Cockatoos?

[sundial]

Does anyone own one of these wonderful birds? I'm really fascinated by them. Some days I dream about expanding our pack to include a feathered friend. :)

[bambu101]

Here is a link to a well-known cockatoo web-site:

http://www.mytoos.com/forum/ubbthreads.php

I have had birds for over 15 years, including a large macaw,and Cockatoos are not for the inexperienced parrot person. I have no interest whatsoever in adding one to our flock!

[sundial]

http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/sad/sad0127.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net)

[sundial]

Bambu, what birds do you have? What is the personality of an African gray?

[tulip]

I agree with Bambu. Cockatoos are difficult creatures with the most experienced bird people. Not for a beginner.

The big thing with parrots is to realize that they live A LONG TIME. It's not like a dog or a cat--you in it for at least 25 years and much, much longer for many birds. I liken it to having a 2-year old--delightful, cute, jealous, prone to tantrums, and very demanding. They are also very social. You can't fairly leave them in a cage while you are at work all day.

I would suggest finding a reputable bird group or club so that you can get to know different species and get to know the intricacies of life with a parrot. You may decide that hanging out with other people's birds is enough. Or you might find that bird people are a strange lot and change your mind :rolleyes:.

I had a Senegal parrot for 10 years. Their life expectancy is about 25 years. When I got him, I wasn't planning on getting divorced, but life throws these things at you. I couldn't keep him, the ex did. It wasn't fair to the bird because we were his flock--all he knew and all he had. This happens to too many birds in my opinion. Families break up, people get tired of the demands of the parrot, children come along, etc.

Adopting other people's cast-off parrots is not a good idea for beginners. Many of these birds have serious psychological problems, bite, self-mutilate, and are more than most people can handle. Again, they are not like dogs and cats, which are generally much more adaptable.

I have chosen not to have another pet bird. I have gotten very interested in watching wild birds. They are allowed to fly.

[mimitabby]

oh brother, my cousin has a cockatoo. Her daughter bought it, acquired a boyfriend, and promptly dumped the bird on mom and dad. the bird bonded to my cousin, but it is hysterical and jealous of ANYONE that gets near her, including her kind gentle husband.
This bird shrieks and carries on even when she's on the phone.
They can put its cover on and tell it it's bedtime, but you can't fool that bird.

I am not sure why anyone would want to take this bird out of its natural environment.

[sundial]

Tulip, I knew these birds live a long time so I won't be making any hasty decisions. Actually, I don't think I'll be owning one after reading the threads on the too forum. :( The only reason I was thinking about it was a local pet store is about to close it's doors and I was afraid I'd have to rescue the too and the African gray parrot and foster them until I got them into a rescue. Fortunately they found a home.

Mimi, here's a clip for your delight: ;)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JRnLPDcLGHs

[mimitabby]

Mimi, here's a clip for your delight: ;)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JRnLPDcLGHs

oh, thanks now I can skip visiting my cousin for another year.
:cool:

[sundial]

Lol! :)

[bambu101]

Sundial,

A lot of people in the bird world feel that cockatoos should not be kept in captivity, and consequently suffer a lot of behavioral problems such as plucking, screaming, biting, etc.

I had little birds for years, like finches, parakeets, and canaries. Our first parrot (Bambu, a Senegal parrot), was purchased as a baby a little over 10 years ago, and he can be unpredictable, and bites hard without warning. He usually loves me, but bites my DH at every opportunity. His bites are far more painful than our Blue & Gold macaw, BeeGee! She was adopted from a rescue in Philadelphia last summer, and was turned into them after being confiscated from a police raid on a crack house. She had been kept in a dark basement, and fed a crappy diet of peanuts and sunflower seeds. Now she is a beautiful girl in perfect health, and a sweet, loving, goofy character. We also have a moustached parakeet (Moe Green) that we adopted from a friend's family where the couple both died of cancer in their 40s. There is also a canary and one parakeet in our current flock.

As you can tell, I am pretty passionate about birds and avian rescue and adoption. There are just far too many people who buy a baby bird on impulse, and then don't want to deal with it after the first few months. It is indeed like having a perpetual 3-year-old in your house that never grows up. But there is also a strong bond of unconditional love, constant entertainment (and messes), and I cannot imagine a life without birds!

