Cockatoo territorial about cage?

[thecoffeesnob]

Hi guys. I got my first bite- and quite a nasty one at that- from Kiki today

 

I was carrying her cage (with her in it) to another part of the house when she quickly climbed to where my fingers were and took a bite.

 

She has never bitten me before although she is known to be quite fiesty and tempermental with my family. And after our little incident, she seemed back to normal once out of her cage- stepping up onto my forearm at every chance she got and cuddling up to me.

 

Is it normal for cockatoos to be territorial about "foreign" objects in their cages or was there another reason why she acted out?

 

Also, we've had Kiki for almost 5 months now. When we adopted, she came in a small cage with no toys. I've tried to introduce various toys to her but so far, she hasn't been interested in anything. She just seems happy to have people around her and to watch the world go by. Do you guys have any suggestions how I could pique her interest in toys? Thanks!

[dhorje]

Probably she was curious about your fingers. Was it the 1st time you carry the cage with her in it? I carry my Grey's cage with her in it to the back of the house every night for bedtime. She nipped my fingers lightly every time I did that.

[she]

I dont think the bite is a real problem, a one off so just go back to normal perhaps with the exception of moving the cage with her in it.Try playing with the toys yourself and let her see how much fun they are.Try diferent types of toys to see what she likes best,shredding toys,foot toys, bells, as well as diferent materials,wood or leather ect.

[thecoffeesnob]

Hi dhorje. Yeah, it was the first time I carried the cage with her in it. I think she was just curious as well. It's just unfortunate for me her nip, because of the size and curvature of her beak, tore pretty deep into my finger :laugh:

 

Hey she. I have tried playing with the toys myself and even giving her toys similar to the ones my Grey has but not even seeing my Grey spending hours playing with his toys has convinced her to give them a go. But I'll keep at it and hopefully something will pique her interest soon

[judygram]

I don't know about cockatoos but greys can and do get territorial about their cages so she might have thought you were invading her space but since she is otherwise acting normal after that incidence then I wouldn't worry about it.