How do I keep my green-cheeked conure warm in winter?
Maintain a cage temperature of 70–80°F (21–27°C) to ensure your conure stays cozy.
Summer Heat Safety
In the summer, temperatures can soar, posing a risk to your conure. Keep the cage in a shaded area and avoid direct sunlight. The maximum safe temperature for your conure is 80°F (27°C).
Ensure the room temperature does not exceed this limit, and provide plenty of fresh water to prevent overheating. If the temperature rises, use a fan or air conditioner to cool the room gradually.
- Keep the cage in a shaded area.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Maintain room temperature below 80°F (27°C).
- Provide fresh water daily.
- Use a fan or air conditioner if needed.
Winter Temperature Management
In winter, the challenge is to keep your conure warm without over-heating. Aim for a consistent cage temperature of 70–80°F (21–27°C).
Use a heating pad or a heat lamp, but place it at least 12 inches away from the cage to prevent burns. Monitor the temperature with a reliable thermometer.
Keep the room well-insulated to maintain a stable temperature.
- Maintain cage temperature at 70–80°F (21–27°C).
- Use a heating pad or heat lamp at least 12 inches away.
- Monitor temperature with a thermometer.
- Insulate the room to maintain stable temperatures.
- Avoid drafts near the cage.
Daylight Changes and Activity Adjustments
Conures are active birds and their activity levels can change with the seasons. In winter, they may require more time outside the cage to stay active.
Provide at least 2 hours of supervised out-of-cage time daily. This helps them exercise and interact with you.
During shorter daylight hours, consider using a full-spectrum light to simulate natural sunlight and maintain their circadian rhythm.
- Provide 2 hours of supervised out-of-cage time daily.
- Use full-spectrum light for 2 hours during shorter daylight hours.
- Monitor their activity levels and adjust out-of-cage time as needed.
- Ensure a safe environment for out-of-cage time.
- Observe their behavior to gauge their comfort level.
Seasonal Hazards to Avoid
Holiday plants like poinsettias and holly can be toxic to birds. Keep these and other potentially harmful plants out of reach.
Be cautious with guests who may bring unfamiliar scents or plants into the home. Keep the cage in a separate room if possible.
Fireworks and loud noises can be stressful for your conure. Keep them in a quiet, secure area during fireworks displays.
- Keep toxic holiday plants out of reach.
- Be cautious with guests and unfamiliar scents.
- Keep the conure in a quiet area during fireworks.
- Monitor their stress levels and provide comfort if needed.
- Avoid exposing them to sudden loud noises.
Winter Care Checklist
To ensure your conure stays healthy and comfortable throughout the winter, follow this checklist:
1. Maintain a consistent cage temperature of 70–80°F (21–27°C).
2. Provide at least 2 hours of supervised out-of-cage time daily.
3. Use a full-spectrum light for 2 hours during shorter daylight hours.
4. Keep toxic holiday plants out of reach.
5. Monitor their stress levels and provide comfort if needed.
- Maintain cage temperature.
- Provide supervised out-of-cage time.
- Use full-spectrum light.
- Avoid toxic plants.
- Monitor stress levels.
Keep reading about Green-Cheeked Conure: Green-Cheeked Conure care sheet
Related questions
How often should I check the cage temperature?
Check the cage temperature at least twice a day, especially during extreme weather conditions.
What should I do if my conure seems cold?
If your conure seems cold, increase the cage temperature gradually to 70–80°F (21–27°C) and provide a heating pad or heat lamp at least 12 inches away.
How can I tell if my conure is stressed during the holidays?
Look for signs of stress such as decreased appetite, aggression, or changes in behavior. Keep the cage in a quiet area and avoid sudden loud noises.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your green-cheeked conure is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.