I don't know where you are located, but there are number of bird rescue and adoption facilities throughout the country, and most are full to capacity with birds that have lost their homes for various reasons like family illness or changing financial circumstances. If you contact them, and go to visit with an open mind and heart, you might just fall in love with a new, feathered family member. If you want some recommendations, please PM me, and I'll try to point you to a rescue in your area.

Wendy

[TsPoet]

Sundial,
I had little birds for years, like finches, parakeets, and canaries. Our first parrot (Bambu, a Senegal parrot), was purchased as a baby a little over 10 years ago, and he can be unpredictable, and bites hard without warning. He usually loves me, but bites my DH at every opportunity. His bites are far more painful than our Blue & Gold macaw, BeeGee! She was adopted from a rescue in Philadelphia last summer, and was turned into them after being confiscated from a police raid on a crack house. She had been kept in a dark basement, and fed a crappy diet of peanuts and sunflower seeds. Now she is a beautiful girl in perfect health, and a sweet, loving, goofy character. We also have a moustached parakeet (Moe Green) that we adopted from a friend's family where the couple both died of cancer in their 40s. There is also a canary and one parakeet in our current flock.
Wendy


I, too, have a number of birds and have for years. One thing to point out, is that even though different birds have different personality reputations, you never know. I have a Meyer's Parrot (close relative of a senegal) and she's an opinionated pushy pest, but she'd never bite anyone. If she get's mad at you, she poops on you. I have a cockatiel that has been mistreated, passed around to several owners for various reasons and is frankly insane. I'm just giving her the best (caged) life I can. I have several budgies (parakeets).
My best pet of my entire life was a budgie! He knew 50 words and what many of them meant (he'd land on your shoulder and say 'hello' and say 'goodbye' right before he left, he'd ask for kisses...). So, don't discount the little "cheap" guys. (But budgies have been overbred and have lots of health issues and I'd like people to stop buying them until they aren't "disposable" cheep things anymore)
Birds are wonderful pets, but they are much much more intelligent than dogs and cats (I love my dogs), so they need a lot of attention, imagine locking a 2 year old child in a closet and expecting it not to go insane. That's what happens to so many birds. A minimum of 1 hr/day of attention is what every bird needs - and that can be a lot of work.
I was going to recommend that you consider a bird like a Senegal, but then I saw Sundial's post! Still, there are lots of nice small parrots out there - Quakers, Poisephelous (like Senegal’s and Meyer's Parrots), Conures...

[Drtgirl]

I have a wonderful Triton Cockatoo. We were cockatiel owners and wanted to expand our flock. She is a great bird (other too owners tell me this all the time) but she can be a royal PAIN! She screams a lot but we just deal with it. Whenever we go overnight somewhere we have to take Daisy to the "bird sitter"...she can't be left alone for more than a day. No one told me about all the issues birds have- illness (and vet bills!), egg laying, raging hormones, plucking, etc. Despite all this I can't imagine life without one!

I agree with the above posts- they are not for the unexperienced! I would recommend a smaller bird to start- maybe a little Senegal or Conure.

I can't resist posting a pic of Daisy!
http://www.ericandkaryn.com/fluff-784045.jpg

[sundial]

Drtgirl, your Daisy is so pretty. :) I don't know why I'm drawn to these birds but I am. Every one that I've encountered was very social and did not display the temper tantrums that they are known for. I guess that's why I didn't think they would be as high maintenance. :(

When they have the hormonal episodes......can birds be altered like cats and dogs if you don't plan on breeding them? Would it help their mood swings? I am only familiar with furry pets and birds are new territory for me. I didn't know how very structured they are and how they will raise holy heck if you are late with their meals, the blanket, and social hour.

Bambu, I like your suggestion of the rescue. Interestingly enough, I am active in gsd rescue and adopted my youngest gsd through a rescue. :) I live in Arkansas and I don't know of any bird rescues off hand. I don't even know if there's a vet that specializes in aviary medicine in my neck of the woods. Maybe in Memphis....

I'd love to see more pics of birds if you care to share. :) And thanks for the information and stories of your feathered friends.

[Boise Birder]

a parrot/cockatoo by this video, but I had to post it. Remember, the person who now has Snowball does rescue, and knows these birds. If you go to her website, you can see getting Snowball to where he is now takes lots of work, time, patience, and effort.

Ok, I still had to post. This was the rage of internet for a while.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j_fxs8mUcQ

I laughed, and danced along!

