I was thinking of getting a macaw, but after 8 wonderful answers from some of you at this board, i decided i shouldnt get one. Just because of the risk of getting bitten...horribly.lol. So im thinking of getting a cockatoo. My life is actually planned out. I run my own bussiness, and so i wont be going to college. Im 15 and when im 18 ill just continue on with my websites. So yeah, that issue is out of the picture. And I plan on only making one move to the east coast. I want a lifelong companion, such as a cockatoo.Id love to hear from owners!=) The reason i was thinking of getting a macaw rather than a cockatoo, is because they just seem more predictable when theyre going to bite. Costs are a problem, im fully aware how costly parrots can be. But would you reccomend a cockatoo instead of a macaw? thank you all. god bless.
2006-11-15 10:08:59 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Birds
Cockatoos and African Greys are the most sensitive parrots. Parrot behavioral consultants will tell you that the bulk of their business are these two groups of parrots. Intelligent, sensitve, wild animals make for a challenging pet! I have parrots and love them dearly and would never be without them. That being said they are not easy pets. I personally believe that most people cannot properly provide for these animals because it takes a tremendous amount of time and patience to meet their needs. For the select group of people who are well matched to having these pets it is a wonderful experience.
The biggest thing is to make sure you are really dedicated to meeting this animal's needs for 50 or more years. If you work full time plan on spending most of your evenings and weekends at home. You will have to supply lots of toys and personal interaction to keep a cockatoo or any large parrot happy. A neglected parrot may begin screaming or feather plucking.
All birds bite at some time or another. Cockatoos actually can produce the most severe bites of the entire parrot family. This is because their beaks are uniquely designed with two sharp edges in the bottom mandible that the top beak tip rests in. All parrots are wild animals - they have not been bred in captivity long enough to be domesticated. So, truthfully, no parrot is completely predictable. A large parrot of any species is capable of sending you to the ER for sutures and plastic surgery. You won't die but you could lose an eye, or part of your lip or ear. When you choose to bring a wild animal into your home you choose to accept these risks and it is not the bird's fault if it happens. I am not saying parrots are vicious and this is not common but it does happen.
A good place to start your research into cockatoos is at www.mytoos.com.
2006-11-15 11:52:33 · answer #1 · answered by Rags to Riches 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, you need to remember that a cockatoo does require more physical attention than a macaw. Both birds can be very noisy and loud. A cockatoo is more apt to pick feathers than a macaw. I think most of the decision should come from whether or not you have a lot of free time to spend with this bird. A cockatoo can have very special needs at time. I have worked with and own both kinds of birds. Please read my profile. And by the way, there is no "flying poop" involved with either bird. Man, some people will post anything.
2016-03-28 21:47:35 · answer #2 · answered by Michele 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to want a cockatoo or parrot when I was your age as well. I eventually got a couple of cockatiels...then two more. They were great and needed a lot of attention, but after a while my lifestyle changed. I had to move, work got crazy, had a family, etc. All the time I used to have for the birds disappeared. While I thoroughly enjoyed them I simply didn't have the time to give anymore. I decided to start looking for a new owner for them.
I really suggest that you start out with a less involved bird. Maybe a cockatiel....I know I'm partial, but they are very interactive! If after several years you think you can maintain your lifestyle. Then graduate to the bigger birds. You owe it to yourself and your future companion.
2006-11-16 08:11:27 · answer #3 · answered by scrollypol 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had a Rose-breasted and a Goffins cockatoo for about 5 years. We love them dearly but I'll warn you cockatoos are without doubt the most high-maintenance parrot there is. They require a lot of quality time so don't even consider them if you're not going to be able to provide it. They're smart and are a pleasure to play with but can be a challange to keep them entertained, especially if you're not home very much. It's like having a 2-year old that never grows up and constantly gets into things out of curiosity. If you like having a bird to nurture nothing beats it, though.
2006-11-15 10:32:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If this is your first bird, I highly recommend that you not buy such a complicated bird to start with. Start out with a Cockatiel or a Green Cheek Conure; learn as much as you can about caring for your feathered friends and then graduate to a larger bird in a couple of years.
Cockatoos are wonderful birds for someone who understands avian behavior but for a novice? I think there will be heartache for you AND the bird down the road. Unfortunately, birds that have to be re-homed for behavioral problems, become more problematic and harder to fix with each home they live in.
Please, give this purchase more consideration. Besides, what made you think Cockatoos aren't capable of inflicting a nasty bite? Check out the link below.
God bless you too.
2006-11-15 12:15:49 · answer #5 · answered by silver2sea 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
cockatoos are huge! but macaws are bigger. but i thought, if you would like a life long companion, why not get a dog? dogs are more knowledgeable and stuff. but if u love birds then cockatoos are OK. but beware of their bite and lots of training will be needed for a big bird. the cost should be quite high too. choose your pet carefully as it is like keeping a child for life! macaws are abit bigger than cockatoos but I'll prefer a cockatoo. u should get a male as male birds are less aggressive.
2006-11-15 12:38:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your not gonna get anywhere with a cockatoo either. They love to bob their heads up and down and then watch out! Them you know are gonna bite. At lease they warn you. You can hold then better than a macaw but again they bite hard.
2006-11-15 10:18:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
A dog or cat can certainly bite worse than a Macaw but you
don't see anyone hesitating out of fear of being bitten...
I have had several Macaws and never received any more than
light playful or warning bites & nibbles..
Never broke the skin and they were not trying to hurt me...
I have had several dog bites that bled and they are loving pets
and didn't really mean to hurt me...
There are mean Macaws and mean dogs but it does not mean
that your fear should determine their worthiness as pets...
2006-11-15 10:15:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i also thought of getting a macaw or large parrot.
in the end i have baby budgies.
the thing is you should keep a baby macaw or baby parrot 1st to nurture your love for him or her and vice versa.
the bitting issue will come later.
cheers and good luck!
mercury of love
2006-11-15 16:40:13 · answer #9 · answered by mercury of love 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a cockatoo is the same as a parrot but differ in looks and attitudes but cockatoos are more friendly
2006-11-15 22:14:31 · answer #10 · answered by briar-an balatbat 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