of the cage whenever needed. Provide some chewable wooden toys (preferably of balsa wood) as well as tissue boxes, bells, popsicle crafts for its entertainment.
A nest box with dimensions of 12X12X12 inches can be placed inside if you keep a breeding pair.
Temperature
Like other conures, half-moon conures feel comfortable in temperatures ranging from 65°F-80°F. But, they do get affected if there is a sudden and extreme change of it. Also, keeping their cage in a clean area where natural light and air are plenty is good for them.
Temperament and behavior
These cheerful and agile birds spend a gala time with the toys given for their enrichment. Trained and tamed ones can stay on playpens or parrot perches for a long time without causing much trouble to anyone. You will always find them in a good mood both inside and outside the cage. They prefer the association of their owners and would love to get cuddled by them.
Half-Moon Conure Baby
Half-Moon Conure Photos
Feeding
Although in the wild they depend mostly on fruits, but as pets, they require a varied diet consisting of commercial avian pellets, fresh vegetables, and fruits. Calcium blocks and cuttlebones are good enough to prevent calcium deficiency in them. They enjoy some occasional treats with home cooked eggs, pasta, meat and fruit juices.
Avocado, butter, and salt are toxic to conures, so you better avoid including them in your pet’s diet.
Care
A hygienic environment is the key to a healthy bird, so, food bowls should be cleaned daily. Sometimes the bird can dip its food inside the water, leaving the water bowl dirty, so, washing it several times a day is a must. Last but not the least, its abode which is the cage, should be well maintained, free from dust and dirt.
Half moon conures sometimes out of their natural inquisitiveness fly from one room to another and might get themselves in trouble, so clip their wings and nails once in a while. Also, make sure they don’t ingest any metal objects as this could be fatal.
They are not keen on bathing on a regular basis, so you can mist spray them to keep their plumage bright and radiant.
Health problems
Pacheco’s disease, proventricular dilation disease, aspergillosis, psittacosis, conure bleeding syndrome, and psittacine beak and feather disease are common ailments that half moon conures are affected by. They do not bite at such, if they do then it is one of the rarest things, however, make sure to treat them properly if that means taking them to vets.
Half-Moon Conures
Half Moon Conure Images
Price
If you are ready to spend $300-$400, you can get half moon conures from reputed bird breeders.
Interesting facts
- In the wild, they emit a croaky “can-can-can” sound while flying, and it changes into a shrill “zeweet” sound when they are perched.
Half Moon Conure Talking Video
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