Jenday Conure ( Expert Guide)
Last Updated on May 13, 2023 by Ali Shahid
Jenday conures are medium-sized conures that are typically laid back but still need plenty of human interaction. Adding it to your home aviary makes it a beautiful addition.
This species of small parrot is intelligent, loving, and energetic, and is known for its goofiness and colorful appearance. Since they spend a great deal of time socializing with their owners, they make excellent pets.
Though they are second in popularity to the sun conure, they are not second in personality or charm. As a member of the Aratinga genus, the Jenday is a charming, amiable, and attractive bird.
The Aratinga conures are an excellent companion for someone who desires a large bird but does not have the space to keep one. These conures may be small in stature, but their personalities, intellect, and affection are large.
If you are looking for a colorful, friendly species with a strong personality in a compact size, you may want to consider this species.
| Brief Overview of Jenday Conure | |
| Scientific Name | Aratinga jandaya |
| Common Name | yellow-headed conure |
| Colors | Green, Orange, Yellow |
| Size | 12 Inches |
| Weight | 5.25 ounce |
| Personality | Highly Social, Family Friendly |
| Talking Ability | Low |
| Noise Level | High |
| Diet | fruit, nuts, and seeds |
| Lifespan | 25-30 Years |
| ICUN Status | Least Concern |
Origin and History of Jenday Conure
The jenday conure is a small, vibrant parrot with a big personality and an even bigger voice. They originated in South America, from the forests of Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia.
In their natural habitat, they are known for their loud calls that can be heard from far away. Jenday is derived from Old Tupi, an indigenous language spoken in Brazil. The term refers to a small parrot.”
Because of illegal capture and trade, this bird has become so popular. As a result, capture and trade of the bird are prohibited. This bird and other pets involved in the pet trade were protected by the Brazilian Wildlife Protection Act in 1967.
Today, the Jenday Conure is listed as the least concerning species by the IUCN. However, several states require exotic birds such as Jenday Conures to have a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI).
Since the Jenday Conures are prohibited from being sold, there are numerous healthy populations throughout the world.
Colors and Marking
The beauty of the jenday conure lies in its vibrant colors and intricate markings. For centuries, these birds have captivated audiences with their unique hues and patterns, making them one of the most popular species to own as a pet.
But beyond the aesthetic appeal, these colors and markings also serve an important purpose for this bird’s survival in the wild.
The jenday conure’s bright colors are a reminder that nature is full of beauty and surprises. Its plumage consists of a red-orange body with green wings and a greenback. There are blue feathers on its tail and iridescent blue rims around its wings.
With a yellow head and orange patches on its face, it is also known as a yellow-headed conure. In addition to its black beak, a jenday has gray feet and legs.
As a monomorphic species, the only way to differentiate males from females is by using DNA or surgical sexing.
Irises on females are light brown, whereas those on males are darker brown with a white ring around the eye. For sexing, this small difference is not sufficient.
In general, jenday conures resemble sun conures in size and appearance. You can easily distinguish between the two species based on the color of their wings. Jendays have green wings, whereas suns have yellow wings.
Temperament
An affectionate and playful cuddler, the Jenday makes an excellent family pet. It can bond with all members of the household.
The bird is intelligent enough to learn simple tricks and to learn to speak, though it is not commonly regarded as an excellent speaker. In my opinion, this bird is best noted for its deep affection for its owners.
The bird loves to ride around on its owner’s back, cuddled up to his neck all day. Fortunately, Jendays that are handfed do not tend to become nippy, and they can maintain a close relationship with their owners for 30 years.
Speech and Vocalizations
Conures and larger parrots mimic human speech, but jendays don’t typically “speak.”
However, this does not mean that they do not provide entertainment. In many cases, jendays are capable of reproducing everyday household noises such as telephones, doorbells, and microwaves.
Scientists say jenday conures call out a lot when flying. When conures feel neglected, they become screamers. Noisy conures can bother your neighbors if they live close.
Breeding
A jendaya conure nests in tree hollows, usually at a height of at least 15 meters (50 feet) above ground.
