Should i beleive the hype?

Well, i posted a couple weeks ago that i was looking for a smaller large parrot like an electus or an amazon. But, i was going to local pet stores in the metro detroit area, and i happened to come across a Triton Cockatoo that seems to be a great bird. When i walked to his cage he said step up to me and put his foot out asking for my arm. Immediatley he stepped up on me, and started making cute noises and seemed very mellow. I then put my hand out to pet him, and he was totally willing to let me pet him for like 10 minutes, even though i only saw him for 30 seconds. I talked to the store owner and he said that the bird was about 9 years old and absolutley amazing. Very intelligent, dosn't scream very often, and just as friendly as he could be. I also enjoy the thought of helping a bird that was given up by their owner, and is old enough to have a definate personality. (by this i mean that when you take a parrot in as a baby, there is a chance that the bird could naturally be a non-talker or just not have a good temperment. Buying an older bird there is less guess work in what you think they will turn out to be like in the future)

My dilema is that i have spent alot of time researching all kinds of birds... and frankly... the stories and warnings about owning a cockatoo scare me. I have read thousands of times that they need constant care and attention, will scream just for the love of screaming, will pluck their own feathers very easily, are like ADD 2 year olds, and you basically need someone at the home all day to keep the bird happy. Do people like to overexagerate to persuade people that aren't commited to spending time with their parrots into not getting one? It just seems like a shame that i might pass up getting a perfectly good cockatoo just becasue ive read too much.

I work 8-4:30 every day, and am home most of the time after work, but i can definatley spend at least an hour or more of direct time with him, and let him out of the cage for probably 3-4 hours after work. Should i not consider getting a cockatoo simply because of my schedule? Or would a cockatoo be completely happy having a good solid couple of hours of me being home and interacting with him?

So sorry its long, but i would really appreciate info from cockatoo owners, people that have adopted older birds, and anyone that has an opinion on how much time needs to be given to larger parrots.

Thanks everyone

I think some of the warnings may be a bit overstated; overstated, but not false.

If you live alone and work full time I do not think a cockatoo would be a very good fit. They would be much happier and healthier in a family environment or with someone who works from home. But you can take this with a grain of salt as I've never had a cockatoo. Perhaps current or former owners will have better advice.

if i may suggest. not to step on anyones toes here. but some awesome cockatoo info can be found at All About Cockatoos - MyToos.com

AHH! I had my volume up when I went to that link. When the Toos started squaking Auggie cowered and hid - I don't think I've seen him that scared before.

But then he had been standing right next to the computer speaker to.

very loud parrots. much patience is required with these guys. especially the umbrella's & moluccans. that site will scare a lot of people. a very small percent of people are up to the task of caring for a 'Too.

<P>thanks, i found that site a couple days ago, and it was very helpful.  Even though i wouldn't be getting a molo or an umbrella, that site and other testimonials have pushed me away from getting the cockatoo.  It still leaves me the question about what kind of bird i should get though.  As of right now there is a nice severe macaw up for adoption in my area, and ive always been thinking about getting a baby electus. Ill post pictures and info once i finally find the right fit.</P>

I own 2 Umbrellas they are a breeding pair , and I absoutly love hearing them in the morning , I know I sound like a nut job , the birds are outdoors in their own area , and yes they can get very LOUD , but their personalitys , and playfull nature makes up for a few minutes of excited screeching , through the day they are realitivly quiet, at night around dusk they can go into some loud playing , but it never lasts long, Even though they can not be handled , they do enjoy company , we visit them off and on through the day , before work/school ect , after , probably we interact with them about an hr a day , we also leave a radio on for them so they dont feel so alone . they are very happy ,and have shown us by giving us a clutch less then a month after we got them , and are on a second clutch now . Their chick is 3 weeks old ,(hand raised) and we are looking forward to it growing into a bird , and getting a loving home ( fingers crossed) but We plan on giving out the proper info too the baby will not go to just anyone . Owning a Cockatoo is definatly a walk into the jungle and you should be absoultly shure you can handle the bouts of playfull screaming in the mornings and at night ,and to not alow the cockatoo to train you to react to its screaming for attetion.I think that researching a bird before you get it is the best advice and makes you a great bird owner.

