Conure Parrot UK: Price, Care & Species Guide (2026)
Conures are among the most colourful and characterful parrots kept as pets in the UK. Compared with larger species, they combine a manageable size with a playful, clown-like personality, making them a popular choice for owners who want an interactive bird without the space and cost demands of a macaw or African Grey.
This guide covers conure prices in the UK, ongoing costs, temperament, diet and the health issues to watch for.
Conure Price UK: What to Expect
A conure typically costs between £100 and £300 in the UK, depending on the species, age and breeder. Green-cheeked conures tend to sit at the lower end of this range, while sun conures and other brightly coloured species are usually priced higher due to demand.
| Species | Typical UK Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green-cheeked conure | £100 – £250 | Smaller, quieter, popular first conure |
| Sun conure | £200 – £350 | Vivid colouring, louder call |
| Jenday conure | £200 – £350 | Similar to sun conure in temperament |
| Nanday conure | £150 – £280 | Hardy and social |
How Much Does a Conure Cost in the UK?
Conures cost between £100 and £350 to buy in the UK depending on species, with total first-year costs, including cage, supplies, food and healthcare, typically ranging from £500 to £900.
One-Off Setup Costs
Cage
Conures need a cage of at least 60cm x 60cm x 90cm with bar spacing no wider than 15mm, since they are active climbers that need horizontal space to move. Expect to pay £80 to £180 for a suitable cage in the UK.
Perches, Bowls and Toys
Conures are enthusiastic chewers, so budget for a good supply of destructible wooden toys alongside standard perches and bowls. Initial supplies typically cost £40 to £70.
Carrier
A secure carrier for vet visits and travel costs around £15 to £35.
Ongoing Monthly and Annual Costs
Feeding Costs
A balanced diet of pellets, fresh vegetables and a smaller portion of fruit costs roughly £15 to £25 per month for a conure. Seed should make up only a small part of the diet, since it lacks the full nutritional profile pellets provide.
Healthcare Costs
Annual avian vet check-ups cost £40 to £70 in the UK. Exotic pet insurance for conures typically starts around £8 to £18 per month, covering unexpected veterinary bills.
Toys and Enrichment
Because conures are highly active and destructive chewers, budget £15 to £30 per month for replacement toys and foraging enrichment.
Estimated First Year Cost of Owning a Conure in the UK
| Expense | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Bird itself | £100 | £350 |
| Cage | £80 | £180 |
| Initial supplies | £55 | £105 |
| Food (12 months) | £180 | £300 |
| Healthcare | £40 | £70 |
| Toys and enrichment (12 months) | £180 | £360 |
| Total first year | £635 | £1,365 |
Diet: What Conures Eat
A conure’s diet should be built around a quality pelleted feed, topped up daily with fresh vegetables such as peppers, carrot and leafy greens, plus small amounts of fruit as a treat. Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine and onion, all of which are toxic to parrots.
Housing and Daily Care
Conures need daily time outside the cage to fly, climb and interact with their owner. Without enough attention, they can become loud or develop feather plucking behaviours. A predictable daily routine, combined with foraging toys, helps keep a conure mentally engaged.
Temperament and Whether a Conure Suits You
Conures are playful, affectionate and often described as having a clown-like personality. They bond strongly with their owners and enjoy being included in daily activities, though they are also more vocal than a cockatiel and less suited to noise-sensitive households such as flats with close neighbours.
Compared with the larger African Grey or Macaw, conures require less space but still demand a genuine daily time commitment.
Lifespan
Conures typically live 20 to 30 years with good care, making them a decades-long commitment for prospective owners.
Common Health Issues to Watch For
- Feather plucking, often linked to boredom or insufficient daily interaction
- Psittacine beak and feather disease, a viral condition that a vet can screen for
- Respiratory infections, particularly in draughty or poorly ventilated rooms
- Obesity, linked to seed-heavy diets and limited flight time
Conure vs Other Popular UK Pet Parrots
| Feature | Conure | Cockatiel | African Grey |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK price | £100 – £350 | £30 – £150 | £800 – £2,000+ |
| Noise level | Moderate to high | Low to moderate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 20 – 30 years | 15 – 20 years | 40 – 60 years |
| Beginner friendly | Mostly | Yes | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a conure cost in the UK?
A conure costs between £100 and £350 to buy in the UK depending on species, with first-year running costs, including cage and supplies, typically between £600 and £1,400.
Are conures noisy?
Conures are more vocal than cockatiels, with daily calling that some owners describe as a brief loud burst rather than constant noise. Sun and jenday conures tend to be the loudest species.
Are conures good for first-time bird owners?
Green-cheeked conures are often recommended for owners with some prior bird experience, as they are more manageable than larger, louder species while still requiring daily interaction and enrichment.
Do conures need a companion bird?
Conures can thrive as a single bird with plenty of daily attention from their owner, though some owners choose to keep pairs for company during the day.
Final Thoughts
Conures offer a colourful, engaging alternative for UK owners who want a bird with personality but without the size and cost of a large parrot. Understanding the full first-year cost and daily care commitment before buying will help ensure a good match between bird and owner.
To compare conures against other species, see our guides to the Macaw Parrot, African Grey Parrots and Types of Parrots.
The PetPath editorial team researches and writes evidence-based pet care guides for UK owners, drawing on veterinary sources and current welfare guidance to help you make informed decisions for your pet.