Generally, the hen incubates her eggs for approximately 26 days after laying them in captivity. During the first two months of life, both parents feed the young, and then they fledge.
Caring for Jenday Conures
Spend plenty of time with your bird to keep it calm and happy. If the bird becomes bored or lonely, it may chew destructively or behave in a naughty manner.
Although this bird appears to fit inside a cockatiel cage, it requires a large amount of space. As suggested by avian vets, the cage should be large enough for the bird to flap its wings and move about freely.
An ideal cage would allow the bird to fly. Known for being extremely active, these birds can become agitated in small areas. A minimum of 3 feet in length, 2 feet in width, and 3 feet in height should be provided.
If you wish to keep two birds, the cage should be twice the size. In general, Jenday conure pairs remain affectionate, well-trained pets if both birds receive adequate attention.
They can also be kept with other species of conures, in particular sun conures, gold-capped conures, and blue-crowned conures.
Even though conures can interbreed, hybridization can lead to a tainted gene pool. When a sun conure and jenday mix, the hybrid is referred to as a “sunday.”
Diet and Nutrition
When it comes to diet and nutrition, Jenday Conures require a balanced mix of grains, vegetables, fruits, and proteins. A great way to provide this balance is through commercially available pellets or seed mixes specifically designed for conures.
Additionally, fresh vegetables such as kale and broccoli should be provided daily alongside fresh fruits such as apples or oranges. Protein sources like cooked beans and eggs can also be offered sparingly.
Pet owners must ensure they are providing the right kind of nutrition for their Jenday Conure.
Be aware of any food allergies or sensitivities your bird may have, and keep it hydrated with water or sugar-free fruit juice. With proper care and attention, these birds can live long and happy life in their forever homes!
Health & Common Conditions
Proper health care and a good diet are essential for the long-term well-being of the jenday conure. A jenday conure should have regular checkups with their avian vet, as well as regular blood tests to track their health.
Additionally, their diet should consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, and small amounts of commercially prepared bird food.
When it comes to common illnesses, the jenday conure may be predisposed to certain conditions like feather picking, psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), obesity, and respiratory infections.
To help prevent these issues, owners should regularly clean the bird’s cage and accessories as well as get their pet vaccinated against PBFD and other avian diseases.
It is also important for owners to learn how to recognize signs of illness in their jenday conure so that they can take appropriate action if needed.
Common signs of illness include changes in appetite or weight loss/gain, decrease in activity level or energy level, discharge from eyes or nostrils, increased vocalization levels, changes in droppings, or color change in feathers.
If any of these signs are present then it is highly recommended that you contact your avian vet right away for further advice on treatment options.
Where to Buy a Jenday Conure
Please consult your local wildlife and game authorities regarding any legal restrictions regarding adopting a jenday. The possession of these animals may be subject to a permit in certain areas, while in others they may be prohibited.
For example, New Jersey prohibits the possession of such birds. The best bird to purchase is one that has been hand-fed or has received regular handling. These birds cost an average of $600 each.
Birds that are bright, alert, and active are the best. If you observe a bird sitting quietly with puffed feathers, you might suspect that it is ill. Ideally, a bird’s feathers should lay flat against its body and be smooth and shiny.
Ideally, the feathers that surround the vent/cloaca should be clean, dry, and free of feces. A smooth surface should be present on the scales of the feet.
Its beak should be smooth and well-shaped, and its nails should be in good shape. There should be no dirt or debris in its nostrils.
Conclusion
The Jenday Conure is an intelligent, friendly parrot that makes a great pet for any bird lover. With its bold personality, it can be a great companion.
If you’re looking for a pet that’s both beautiful and entertaining, the Jenday Conure is an excellent choice. If you decide to get one of these birds, remember to provide them with plenty of toys, nutritious food, and lots of attention.
With the right care, your Jenday Conure will give you many years of joy and companionship. It’s worth investing in this unique parrot!
Ali Shahid is a veterinarian by profession and an animal lover. He loves to give expert opinions about different animals. He has worked in top organization of birds like Bigbird Feed and Poultry Research institute. He loves birds, especially parrots and has great experience in different parrot farms.