You know what. We have adopted a cockatoo in May from someone who was getting rid of it. We really didn't know what we were in for. When we bought books and did research on the internet we found out he was an Umbrella Cockatoo. Once we read all the info, we were scared to death about owning him. The screaming, aggression, they people saying steer clear of the Umbrella. When I tell people at pet stores that i have and Umbrella, they say, "OH GOD, how???".
To be honest. It's really not that bad. Loud: Yes. Loves Attention:Yes. Goofball:Yes. Unpredictable:Yes. But these things don't go on 24/7 like they tend to say. I really think that it depends on the individual person and how much they want to handle. I could be pretty impatient at times and I still don't think he is as bad as people write about.
I also have many many other animals. I read before that they like to be the only pet because they are extreme jealous birds. It's true to an extent but he seems to be ok with the cat walking past his cage and my lizards share a room with him, we watching when I feed them. He kinda just wants to be involved as if to say, "Hey could I help, or could I have a little of what your feeding them??" They talk about Umbrella's being jealous of other birds. I got two parakeets in Sept. He is actually afraid of the them. He hears them sing and watches me clean their cage, but could care less really.
So I wouldn't really believe every little thing they say. But, like I said, I think it's kind of a personal choice. Also, keep in mind, I am the person on my block everyone gives their animals too when they don't want them. I feel sorry for everything. We don't get rid of any animal. That's just how I am. HAHAHA!!!
Sorry for going on and on but I just wanted to put my two cents into the mix.
Thanks,
JJ

holy crap! those cockatoos on that site seriously woke me UP! dang.....

dont believe everything they tell you as you read, i dont believe in bad birds just bad owners, but yes they need lots of love and you need lots of knowlege about what ever bird you chose and then you still wont have all the answers but like now if you search there is a answer out there the people here are great and they care about birds. read my birds story his name is adam and the topic is hello you will see what i mean

Hello, I am new to the parrot site. I have an african grey and I am thinking about getting an M2. I have been reading up on them just like I did before I got my grey. I have heard the good,bad, and the ugly...lol I have spoke to some different people to get opinions. It seems that it really depends on the family, how they are treated, the attention they do or dont get. making sure you have a big enough home and lots of wooden toys for them to chew.I was told my grey would chew.....are ya kiddng I bought all these toys and he just looks at them....lol..My grey does have two times during the day time that he gets excited and does his parrot talk..its not that bad his whistles can get loud but he doesnt do it long...he does it once in the morning and once around bed time around 7or8pm...then he gets quiet. from what I have read cockatoo's basically do the same. not all are screamers there are alot of factors that go into how he or she turns out.
I am still reading about them, my breeder has two babies and I wont committ yet until I am absolutely sure. I have the love and I have the time for the attention. and he or she wouldnt be alone long. I go to work at noon then my kids are home at 23o from school. so he would have maybe two hours of quiet time. I dont think that is bad at all compared to an 8 hour day all alone. so we will see I guess. by the way I am excited to be a part of your group. I would appreciate any advise good and bad that you have to give me..

thank you,
deborah

Welcome to our forum and the grey world which are both very special. When the bonding process has taken place between your bird and you the bird will then think of you as a member of the flock/mate. If you get a second bird this bond can and may change. Please see other threads from today on what to do when leaving parrots alone to go to work. Grey's tend to be afraid of new toys. It is a matter of introducing them slowly outside the cage before putting inside the cage. You play with it first so the parrot can see you. If you are interested in it or want to eat it (food) so will the bird. Their nutritional needs are very specific. There are also many threads on this topic. Basically there are some no no's, feed seed only as a treat and get bird on a good quility pellet. Offer lots of fresh foods and vegies, pasta, beans etc.
Do all this slowly because parrots do not take to new foods easily. Greys are little treasures that will take much of your time and love. We are here for you.

