Cockatoo Issue That I Need Opinions On

Hey everyone, I have a rescue U2 coming to live with me on Thursday, and he has definitely had a pretty hard life. A lot of his issues are things that I know how to deal with, but there is one thing that has me a bit puzzled, and I wanted to see what other Too people might think. Okay, his name is Barnaby. He has been neglected, and fed seed his whole life. He is 8 years old. Here is the issue: I was told that when he is given ANY kind of fruit, veggies, or even unhealthy people food like peanut butter, a Dorito, whatever, he throws it up....now, I have not seen this behavior myself just yet, so am I am not positive on if it is vomiting, or regurgitating...but I find it HIGHLY odd that he would regurgitate every single time he ate anything of the above named things. Has anyone had any experience with a behavior like this? I have looked everywhere, asked other people on the forums I post on, and have come up with NOTHING.

Cockatoo people might be able to help you...

Here's the link: All About Cockatoos - MyToos.com

Has the bird been medially checked out?

I honestly do not know the last time he may have gone to an Avian Vet, or even if he has ever been, but he will definitely be going once he is with me. Luckily I have one about 10 minutes from my house. I just wanted maybe some ideas on what this might be. I really dont get why he would throw everything up....I have never heard of that before. He eats his seed, and drinks water perfectly fine....oh, and his family gives him coffee in the morning which he drinks fine as well...not that he should be having it in the first place.

If no one has any ideas that is fine, I just figured I would ask. Once I see the behavior for myself I will be able to determine whether he is regurgitating or vomiting, and schedule an appointment with my vet.

I've never seen this behavior in my U2. Please let us know what the vet says.

im no expert but maybe because hes been on seed his whole life, his stomache has difficulty digesting other foods since its become acustomed to seed. ive been a vegetarian for about a year and a half give or take and ive heard that if i ate meat i would get sick because my stomache isnt used to digesting it anymore. hope i helped and good luck!!!
oh! also THANK YOU FOR GIVING THIS BIRD A HOME

They're bad giving him coffee! Caffeine is not good for birds. They should not throw up if fed fruits and veggies even if they were on seed diet to begin with. As my too was raised on seed diet only and we changed her diet and she's just fine. She's over 17 years old...

Have you seen the too throw up after eating the mentioned foods?
If not I don't think you should take the owners word for it, reading about his diet it could be the caffeine that hes getting everyday that's making him puke.

MikeyTN said:

They're bad giving him coffee! Caffeine is not good for birds. They should not throw up if fed fruits and veggies even if they were on seed diet to begin with. As my too was raised on seed diet only and we changed her diet and she's just fine. She's over 17 years old...

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I agree, the coffee is a bad thing, and wont be happening once he is home with me, which is this Thursday. I was told that he did suffer crop burn when he was a baby, and wondered if perhaps this might have something to do with it?

sssaucey said:

Have you seen the too throw up after eating the mentioned foods?
If not I don't think you should take the owners word for it, reading about his diet it could be the caffeine that hes getting everyday that's making him puke.

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Well, after the owners explained that he was throwing up RIGHT AFTER he was given a food, I can only take their word for it. I don't think the caffeine would be causing this to happen in the evening, but I could be wrong. This may just be something that I have to witness myself in order to figure it out. I just wanted to get a jump on this issue to nip it in the bud, so to speak. He will also be going to the vet on Monday.

I would pretend I don't know anything about the food issues - they just don't sound right - and just start offering healthy foods.. That way you can access for yourself, what he can and can't eat... Don't include the caffeine in this advice... lol

Caffeine is listed as being toxic to birds. He may have digestive issues going on due to the coffee.
http://birdcage.net/2011/06/10/is-coffee-dangerous-for-my-parrot/

i would continue to give him warm drinks, as he likes these, nut loves any warm liquid, even bath/shower water, or get caffine free coffee as a treat, nut will stick her head into our tea, (not allowed, if she is persistant, she gets her own fruit tea) and alot of the time i think its her being sociable

but most important through vet check, then you will know what to do with this fresh food issue,
and keep us up dated as always an pics please

Well good luck!!!!
I hope it's nothing to serious

Thank you everyone. I am definitely going to proceed with him as I would any other ember of my flock. I will give him these foods, and then deal with it when something arises. I am hoping after the caffeine is out of his system he will not do this anymore, and I really do hope that this is the reason he is having the problem. I go pick him up tomorrow at 3pm, so I will get some pics up after we get home and get settled in.