Conure - St, Tomas

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig � Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Brown Throat Conure Scientific Name: Aratinga pertinax pertinax

Basic Info

St. Thomas Conures average 10 inches (25 centimeters) in length at maturity. Though there are many subspecies, with different color variations, this subspecies, like the others has mostly green feathers. The ring around the eye area is white, with the iris being yellow. The bill of the St. Thomas Conure is black. The young Conures have a lighter color bill on top, and brown cheeks. The throat area, as well as the upper breast is usually an olive brown. Immature individuals have a green breast. They have blue crowns, with yellowish orange plumage covering other parts of the head. The lower breast has yellowish tints, with the abdomen turning orange. The tips of the primary feathers on the St. Thomas Conure are blue, and the underside of the wings range from an olive green to yellow, as does the underside of the tail. The feet are grey.

Health

When feeding the St. Thomas Conure, it is always best to offer either a formulated pellet diet or a fortified seed diet. As with most parrots, always offer them fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as foods such as beans and cooked eggs. Fresh water daily is necessary, as is removing fresh food quickly so it does not spoil. The St. Thomas Conure only needs a vitamin supplement if on a strictly seed diet. The size of the cage should be sufficient to accommodate their wings and room to play. Usually, an 18" by 18" by 22" wide cage will do, but larger cages are even better. A variety of perches is good exercise for the St. Thomas Conure's feet, and make sure the food dishes are not directly below a perch, so the food and water is not soiled. Toys are a must, since Conures are good chewers. In addition add a dish for bathing. If a bathing dish is not provided they should be showered regularly. Breeding Breeding among the St. Thomas Conures usually happens between February and September. The female will need a nesting box, with good nesting material, cork being a good choice. Make sure the entrance hole in the box is about 3 inches in diameter. If your St. Thomas Conure is using the nestbox for sleeping, that is a good sign. They usually have to get used to it before laying an egg. The clutch will have from 3 to 6 eggs that incubate approximately 23 day. The young Conures usually fledge after 50 days. The young ones will sometimes stay with their parents, even after leaving the nest. St. Thomas Conures can have several clutches a year.

Habitat

The St. Thomas Conure likes dry scrubland, including cactus and acacia trees as well as some tropical areas.

Behavior

St. Thomas Conures, also known as Brown Throated Conures, are medium sized parrots, with many color variations. St. Thomas Conures are intelligent, and both the male and the female are capable of talking. They have a reputation for being loud, and this should be considered before purchase. For this reason they may not be well suited for apartment living. Hand raised, well-socialized individuals are known for being very affectionate and loving pets, especially if they join your family while they are still young. They may, however, become nippy if they are not socialized well. Additionally some may become territorial with their cages, and this is another reason for frequent handling and socialization. The St. Thomas Conure should be given plenty of toys and stimulation to avoid boredom. They may become destructive if they are not given enough stimulation. The St. Thomas Conure has a tendency to bond with one particular member of the family over the rest. In addition to their talking abilities, these intelligent Conures have even been known to learn tricks. Their high levels of intelligence may help to explain why they become easily bored if they are not interacted with often. As with most Conures, the St. Thomas Conure loves to take a bath.

Origin

St. Thomas

History

St. Thomas Conures come from St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands and St. Croix. They usually travel in pairs, but have known to congregate in groups of as many as a hundred. While feeding, some of the Conures will watch for danger and alert the rest of the flock.

Common Foods

N/A