Gold-capped Conure

The gold-capped conure (Aratinga auricapilla), belonging to the same genus where Jenday and Sun conures are also included, is a bright colored bird with a buoyant nature. In the wild, their number is decreasing but in the aviaries, they seem to have a good population because of breeding. Although due to their agile behavior you have to be vigilant anyway, it is always safe to be extra careful when you have kids at home.

Gold Capped Conure

Quick Information
Other names	Golden-capped parakeet, golden cap conure, golden-headed conure
Color	Green body, golden head
Size	11-14 in (28-35 cm)
Weight	5-5.2 oz (140-150 g)
Distribution	Brazil and Paraguay
Habitat	Dry savanna, tropical and subtropical lowland and forest
Diet	Fruits and seeds
Breeding age	2 years
Clutch size	3-5 eggs
Incubation period	23-25 days
Fledging	7-8 weeks
Lifespan	20-30 years
IUCN Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Temperament as pets	Energetic
Maintenance requirement	Moderate
Noise level	Loud
Talking ability	Fair

As pets

Housing

Any bird cage is suitable when it is spacious but the choice of the size comes when you live in an apartment and don’t usually have endless space. Such apartment dwellers can go for a minimum cage size of 24 x 24 x 36 inches. Needless to mention, bigger the better.

For aviaries, where you think nest box is essential, place a deep box with a size of 41 x 9x 6.3 inches.

Gold Cap Conure

Gold Capped Conure Bird

Temperature

Keeping gold-capped conures within a range of 65°F-80°F is good for them, even though they can endure much lower and higher temperatures than it.

Temperament & personality

The social bird is always an entertainment for the owner due to the former’s social and friendly behaviors. Swinging, chewing, and climbing are favorite activities of a gold-capped conure. Once you pet one, it will always be up for some quality time with you either by sitting on your shoulder or snuggling inside your pocket, while you rest in your drawing room or watch television. When it is exposed to constant communication, it learns words and repeats them. Endless energy is another thing that makes the bird always super active and when you want to keep it content on its own, provide some chewable toys.

Feeding

Pellet and seed mix diet with frequent inclusion of veggies and fruits is recommended for the bird. The seed has high fat content, so give them in a proper amount. Carbohydrate enriched foods could also be given. Like any other parrot, this conure is also not allowed to have avocado and chocolate.

Gold Capped Conure Birds

Gold Capped Conure Images

Care

Caring for your conure includes, spending time with it for is mental enrichment, training it as this is the most easy-going bird along with feeding it as required. The bird, as previously mentioned has a tremendous chewing ability, might go on chewing something offered at your fingertips. Train it well so that it doesn’t hurt you while doing that, also, there comes a stage where the oh-so-jovial bird becomes nippy and emits shrill voices and scream for your attention. You need tone that tendency down through training.

Cleaning is another important aspect to indulge in and make sure you clean the cage, bird bowls in a proper way.

Health problems

Aspergillosis, candidiasis, Pacheco’s Disease, diarrhea, and thyroid are commonly observed in gold-capped conures. Any unusual symptom like loss of appetite and feather plucking are clinchers for serious diseases. Arrange medical assistance in that case.