Cockatoo non stop screaming

jadebw

New member
Jan 29, 2012
5
0
I give her new toys all the time she gete quite for a while but than she gets bored of them fast! and starts screaming all over again, i can't offer her new toys all the time i ain't rich
she isn't that motivated by food so foraging toys didn't work and she loses interest fast
will it help if i got her another cockatoo friend?
oh and she spends plenty of time with me and she still screams if she doesn't have any toys with her that she is interested in witch she eventually throw away and screams!
also she throws her food bowl down and if she was on a table she throws everything on it too
she is driving me and my neighbors and everyone in my house crazy! is there hope or should i give her up?:(
 

stephend

New member
Jun 7, 2011
432
0
Denver
Parrots
Acorn - a Yellow Sided Green Cheek Conure;
Bob - a Cockatiel;
Cricket - an American Budgie
The only suggestion I can make is rotate her toys. When she gets tired of one put it away for a few weeks and then try it again.
 

lizardsmells

New member
Dec 2, 2011
434
0
Eastern panhandle of WV
Parrots
Kazi - 13 yr old yellow nape amazon rescue
You don't have to buy toys, you can make them pretty cheaply. What you're describing is the reason the rescue I volunteer at has the 'toos it does. They are loud and need serious mental stimulation or they become a nuisance.

We have a Moluccan at the rescue who's favorite game is to scream as loud as he can and then throw all his toys on the floor and laugh wildly. Have you ever taught her any tricks? If not you should. 'toos are VERY smart birds, crazy smart, and they HAVE to have serious mental stimulation or they get bored and begin exhibiting behavior problems like screaming or plucking.

Oh, and don't get her a friend to 'cure' her behavior problem. That never works. It just means you have two bored, screaming 'toos to deal with instead of one.

She may need to be taught to forage. That isn't something birds instinctively know how to do. She also doesn't have to forage for food. I keep a forage wheel for Kazi full of shredded paper and bright beads with a few almond slivers or sunflower seeds in it to keep it interesting. He loves to preen the paper and yank it out and mouth the beads. He doesn't eat much when he's playing with it, but it keeps him occupied for a while. I did have to teach him how to use it and how to play. He didn't know otherwise.
 
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roxynoodle

New member
Dec 1, 2011
4,499
2
What about music or TV to help give the bird other things to do? My birds and I all listen to music for a couple hours a day and sing and dance together.

And my conure loves to watch TV. She has some favorite shows like Frasier and Petkeeping. She really loves Petkeeping because it has a bunch of other birds and quite a few other critters, too. She even sings along with the theme songs of both those shows, too. She also likes Judge Judy.
 

Mayden

New member
Apr 22, 2010
2,540
12
UK.
Parrots
Merlin & Charlie (Senegals)
Are you sure you're not reinforcing the screaming?

Such as:

She screams, you talk to her, try to get her to play. She quietens down, throws the toys away, screams again until you change/retrieve the toy or talk to her to calm her down etc.

Personally, when she starts screaming (not the normal cockatoo stuff they do!) I would then put her in her cage without a word said and ignore her for 10-15 mins. When she's quietened down again, praise her, give her attention, play, tricks, etc. She'll soon associate that quiet and not screaming gets her WAY more attention that screaming.

:)
 

Neravas

New member
Nov 11, 2011
110
Media
2
0
Wisconsin
Parrots
Blue Crowned Conure (Codex)
welcome to the world of cockatoo's. My uncle has a too and it is such an amazing bird but unfortunately they are probably the hardest bird to take care of. Mytoos.com can show you that, but getting another too would probably make the situation worse, because then you will just have 2 screaming parrots. Try to find the root of the problem, birds don't just scream because it is fun (though once and a while they do) but its trying to let you know something. So try to be patient, don't get angry, definitely don't ever yell or throw anything at its cage. talk to your bird gently and softly, and when it is quiet and being well behaved, give it a treat. Teach it that it gets rewarded for being good, and ignore the screaming. As hard as it is to do, if you acknowledge the screaming by screaming back it will only get worse.
 

lizardsmells

New member
Dec 2, 2011
434
0
Eastern panhandle of WV
Parrots
Kazi - 13 yr old yellow nape amazon rescue
What about music or TV to help give the bird other things to do? My birds and I all listen to music for a couple hours a day and sing and dance together.

