Questions from a recently adopted Cockatoo owner

[thecoffeesnob]

Hey guys,

 

We just took in a beautiful Umbrella Cockatoo, Kiki, from a family who had to give her away as their neighbours complained about her screeching.

 

We've had her for three days now. So far, she seems really gentle and calm- everyone in the family can play with us (completely different from our darling Grey- I'm the only one who can handle him). She does the cutest little dance when asked and is so curious about everything.

 

The only information the family we took her in from gave us was that she's about two years old and was kept in her cage a lot (which contributed largely to the incessant screeching I suspect).

 

Now my question is- is it true that Cockatoos morph from the sweetest things into brats when they hit the "terrible twos"? I've read this on numerous sites. I keep expecting her to reach out and bite me. Are Cockatoos really this sweet natured?

 

I really don't know what to expect, having never owned a Cockatoo before. So if anyone could share their experiences, that would be great.

 

Thanks!

[judygram]

I have no experience with cockatoos but I do know they like to be plastered to you all day, thats why they call them the velcro bird. They tend to be very needy and want to be on you all the time but they are very cuddly birds.

 

Have you checked out the site www.mytoos.com

 

They can make a lot of screeching and pluck themselves if they are not given the attention they feel they need and it is more than for a grey.

 

Maybe some of the members who do have cockatoos will give you some information that will help you.

[thecoffeesnob]

Hi Judy. Velcro birds indeed- she didn't want to come down from my arm this morning. I'm pretty sure she would have loved to come to work with me if she had a choice :laugh:

 

I have seen the site though. Thanks for your response

[judygram]

I have no doubt she would stay there all day if you would allow her to.

 

Have you posted any pictures of Kiki yet, I would love to see her.

[Luvparrots]

I don't have a too but have been around a couple at the local pet shop. The two I know are older than 2, one is 8 and I don't no the age of the other but both wanted to sit on my shoulder. One flew on while I was walking by. They can be shriekers that's for sure if they don't get attention. I would love to see some pictures of Kiki. Welcome to the family!

[Tycos_mom]

I had a Cockatoo for a while he was one I took in after his Mama died he was 25 years old and the sweetest most loving very cuddly bird to woman he attacked my 13 yr old daughter every chance he got he wasn't good with other birds and would have killed them if given half a chance. But that was just because he was with one woman for 25 years no other birds no kids nothing just her and him and thats thekind of home he was used to so thats the kind of home I found for him. If it was just me I would have kept him I loved him so much he was just so sweet with me he just loved to be with me and cuddle and play silly games such a nice bird he was but very set in his ways and I don't really think he could change at his age. I really miss him but he has a wonderful home.

[thecoffeesnob]

Hi guys.

 

Sorry this is so late. I don't know how to post photos directly on the forum but here's a link to a photo of Kiki

 

[Tycos_mom]

She's beautiful her feather's are perfect. I bet she's leave lots of dust everywhere.:laugh:

[judygram]

Kiki is a great looking Utoo, fully feathered and healthy looking, thanks for sharing a picture of her, now how is she doing, about the same or any improvement?

[thecoffeesnob]

Thanks, guys. She's still the same, screeches her lungs out whenever she thinks she's not getting the attention she deserves. She seems to do less of it when she's in the same room with Coco though probably coz of all Coco's whistling and chattering makes her feel less alone.

 

She's such an inquisitive bird though. Just the other night, she was a lot closer to the pantry door than I realized. The second I opened it, she was climbing up on the panels like Spiderbird. Too cute but I really have to watch this one {Feel-good-0002006E}

[rbpittman]

Having just recently adopted a U2 myself, I'm learning about the "screaming". Sterling took about 4 days to loosen up enough to start vocalizing his wants and desires. What I've found with him is that walking away and ignoring it does no good, he just screams louder. In the last 2 days I've tried responding to his "screams" with a phrase that everyone in the house is to use when he does it at inappropriate times (like when I'm on the phone). I simply respond back "hey dude" in a very cheerful voice with every screech. Granted today is only day 2 of this experiment, but the screaming has greatly reduced in length and number of times per day.

 

What I have learned is that morning and dusk vocalizations are normal and we have also incorporated "scream fests" into the daily routine. When I arrive to my office/bird room with a tray of bowls for breakfast, Sterling starts the daily call of the flock that it's time to eat. I start pulling up the shades and turn on the radio, put on something silly like Elvis' Jailhouse Rock and we all dance and sing in the morning. My 12 yr old doesn't like this (his room is directly above) and it wakes him up, but 8:00 a.m. is not too early to get up for anyone in my opinion...lol. We also do this for about 20 minutes before time to settle down for the evening (I close the shades) and we watch a little tv before turning in for the night (8:00 p.m.).

 

Even Dixie (AG) has gotten into the act and seems to enjoy, of course the first few times, she looked at me like I had lost my mind!

 

Hope this helps!

 

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Robin, Paul, Dixie, Stering, George & Gracie