Golden conure - energy level and other behavior thoughts

[M&M Ninja]

I'd love to hear from those with golden conures about their bird's behavior and activity level.

Most descriptions of golden conures say something to the effect of "extremely needy" or "very high maintenance birds". They need constant attention and affection, or they become unhappy. They are pluckers. They need a second golden conure to be happy. Etc etc.

Have you found this to be the case?

I have a gold-capped conure who I would describe as fairly mellow. (Really, though, I have no idea how she compares to other birds, and she may in fact be high energy.) She gets regular indoor flight work, training and toys. She yells sometimes, but is otherwise content. She'll play/sit in her cage when I'm working, but because she is so good, I take her out all the time for cuddles and keeping me company. She absolutely wants to get into trouble when I get distracted, so she is always supervised.

I'd love to add a golden conure to my flock, but I want to make sure he/she would be a happy addition. I also plan on building a large outdoor aviary next spring (maybe 30 feet x 10 feet) so that my current and future birds have more flight opportunities than they get during our practice sessions. I imagine any bird, high energy or not, would benefit from the sunshine and exercise.

Edit: I asked my husband, and he thinks our conure is high energy. He bases this on his experience with lovebirds and cockatiels and her activity out of the cage - stomping around on the carpet, looking for trouble, flying around and investigating things. To me, however, those events are the minority of her time.

 

[M&M Ninja]

@GoldenDaysAz
@Birdman666
@Jobaby

I've seen you guys mention your goldens in various threads. If you have any information to share, I'd love to hear it.

 

[wrench13]

From what I learned, Goldens are just typical conures, no more or less needy or active. Remember! Every bird is its own, well, bird. An individual and often individuals behave totally different then common species traits.

 

[M&M Ninja]

From what I learned, Goldens are just typical conures, no more or less needy or active. Remember! Every bird is its own, well, bird. An individual and often individuals behave totally different then common species traits.

Great reminder. Thank you.

 

[GaleriaGila]

I admire the Golden Conure more than any parrot. Ever. For all time.
They are enchantingly beautiful. I've only seen one in person and it absolutely, absolutely took my breath away. Thanks for sharing!

 

[DonnaBudgie]

From what I learned, Goldens are just typical conures, no more or less needy or active. Remember! Every bird is its own, well, bird. An individual and often individuals behave totally different then common species traits.

The differences in personality and behavior of individual parrots of the same species and sex can't be understated, even with budgies. I've hand raised three baby budgies separately over the past two years. I treated , fed, and nurtured them the same and they couldn't be more different in temperament, personality, likes and dislikes. The only thing alike is they are all nice friendly budgies. One hates hands, one loves them, etc. Go figure.

 

[GoldenDaysAz]

Thanks for reaching out. A good long discussion in a private message. I will add for the group… The Golden Conure is classified a species all their own (Guaruba guarouba) meaning little yellow bird and known by many names. The Brazilian and indigenous name Ararajuba, means "yellow macaw" and refers to the golden parakeet although genetic data shows that they are more closely related to the mini macaw (Noble and Hahn’s) than to Aratinga parakeets. The “Queen of Bavaria” title came into play because a German naturalist discovered the Golden Conure in 1638 while touring the Amazon in Brazil. I would personally agree they are more like a mini macaw than any of the conures I have had or known…. and more animated like a Caique (without the temper)
Incubation time is also more like a macaw, which I can confirm as we just hatched our first Golden Conure chick at exactly 28 days. They are gregarious in demeanor at any age, extremely perceptive and devoted to their species. We call them the Golden Retriever of the parrot world; devoted and loyal to their established family. I would not recommend the G.C. as a beginner parrot as their needs are complex. They do require a lot of devotion in time, environment, hygiene and diet not to mention emotional well-being and they really do best with their own kind.
All that being said… just like our own hooman children, I’ve also never met two G.C’s alike. My hubby and I are retired now and devoted to our Golden’s