And my conure loves to watch TV. She has some favorite shows like Frasier and Petkeeping. She really loves Petkeeping because it has a bunch of other birds and quite a few other critters, too. She even sings along with the theme songs of both those shows, too. She also likes Judge Judy.

I'm dying at her liking Judge Judy. I love JJ too! Kazi doesn't seem to have a favorite program but there's one commercial that's airing right now. I have no idea what it's for (the TV, when it's on, is usually in the background while I'm doing other things) but there are people screaming 'noooooooooo' in it and Kazi goes nuts. It took him about .5 seconds to pick up on the scream and so now when the commercial airs he yells along with it, but quietly. It's the funniest thing.
 

roxynoodle

New member
Dec 1, 2011
4,499
2
I have learned quite a bit watching Judge Judy actually, lol! Yes, she loves when Judy yells at people. She also has some car insurance company commercial she likes a lot. It's the music on it that she likes. She will watch almost anything, but those are her favorites.

Pete seems to like sports. Or he likes the crowds cheering. He's been watching supercross with me though. His former owner had a motorcycle and so do I, so he seems to like watching them. Petkeeping scares him sometimes though when the other birds are being loud, or all the critters running and jumping all over.
 

Mare Miller

Banned
Banned
May 14, 2011
1,260
Media
2
3
sierra foothills of central California
Parrots
13yr. old male umbrella cockatoo,
we call him Amigo!

7yr. old Goffin cockatoo, she IS Sassy!!
How long have you had her? I know a lot of people might call her spoiled and I might be one of them. But...I believe it is more than just that. Is she your first cockatoo? If so, I can relate to that behavior. Mine did the same thing, at first. He drove us friggin' nuts for a while. I was beside myself, didn't know what to do. First of all, it takes a cockatoo time to settle into a new space. As in time, I mean a year or two. I definitely wouldn't keep her in a back room, where you are not, most of the time. These birds like to be with their flock and you happen to be it. They are so intelligent that it's hard to keep them entertained, I think they get bored quickly. Once I set up an outdoor cage for him, he became much more content, lot's of action out there for him to experience. I won't go into my free flight spiel, because it's unrealistic for most people, so...try and be patient and put yourself in your birds position, how would you feel?
 

Pedro

New member
Dec 15, 2010
1,583
3
Australia
Parrots
2 Budgies, 3 Cockatiels, 6 GCC'S, 2 Crimson Bellie Conures, 9 Sun Conures, 2 Major Mitchells, 12 Eclectus parrots of various ages, 2 BF Amazons, 2 Hahn's Macaw's, 1 Red Tail Black Too
When I adopted my Too he screamed almost all day long for his previous owners. He was an only parrot & his owners worked. He got so bad for them they had to rehome him. I thought it must have been that he was bored home alone all day long.

So he came to live with me. I have no idea why he is so good for me, I have never done anything special with him, He is let out of his cage for about 6 hours a day. Hardly ever screams. However I do believe he loves it outdoors & has other parrots to look at & talk to through out the day. He would have to be the most friendly parrot I have.

I think i have to agree with Mare Miller regarding the learned behavior. My bird does have one bad habit that drives me nuts. My hubby taught him this stupid whistle. If this bird is on his inside stand & he decides it's time for bed & i have fallen asleep in my recliner he will very softly repeat this whistle & yes i react & make a fuss & put him to bed. Now when ever he wants my attention he does this sound because he gets a rise out of me. LOL. He is really a very clever parrot if he does get a little loud I tell him to cut that out so he calls very softly, it cracks me up.
 
