Grandma’s new BFF

Oh, Zipper! My heart goes out to Grandma because I totally get it. Living with a green cheek conure is a rollercoaster of joy and absolute chaos! My little feathered tyrant, named Zipper, has pulled similar stunts. Just last week, I caught Zipper trying to 'redecorate' my laptop keyboard with his beak – thankfully, no keys were lost, but my focus definitely was! Green cheek conures are known for their big personalities packed into tiny bodies. They're incredibly intelligent, curious, and, let's be honest, often a little bit naughty. Those 'menace' behaviors Grandma experienced, like biting faces, begging for food, landing on everything, and even breaking things, are actually pretty common. It's not usually out of spite, but often their way of communicating, seeking attention, or simply exploring their world. For example, biting can be a way of testing boundaries, showing annoyance, or even just 'beaking' if they're overstimulated or tired. Begging for food? That's just them being opportunists! They see you eating, and they want a share, plain and simple. Landing on you or your food is often about wanting to be part of the action and seeking closeness. And breaking things? Well, that's just a conure's natural instinct to chew and explore with their incredibly strong beaks, especially when they're bored or don't have appropriate toys. So, what's a parrot parent to do? Here are a few things I've learned that might help Grandma (and any other conure owner) navigate these mischievous moments: Enrichment is Key: A bored conure is a destructive conure. Make sure Zipper has plenty of stimulating toys. Think shreddable toys, foraging toys, and things made of wood that he can actually destroy safely. Rotate them regularly to keep things interesting. Consistent Training: Even small parrots can be trained! Positive reinforcement works wonders. Teach 'step up' and 'step down' commands. If Zipper lands where he shouldn't, gently retrieve him and place him on an appropriate perch, then reward good behavior. Set Boundaries (Gently): It's okay to have 'no bird zones,' like your plate of food. If Zipper lands on the sandwich, calmly remove him without making a big fuss (which can be seen as attention). You can also try offering a small, safe piece of your food on his perch, away from your plate, as a treat. Safe Playtime: Provide safe alternatives for destructive chewing. Got an old phone you don't use? Let him 'play' with that under supervision, or get bird-safe foot toys that resemble human objects. Understand Their Signals: Learn Zipper's body language. Pinning eyes, fluffed feathers, or a certain chirp can signal he's overstimulated, tired, or about to get nippy. Knowing these cues can help you prevent unwanted behaviors. Lots of Interaction: Conures thrive on interaction. Spend dedicated time playing, talking, and just being with him. A well-socialized conure is generally a happier, less 'menace-y' conure. It's definitely a learning curve, but the bond you form with these intelligent little birds is so rewarding. Even when Zipper is causing trouble, his antics are probably making Grandma laugh (eventually!). They certainly keep life interesting. What crazy things has your bird done lately?