Hi! Welcome to the board. I have a M2, and yes, sometimes she does go off on a tangent. About 3 or 4 times a day. I have seen M2's that are louder then her, and some that are not quite as loud. I think it all depends on the bird. She is around macaws, greys, and an amazon. All in all, my house is not that loud. We work during the day, so the birds are in their cages, then come out when we get home. They are just fine. Cockatoos are more needier than some of the others, but it is not unmanagable. The one thing I have never done with any of my birds, is get in a rigid routine. Because of that, I don't have some of the problems that some do. I know someone who has her birds on such a strict routine it has made the birds neurotic. And they scream if there is any deviation from the routine. Don't know if this is much help or not. Good luck in your decision.

For all you 'too owners out there - God love you!

I could never, nor do I ever, want to own a 'too. I know my own personal limitations and I could NEVER handle a 'too - that being said, I think I can tell you how NOT to handle one - put it in a cage and expect it to be quiet.

My favorite 'too story happened at my favorite parrot shop. I was talking with "Lola" a MALE U2 who kept fluffing up, chit-chatting nicely and saying "step up Lola" so I pulled him out of his cage, patted him for a while (he was so soft and fluffy and cuddled right against me) then came to my senses and said, "what the hell am I doing?" and put Lola back in HIS cage. I then proceeded to wipe the white powder off my clothes and continued to shop for my purchases. I got to the cash register I felt someone climbing up the back of my pant leg ... it was Lola, he had let himself out of his cage, and followed me around the store like a puppy dog, and was waiting to go home with me.

This showed me three things about the cockatoo that I knew I couldn't handle
1) Very intelligent, he figured out how to get out of his parrot proof cage
2) Very stubborn, he wanted to be with me and would do what ever it took to get his way.
3) very needy - see explanation for #2

UNLESS you are a very knowledgeable bird handler I would advise against a Cockatoo they are DEMANDING! BUT the pay off is amazing, they are great birds for the proper person and that is not someone who isn't a novice at handling birds.

My approach to 'toos - they're like grandchildren, they are a lot of fun to play with and cuddle and love; but, when they get cranky, they need to go somewhere else.

dodsonjames said:

I talked to the store owner and he said that the bird was about 9 years old and absolutley amazing. Very intelligent, dosn't scream very often, and just as friendly as he could be. I also enjoy the thought of helping a bird that was given up by their owner, and is old enough to have a definate personality. (by this i mean that when you take a parrot in as a baby, there is a chance that the bird could naturally be a non-talker or just not have a good temperment. Buying an older bird there is less guess work in what you think they will turn out to be like in the future)

Cockatoos are not great talkers! They are very intelligent! Speach is not their forte'!

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dodsonjames said:

My dilema is that i have spent alot of time researching all kinds of birds... and frankly... the stories and warnings about owning a cockatoo scare me. I have read thousands of times that they need constant care and attention, will scream just for the love of screaming, will pluck their own feathers very easily, are like ADD 2 year olds, and you basically need someone at the home all day to keep the bird happy.

Click to expand...

This is not true! They do need at least an hour a day!

dodsonjames said:

Cockatoos have no reason to scare you! They need attention for sure! 1 to 2 hours a day is enough!

Thanks everyone

Click to expand...

Great post Tex. Laughed so hard. Had a depressing day at work, (we have them alot working in the vet field) and read your post perked me up.

The other thing that scares the CRAP outta me is that a Cockatoo is the only parrot that has pressure control of both the UPPER AND LOWER MANDIBLE (also known as the flesh destroyer attached at the front of his or her face)!! Cockatoos have control (and hence can exert pressure) with both the UPPER AND LOWER parts of their beaks, this gives them a scissor like capability as opposed to the "grinding" motion that all other parrots have ... ALL of the people who I know who handle all types of large parrots regularly say that their worst bites have been from 'toos ...

