Golden Conure

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: December 11th, 2018

About Golden Conure

Size

13 inches

Lifespan

30 years

Bird Species

Parrot

Colors

Yellow

Sounds

Vocal,Chatterer, Talkative, Mimics

Interaction

Social, Energetic, Playful, Affectionate, Silly, Clown, Friendly

Comparable Breeds

Hyacinth Macaw, Major Mitchell's Cockatoo

Golden Conure General Info

Are you ready to meet a superstar in the parrot world? We are pretty certain that you have yet to meet a parrot that is more charming and sillier than the Golden Conure. These lively parrots are incredibly fun – their rich personality is an endless source of laughter and surprises. One of the biggest clowns in aviculture, these exotic parrots are at the very top when it comes to fun and beauty as well. Even if they are an expensive pet and slightly hard to come by, every effort will be worth it in the end. They are also one of the breeds that are often rescued from shelters! If a chance comes by – don’t hesitate – buy or adopt, and you won’t regret it. The Golden Conure is truly a one-of-a-kind bird.

Their scientific name, Guaruba, comes from the Tupi native word, meaning “small yellow macaw”.

Native Region/Natural Habitat

These parrots, also known in aviculture as Golden Parakeets or Queen of Bavaria Conures, are native to a small region in South America. They inhabit a narrow and relatively small range in northern Brazil. It spans between three rivers – the Tocantins, Tapajos, and Xingu. Sadly, these birds are a vulnerable breed, suffering greatly in the eighties. Rapid deforestation, illegal trapping for pet markets and predators, all led to a big decline in numbers. Today, they are highly protected.

Overall Description

Golden Conure has a few similarities with certain macaw breeds, but they are not connected – this is a unique and separate species. They are medium in size, with a striking and robust appearance. The adults reach an average length of 13 inches (34 centimeters) and will weigh about half a pound (270 grams). The first things to notice are the large and powerful macaw-like beak and a wide tail. They have a large wingspan and will require a LOT of space. Consider an aviary or a very large cage, in order for your pet to thrive. But most often, these pets are a part of the family – with the freedom of the house at their disposal. Just make sure to secure everything before you let your pet parrot roam around!

Speech and Sounds

We mentioned that the Golden Conure is full of adorable traits. One of those is their peculiar (and cute!) passion for talking. Common words and phrases are easily repeated, but there’s also the loved parrot-talk – the mumbling that resembles human speech. They are also skilled mimics, often repeating common sounds like kisses, beeps, and barks. These parrots are very receptive to music, and will not hesitate to dance and do a host of silly tricks when the beat drops.

Colors

When the Golden Conures are around, the flashy patterns and exotic colors become a thing of the past. Who said that simplicity is dull? These graceful and elegant parrots will prove you wrong. The body is entirely colored in a bright, rich yellow, its intensity rarely seen in aviculture. The wing tips are a rich tropical green, providing an adequate contrast and adding a bit of variety. There’s no discussion here – these birds are the real charmers in the pet parrot world, both with their elegant looks and their silly behavior.

Golden Conure has a few similarities with certain macaw breeds, but they are a separate species.

Care and Feeding

Their diet should be based on a seed mix for larger parrots. In addition, your pet should have supplements in the form of protein-rich foods. Cooked corn, beans, and pulses, as well as fruits and vegetables, should be included in the diet. For the Golden Conure, a well-balanced diet is a huge part of proper care. Baths and showers should also be regular, serving as rewards and prerequisites for good health.

Health and Common Conditions

These are healthy and relatively long-lived parrots, with an average lifespan of up to 30 years. This, paired with a fun personality, will make them great companion parrots. The main focus should be on social interaction and, above all – a lot of space. Do not neglect your parrot by limiting their movements to a small cage and never letting them out.

These are very friendly birds and will depend on social interaction.

Personality & Behavior

When you get a chance to see a Golden Conure in person or watch a video even, you will fall in love in a matter of minutes. These silly clowns are so goofy and cute that it’s hard to resist them. And it all comes to them naturally. The silly dances and incredibly human-like movements, as well as their mimicked chatting, will quickly tell you why these are such popular pets. With a friendly and affectionate behavior, you will find a long-time friend in these unbelievable birds. The high price and rarity on the market are of no importance – everything is worth it with a pet as lovely as a Golden Conure.

Photo credit: Tupungato/Shutterstock; Sander Freitas/Shutterstock; Nicky Rhodes/Shutterstock

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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New technology helps us find our pets when they wander into trouble.