[Drtgirl]

Most cockatoos that go out in public are very gentle and well-behaved. I take Daisy to work and she sits on the back of my chair all day. She is very sweet and quiet, and my co-workers don't believe me when I say she is a nut job at home. I call Daisy a "squawkatoo".

You can't spay/neuter birds, but sometimes their hormonal outbursts can be controlled with injections administered at the vet's office. I would only do that as an absolute last resort.

I think that a lot of 'toos live in several homes throughout their lifetime. They are very sweet for maybe 5 years then they mature and their personalities can be radically different, thus ending up on craigslist or in a rescue facility. They are very social by nature and will resort to pulling out their feathers or worse if they are left alone all day every day.

There are many breeds of 'toos and all of them have unique personality traits. Some are louder than others, some demand more attention, and some are more affectionate. Definitely do your research...somehow we ended up with the loudest and most needy breed!

One more unique 'Too thing that wasn't mentioned- they have a type of dust that covers and protects their feathers. If you have asthma or allergies then this could be a real problem- I don't think it's good to breathe this stuff in constantly. Our one bird generates enough fluff that I end up dusting the entire house once a week. You have to buy at least one really good air filter and give the bird regular showers to keep the dust at bay.

PM me if you need any more info!

Here's a link to more photos of Fuzz Beak. (http://ericandkaryn.com/tmp/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=6)

[sundial]

I just looked at the photos. Awwwww.

Boise birder, that video brought a smile.

Your Daisy sounds just like Lemondrop, a 'too that I met. She loved to search pockets and gave lots of little kisses. :)

I just read a little about the conures and the poisephalus. Maybe those birds are more appropriate for our family. And the budgie too.

[snapdragen]

Snowball is awesome - a head banger cockatoo! :D

A hairdresser I used to go to kept birds, and did rescue work. He had one poor girl cockatoo that had been abused; she plucked all of her feathers out of her chest. She would come to the salon with him and hang out. She finally got to the point where I could pet her, but it took a while. She also did a great rubber chicken impression -- even more so because of her naked front. :D:D

[snapdragen]

sundial - I've had two budgies - they're very sweet, funny birds. Both of mine talked a bit -- Mickey barked like a dog too!

[Tuckervill]

My friends have a budgie. I went over for dinner, and about halfway through, I heard very low, like it was in the back of my head, an NPR voice, speaking very well. It totally creeped me out because I couldn't figure out where it came from and I thought I was the only one hearing it, and it felt like someone whispering in my ear.

It was the budgie. When they left the house they'd turn on NPR for it to listen to, and all its bird calls were Steve Inskeep's voice.

Karen

[sundial]

When they left the house they'd turn on NPR for it to listen to, and all its bird calls were Steve Inskeep's voice.

Is he the story teller?

I thought about the budgies all day today and and had moments where I wanted to head over to the pet shop to *rescue* the birdies before the store closes on the 2nd. Oh why did I start this thead?? http://bestsmileys.com/frustrated/3.gif

[TsPoet]

Here's Pepper eating the seeds from a bell pepper - notice what's left of the phonebook behind her. I left it out and before I knew it, she shredded it - confetti all over my floor. I could also post a picture of the molding around my closet, or rather what used to be molding.
One possible advantage of smaller birds is, if you watch them, you can leave them flighted. Pepper flies loose around my house, and follows me everywhere (you think a dog following you into the bathroom is annoying, try a bird). But, it also means destruction if you aren't careful. Bigger birds that fly can be even more of a danger to themselves and your house.
(BTW - the thing in Murphy's mouth in my avatar is a bird seed treat log - I gave it to my budgies, Pepper stole it from them, then dropped it trying to fly away with it and Murphy thought he was the ultimate victor - but I took it away from him after taking the photo and threw it away).

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee139/TsPoet/PepperJuly08.jpg

[sundial]

.... notice what's left of the phonebook behind her. I left it out and before I knew it, she shredded it - confetti all over my floor. I could also post a picture of the molding around my closet, or rather what used to be molding.

