Reasons You Shouldn’t Get a Conure

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Conures are undeniably gorgeous—bright feathers, big personalities, and parrot energy packed into a smaller body. But owning one isn’t all rainbow feathers and Disney moments. From the ear-splitting calls to the decades-long commitment, conures can be a handful—way more than many expect.

Here’s why you might want to think twice before inviting one into your life.

1. They’re loud. Painfully loud.

Once, I was walking home and heard a very distinct “RIO!”—from an entire lane away.
Conures aren’t just “chatty.” They scream. Their calls can cut through walls, neighbours, and your last shred of peace, especially at dawn and dusk.

And it’s not just irritating—it can stress them out. When a conure realises loud noises get attention, they’ll double down. Breaking that cycle requires training, boundaries, and sometimes an avian behaviourist… which isn’t exactly beginner-friendly.

2. Not exactly beginner material

Yes, they’re smaller than macaws or greys, but they need the same level of care—annual vet visits, bloodwork, proper diet, and daily enrichment.
A bored conure isn’t just sad—it can become destructive, pluck feathers, or scream the house down.

3. They will bite you. For fun.

Conures can be triggered by anything: a haircut, new makeup, even you shaving. One moment, they’re your feathered angel, the next, they’re an evil rainbow chicken hanging from your finger. It might not draw blood, but it’ll throb for three days.

They’ll also chew your phone, nip guests, and guard you like a feathery Belgian Malinois. Patience (and possibly plasters) are non-negotiable.

4. Personality: Sunshine or Storm

Conures adore their chosen human… sometimes too much. That loyalty can turn into possessiveness—nipping, lunging, or dive-bombing anyone who dares approach (true story).
Many owners report sudden mood swings if their routine changes. Managing those swings means socialising them early, reading their body language, and occasionally bringing in professional help.

5. Mess-making Champions

~ Shredded toys, flung seeds and wasted food from a single day ~

Conures shred toys, fling seeds, and create art installations out of breakfast crumbs. The mess isn’t optional—it’s part of their daily enrichment.
Skip regular cage cleaning and you'll risk bacterial or fungal build-up, which can lead to nasty respiratory infections. If you’re not up for daily clean-up duty, they’re not for you.

6. A decades-long commitment

With proper care, conures can live 25–30 years. That’s decades of vet bills, daily interaction, and lifestyle adjustments—even during big life changes.
Travelling? Starting a family? Changing jobs? Your conure won’t care—they’ll still expect attention, toys, and breakfast on time. Ideally, you should have a backup caregiver who knows your bird inside out

7. Stimulation or chaos


They’re whip-smart, which means they need constant mental challenges: training, puzzle toys, foraging, and social time.

A bored conure becomes a noisy, nippy, possibly destructive conure. And once those habits form, they’re hard to reverse.

So, should you get one?

Yes, if you:

  • Are ready for 25+ years of care
  • Have time, space, and tolerance for noise
  • Love interactive, high-energy pets
  • Don’t mind the occasional bite or mess

No, if you:

  • Live in noise-sensitive housing
  • Want a low-maintenance pet
  • Have limited bird experience or time
  • Can’t commit long-term

How to decide:

  • Meet a conure first—preferably at a rescue
  • Talk to an avian vet before committing
  • Do your research—books, blogs, groups, vet advice

The Bottom Line

Conures are charming, intelligent, and hilarious—but they’re also noisy, demanding, and messy. They’re not “starter birds”; they’re lifelong companions who will keep you busy, entertained, and occasionally injured. If you’re ready for the reality (and not just the feathers), you might just make the perfect match.

That's all, folks.

Was this article helpful or lacking in any way? Drop in your responses and critiques in the comments; they’ll be most beneficial in helping this blog grow.

Any questions and ideas about future articles would be appreciated :)

I will be posting more articles covering rehabilitation, enclosures, diet, free flight, and training with various species, including turtles, snakes, dogs, and more.


If you have any changes you'd like to add or would like to request, feel free to contact me through the social media channels mentioned below.

  • Gmail - namratansahoo@gmail.com

 





















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