Glad I could make you laugh R'sM ... I try to bring the comic relief around here ... the funny part is that all of my stories are true ... which just goes to show - you can't make this $#!T up!

Auggie's Dad said:

I think some of the warnings may be a bit overstated; overstated, but not false.

If you live alone and work full time I do not think a cockatoo would be a very good fit. They would be much happier and healthier in a family environment or with someone who works from home. But you can take this with a grain of salt as I've never had a cockatoo. Perhaps current or former owners will have better advice.

Click to expand...

I live alone and work full time. Sometimes overtime. A cockatoo doesn't necesarilly need a lot of people around. I believe that the main thing is just to keep their mind occupied. Don't leave them in an empty room where nothing happens! I leave the TV on while I am away and I leave the drapes pulled back so he can look outside and see all the activity that goes on in my neighborhood.
I also offer chew toys regularly because they go fast.

I feel as long as they have mental stimulation they can do well for a single working person.
They still need more than an hour of hands on time every day though. Sometimes more than that.
The attention needs of a cockatoo are on the same level as a household dog or cat! They truely have a need for a lot of attention!
They are flock animals just as a dog is a pack animal just as a human is a social animal. They need almost as much attention as a child.

When they don't get it, That's when they start making a LOT of noise!

Think about it! When has being silent ever brought you more attention?

Attention is all they want. They're sort of like us! Eh?

What do we do when we feel that we are not being heard? We shout louder!!!

Hraesvelg said:

... I also offer chew toys regularly because they go fast ...

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I know it's kinda trashy to quote yourself in a forum in your own post ... but I am going to do it anyway:

TexDot33 said:

The other thing that scares the CRAP outta me is that a Cockatoo is the only parrot that has pressure control of both the UPPER AND LOWER MANDIBLE (also known as the flesh destroyer attached at the front of his or her face)!! Cockatoos have control (and hence can exert pressure) with both the UPPER AND LOWER parts of their beaks, this gives them a scissor like capability as opposed to the "grinding" motion that all other parrots have ... ALL of the people who I know who handle all types of large parrots regularly say that their worst bites have been from 'toos ...

Click to expand...

And my thanks to Hraesvelg for emphasizing my point ...

TexDot33 said:

Hraesvelg said:

... I also offer chew toys regularly because they go fast ...

Click to expand...

I know it's kinda trashy to quote yourself in a forum in your own post ... but I am going to do it anyway:

TexDot33 said:

The other thing that scares the CRAP outta me is that a Cockatoo is the only parrot that has pressure control of both the UPPER AND LOWER MANDIBLE (also known as the flesh destroyer attached at the front of his or her face)!! Cockatoos have control (and hence can exert pressure) with both the UPPER AND LOWER parts of their beaks, this gives them a scissor like capability as opposed to the "grinding" motion that all other parrots have ... ALL of the people who I know who handle all types of large parrots regularly say that their worst bites have been from 'toos ...

Click to expand...

And my thanks to Hraesvelg for emphasizing my point ...

Click to expand...

Hahahahaha! LOL I'll emphasize it a little better for you!

I ended up buying the largest bird cage they make! It is a macaw cage that is 6 feet high, almost 4 feet wide, and almost 3 feet deep!
Why did I buy such a large cage do you ask?
Because the bars on that cage are a lot thicker!

My cockatoo had no problem snapping the welds off the bars of the previous cage!
He has learned that if he can "Ping" a bar on his cage that the whole cage rings like a bell!

Cockatoo cages should be made with the thickest metal possible! I would make it out of brick if I could!


Don't be scared of a cockatoo! If they like you, They're not going to bite your finger off! They're love sponges! All you have to do is show them attention and they will love you forever!