The Jenday Conure

Facts

The Jandaya Parakeet or Jenday Conure (Aratinga jandaya) is medium-small parrot native to wooded habitats in northeastern Brazil. It is a member of the Aratinga solstitialis complex. It was first described by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788.

The Jandaya Parakeet is a medium-sized long-tailed parrot measuring up to 30 cm (12 in) in length with an orange head and neck. Appearing superficially similar to the Sun Parakeet, the Jandaya Parakeet can be identified from its entirely green lesser wing-coverts, mantle and vent, in contrast to the rich yellow plumage of the Sun Parakeet. While the Jandaya Parakeet has a very loud, shrill call it may not have the high pitch of a Sun Parakeet.

Like many of the parakeet species commonly kept as companion parrots, Jandaya Parakeets are known for their sweet, sociable disposition and playful behavior and their ability to learn new tricks as well as cuddling. These small parrots are highly intelligent, and can often learn several words and phrases, but are not known for their talking ability. Jandaya Parakeets need interesting entertainment and interaction. Feather picking and susceptibility to psittacine diseases are the usual health concerns with this pet bird. A diet that consists of a combination of both pellets and sprouted seeds as well as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, cooked brown rice, beans or pasta. Avocado, chocolate, and caffeine are toxic to Jandaya Parakeets.

The Jandaya Parakeet can live up to 30 years in captivity.

Care and Feeding 

Specialized pelleted diets are highly recommended and should consist of 60–70% of the diet; use fortified seeds in moderation as they are higher in fat and less nutritious than pellets.

Diced fresh fruits (apples, grapes, pomegranates, and dark orange-colored fruits) and chopped dark green or orange vegetables; raisins. Do not feed birds fruit seeds, avocados, chocolate, alcohol or caffeine as these can cause serious medical problems.

If your bird is used to a seed diet, convert to pellets gradually. Fresh pellets or seeds and fresh, clean, chlorine-free water should always be available. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be given daily; discard when not eaten within 24 hours; Conures appreciate quality and variety in their food.

Birds acclimate well to average household temperatures; be cautious of extreme temperature change; cage should be placed off the floor in an area that is well-lit and away from drafts. A cage approximately 18" W x 18" D, with metal bars spaced no greater than 1/2" apart, makes a good home for your Conure; as with all animals, it is best to provide the largest habitat possible; a flight cage is strongly recommended.

Perches should be at least 9" long and 1/2" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended. A metal grate over the droppings tray will keep the bird away from droppings; line the droppings tray with cage paper or appropriate substrate for easier cleaning. To avoid contamination, do not place food or water containers under perches.