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.