LOL! Sounds like a typical day at my house with the dogs. What kind of bird is Pepper? She looks to have alot of character. :) I feel like I could reach out and pet her. Does "flighted" mean you can let them fly loose in the house? :o I can just see me trying to train Niki to "leave it" when the birdie flies by her. :eek:

[TsPoet]

LOL! Sounds like a typical day at my house with the dogs. What kind of bird is Pepper? She looks to have alot of character. :) I feel like I could reach out and pet her. Does "flighted" mean you can let them fly loose in the house? :o I can just see me trying to train Niki to "leave it" when the birdie flies by her. :eek:


I think the #1 thing a bird owner needs is a sense of humor and to be OK with chaos. Not clipping birds wings is controversial - but I've only every clipped wings once, I let all my birds fly and when I'm home they fly free (in groups that get along).
She would love it if you petted her, she loves all people and is jealous of all other pets. She loves loves loves to have her head scratched constantly. My dogs know to leave her alone. The biggest problem I have is when she and one of the dogs both want my attention at the same time. She instigates it, biting the dogs, then I have to stop them from retaliating, which is unfair, but the way that it is. When I feed the dogs, she lands on the chair by them and spreads out her wings to intimidate them. Sometimes she can get one of them to back off so she can steal their dinner.
She is a Meyer's Parrot, she is about 8" from beak to tail (they have very short tails). She thinks she is my largest pet and all others better get out of her way. My Shiba Inu x disagrees.

[tulip]

If you decide not to clip the wings, there are several things to be very aware of (may seem obvious to other parrot owners).

Do not turn on ceiling fans.

Make sure all doors and windows are closed.

Watch them because they chew things. Like electrical cords. Also, they can decide to take a nap (snuggled in laundry or pillows) and someone can end up sitting on them if you don't know where they are.

When I had my parrot (I do miss the guy) he liked to hang out on my shoulder. I'd go about my chores with him happily chatting at me the whole time. Occassionally, though, he'd get quiet, even once he fell asleep. Once when he was not in a chatty mood, I forgot he was there and I just walked out of the house. I was on the porch when I realized, with horror, that he was still on my shoulder. He took off. Being flighted, he flew across the street, then into the top of a large tree, then around the neighborhood. We followed him around (we could hear him screech) for 8 hours, and amazingly at dusk he flew into a low tree to roost. My ex got the ladder and I was able to grab him. Usually escapes don't end up that way. If he'd flown one more block, he would have gone into a National Park and we never would have found him, and he'd probably had been an easy dinner for an owl or hawk.

I decided then that it was much better to keep his wings clipped. But as TSPoet says, some people don't clip.

[Eden]

Even if you clip - do be careful. I found a parrot one morning... My husband came in the house and said there a parrot out there. I didn't believe him and figured it was just a flicker - they are so noisy... but I went out and lo and behold it was a red and green parrot. He was sitting on a low fence and came right up my arm when I offered it. It was pretty cold that morning and I expect he was grateful to be found by then.

We found the owner probably less than an hour later - she was walking the neighborhood looking for him - thank god... cause by then he had warmed up, was getting quite vocal and starting to nibble my ear.... She had lost him the evening before. He was a young bird and she was trying to socialize him, by taking him most places on her shoulder. Even though he was clipped, it was conservative, and he had enough left to get a little lift and glide. When he was startled by a large truck he'd taken off from her shoulder and managed to get up into a tree. She was extremely grateful to have him back and was going to have his wings clipped a bit better. (he was a conure btw)

[elk]

We have 2 African Greys and a Senegal....one of the greys is my husband's "bird wife"....they are in love for 10 years now...When he talks to me and she's on his shoulder she moves around to his face and gently takes the corner of his mouth and pulls it towards her....But we have a good relationship too...

Birds are amazing...but except for above bird who is very very gentle and quiet...I wouldn't do it again...."they have the intelligence of a 5 year old child and the emotional needs of a 2 year old....FOREVER!!!

SO many of them end up in rescue because people are simply unprepared for life with these guys. I feel a kind of chronic guilt that I don't give them all they might need....and I LOVE them...they get great meals, tons of toys, lots of time out.

OMG...you should see them in my DH's painting studio!!!!!!

And toos are particulary social/needy/emotional birds.

I spend 24 hours with my 4 dogs...we train, do therapy work, go to shows, take naps, walks together...and I wouldn't want it any other way....but birds...
I know some remarkably dedicated parrot fans.....and animals are my LIFE....but I'd be totally happy with just my dogs....

Just a little red flag. Maybe you are a bird person....just be sure to test yourself carefully!!

[malkin]

Don't let your birds see this:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=30206961

[elk]

Don't let your birds see this:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=30206961

that, BTW, is one of those cute conures....:eek: