All About Jenday Conure: Care, Personality & Diet

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The Jenday Conure (Aratinga jandaya), also known as the Jendaya Parakeet or Yellow-headed Conure, is a vibrant, intelligent, and affectionate medium-sized native to northeastern Brazil. Renowned for their colorful feathers, playful personalities, and ability to mimic human speech, Jenday Conures are a favorite among bird enthusiasts seeking a companion with a big personality in a compact body

Closely related to the Sun Conure, the Jenday has a green back and wings, orange-yellow head and body, and a long, tapered tail. Its personality and intelligence make it an engaging companion bird, but it also requires committed care.

The Jenday Conure Physical Characteristics

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Aratinga jandaya
Common Names	Jenday Conure, Jendaya Parakeet, Yellow-headed Conure, Flaming Parakeet
Size	11.7–12 inches (28–30 cm)
Weight	4.3–5.25 oz (125–150 grams)
Lifespan	20–35 years
Native Region	Northeastern Brazil
Colors	Green wings, blue tail, orange-red body, yellow head and neck
Talking Ability	Limited, but can mimic simple words

Jenday Conure Personality and Temperament

Jenday Conures are incredibly social and intelligent birds. They thrive on interaction and can form strong bonds with their human companions. Expect a bird that is:

• Playful and curious
• Cuddly, often enjoying snuggles
• Vocal, especially in the morning and evening
• Prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods

While they are affectionate, Jendays can also be a bit nippy if not properly trained or socialized. Early handling and positive reinforcement go a long way in shaping a well-behaved bird.

Jenday Conure Care

Cage Setup & Living Environment

To keep your Jenday Conure happy, provide a spacious cage (minimum 24″x24″x30″, but larger is always better. Bar spacing should be about 1/2 inch.) with horizontal bars for climbing. Essential features include:

• Multiple perches of varying widths
• Toys for mental stimulation (rotate them weekly)
• Foraging stations and puzzle feeders
• Clean water and nutritional food bowls

Let your conure out for 3–4 hours daily in a safe, bird-proofed room. They love flying and exploring, so supervised freedom is key.

Diet & Nutrition

A healthy diet is crucial. Feed a balanced mix of:

• Pellets (60–70% of diet)
• Fresh fruits (kiwi, apples) and vegetables (carrots, broccoli) (30%)
• Occasional treats like nuts, seeds, or millet spray

Avoid: chocolate, caffeine, avocado, alcohol, and salty or sugary foods.

Tip: Introduce new foods gradually and monitor droppings to track health.

Behavior and Training

Jenday Conures are highly intelligent and benefit greatly from training:

• Teach basic commands like “step up”
• Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise)
• Engage in clicker training for tricks
• Offer interactive toys and foraging puzzles

Training also helps curb undesirable behaviors like screaming or biting.

Health & Maintenance

Common Health Issues:

• Psittacosis
• Feather plucking (due to stress or boredom)
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Beak and feather disease (PBFD)

Routine Care:

• Trim nails monthly
• Clean cage weekly
• Regular vet checkups with an avian vet
• Monitor weight and feather condition

Is a Jenday Conure Right for You?

✅ Ideal For:

• Bird lovers with time for daily interaction
• Families or individuals seeking an affectionate, playful pet
• Owners willing to tolerate noise and invest in enrichment

🚫 Not Ideal For:

• First-time bird owners without research
• Those living in apartments with noise sensitivity
• People with little time at home

See Also: Are Jenday Conures Good Pets?

Jenday Conure Cost & Ownership

Expense	Approximate Cost (USD)
Purchase Price	$400–$800
Cage & Setup	$200–$500
Monthly Food & Toys	$30–$60
Annual Vet Care	$100–$300

Long-term commitment: 🕊️ 25+ years!

Jenday Conure vs Sun Conure

Feature	Jenday Conure	Sun Conure
Head Color	Orange/Yellow	Bright Yellow
Wing Color	Green	Mostly Yellow
Noise Level	Very High	Very High
Personality	Nearly identical	Nearly identical

Many owners can’t visually tell them apart — but the Jenday is often slightly more green.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Are Jenday Conures good pets for families?

Yes, they are affectionate and social, making them suitable for families with children who can interact gently with birds.

Q2. How long do Jenday Conures live?

With proper care, they can live up to 30 years.

Q3. What do Jenday Conures eat?

A balanced diet of pellets, seeds, and fresh fruits and vegetables is ideal.

Q4. Do Jenday Conures talk?

They can mimic sounds and learn simple words, but are not known for extensive talking abilities.

Q5. How do I tell if my Jenday Conure is happy?

Signs include active play, vocalization, smooth feathers, and engaging behavior.

Conclusion

The Jenday Conure is a beautiful, intelligent, and loving companion for bird lovers willing to dedicate time and attention. With the right care, environment, and stimulation, these birds will reward you with years of joy and vibrant company.