Green-cheeked conure

Conure bleeding syndrome

SignsBleeding from the nostrils or mouth, bruising under the skin or at the nail base, bloody droppings, sudden lethargy, even sudden death

PreventionPellet-based diet containing vitamin K and calcium. Avoid seed-only diets; annual checkup

Feather plucking / self-mutilation

SignsFeathers missing on the chest or flanks with skin showing, chewed feather shafts, wounds or bleeding on the skin

PreventionPrevent boredom with out-of-cage time and play. Enough sleep and sunlight; control hormonal behavior. See a vet early

PBFD

SignsFeathers fall out and do not regrow, deformed feathers, overgrown or deformed beak, loss of energy

PreventionGenetic test before bringing a bird home. Quarantine new birds and do not share equipment

Avian gastric yeast (Macrorhabdus)

SignsLosing weight despite eating, undigested seeds in droppings, regurgitation, black droppings

PreventionFecal test when you bring the bird home. Weigh daily to catch weight loss early

Egg binding (females)

SignsCrouching on the cage floor, swollen abdomen, straining, dragging a leg, labored breathing

PreventionAvoid nest boxes, dark hideouts and back-stroking that trigger hormonal behavior. Supplement calcium

Obesity / fatty liver

SignsWeight gain, rounded abdomen, heavy breathing after moving, beak and nails grow quickly

PreventionLimit sunflower seeds and nuts; pellet-based diet. Daily out-of-cage time for exercise

Fractures / dislocations

PreventionCover windows and mirrors with curtains before letting the bird out. Turn off fans; put lids on pots and aquariums

First aidDo not touch or splint the wing or leg. Place in a small dark box, keep warm, see a vet the same day

Bleeding nail or beak

PreventionTrim nails only to a length that will not bleed. Do not leave cage gaps or frayed fabric unattended

First aidPress styptic powder or cornstarch onto the spot and apply pressure for a few minutes. If it has not stopped in 10 minutes, keep pressing and go to the vet

Stepped on / crushed

PreventionWatch the floor as you walk during out-of-cage time. Do not let the bird sleep on sofas, cushions or bedding

First aidDo not move it; keep warm in a small box. If breathing is labored or it cannot move, suspect internal injury and see a vet immediately

Burns

PreventionDo not cook while the bird is out. Keep hot drinks and irons away. Keep away from the stove

First aidCool with room-temperature water for a few minutes. No ice or medication. Even singed feathers need a vet visit the same day

Psittacosis

RouteInhaling dried droppings or feather dust; mouth-to-beak feeding

PreventionMist with water before cleaning. No mouth-to-beak feeding. See a doctor if cold-like symptoms persist

Salmonellosis

RouteOral, via hands or equipment contaminated with droppings

PreventionWash hands after care. Wash the bird's dishes separately from your own

Bird-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis

RouteLong-term inhalation of feather dust and dried-dropping particles

PreventionDaily cleaning and ventilation. Use an air purifier. If a cough persists, tell your doctor you keep birds

Bacterial infection of bite wounds

RouteOral bacteria entering through a bite wound

PreventionRinse the wound under running water immediately and disinfect. See a doctor if swelling or pain persists

Food

• Pellets for small to medium parrots as the staple, about 10% of body weight, twice a day
• A small amount of vegetables daily, such as komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach), carrot and bell pepper
• Seeds and nuts no more than 1 teaspoon a day, as treats and for training

Water

• Replace with fresh water morning and evening; 3 or more times a day in midsummer
• Keep bath water separate from drinking water; replace as soon as it is dirty

Toys & play

• Chewable wood and paper toys, palm-leaf and rush toys
• Swings and ropes that exercise feet and wings. Rotate weekly
• Foraging toys to prevent boredom and feather plucking

Nest, bed & hideout

• Nest boxes, tents and fabric nests trigger hormonal behavior; do not provide them day to day
• Cover the cage with a cloth at night for 10–12 hours of darkness for sleep

