A Concern

In June I came into being the owner of a 10 month old Cockatoo that had previously been my daughters. Her son has autism and was told the parrot would be good for him. Needless to say she purchased it before discussing it with anyone. Bad move. My question is...My schedule at the hospital has changed and I will now be going in at 3AM and getting home @ 3pm so I am in bed by 8pm. I an concerned about him being lonely and or bored. He has plenty of toys that I switch in and out so he does not get bored with them, I have the TV or the radio on for him when I am gone but I hate leaving him alone for this amount of time. He has bonded with me wonderfully and is quite the snuggle bird. Would he be better with another parrot to keep him company?

Welcome to the forum!

What type of cockatoo is he? Is there anyone else around?

Second bird to keep the first company can be a risky strategy - there are quite a few threads on the subject in the Questions and Answers subforum that will help.

He is an Umbrella, During the time I am gone it is just my two dogs. My husband is only home on the weekends. I know my schedule change will be for at least 6 months until another team member is hired for the Same Day Surgery Unit. He is with me all the time when I am home, on my shoulder, in the shower, cooking etc... I am just worried about the time I am at work. He doesn't squawk except at dusk for a very few minutes if that and tries to talk all the time. Am I worrying before there is a reason to? I am a very proactive person not reactive so trying to stop a problem prior to it starting. lol

There are better people than I to weigh in on this but I'm pretty confident in saying you're right to be looking into this. Umbrellas have a fearsome reputation for behaviour issues - your chap is still a baby, so it will be a good few years before these issues erupt, but if you don't get things right at this stage then you will end up with a very difficult bird in six or seven years time.

In the short term, read up on teaching him to self-entertain and don't let him get used to the idea he can go everywhere / do everything with you however endearing it is to have him constantly looking for cuddles - he needs to know how to look after himself when your attention needs to be elsewhere. I'd also suggest reading up on the species - All About Cockatoos - MyToos.com is a well known cold shower for people considering a cockatoo, although I appreciate the ship has already sailed - to get a feel for how specialist care of these large cockatoos is. There are a few umbrella too owners on here and others used to working with them, so you should be able to get some more specific help when they chime in.

It beggars belief that someone would suggest an umbrella too as a good idea for a family caring for a child with autism, but notes of caution aside it's great that you're willing to take him on.

I'm not a too owner, but did a lot of research on them. U2 is a "velcro" bird and needs plenty attention. With your schedule your concern is quite justified. You'll have roughly 5 hours with him at home which is not too bad, but he he might get really bored and frustrated while you are at work. I'd try it out for a few weeks, and if it doesn't work you might think of rehoming him. But again, I'm just theorizing...

First of all, whoever suggested a cockatoo for a child is not someone with cockatoo experience! That makes my blood boil. Second, you are an angel and yes this is the right time to be sure you are doing things right! Good for you! I am not a cockatoo person, but umbrella toos are among those with the reputation for being he most difficult. Do read the link posted above. It is hard reading but worth it. Please stick around and let this forum support you in your new life as a parront!

I would think the person making the recommendation said (or wanted to say) Cockatiel, not Cockatoo.

In my opinion the person making the suggestion that anyone caring for an autistic child should take on the responsibility of any pet let alone a cockatoo, (and that's what he said, he said the other birds were to small) should really find another profession. No that my daughter thought it through either. She is not without blame..lol And now I have a bird that I absolutely love. Just want what is best for him with my crazy schedule.

I can understand that animals can be used as a therapy tool for a child with autism so I can see the thinking behind it - but the person suggesting it is obviously not clued into the fact that parrots represent their own set of challenges that make them demanding and time consuming, and an unfair additional burden on a family already under the stress of coping with an extraordinary situation.

How flexible is your job situation in the long term? Is the 12 hour shift thing par for the course or is it a temporary arrangement? How did you get on with the Mytoos site? It's not easy reading but there's a lot of hseful stuff in there. It sounds as though you've already bonded with the bird and are committed to doing the right thing, so you've already made a good start, and hopefully you'll stick around here so we can offer what support we can!

Y'know what? Life happens. We all face periods where our birds have to slide down the priority scale from time to time. Hospitalisation, sudden emergencies, deaths in the family - all can mean our birds must endure periods of less-than-perfect care.

If you really love your bird, I'd say do your best to provide for him (sounds as though you already are) and wait this period out. Of course, if he begins to show destructive behaviours, you'll want to reconsider or work out some new tricks to try. But why worry until they happen? You're prepared already by thinking about and researching the factors you expect to come into play. I think that's about as much as you can do right now. I think it's enough.

My 2c is this: why should you even dream of rehoming a potentially wonderful Life Companion just because your work schedule is going to be awkward for six months? I reckon you should simply put all your great ideas into place and buckle down for the next while until you're on a happier shift. Oh, and enjoy your bird! You don't say what his name is, but please give him my best regards.

PS. My first thought was 'get him a friend to play with' but unless you have an aviary, that would be such a bad idea. Kept in cages, two cockies is worse than one!

PPS. My son has autism and yes, keeping animals has been a wonderful therapy and comfort to him. But NOT cockatoos!!! I'd get a pony before I gave him a cockatoo!

I agree with Jayyj, get the bird used to spending time alone, and dont get overly excited to see him the minute you walk in the door. This behavior encourages animals to develop separation anxiety. Also get him used to playing with toys, reward him when he does play with his toys. but honestly if your going to bed by 8pm, get him going to bed at 8pm and waking up at 8-9am with natural light. that way he isnt spending his whole day alone and he is sleeping for most of the time that you are gone. I have found with my goffin cockatoos that they do better if they are near a sunny window on a playgym, then they dont feel trapped, but this may not be an option as your cockatoo may be destructive. Your going to have to try a few things before you figure out what really works best for you and your bird. No one has all the answers, I certainly do not, but everyone has good suggestions. Take every ones advice into consideration and try the ones that you like best or feel most comfortable with. Best of luck with your journey.

Add to that the fact that I've never yet met an austistic child who didn't have serious issues with loud noise. I know my son would jump out of his skin every time a cockatoo let loose with its scream, as would most autistic children. :22_yikes:

Betrisher said:

Add to that the fact that I've never yet met an austistic child who didn't have serious issues with loud noise. I know my son would jump out of his skin every time a cockatoo let loose with its scream, as would most autistic children. :22_yikes:

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Very good point! I have a friend who has 2 autistic children and they REALLY hate loud noises. When I go over there, her 9 year old always wants to see my phone and he loves watching the videos I have of Sassy singing. Of course the volume is at a manageable level.

Hmmm...not sure about getting a second bird for him. That's a hard call to make. It could make it easier for him to adjust, but there is no way of knowing that, so in turn, if it doesn't make it better, will be more work for you. I'm not saying a second bird would be totally out of the question...just be prepared and realize it could go either way. I think with toys and by finding a schedule that works for you both, hopefully all will be fine.

P.S. I'd love to see pics...

I would just like to take a minute to thank all of those who took the time to respond to my concern. I appreciate all the help and advice I can get.