Should I get a cockatoo, or other suggestions?

Question

I have had 2 cockatiels my whole life and I absolutely adore them and have raised them well. I know cockatiels are mostly generally sweeter birds and easier to raise, but I'm looking to get another larger bird, possibly a cockatoo...or what other kinds would you suggest?

Answer 1

I do rescue, and my advice for a big bird is to go with something other than a cockatoo as your first big bird.

My humble opinion is that cockatoo's eyes and postures are really peculiar. You can't see them pin. You can't tell, unless their crests are raised if they're upset. We have an Umbrella, and he's my creepy bird. LOL I can never read his body language because he creeps around, right up until the point where he attacks, and then he's faster than lightening.

Now, I also have a macaw, amazons and a cockatiel. With the macaws and the amazons, you can easily read their body language, and 9 out of 10 times can avoid getting bit by paying attention to eye pinning, posture and that sort of thing.

Answer 2

Mytoos.com that the person above me mentioned is a great site :-)

I honestly don't know if you should get a cockatoo.

Do you think that if you found yourself expecting a child that you would be happy and prepared?

If not, then it is probably NOT a good idea to get a cockatoo or other large parrot.

I have 2 goffins cockatoos. The older one, I picked out when he was 2 weeks old and brought him home with me...

I never treated Boo like a "pet"; he has always been my companion. I have (sadly) ended things with boyfriends who did not respect this.
I have skipped vacation when neither the avian vet or my mother could babysit him.
I've replaced many shoes, shirts, and chairs...
I've not gotten my deposit back from rentals... due to the destruction.
I've come home early, because Boo needed attention more than I needed to party...

Boo comes along with me to every family event and luckily my mother bonded with him and used to garden with him on her shoulder...

When me and my boyfriend adopted Swift (her parents decided that they wanted a child and not a cockatoo), we treated her the same.

They are incredibly intelligent. Very emotionally demanding. If you have ever worked with mentally challenged adults, these birds are at approximately the same functioning level. They can play head trips and power games!

If after you honestly look at your life, and your life plan, and how you think that things will be for you in the next 5, 10, 20, and 50 years... and you honestly believe that you will be stable and in the right "place" to care for such an intelligent being... then by all means, go ahead and get a cockatoo!

If you have the family support (because you will need it), and the altruistic spirit... try to adopt a cockatoo from your local classifieds. It may come with a few emotional or health problems, but if you are in a great place... it might be good to consider providing a home and family for a slightly older bird who also needs some love and tons of attention :-)


PS: I cannot stress family and spousal support enough... because there will be days when you HATE your birds (Swift just chewed up a $400 camcorder today in the 55 seconds I left to answer the phone .... )... and it's even harder when other people in the household always hate the bird.

Answer 3

Hi there - I must warn you...... getting a cockatoo or other large parrot is like adopting a 2 year old child. They are about that smart and also they require CONSTANT attention. I also made the mistake of having cockatiels and then getting a huge beautiful blue fronted Amazon parrot. I loved him to death, but he was so MUCH WORK. Please read up on the breed you are wanting and if possible talk to other bird owners. If they don't get the attention they need, they become easily neurotic and even pick their feather out. They are WONDERFUL, funny companions, but please know that it's a big commitment - MUCH more so than the cockatiels. Good Luck

Answer 4

A Cockatoo is a very Noisy and loud bird, that demands a lot of attention. Yes they are Beautiful birds but you will need to be prepared to make a big comittment.
We have a Conure. They are about the size of a small Pidgeon, they are very loving, and attentive birds, they too can be loud, but can also be taught to talk and follow simple commands. our "JACK" is a great bird. they have a life span of about 40 years, and can live alone or with another bird.

Answer 5

Getting a cockatoo or any other large bird is like having a 2 year old child for the next 75 years appox. can you handle that kind of commitment?

Answer 6

Cockatoos are great birds, but they are very needy. They are prone to plucking if they do not have enough attention.

I reccomend doing a lot of research on this breed before you purchase one. The first site listed below is a great one about toos. Please read the whole site.

Take a look at these sites:
http://mytoos.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockatoo

Answer 7

cockatiels can easily become depressed if you dont give them enough attention. they c r a v e attention. i would only reccomend getting one if you have the time to research A TON! and spend time with your bird. (more more more than cockatiels)

cockatiels are a joy to me.. but trust your gut

Answer 8

i wouldnt sugest you cocato first cause they need you constantly and chow every thing. i would sugest the next step up which is an indian ringneck, iv had alot of birds and i think it would be bettre to get that bird.

Answer 9

GET THIS


0_ o


http://www.doggienews.com/uploaded_images/sam-calendar-745747.jpg