Turquoise Green Cheek Conure (Rare Green-Cheekd Conure Mutation)
Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Ali Shahid
Turquoise green cheek conure is a recessive mutation of the green cheek conure. This bird is active, playful, friendly, and acrobatic. Turquoise Green-Cheeked Conures predominantly exhibit shades of blue-green and green on their bodies. Notably, their wing feather tips shimmer with a captivating iridescence if allowed to grow untrimmed.
Their breast feathers lean towards a grayish tone, while the tail feathers appear distinctly gray. Unlike many conure varieties, these birds stand out with their vibrant hues and enhanced ability to mimic human speech more precisely. Known for their calm and quiet demeanor compared to other conure types, they serve as wonderful family companions, especially for beginners due to their easy maintenance.
With a lifespan spanning 15 to 30 years, these conures typically range between $400 to $800 when sourced from reputable breeders or online platforms such as Goldencockatoo, Omarsexoticbirds, Petlandlewiscenter, Maranathaaviaries, and Parrotstars.
Originating primarily from South America, Turquoise Green-Cheeked Conures have now expanded their presence globally. Continue reading to learn more about the Turquoise Green Cheek Conures.
| Overview of Turquoise Green Cheek Conure | |
| Scientific Name | Pyrrhura molinae |
| Origin | South America |
| Colors | Bluish Green or Grey |
| Size | 8-10 Inches |
| Weight | 90 Grams |
| Personality | Very friendly, Playful, and acrobatic |
| Talking Ability | Better than other counres |
| Noise Level | Low |
| Lifespan | 20-30 Years |
| Price | $400-$800 |
| Status | Once rare, but now commonly available |
Origin and History
Originally from South America, turquoise green-cheeked conures live in groups of six to twenty individuals. The birds have been recorded to live up to 30 years in captivity in a few zoos that keep them as pets.
The Turquoise Green-Cheeked Conure is native to Bolivia and southern Brazil but has now spread to Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, France, etc. In addition, populations of Turquoise green cheek conures have been introduced to Florida and Hawaii.
This species is found in a variety of natural habitats, including woodlands and thick vegetation. There is no clear explanation as to how this bird came to Hawaii, although it may have been introduced by humans in the past.
Even though these birds have been known to locals for a long time, it was not until 1873 that they were given their formal names.
During his journey through the Bolivian jungle, German explorer Alfred Brehm spotted them and named them for the first time. The bird’s current scientific name was given by the English ornithologist Philip Sclater in 1926.
Size and Appearance
Normally, these parrots measure less than 10 inches in length and weigh more than 60 grams to a maximum of 90 grams. This parrot is named after its turquoise-green head and chest. There are vibrant hues of green, blue, and yellow on their chests.
This species has black beaks, lips, and ears, and the upper mandible has a white spot. The eyes are brown or orange-brown. The upper abdomen to the top of the chest is covered with a dark stripe. A green or brown back is adorned with black feathers on this species of bird.
The feet of this species are grayish or white, with a bluish-black tip and a green base to its tail. Tails have a green or brown bottom.
Personality
Turquoise green cheek conures possess a very affectionate nature and are known as little clowns. Their owners became their best friends. The size of these animals makes them ideal for playing with children. It is important to take care when they play with your children because they are capable of biting them.
Performing different actions for amusement, they are very energetic. Additionally, they display a variety of expressions that are very impressive. There is something very aesthetic about their voice that soothes your ears. They do not speak too much. If you dislike noisy birds, this may be the best option for you.
The turquoise conure enjoys cuddling and petting. When they are in their cage, they jump around to get people’s attention. Furthermore, they are also capable of committing a variety of mischievous acts. Therefore, you should monitor every activity they engage in.
It does not take them long to get bored. To alleviate their boredom, they require a large number of toys or interactions with other people. If you wish to fulfill the need for play accessories, you should provide chewable toys and a play gym.
Speech and Vocalization
Turquoise green cheek conures are not as loud as other conure species. It is rare to find these parrots being loud. In addition, they are better talkers when compared to other conure species.
Still, it is not comparable to other parrot species like Quaker parrots, African Greys, and Amazon parrots. Thus, they are suitable for apartments and people who do not enjoy noisy birds.
Breeding
Turquoise green-cheeked conures are fairly easy to breed and become sexually mature after one year of age. But there is one problem. Since these parrots result from a recessive mutation, both parents must exhibit these characteristics to produce turquoise conures.
During their natural habitat, they breed primarily in February and have three to four clutches each year. In general, females lay four to six eggs per clutch.
On average, they are estimated to have a gestation period of 22 to 25 days. It is common for both male and female parents to sit on the eggs from time to time during the period of incubation.
Care
Even though they are small animals, their needs for a large living space remain the same. As an Avian vet, I recommend that the cage be 24 x 24 x 24 inches in size with a half-inch wire spacing. If you choose a grand cage for your conures, you will not experience any anxiety while raising them.
Moreover, provide a variety of toys and perches to keep their minds stimulated. If they are not provided with adequate time outside their cage, they may become easily bored.
If you allow your pets to roam outside of their cage, make sure you supervise them. Ensure that all doors and windows are closed, fans are turned off, and there is no smoke present in the room.
Additionally, you should ensure that the wings are cut to prevent any fatal accidents. They love bathing so make sure to arrange bathing time 3-4 times a week.
Diet
Conures can’t live if they are not fed properly. You must prepare a proper diet plan to feed them properly. Turquoise conures thrive on pellets. It is packed with essential nutrients that promote the health of turquoise.
Additionally, they enjoy eating a variety of nuts. As these nuts are rich in vitamins and proteins, they provide them with energy.
The use of dried eggs is also highly recommended for them. This food can be added to the diet plan of conures on at least two days of the week if you wish. Turquoise green cheek conures also enjoy eating seeds. But don’t overuse them as they can negatively affect digestion.
A healthy diet should include vegetables and fruits as well. Some of the best-loved fruits and vegetables of green cheek conures include apples, celery, spinach, kiwi, pears, blueberries, corn, strawberries, broccoli, grapes, bananas, green beans, figs, oranges, and mangoes.
Health
A healthy green cheek conure is essential. It is common for conures to suffer from a variety of dangerous diseases such as:
- Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD)
- Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease
- Psittacosis
- Beak malocclusion
- Aspergillosis
They may die from these diseases. An unhealthy diet, boredom, and mental illness are some of the causes of these diseases.
The best way to maintain your conure’s health is to schedule regular checkups with a veterinarian. It is beneficial for the health of your conure to identify diseases early and treat them effectively.
Lifespan
Turquoise green cheek conures can live for ten years if you do not take good care of them. Providing they are given proper care, they are capable of living for 25 to 30 years. Because female turquoise green cheek conures experience hormonal changes, males have a longer life expectancy than females.
The life expectancy of these birds can be increased by providing them with a climate that is moderate in temperature, moisture, and humidity.
From where you can get a Turquoise Green-Cheeked Conure?
The Turquoise Green-Cheeked Conure typically costs between $400 to $800 when acquired from trusted breeders or online sources like Goldencockatoo, Omarsexoticbirds, Petlandlewiscenter, Maranathaaviaries, and Parrotstars. Initially considered rare, their popularity has surged, prompting numerous breeders to produce these striking mutations, making them readily accessible today.
In Florida and Hawaii, feral populations exist, but they are rare. While hiking or bird watching, if you come across a wild-caught Green-Cheeked Conure, you must notify your state wildlife agency of the sighting.
You should only adopt or purchase captive-bred Turquoise Green-cheeked Conures. Do not purchase from a breeder if they do not know the origin of the animal.
