Gracie, Cherry Headed Conure
by Daryl Gagliano
(Colorado)
Gracie playing 'peek-a-boo'
We love Conures! Realizing that Conures are not for everyone, we love the joy, the action, the loyalty, and the affection of our Conure birds.
Gracie, was the Conure that started it all. We adopted Gracie from a parrot welfare organization last spring. We've since adopted three more (Nanday, Blue Crowned, and Gold Capped).
Gracie is considered to be a bird with 'special needs', as she does not perch like others, but instead perches on her "ankles" as a result of previous neurological damage incurred by chewing on a cheap cage she had been kept in.
As a result, she is fully flighted for her safety, and she will fly over and perch on our shoulders when called. We did not train her to do this, she does it out of her desire to be with her 'flock', which is us!
Her call, while it can be quite forceful & loud, is a proud, low-toned call, that reminds me of the tropical wilderness of her species' native lands (Ecuador to northern Peru). She calls out in the morning when she gets up, and when she hears someone come through the door, or when she is looking or asking for us. Other than that, Gracie coos to us, and speaks a few words in context.
Gracie is not a one-person bird, but she most definitely favors her "mommy". Gracie loves to give kisses, and she seems to anticipate and enjoy her daily routine. I've noticed that we really bonded when we began engaging in "flock breakfast" on weekends, and I started to hand feed her veggies: peas, carrots, broccoli. When she wants more, she will softly grunt this baby-like sound, as if to say, "more please!"
Gracie shares both a day and bedtime cage with a Hahn's Macaw. They really seem to enjoy each other's company, and preen and cuddle together.
Gracie loves chewing toys, and loves to destroy parrot pinatas or any other preening toys provided. She especially loves to chew on paper. She loves to chew up buttons on our clothes, and will concentrate on this activity with intensity and fervor!
Gracie taught us the beauty and challenge of living with Conures, and we are forever grateful to her beauty, feistiness, and gentle spirit!
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