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MikeyTN

New member
Feb 1, 2011
13,296
17
Antioch, TN
Parrots
"Willie"&"Lola"B&G Macaw,
"Dixie"LSC2, and "Nico" Scarlet Macaw.
We leave the radio on for the birds while we work. I don't have an issue with screaming as I reply back by calling their name. If they persists I usually tell them hush and they usually quiet down. My birds are pretty well behaved and they can entertain themselves pretty good. They need to be taught and you can't constantly baby them or do what they want you do when they want you to. A spoiled bird is a problem bird! You see just after I had a talk with Java and ignored him when he was being bad, he doesn't bite anymore. He hardly screams. He enjoys coming out when I ask him to. He's only been here for about 3 weeks. It really depends on how you train them! And you never soften up, always be ready to be stern and consistent. They will run you over if you let them!
 

lene1949

New member
Sep 26, 2011
1,701
1
Brisbane, Australia
Parrots
Cory: Short billed Corella -
Echo: Galah -
Max: Alexandrine -
Skye: Yellow Sided conure -
Luka: Green Cheek Conure -
RIP Shrek: Quaker
I would look up foraging for caged birds... If you teach your bird to forage for food, you shouldn't have any motivational problems... Of course you can't give him a full meal in his bowls as well...
 

pagie

New member
Apr 1, 2011
70
0
New Zealand
Parrots
Alexandrine-Jimmy
I've been trying to redirect jimmy screaming by only reacting to him when he talks quietly, as in if he is talking quietly and nicely the whole family tries to talk back to him but it is hard to ignore the loud noise especially for less tolerant house members, generally I have found it to be effective to ignore but in saying that I make sure he has lots of time on his stand, plenty of toys and things to destroy in his cage, lots of fresh food, time walking round with me as Im doing stuff round the house, and one on one time teaching tricks and talking. It all takes effort but is worth it, as soon as he screams whilst with me I turn away and ignore or he goes into his cage for a bit of time out. Put the effort in and you'll get the rewards, in my limited experience birds don't like just sitting in their cages waiting for things to happen, no matter how many toys they have. Hope I don't sound too harsh? :)
 

pagie

New member
Apr 1, 2011
70
0
New Zealand
Parrots
Alexandrine-Jimmy
Ps I considered getting another bird, but at moment until jimmy stops his screeching not going to happen, imagine it x2!
 

echoskybound

New member
Mar 30, 2011
125
Media
1
0
Parrots
Wheatley - 4 year old Green Cheek Conure
Jade, check out Birdtricks.com. They're my favorite source for parrot training techniques. They have a full courses you can buy on parrot behavior, from stopping biting to stopping screaming, trick training, and other behavior courses. They have a "Stop Screaming" video course that has some great reviews. I haven't tried it, but I watch their free videos all the time and they are excellent parrot trainers.

Have you considered a parrot behavior consultant?
 

MikeyTN

New member
Feb 1, 2011
13,296
17
Antioch, TN
Parrots
"Willie"&"Lola"B&G Macaw,
"Dixie"LSC2, and "Nico" Scarlet Macaw.
I've been trying to redirect jimmy screaming by only reacting to him when he talks quietly, as in if he is talking quietly and nicely the whole family tries to talk back to him but it is hard to ignore the loud noise especially for less tolerant house members, generally I have found it to be effective to ignore but in saying that I make sure he has lots of time on his stand, plenty of toys and things to destroy in his cage, lots of fresh food, time walking round with me as Im doing stuff round the house, and one on one time teaching tricks and talking. It all takes effort but is worth it, as soon as he screams whilst with me I turn away and ignore or he goes into his cage for a bit of time out. Put the effort in and you'll get the rewards, in my limited experience birds don't like just sitting in their cages waiting for things to happen, no matter how many toys they have. Hope I don't sound too harsh? :)

Absolutely correct! BUT that's where your screaming issue comes in. He screams cause he does not want to be alone but be with you instead. I have zero neighbors complain about my birds as some don't even realize I own birds. And I have 15 birds in the house..
 