Bedding & litter

• Newspaper or paper towels on the cage floor, replaced daily
• Leave the wire floor as is. If feet get sore, provide several natural-wood perches
• Lay a waterproof sheet or newspaper in the play room and wipe droppings right away

Cage / housing material

Stainless steel or wire with intact coating. Avoid galvanized (zinc) and brass

Size & space

At least 45 cm W x 40 cm D x 50 cm H. Room to spare with wings fully spread

Layout

• 2–3 natural-wood perches of different thicknesses at different heights
• Do not place perches directly above food and water so droppings do not foul them
• No more than 2–3 toys. Leave room to fly

Placement notes

• Near human eye level, against a quiet wall where the family can be seen
• Avoid direct sunlight, air-conditioner drafts, the kitchen and right next to the TV

Exercise, free-roam & walks

• 1–2 hours out of the cage daily, only while someone is watching
• Before letting the bird out, close windows and doors and put lids on pots, aquariums and the toilet
• Do not move or sit while the bird is burrowed in your clothes. Always know where it is

Temperature & humidity

TemperatureAdults 22–28°C; chicks, sick and elderly birds 28–30°C

Humidity50–60%. Use a humidifier when winter air is dry

Summer & winter

• In summer keep below 28°C with air conditioning. Never leave in direct sunlight or in a car
• In winter install a pet heater and thermometer. Use an insulating cover to block drafts

Nail trimming

If they catch on fabric, trim monthly to just before the blood vessel. If unsure, have the vet do it

Brushing, skin & coat care

No brushing needed. Baths or misting 2–3 times a week remove feather dust and dirt

Other care

The beak wears down naturally. Overgrowth is a sign of liver disease, so see a vet. Sunbathe a few times a week

Protection from predators

• Never let the bird out in the same room as dogs, cats or ferrets. Keep the cage out of their reach too
• On a balcony or outdoors, always keep the bird in its cage. Watch for crows and snakes
• In summer check for mosquitoes and torn screens; use mosquito coils and insecticides only in rooms without birds

Foreign-body ingestion

Put away small items such as beads, rubber bands, button batteries, jewelry and tissues. If it swallows a chewed-off fragment, see a vet immediately

Being stepped on

It tends to come down to the floor, bedding or sofa and burrow. Watch your feet while it is out, and check where it is before sitting down or going to bed

Getting pinched

It burrows into clothes, sleeves, door gaps and drawers. Confirm where it is before opening or closing a door. If it gets pinched, do not move it; keep warm and see a vet immediately

Falls

Prone to falling during on-the-back play or when wing-clipped. Do not let it play on high shelves or at the top of stairs. If it cannot move after a fall, see a vet immediately

Escape

Close windows and the front door before letting it out and tell the family. If it escapes, put the cage and favorite food outside, search the neighborhood calling its name, and report to the police and on social media

Safe release procedure

1. Keep a blank face, stop moving and lower the bitten hand
2. With the other hand, gently press on top of the beak and slowly release it
3. Once free, return it to the perch or cage right away and ignore it for a few minutes
4. Once calm, speak to it and reward it when it does not bite

After the release

Rinse the wound under running water and disinfect. See a doctor for deep wounds, swelling or fever. If biting continues, ask the vet about the cause (hormones, fear)

What to tell the vet & what to bring

Weight trend, type of food, photos of droppings, time of onset and course. Bring it in the darkened, warmed cage with toys removed

Checking consciousness, breathing & heartbeat

• Call its name and watch for a response. Normal breathing is 60–80 breaths per minute
• It may be sleeping on its back; that is normal if it responds to your voice
• Feel for the heartbeat with a finger at the flank. Normal is over 300 beats per minute

Stopping bleeding

• For a bleeding nail or beak, press styptic powder or cornstarch onto the spot and apply pressure
• For a bleeding feather shaft, press at the base; do not pull it out
• For bruising or nosebleeds, do not handle; keep warm and see a vet immediately

Transport

• Line a small carrier or plastic case with cloth and keep warm with a hand warmer
• Keep it dark, avoid jolting, remove the perch and carry it level