Chili Pepper was purchased from a Denver area pet store chain on November 19, 1996.  His "Mom", Heather, fell in love with him at first sight and the feeling was mutual from the start.  Heather knew little about parrots and conures and spent the first few months they were together researching online and learning everything she could to keep Chili Pepper safe and healthy.

Chili Pepper, also known as C.P., is an energetic and fiesty little parrot.

He is typical of Aratinga conures in that he has a loud, piercing shriek that varies in pitch, tone, and strength depending on what he's trying to communicate.  He is also fiercely protective of his "nest" (cage) and his "Mom", Heather.

Chili Pepper has made huge strides in the past year in his socialization.  He was a loner for a long time, preferring the company of Heather and one small bird, first a parrotlet, then a lovebird.  After both his companions passed away, he was very lonely.  We gradually introduced him to the two female conures, Freddie and Phoebe, in the hopes that they would become friends.  It took over six months to make the transition but in May 2010, we were able to move CP into the same room as Freddie and Phoebe.  Now they live side-by-side and spend most of their time together.  We've even caught CP preening Phoebe on occasion.

As a result, CP is a much happier bird because of his interaction with other birds.  He is also calmer and we have allowed his flight feathers to grow in because he no longer attacks James or the other birds.

Scroll down to see photos of Chili Pepper.  Click on the photo to view a larger image.  View slideshow