Cregg

New member
Jan 30, 2012
3
0
So. Cal.
Parrots
Cockatoo prox 5yrs old
I'm probably going to get some heat for this, but..........
I've got a 6yr old Citron Crested I've had for 2 yrs. Bought it from a lady whose husband died, and it was "his" bird.
At first I didn't kow what to do when she started screeching. Then I got a squirt water bottle and gave her a few blasts along with the command "quiet".
It took a while, but now she hardly ever screeches. She'll make a low level squak if she wants attention--usually not irritating. She usually responds to "quiet", but if not, all I have to do is show her the bottle now and she shuts up.
Don't get the wrong impression. She gets LOTS of attention, is out of the cage on my shoulder or on the back of my office chair at least 6-7 hours/day.
 

CrypticDelirium

New member
Sep 16, 2010
88
0
NC
Parrots
Georigie, a very maniacal ball of fluff.
Babii (baby), The cuddle sponge
People who mentioned foraging and trick training are spot on, the most common reason for a screaming too is boredom. Also, taking walks with your too for a change of scenery once a day may help a greal as well if weather permits. How is his diet? If it is not fully rounded with a good pellet and plenty of fruits and veggies it may be a simple fix, and if it is you could try a few simple recipes for birdie bread or other home baked treats and new ones. Never give up on a family member, and with a few simple changes he'll come around easily!

Also, if this is a new behavior it may be an environmental factor, even simple things like new blinds can (sometimes) upset a too in strange ways.

Good luck!! :)
 

lene1949

New member
Sep 26, 2011
1,701
1
Brisbane, Australia
Parrots
Cory: Short billed Corella -
Echo: Galah -
Max: Alexandrine -
Skye: Yellow Sided conure -
Luka: Green Cheek Conure -
RIP Shrek: Quaker
I give her new toys all the time she gete quite for a while but than she gets bored of them fast! and starts screaming all over again, i can't offer her new toys all the time i ain't rich
she isn't that motivated by food so foraging toys didn't work and she loses interest fast
will it help if i got her another cockatoo friend?
oh and she spends plenty of time with me and she still screams if she doesn't have any toys with her that she is interested in witch she eventually throw away and screams!
also she throws her food bowl down and if she was on a table she throws everything on it too
she is driving me and my neighbors and everyone in my house crazy! is there hope or should i give her up?:(

I'm just quoting this to make sure this answer is for the OP...

In a previous post you wrote about your cockatoo having some pimples near his beak

You also wrote that you got a green wing macaw 3 weeks ago..

Maybe these factors has got something to do with your cockatoo screaming?
 

Tammy

New member
May 4, 2011
268
0
Pennsylvania
Parrots
Orange Wing Amazon
What about music or TV to help give the bird other things to do? My birds and I all listen to music for a couple hours a day and sing and dance together.

And my conure loves to watch TV. She has some favorite shows like Frasier and Petkeeping. She really loves Petkeeping because it has a bunch of other birds and quite a few other critters, too. She even sings along with the theme songs of both those shows, too. She also likes Judge Judy.

I'm dying at her liking Judge Judy. I love JJ too! Kazi doesn't seem to have a favorite program but there's one commercial that's airing right now. I have no idea what it's for (the TV, when it's on, is usually in the background while I'm doing other things) but there are people screaming 'noooooooooo' in it and Kazi goes nuts. It took him about .5 seconds to pick up on the scream and so now when the commercial airs he yells along with it, but quietly. It's the funniest thing.

LOL. I had to explain to my neighbors if they see me dancing around like an idiot through the window that I'm not crazy, just doing the Hokey Pokey with Mr. Precious. He also loves headbanging to Nirvana.

The commercial is for JC Penny's. All these people see sales flyers & start screaming Nooooooooo.
 

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