So torn between two birds

I cant make up my mind if I want a cockatoo or spectacled amazon. I had an amazon so I would know what to expect, but I also am just crazy about cockatoos. Im obsessed with my friend's cockatoo. I watch cockatoo videos on youtube all the time. But Im also loyal to Amazons. Any thoughts? Put your two cents in.

Shhhhh! Don't tell Poppy but personally I'd go with the Amazon. Unless of course, you truly have your heart set on making such a huge commitment, in that case lots of great cockatoos are looking for long term homes. Best of luck with your decision.

I vote Amazon (they're so honest) over a white cockatoo but I'd vote a Galah cockatoo over an Amazon, that's if pink cockatoos are even on your list.

So, you came to the Amazon Forum to ask Amazon people if they would prefer an Amazon over a Too. Boy, this is a tough one. Ok let me see here; its an Amazon, all week long and twice on Sunday. Yes, I know that I am a life long Amazon Snob and that may cause me to play favors here. But, Amazons just win this on every check list, even the 'big pillow' list.

Amazons Rule!

SailBoat said:

So, you came to the Amazon Forum to ask Amazon people if they would prefer an Amazon over a Too. Boy, this is a tough one. Ok let me see here; its an Amazon, all week long and twice on Sunday. Yes, I know that I am a life long Amazon Snob and that may cause me to play favors here. But, Amazons just win this on every check list, even the 'big pillow' list.

Amazons Rule!

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And, since today is Sunday, Amazon, and, Amazon!

So, having lived with 3 amazons & 1 'Too, I am obviously biased. I love 'Toos, too. When they flip up their crests and bounce, it always makes me smile.

However, I will probably never live with one again. If you have your heart set on a 'Too, here are things to consider:

1. Are you in an apartment or a house and do you live alone [and if so, do you expect to EVER live with someone else]? All 'Toos can be very loud. Some have a pitch to their voices that almost make your ears bleed. And I'm referring to several of the sulphur crested variety. So if you are considering a 'Too, make sure you hear it scream & know in your heart that you can live with that scream [even if it goes on for a half hour or longer]. And if you live with anyone or might some day, they need to go along and agree they can stand the noise. And if you are in an apartment, your neighbors need to be willing to listen to the same thing. Otherwise, you will most likely be just taking a cockatoo temporarily & putting it into a rescue because you or someone else cannot live with the noise.

2. Have you - or anyone living with you - any breathing issues, like allergies, asthma, or the like? 'Toos put off massive amounts of powder. Some other parrot species are also sensitive to the 'Too's powder, as well as other house pets. I have an Austin Allergy Machine for an air filter. It cost more than $500, but was an excellent investment. If you have any powder birds like 'Toos or Greys, a good air purifier is a must.

I sometimes see Austin air purifiers of various varieties on craigslist, ranging from $60 to $200. Bear in mind that their filters last +/- 5 years & cost > $100 to replace. But that comes down to about a little over $20/year for clean air, after the initial investment & they last forever. There are cheaper air filters out there, but your health is a place to go for quality over price, when possible.

3. You already have one 'South American bird' in the house. If you look at pictures of 'Toos in the wild, they are always - always - with other 'Toos. If you look at Greys, you will see the same. Old World birds - those from African and Australia & Southeast Asia - flock with their own. I think that is one of the reasons 'Toos sometimes have trouble adjusting to homes where there is quite literally no one else who speaks their language. The South American birds, on the other hand, are party animals, and you often see pictures of them in mixed flocks at the clay licks and elsewhere. An amazon and a conure are a more natural pair than a 'Too and a conure.

So my vote [on this amazon forum] is for the amazon . . . but best of luck, whatever you choose.

[P.S. - if you feel you cannot live without a cockatoo, cockatiels are true mini 'Toos, the right size to live with a conure, quieter than their larger cousins & give off relatively less powder. They don't bounce as much, but their crests are still darned cute!]

I came downstairs this morning to this: "That bird (our too) screamed from the time I went into the bathroom until I came back out again. I can't even go to the bathroom and read my new magazine in peace!" Why? The bathroom is steps from Mako's cage and he gets mad when someone leaves the room. If you take him with you he tries to climb your leg or hump your foot. So either way, there's no peaceful bathroom breaks. If you cover his cage, he pulls feathers out because he's mad. He's raging hormonal, so if you pick him up at all he tries to rub his butt on your hand. Every single time.

Bird videos are cute, but that's not the same bird that you will get. Each one is different and has their own voice and personality. And living with one full time is a lot different than seeing one for a little while at a friend's house. My advice is go to youtube again and type in the search "cockatoo screaming". Watch several of those in succession and then decide for yourself if you can live with it every day. If the answer is yes you'll be fine. Cockatoos are loud more often than not, and it's a hard habit to break.

KBEquine said:

[P.S. - if you feel you cannot live without a cockatoo, cockatiels are true mini 'Toos, the right size to live with a conure, quieter than their larger cousins & give off relatively less powder. They don't bounce as much, but their crests are still darned cute!]

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Just have to say, in my experience, no way, Tiels are not at all like Toos, in personality or care.

ToMang07 said:

KBEquine said:

[P.S. - if you feel you cannot live without a cockatoo, cockatiels are true mini 'Toos, the right size to live with a conure, quieter than their larger cousins & give off relatively less powder. They don't bounce as much, but their crests are still darned cute!]

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Just have to say, in my experience, no way, Tiels are not at all like Toos, in personality or care.

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Whatever your experience, genetically, they ARE 'Toos.

But I agree that they are different in personality & care than their big cousins and much easier to live with, which is why I proposed them as a " 'Too alternative" in the first place..

Personally don't think most toos with exception of galas make good pets far to many are in sanctuarys too many problems needy pluckers dusty screamers the list goes on ye they like cuddles but that's were everyone goes wrong it makes them so clingy

Somebody has to advocate for Toos, so I'll step up, with caveats......!

Most species of Toos are rather vocal, and are indeed susceptible to behaviorally induced maladies. My flock consists of 3 species of Toos, a TAG, Ekkie, and BFA. Over the years I've had various Macaws, Tiels, Kakarikis, Rosellas, and a Cherry Head Conure. For whatever reason I've felt closest to the Toos, particularly my beloved G2s. Perhaps it's nothing more than the meshing of personalities and species characteristics.

If you remain torn, my best advice may be impractical - get one of each! Should you choose just one, be advised MBS may kick in and change your life! But seriously, follow some of the previously posted advice and spend plenty of hands-on time with whatever you consider!

One of each one of each!!

Like many have said: 'toos are very high maintenance but I also feel that makes them very high-reward. Amazons are great! But have a tendency to be stubborn and they communicate a lot with their beaks. Volunteer at a rescue, do your research, and visit as many birdies as you can. Your bird will likely choose you instead of you choosing them.

I have no too experience but I love my Amazon clown Buddy. He's a lover, loud, loves to talk and chatter, he keeps me smiling and laughing.

What happened to the Amazon you had?