so I want a cockatoo....?

Question

The owner says that he is a greater sulphur crested but he is only 16 inches which makes me think that he is a either a lesser or a medium. The bird is super sweet and loving and of course healthy. My concern is that he is already 3 years old. I know still extremely young for a cockatoo. I would be his 3rd home. The first home was with an old lady that couldn't take care of him anymore. The second home is with a breeder that bought him along with all of the other lady's breeder birds. He was not a breeder but a pet. He now lives with this family and their 3 kids. is extremely gentle and loving. he is very friendly and loving to me when I go to visit him. My worry is that moving him to a new house may upset him as he is bonded to the wife of this family. Is it going to be a fight to get him to bond to me and my family? Or will this be an easy task since he is already so sweet? suggestions from experienced people plz

I've done my research on toos. Noise isn't a factor and I need a clingy bird. As I am clingy with my birds. I want a bird i can hold ALL day long..period.

the owner that has now took him as whole when he brought the breeder out completely. They love bird but in a nutshell do not have time for her. as they breed birds and other animals and do not want the bird to suffer as a result.

Answer 1

If he's already got a great disposition, I think you'll probably be fine. Just the fact that you are taking the time to ask this question tells me a little bit about you and your dedication to him.

My only caution to you is that I'm sure you already know how loud and needy these birds can be. I spent my day with a female Umbrella named Morgan who's just as sweet as the day is long, and while I do adore her, I'm not sure if my home is the right home for her because of how loud and just crazy obnoxious she is. She is so zany and so funny, but she's a very, very needy bird. Most of the cockatoos I've ever met are exactly that. If I had to sum up the species with one word it would be "needy".

So, if you've got the time and energy to devote to her and you're confident you can give her a forever home, I say why not. You're worries of her bonding, I think are probably the smallest problem you'll ever have with her. I think bonding will be a breeze.

When you do introduce her to your household, make sure she has familiar toys and if possible her cage. If you can manage that, you're already in good shape. If you already plan to get a different cage, I would do it before you bring her over. If you're going to shock her with the transition, may as well do it all in one blow.

Just spend as much time with her now while she's not there before you bring her home. I have always bonded with my birds for quite a while before they ever make it to my front steps...

Good luck!

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

Remember this bird is just now entering its teenage years. If its an alpha type bird (which it sounds like it is not) it could be a real problem. I think the bonding issue wont be a real problem, he will eventually come to accept you, it might just take some time. You of course have to work with the bird to prevent depression over losing its 'bonded' partner but I am sure it can be done. The cockatoo we had was able to bond to me with no problem at all. It just took a bit of time for him to do so.

Answer 4

I think there will obviously be some separating issues, as there would be with any animal that's being rehomed.

If you're up to it, which you seem to be, it'd probably just take some time to gain his trust so that he redirects his bond to you. Should he become nervous, stressed, or even reject you in the beginning, you have to be emotionally prepared and stable enough to not let him pick up on your panic. Keep it cool and let him know that it'll all be okay, and if necessary, seek professional help to find alternate ways to keep him calm and happy - whether he bonds to you or not.

Also: Three years old is still quite a baby for a cockatoo. They hit sexual maturity at six to eight years old, so in the coming years, if you do take this bird, you're definitely in for a treat when this time comes. He may become very overprotective of you or items in his cage, the cage itself, anything he thinks could be deemed as his, could become nippy and unpleasant. Therefore he does not have this "set disposition" yet. If you're willing when this time does come, you'll have to teach him the no-nos of his crankiness and be able to tolerate his tantrums.

My best advice: Have you met him personally yet? There's no better way to choose an animal than to meet it in person and see how it reacts to you and vice versa. Walking into ownership blindly without actually meeting the animal can call for difficulties. If you have met him, ask if you can spend more time with him in their home. It will make the transition much easier if he knows you, has interacted with you, and is used to you.

Answer 5

The biggest thing is to be careful.
My sister works at Foster & smith. There was a person who was trying to give away this Nanday Conure. However this Nanday Conure named Michael had already been to nine different homes. Everyone who had owned him said that he was really sweet, and then turned mean on the third day of owning him. So we decided to see this bird to see if everything was a lie or not. We brought him home and he was so sweet and cheerful. But on the third day, he attacked me. He went strait for my face and almost got my eye, he was only a few centimeters away. I didn't think I had done anything to provoke him at all. All I did was get up from one of our living room chairs, to get a glass of water! We still tried to see if he would change, so we kept him for a good year. Nothing changed, except his age. I guess the only thing I am saying is be careful. I know that alot of the cockatoo's get mean when they reach sexual maturity. My friend has a goffin cockatoo that is just a brat. ASnyways this is just a warning.
Tosh

Answer 6

You could take the bird and see how well he does in a week. If it doesn't turn out to be in the birds best interest, you could take it back to the owners. Get a mutual agreement. If the too doesn't have to see the other owners, it will probably attach itself to you. You probably don't have anything to worry about! I would at least give it a try though.

Answer 7

Before anything, they are a great deal. If you give him constant attention, then you must ALWAYS give him constant attention. Or he will dive into depression and pluck feathers or scream. Moving will cost time. Take your family to visit him as much as you can. Then try a few hours in your house. If he calms down, or seems at home, then it'll be alright. Make sure that the old owners visit him once a day and slowly decrease the number.

Answer 8

My experience is with a cockatiel given to us by my husbands co worker. He is much sweeter than he was before we owned him because he has more attention and love than he had before. All animals are different, this cockatiel took a few weeks of being in a nearby room and hearing us and our daily noises. He finally adjusted and we are very happy having him as a part of our family. You know you want him, go get him and love him! Good Luck! =)

Answer 9

This is my opinion, you would have two problems. One would be that you would have problem with the bird being attached to the last owner. The bird may be a feather plucker do to this. another problem is that cockatoos are interested in the rubbing it receives that if doesn't get the same amount from you that it did from the previous owner it will feather pluck.

Answer 10

You alread seem to have a good handel with the bird one thing is that when you get him home gradulay introduce him in for a few hours a day if it at all possable. when you buy him keep in isolated for a day or two to cut back on stress and you should be fine.