Knowing whether a breed of bird will fit well within your home is very important before choosing a bird.
If you have a family or multiple people living in your home, you’ll want to know whether or not the bird you choose to bring home will get along well in their new environment.
Some birds become very territorial over one person in the household, which may be problematic in a house with multiple family members.
So, are green cheek conures one-person birds?
Typically, green cheek conures are flock birds and are not naturally one-person birds. This tendency can vary slightly from bird to bird, so it’s essential to learn how to socialize them properly if your goal is to have a family bird.
In this article, we take a look at how to socialize a green cheek conure, whether it will bond to more than one person and much more.
Let’s not waste anymore time and get right into it!
Coming to a new home can be stressful for a bird, especially if you are rescuing an adult bird and don’t know its history.
If there are multiple family members, especially if there are young children, you must be patient with your bird and give it plenty of time to get used to the new environment.
The best way to socialize your green cheek conure to the family is to set up the cage near a high traffic area in the home, but not directly in the high traffic area.
For example, if the family spends most of the time in the living room, but there is a dining room attached to the living room, put the cage in the dining room near the living room.
This way, the bird gets used to seeing everyone but does not get overwhelmed.
Next, allow your bird to meet all the family members from the safety of its cage.
Family members can slowly and quietly approach the cage at first and then increase interaction to saying “hello” as they walk through the room.
The key is gradually increasing the interaction with your new bird while the bird is in its safe space within the cage.
Birds are naturally skittish, so take it slow and take your cues from your bird.
Once your bird appears calm when the family members approach the cage, increase the interaction to having each family member bring a treat to the bird in the cage.
This technique will teach the bird that everyone in the family is safe and is friendly.
Always pay attention to signs from your bird and move at the bird’s pace.
Eventually, your bird will become familiar with everyone in the family without having to leave its safe space.
Will my green cheek conure bond to more than one person?
Usually, a bird will bond with the person who interacts most with it.
Bonding with a bird is unique but can occur with more than one person in a home.
It is important to note that bonding with a bird is lovely, but everyone in the house should interact with the bird to make it feel part of the flock.
Green cheek conures may pick a person or two that it likes best and only tolerate the rest of the family.
This preference is normal and should not be a sign of concern or that your bird hasn’t accepted you.
What if my green cheek conure doesn’t like someone?
This scenario does occasionally happen, just like with people.
If your bird consistently shows that it doesn’t like someone, it’s best to respect when the bird shows you it doesn’t want to interact.
By respecting your bird’s signs, you may be able to improve the relationship over time and gain its trust.
Be persistent, but always strive for positive interactions with your bird; just like with people, you may be able to win over your bird with consistency and love.
Will my green cheek conure get jealous?
Birds experience hormonal changes that may look like they get jealous or territorial.
Jealousy is not a desirable trait, and it is important to ignore this behavior and not encourage it.
If you are trying to have a family bird, do not reward jealous behaviors, or the bird will take this to mean it is okay to be territorial.
If the bird’s behaviors become aggressive, return the bird to its cage and encourage other family members to have positive interactions with the bird in the cage.
How long will it take my green cheek conure to get used to the family?
Every bird is different, and there is no way to say for sure how long it will take to get used to the family.
The more consistent the family is about having deliberate positive interactions with the bird, the faster it will learn to trust and feel safe in the new environment.
Birds are highly emotional creatures and are also prey animals.
It’s best to let them lead the way when introducing them to a new household and always strive for positive interactions.
What do I do if my green cheek conure becomes aggressive to other members of the family?
Aggressive behavior can happen for all sorts of reasons.
Your bird may be overwhelmed, frightened, grumpy, hormonal, or just having an off day.
Never physically correct your bird for aggressive behavior by swatting, flicking, grabbing, or hitting them.
The best thing to do is show your bird that you will not reward aggressive behavior by ignoring it, or if necessary, returning the bird to the cage and resuming positive interactions from the safety of the cage.
Are green cheeked conures good with children?
Parrots are generally not the best birds for most children.
Even small parrots have a painful bite, and it takes a lot of self-control for adults to respond appropriately to a parrot’s natural defense mechanisms.
You know your child best, but if they are emotionally reactive, physically rough with other animals, or lack self-control, being around a parrot may be unsafe for both the child and the parrot.
Use your best judgment around children, but typically parrots are best suited for older children and adults.