How A Wild Ruffed Grouse Became My Grandma’s Pet Bird

Most people get a pet bird by visiting a pet store, picking out a cute little feathered friend, and bringing it home in a carefully chosen cage.

My grandma apparently decided that was far too ordinary. My beautiful and wonderful grandma lives up in a cabin in the woods with her husband. They spend their days cutting firewood to prepare for winter and riding quads around the property checking on the animals. They have a chocolate lab named Hazel that runs around the property with them. One day my grandma and Hazel encountered this wild Ruffed Grouse that immediately began following them around and was very curious what they were up to. It wanted to join in and help with chores around the property. Day after day, this wild bird continued following them around and eventually became part of the family. My grandma has lovingly named this wild bird Gizmo.

Gizmo is a wild ruffed grouse that became my grandma’s unofficial pet bird and, judging by the photo, the grouse seems perfectly happy with this arrangement. No cage. No birdseed dispenser. No tiny bell hanging from the ceiling. Just Grandma, the great outdoors, and a very confident wild bird who apparently decided she was part of the family.

Meet Grandma’s Feathered Friend

Ruffed grouse are wild birds that normally spend their days wandering through forests, scratching around for food, and doing generally bird-like things.

This particular grouse, however, seems to have developed a slightly different lifestyle.

Why spend the day worrying about survival when you can hang out with Grandma?

In the photo, the grouse is sitting comfortably on Grandma’s lap as though this is a perfectly normal Tuesday afternoon. Grandma looks remarkably calm about the whole situation too. There is no look of panic, no attempt to escape, and certainly no expression that says, Why is there a wild bird sitting on me?

Instead, she looks like someone who has simply accepted that this is what happens when you go outside.

Apparently, Grandma Has Been Chosen

Anyone who has ever owned a pet knows that sometimes you don't choose the pet—the pet chooses you.

Dogs choose people who provide snacks.

Cats choose people who understand that personal space is optional.

And apparently, ruffed grouse choose grandmas who are willing to sit quietly in the woods.

There is something especially funny about the idea of Grandma going outside and casually encountering her feathered friend. Somewhere along the way, the relationship apparently went from wild bird to Grandma's bird.

At this point, I imagine the grouse has a very specific routine.

First, find Grandma.

Second, climb onto Grandma.

Third, inspect the surroundings.

Fourth, continue being adorable.

Fifth, refuse to pay rent.

The World’s Most Unusual Lap Bird

Most lap birds weigh a few ounces and fit comfortably on your finger.

A ruffed grouse apparently looked at that arrangement and said, I think I’ll be a little bigger.

This bird is basically a woodland chicken with excellent camouflage and absolutely no understanding of personal boundaries.

And honestly, who could blame it?

Grandma is sitting comfortably in the sunshine, surrounded by trees and pine needles. The grouse has found a warm, convenient place to perch and gets to enjoy the great outdoors without having to make any reservations.

It has basically discovered the bird equivalent of a five-star resort.

No Cage Required

One of the funniest parts of this whole situation is that Grandma's bird doesn't need a cage.

Its home is the forest.

Its dining room is wherever it finds something tasty.

Its entertainment is whatever happens to be moving through the trees.

And its favorite chair?

Apparently Grandma.

This is definitely not the typical pet-bird arrangement, but that seems to be exactly what makes it so special.

Grandma’s Pet Policy

As far as pets go, Grandma's ruffed grouse appears to have negotiated an excellent deal.

No cage.

No leash.

No vet appointments scheduled by Grandma.

Unlimited forest access.

Premium lap privileges.

Honestly, this bird may have figured out life better than the rest of us.

Of course, because it is a wild bird, it is important to remember that a ruffed grouse is still a wild animal and should be allowed to remain wild rather than being treated like a conventional pet. But if this little feathered visitor chooses to stop by and say hello, Grandma may as well enjoy the honor.

Because not everyone can say they have a wild ruffed grouse for a bird.

Grandma can.

And judging by this picture, the grouse has already decided that Grandma is officially its person.