newly adopted cockatoo

Hi everyone! I'm new on here and just recently adopted a 17 year old cockatoo. His name is bugsy. A little background information on the bird is he's been owned by 4 owners including us. He was very attached to the women in the family we got him from. They got rid of him because the lady had a baby she had to take care of everyday and couldn't have the bird screaming all the time. Also, bugsy hates men for some reason. He actually bit a hole in the husbands ear of the previous owner! That scared me a little lol, but was quickly relieved to learn he has never bit any woman. We just got him in the house yesterday and hes so incredibly sweet. He seems to be taking to us very well. He loves attention. Weve been giving him lots of love like head rubbing and under the wing scratching. He has not screamed once since we've had him, but has been talking up a storm all day. We are trying our best to get him to step up on our hands but not much luck. He did do it eariler today, and I brought him around the house and outside, but that was the only time. We have noticed tho that he really isn't drinking much water if any at all, but has taken treats from us. I just want to know what kind of behavior I should be looking for, whether it be positive or negative. I feel like everything is going great and he's really adapting well but I just want to make sure. Thanks everybody!

Cockatoos are wonderful birds to own and they are one of my top favorite birds. Once they get used to you, they cuddle up to you sweetly. You can love them and be close to them but do let them be at times as they can become overly possessive of you and may develop behavioral problems and plucking issues. It can lead to self-mutilation. Needs bathing often to keep the powder dust down. They can be finicky with food. I let my birds play on their play gym by themselves with no interference from me. They have less possession issues!!! Less plucking issues too as well....

Thanks for the advice. Yes I've learned quite quickly that these birds are extremely loving and cuddly. I'll defiantly have to let him entertain himself more. He seems to like chewing on wood blocks. You mentioned a gym for your birds, so what would you recommend in terms of perches or little gyms for them? Right now Bugsy only has the top of his cage to climb on. Id like to get him something to sit on in the living room. Also, your Macaw in the picture is adorable.

The play gym is a perch stand with multi-level perches with toys hanging off of it.

Thanks! That's Willie posing...

Alrighty. Guess ill be making a trip to the pet store tomorrow then.

Hey you, new cockatoo friend,
Get ready to be ready for anything! I live in an all wood house, and half of it has his initials on it. I free flight him during the day, he loves it and comes home in the eve to eat and cuddle. His voice is seldom heard because he is a happy guy.