I have a cockatoo that we love alot but he shreiks and screams when he's ignored/any ideas to keep him quiet?

Answer 1

If you don't have the time to give him the attention he wants you should get him a mate that will play with him. He screms because he gets bored and is trying to get your attention. Get him a friend and he should be happy.

Answer 2

Unfortunately for you, Cockatoos are notorious for being screamers and in fact, almost all parrots are noisy...just to different degrees. Some scream only on waking in the mornings and right before bed time. Others scream just to hear themselves scream. Most bird owners just have to learn to accept that fact and put up with the noise because you can't discipline a parrot...no beak thumping or squirting with a water pistol is going to help and is not advisable regardless of what some people will recommend.

When it comes to parrots, it's better to just ignore bad behavior and reward good behavior, so when he is quiet, offer him his favorite treat. When he screams, walk out of the room.

Cockatoos are very needy.....they crave attention and your bird is just telling you that he needs to be held and loved. Try moving his cage so he can see outside or be the center off attention. After all....parrots are flock animals and they crave the company of others. Leave on a TV or radio to music you bird enjoys.

Cockatoos are just screamers....it comes naturally and I've never met a cockatoo that is not noisy.

Answer 3

I have a cockatoo also and what we did was buy a separate cage that we put out on our screened porch. When she starts screaming because we are not paying attention to her we get her out and tell her NO and take her to the other cage. They have to have an area that they go into for dicipline. Also, if you cant do that just get her some baby toys at Wal Mart. Mine loves these and if they are safe enough for a baby they are safe enough for the bird. She also loves to spend hours playing with an empty 20 oz. water bottle. I dont know why, she just loves it!! Maybe she is just bored.

Answer 4

DON'T just throw a blanket over the cage! Go with the good advice on this page... additionally, you could consider getting a second quieter parrot of a similar size but different species (to discourage breeding) to be a friend for your bird. You didn't mention the size of your bird, but timneh grays are similar in size to many cockatoos and are considered "quieter" than a cockatoo... but ALL parrots make noise...

Answer 5

After many years of working with and training exotic birds I would like to suggest the following.
Within reason, if your bird continues to shriek, gently place a cover over its habitat until calmed down.
I do however wonder if your bird has enough stimulation ie: toys, fresh food and water to keep itself busy. It is a very social animal. So ask yourself, is this bird an ornament or do you interact with it on a very regular basis?
.If you feel that you cannot keep up with the demands of an exotic animal, then I would like to suggest the following. Contact a veterinarian that specializes in avain issues, in many cases the yellow page ad will state avain specialties. From there, the DVM will most likely direct you to a group that deals with issues such as yours, this may range from training you, the owner, how to deal with your bird and how to deal with undesirable habits. The group{s} may also suggest how to adopt out your bird. This is a hard choice to make, but keep in mind that your feathered friend with good care may outlive you. Not many people think of this.
My Best to You and Yours

Answer 6

If you don't have one already, birds LOVE mirrors. Go to your local pet store and get a large hanging mirror to put beside his favourite perch. They think they have company and usually entertain themselves. Also, a towel or something over the cage sometimes works, but you don't want to be doing that during the day a lot. And if he doesn't have any kind of toys in the cage, you might want to pick up one or 2. They need a lot of mental stimulation.

Answer 7

cockatoos require a lot of attention from its owner..i used to own one and due to having my baby i had to sell him./.. i personally do not think they should be kept in captivity because i feel like they are so itellegent it makes them about go crazy..the only way to stop him from shreiking is to show him attention ....play with him...but some other tips if you can not do this is to leave the tv on ..play the radio..give him something to do.. please do not throw a blanket over the cage...these birds are so smart it is almost like locking a human being in a closet....treat them with dignaty if you can not do this then you might want to think about selling him to someone who can

Answer 8

Ok I have a goffins cockatoo and I taught her how to be quiet.

now you say he screams when he is ignored, add new toys to his cage, such as colorful wooden blocks, and toy peacock feathers and a thick bell, and a swing. The new toys will either make him fearful or he may play with them. either way he will be quiet from it. then at this time offer him his favorite food when he is quiet for any given length of time. Whisper in his face he should quiet down beacuse he has to quiet down to hear you.

Even with this your going to have to expect some noise, its natural for birds to vocalize for a certain period of the day.

and if you have a playgym with lots of toys, and food, let her sit on it in the same room as you, let her know she can be in the same room as you but you cant hold and touch her constantly.

of course their has to some time for play and cuddling. I reccommend at least 2 hours a day, and another 2 hours on the playgym or playing with toys outside the cage.

you can email me for more ideas or questions at [e-mail]

I hope this helps

Answer 9

I hope he has some toys.

Here's what someone did with a parrot

He spoke to an owner of a pet store.
The owner ask him how long he had the parrot.
10 years.
Have you ever had a female for him.
No.
Hell, that's the problem. I have a female, bring him in.
The man brought the parrot in.
The owner told him it would cost $20.00
OK.
So they put the parrots together and covered them for privacy. They sat down with a cup of coffee.

Suddenly, screams of terror came from the cage. Sounded like they were killing one another.

They yanked off the cover.

The male had the female on the bottom of the cage, one claw holding her down, the other claw pulling feathers, screaming.






"For $20.00, I want you naked, naked, naked."


Sorry. I couldn't resist.

Answer 10

Put a blanket over his cage.