Why Do Some Dogs Have Bad Body Odor?

Dogs are cute, no doubt about that, but most of them are not winning awards for their lovely BO – in fact, if we’re being honest, most pooches are a bit stinky. Of course, if you make sure to keep them clean with regular baths, grooming, and teeth brushing, you can eliminate or at least significantly reduce any unpleasant smell. But sometimes, even if you are very attentive about your dog’s hygiene, they can still smell a bit funky. Why does this happen? And what should you do in that case? Lastly, is there a way to prevent unpleasant body odors in your dog? Let’s try and answer all these stinky questions.Why Does My Dog Smell Bad?Are you catching a whiff of something foul whenever your dog enters the room? Are you struggling to keep them clean and smelling fresh? There could be a number of reasons why your pupper is stinky, and it is important to go over everything in order to properly address this issue. Firstly, you want to consider their hygiene. Lack of regular grooming and bathing can lead to a buildup of dirt, oils, and bacteria on a dog's skin and coat, resulting in a bad odor. Make sure you are giving your dog a regular wash or a bath, and that you are using  special shampoos that are safe for pets and smell nice.

More And More Pets Are Having Allergies, Trupanion Reports

The time when spring blooms and summer comes to the doorstep is an idyllic period for most, but a lot of people dread this time of the year because of seasonal allergies that cause s lot of sneezing, headaches, and all-around discomfort. Now, it seems, it’s not just us humans that can experience nasty spring allergies – data indicates that our four-legged best friends are also affected by them. Dogs, in particular, are very susceptible to  spring allergies and are increasingly treated for their symptoms, such as itchy skin.Are All Dogs At Risk for Spring Allergies?It is important to be aware that the trees and flowers that bloom in spring can be a source of allergies for your pet. Not only are spring allergies very uncomfortable for dogs, but they can potentially lead to many secondary issues, the most dangerous of which is a skin infection.And if you think that chances for a spring allergy affecting your dog are low, consider a recent report issued by the pet insurance company Trupanion. They claim that there was a 45% increase in allergy claims for insured pets over the course of four years since 2019. This means that allergies are on the rise, both for pets and their owners. In fact, as  Axios reports, according to the insurer Nationwide, spring allergies are at the top of the list of health conditions that end in vet visits. Another key fact is related to allergy drugs. Since two of the major allergy drugs were released in 2013 and 2018, more than 20 million dogs have been treated by them, in an effort to battle spring allergy effects. Of course, if you suspect that your pet is suffering from a spring allergy, it is key to visit your vet as soon as possible. Depending on the effects, your vet can prescribe topical, injectable, or chewable treatments that help reduce  itchiness and other issues. And, considering that such allergies are seasonal, be ready for them with the arrival of spring and the blooming of trees. Learn to spot the symptoms such as itchiness, and to react quickly!

What Are the Requirements for Flying with a Dog?

While traveling with your pet can be challenging, it doesn’t have to be. Even though some  airlines can be a bit finicky about their rules and regulations, you can fly with your pet in tow safely and comfortably, as long as you know their requirements and follow them to the letter.Having your choice of airlines to travel with your dog as your companion, broadens your options when it comes to travel destinations and can eliminate a lot of usual travel-related stress factors in the process. In fact, flying your pet together with you can be simple, straightforward, and hassle-free! As long as you stick to the rules, that is. So, without further ado, what are the requirements for flying with a dog? Are there any universal practices you should know or does it really depend from company to company? Here’s everything you should know before packing your bags.What Are the Requirements for Flying with a Dog?Of course, it goes without saying that you can’t just appear with your pet at the check-in gate and fly away! There are many important rules involved, mainly in order to keep your pet safe, to comply with specific airline regulations, the rules of other countries, and the comfort of other passengers as well. It is also important to remember that different airlines might have different rules. It is crucial that you contact your desired airline beforehand, checking about any special regulations that they require. Still, there are some universal criteria that any pet will have to meet in order to fly on a plane.One of the foremost requirements that will allow your pet to fly on a plane is a health certificate. This is a special document that can be issued by your veterinarian after a thorough physical examination. It guarantees that your doggo is healthy, has no diseases, and has all the required vaccinations that are up to date. And, of course, this certificate needs to be recent. They are valid for only about 30 days, so make sure to do it in time. Some airlines also require that your pet be microchipped. This is advisable for all pet owners regardless of travel or not. The  microchip allows for quick and simple identification in case your pet gets lost and also serves as a sort of doggo credential. Just make sure that all the information stored on the chip is up-to-date!

