I want to buy a cockatoo and I live in Illinois I can't find how much they are, I want a hand trained one too. I want it to sit by me sholder while I type my homework for others to answer.
2006-11-21 14:28:59 · 5 answers · asked by jeffrey420@sbcglobal.net 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
they are at least 2000.00 for a hand tame one you will pay around 3000.00 or more. I would not by at a store but look for a breeder. there is a bird club called The Greater Chicago cage bird Club. they meet in Elmhurst IL. They have a web site . contact them to find a breeder.
2006-11-21 14:34:30 · answer #1 · answered by careermom18 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the breed of cockatoo that you want. Some go for 600, some for over 7,000. Cages, toys, and perches cost over 2,000 for an adequate size.
Just wondering, do you have any large bird experience? If you have never owned birds, I would suggest starting out with a conure or cockatiel. That way, if you mess up in training, it is on a smaller bird that can do less damage to you. Large birds are going to be a lot of work and can do quite a bit of damage if not trained properly. They need to be constantly trained, and shoulder sitting is not a good idea with a big bird (dominance issues). Please research this topic more and try to get some experience at a shelter first, there are way too many large birds that are unwanted because of behavioral problems.
2006-11-21 23:56:25 · answer #2 · answered by D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
And in case you didn't know, Cockatoo's are in a constant state of being as demanding as a 2 year old human child. They will always be two years old. They demand ALOT of attention and are very susceptible to feather plucking when ignored, or bored or neurotic. They also have a very very fine white powder on them that will cover everything in their surrounding area (3 -4 feet). It's how they stay clean. And if that isn't enough.....they SCREAM alot. And very loudly. I once made a trade for a macaw, but had to take their Cockatoo also. We did the trade with the intent of selling the cockatoo to a friend that raises them (way way way out in the country) Had him a week before my neighbor came over and threatened to shoot it if we didn't keep it quiet. Only had him from one weekend to the next. And his house is more that 500 feet away on the adjoining property. Lived here for 3 years and he never complained about my 16 macaws.......just that cockatoo. But they are beautiful. Please just be informed fully.
2006-11-23 23:30:29 · answer #3 · answered by koko 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cockatoo's average between 2-3 grand. Then you're looking at another 600-1000 for a cage large enough for him. Then you're looking at another 300 bucks just for a starter supply of toys big enough for him (so that he'll be entertained, his chewing needs are satisfied, and he'll be happy.) Factor in about 75-100 bucks per month, plus about 200/month for more toys. Don't forget that when you eat, you'll want to make him a plate too. They pretty much eat the same things we do on top of their regular seed, pellet and treats. I just spent 200 bucks for nuts still in the shell (because this is the best time of year to buy them, they sell them at grocery stores in the shell, untreated, so I buy in bulk for the whole year, then freeze them.).
You should do your homework before getting a large bird. Cockatoos, in particular are very, VERY demanding. Before you get your bird, you need to research behavior issues, such as screaming and nipping and how to handle it. 'Toos are very clingy and need attention ALL THE TIME.
And, just so you're aware, your bird should never, EVER be on your shoulder. You ever see someone who's had an ear or lip ripped off because something out of the ordinary spooked their bird? A girl I know had a Mallucan 'too and was sitting on the couch with her bird watching TV. Someone knocked at the door, spooked the bird, and in turn the bird bit her out of fear and (what I imagine was him trying to get her away from danger - they do that, they'll bite you to get you to fly away from the danger) and pretty much ripped her bottom lip off. She's had plastic surgery on it twice, but it will probably never look the same.
I'm not trying to discourage you from getting a 'too. I'm not. What I do want you to do is to research it, make sure this is the right bird for you and that you can handle the noise, training, time, and demands this bird will put on you for the next 75-100 years.
If you want to learn more, and pay less, go to an exotic bird rescue. They'll have you take classes, help around the aviary and then you'll find a bird you bond with, and then they will help you adopt that bird. You're still going to pay close to a grand for the bird, but by that point, you'll know what you need to know for the bird, and for a chance at a successful relationship with him.
2006-11-22 08:11:31 · answer #4 · answered by sdkramer76 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The average cost is about $2000.00 for a cockatoo in Illinois, but you can sometimes get one cheaper. (I just passed one up for $600.00)
Check out Petfinders.com. There are quite a few cockatoos that need loving homes.
Good luck.
2006-11-21 23:10:57 · answer #5 · answered by karmor_22 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