The Jenday Conure (Aratinga jandaya) or Jandaya parakeet, is a colorful, medium-sized parrot native to northeastern Brazil. Often confused with Sun Conures due to similar bright plumage, Jenday Conures are known for their orange and yellow bodies, green wings, and striking red-orange faces.
They are highly social, playful, and affectionate birds, making them a popular choice among parrot enthusiasts seeking a lively and engaging pet.
Jenday Conure Characteristics
Size: 12 inches (30 cm) in length.
Weight: 110–130 grams.
Lifespan: 20–30 years with proper care.
Color: Bright yellow body, orange-red face and belly, green wings, and blue-tipped tail.
Temperament: Social, intelligent, playful, and affectionate.
Jenday Conure Pictures
Personality and Behavior
Jenday Conures are active, curious, and intelligent birds that thrive on daily interaction and enrichment. They form strong bonds with their owners, often seeking physical affection, cuddling, and head scratches.
Noise level warning: Like other conures, Jenday Conures are loud and vocal, with high-pitched calls that may not be suitable for apartments or noise-sensitive households.
They enjoy climbing, exploring, and playing with toys, requiring daily out-of-cage time and social engagement to remain happy and mentally stimulated.
Diet and Feeding
Providing a balanced diet is essential for their health:
Pellets: Should form the foundation of their diet.
Fresh vegetables: Leafy greens, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, sweet potatoes.
Fruits (moderation): Apples, berries, mango, papaya.
Nuts and seeds: Used as treats or training rewards.
Fresh, clean water daily.
Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and salty or sugary foods.
Care Requirements
- Cage size: At least 24” x 24” x 30”, with bar spacing of ½ to ⅝ inches; larger is better for exercise.
- Exercise: 3–4 hours of supervised out-of-cage time daily.
- Enrichment: Provide chew toys, swings, foraging opportunities, and rotating enrichment items to prevent boredom.
- Hygiene: Regular cleaning of the cage and providing bathing opportunities or misting.
- Veterinary care: Annual avian check-ups to monitor health and prevent diseases.
Common Health Problems
Jenday Conures can develop:
- Feather plucking: Due to boredom, stress, or poor diet.
- Obesity: From lack of exercise and high-fat diets.
- Respiratory infections: Caused by drafts or poor air quality.
- Psittacosis: A bacterial infection transmissible to humans.
Monitor for changes in droppings, behavior, appetite, or feather condition, and seek avian veterinary care if needed.
Price and Where to Buy
- Price range: $600–$1,200 USD depending on breeder, age, and region.
- Where to buy:
- Ethical breeders who hand-raise and socialize chicks.
- Avian specialty stores with clear health and care documentation.
- Bird rescues and adoption organizations.
Avoid impulse purchases and ensure you are ready for their long-term care and noise level.
Are Jenday Conures Good Pets?
Jenday Conures can be excellent pets for those ready to provide daily social interaction and mental stimulation.
They are affectionate and playful, enjoying training and trick-learning.
However, potential owners must be prepared for their vocal nature and high-energy lifestyle.
Conservation Note
Jenday Conures face pressures from habitat loss in the wild. Supporting captive-bred birds from ethical breeders and considering adoption options contribute to responsible pet ownership and wildlife conservation.