This Revolutionary Drug Could Help Extend the Lifespan of Dogs

In a groundbreaking trial that is set to launch in the United States, around 1,000 elderly dogs will be given a pill – in the form of a sweet treat – in the hope that their lives will be extended because of it. Behind this innovative work stands Loyal, a startup company based in Silicon Valley. They are currently gathering a number of senior dogs through a well-developed network of veterinary practices in all US states. The tests are set to launch before the end of 2023, after four years of complex studies.In this case, all dogs must be over 10 years old in order to be included in the study. The study itself is set to be a “randomized double-blind placebo trial”. The director of veterinary medicine at Loyal, the company behind this trial, Dr. Brennen McKenzie, said for  Telegraph that this will “probably be the largest clinical trial in veterinary medical history”.“We’re hoping to show that we can both increase the length of life and, more importantly, the length of time these dogs live healthy and happy and functional lives,” McKenzie states. “We’re looking at the length of time that dogs live on the drug and the placebo, hoping to show that we can extend their lifespan and also hoping to show that they develop less disease.”What the study will potentially show is that dogs who receive the drug will live one year longer - on average compared to those who are taking the “placebo” drug. Still, the length of life gained is only one aspect, Dr McKenzie said at the North American Veterinary Community’s Veterinary Innovation Summit in Kansas City. McKenzie also added that increasing health was their number one priority.“We think of lifespan as the amount of time that you live but healthspan is the amount of time that you have good health, good function, good quality of life,” Dr McKenzie said. “That’s clearly the most important thing”.All of this sounds quite “larger than life”, no pun intended. And, of course, with such advanced propositions, the trial drug and its contents are a closely guarded secret, especially due to commercial reasons. This will be the situation until the trial of the drug is finished. And if the drug happens to be as efficient as hoped, Loyal plans to place it on the market immediately, offering an affordable daily supplement that can extend the lives of dogs. “If we get through this four-year trial and we achieve our endpoints, the FDA will license us to sell this as a prescription medication and it will be the first medication ever to extend lifespan in any species,” Dr McKenzie said. “We are absolutely interested in a product that is accessible to the majority of pet owners.”It is worth noting that the drug in question was already proven to be safe for consumption, and there is a low risk of this potential supplement causing any unwanted side effects. Loyal is a company that has two other products in the works, and they are also scheduled to undergo extensive tests. However, work is not yet finished, and one of the two is expected to go on trial around 2026. 

A New Survey Shows Both Pets and Owners Feel Separation Anxiety

When you really love spending time with your pet, and vice versa, it is only natural that you feel sad when you are apart. For pets, this is often manifested as the dreaded  separation anxiety, which can cause a lot of issues both for them and their owners alike. While you know you are coming back from work – unlike your pooch – so you won’t feel as stressed about the time you spend away from your pet, that doesn’t mean that it won’t affect your mental health. The latest  survey from PetMed Express only proves that separation has an effect both on dogs and their pawrents.The results of this survey were recently released after being conducted by OnePoll, and they show us that pet parents – unsurprisingly – while out away for work or chores, will deeply miss their four-legged friends back at home. And, interestingly, the poll shows that the strain only got worse after the owners had to return to their offices after the Covid pandemic and the time they spent in their homes. "This research confirms what we already know: People love their pets and prioritize being with them," said Matt Hulett, President and CEO of PetMeds. "What's eye-opening is how many pet parents feel their own sense of separation anxiety and loneliness when they're away from their pets – a concept that underscores the pivotal role our pets play in our lives."The results indicate that 4 in 10 pet parents said that they would rather accept a lower salary and work from home, just so they could be closer to their furry friends. It is a sad truth and an everyday occurrence that owners have to endure the commute and long work hours and yearn for the company of their pets all the while. PetMeds claims that pet parents begin to miss their pets just 37 minutes after being apart, on average. Furthermore, the results show that on average they find themselves thinking about their pets about 13 times per day. Here are some other stats included:44% expressed worry about their pets experiencing separation anxiety52% have felt an increase in their own separation anxiety in the past two years42% said they have observed a change in their pet's mental health and behavior in the past two years48% said their pets follow them to the door and look sad when they leave63% would like more support and guidance in understanding their pet's health and behavior70% would try pet telehealth servicesWhat about you? How do you cope with being separated from your cherished four-legged friend?

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