I too took a leap on a too...

Let me start by saying I know I might be crazy

I was "suppose" to get this U2 back when I got Sassy, which was a few months ago. My friend's sister had her for 7 years, hand fed her since she was a baby. My friend was begging me to take her because her sister kept her covered 24/7 and if she made any "noise" or even was bobbing, her sister would throw things at her cage (my friend asked how she could know she was bobbing because the cage was covered and she said she could "hear" her) After a few years the owner's boyfriend was jealous of the bird and they got other birds so poor Peanut was mostly ignored and covered all the time. I said I would take her back in March, and then the owner said she "loved" her too much and changed her mind??? I thought maybe...just maybe...that was ok because maybe she would take care of her now (boyfriend is now ex)...WRONG...nothing changed.

My friend (the owners sister with no bird experience) ended up taking her just to get her out of there, about a month ago. On Tuesday, my friend again asked if I could take her. Peanut chewed her xbox cable and she is not a big bird person. I thought about it and talked to hubby and decided we would take her. I did NOT want this beautiful bird to end up back at her sisters! We got her on Friday. She is so sweet and funny! I have been reading everything I can on Umbrella Cockatoos since the beginning when I was suppose to get her. I have continued to read about them, even though I didn't originally get her, because I am intrigued by the difference in them from other parrots. This was not a decision that was taken lightly! I am taking it slow with her but so far, she seems very happy! She is talking, dancing, singing, taking treats from us. Amazingly enough she has not plucked herself despite being covered all the time and little to no attention.

So now hubby calls me "crazy bird lady" (lovingly of course), and I will probably have LOTS of questions. So glad I am part of the best parrot forum!

Well congratulations! Actually, I think you're one person who I think will do just fine, seeing how well you've worked with Sassy... and BFA are generally not an easy bird. With all the success you've had with her, I know you have what it takes. Plus you have this forum for questions and support, you've been doing a lot of research too, so I think you're well equipped. Best wishes with Peanut!

What a wonderful place for her to be in now!

Wishing you the best with her, can't wait for the load of pictures!

Aw fantastic news for the birds sake, I'm sure in no time y'all will be doing great.

It's so heart warming when I read about other people taking in unwanted birds or animals. You have done a wonderful thing. All the best for you and Peanut

Congratulations and bless you for taking Peanut. I for one, would never call you crazy for taking in a U2. I've never for a second, regretted making the same decision. They are different from other parrots, but wonderful in their own way. Best of luck with your new Too.

Thank you all so much for all the positive replies...almost made me cry...happy tears.

My biggest concern with getting Peanut is that I don't want to take away from Sassy and Cisco, as far as my time with them. I'm hoping that someday I can have 2 out at the same time...but if that doesn't happen then time adjustments will be made. I've thought about cutting my hours down at work a little to compensate for 3 birds. I don't know if Sassy will ever be able to be out with either Cisco or Peanut...maybe someday...

I've been doing more research on her body language. I know to mostly pet her on her head/neck...what about her front? She was able to get out of her cage while my friend had her, but she said she was hard to get back in, that said, my friend didn't really try to have her step up. She said she would sit on the floor and Peanut would climb in her lap for scritches. I'm just taking it slow...I don't want to scare her and end up going backwards.

Again, thanks for all the encouraging replies!

Congrats on Peanut. I'm sure you will be more than capable of providing a good home for her, not to mention it sounds as though she was meant for you She sounds like she is a good bird and if she hasn't had behavioral issues given her prior "care" situation, I bet she will do nothing but thrive in a loving home!

We will need to see pics of Peanut BTW:54:

Congrats I am sure you will do GREAT with her!! Pictures pretty please!!

4dugnlee said:

Thank you all so much for all the positive replies...almost made me cry...happy tears.

My biggest concern with getting Peanut is that I don't want to take away from Sassy and Cisco, as far as my time with them. I'm hoping that someday I can have 2 out at the same time...but if that doesn't happen then time adjustments will be made. I've thought about cutting my hours down at work a little to compensate for 3 birds. I don't know if Sassy will ever be able to be out with either Cisco or Peanut...maybe someday...

I've been doing more research on her body language. I know to mostly pet her on her head/neck...what about her front? She was able to get out of her cage while my friend had her, but she said she was hard to get back in, that said, my friend didn't really try to have her step up. She said she would sit on the floor and Peanut would climb in her lap for scritches. I'm just taking it slow...I don't want to scare her and end up going backwards.

Again, thanks for all the encouraging replies!

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Thankyou for taking her own, she is a pretty amazing bird to have done alright for so long being covered 24/7. Very sad they did that, and to even throw things at her Good thing she's a female, a little more predictable and easier to work with then a male umbrella.

As for touching the front/breast. That is considered a spot you shouldn't touch parrots as much, but I feel the pros outweigh the cons. I touch Rosie's breast nearly daily since the day I adopted her - feeling the muscle mass and her keel. It's important to know their shape.

Lol..pics will be coming soon. I have a few but they aren't very good. I like the pics without the cage bars..lol. It won't be long! I opened her cage today to give her a little treat and she stepped right out onto the cage door and stood there and looked all around. I took the opportunity to scritch her head and neck. I tried to have her step up but either she doesn't know that yet or she's not ready for it yet. I wasn't really expecting her to come out at all, but she did. I will definitely have to be careful to not over-spoil her. She's so beautiful and sooooo soft. Ok...here's a couple pics...better ones to follow soon

Awww...Peanut is a pretty girl. She looks like she has to potential to be a real friendly bird with a little work (something in her eyes). I bet she'll be fully feathered and putting that troublemaker Sassy in her place in no time!

Kiwibird said:

Awww...Peanut is a pretty girl. She looks like she has to potential to be a real friendly bird with a little work (something in her eyes). I bet she'll be fully feathered and putting that troublemaker Sassy in her place in no time!

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Yes..I have informed Sassy that she is no longer the "big beak" of the house...lol. Then there's little Cisco who seems to be totally oblivious to anything...or else he's just playing it cool..

Peanut is just lovely! I'm so happy for you. Poor girl, it breaks my heart to think of her being alone and constantly covered, not to mention someone hitting her cage, but that's over and I'm sure she will reach her full potential in her new home.

It is definitely hard not to spoil them and it looks like you have a real sweetie there. Popeye sends a special welcome and warm wishes to Peanut.

Allee said:

Peanut is just lovely! I'm so happy for you. Poor girl, it breaks my heart to think of her being alone and constantly covered, not to mention someone hitting her cage, but that's over and I'm sure she will reach her full potential in her new home.

It is definitely hard not to spoil them and it looks like you have a real sweetie there. Popeye sends a special welcome and warm wishes to Peanut.

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Awww...thank you Popeye...from Peanut (and me) of course:10:

I was told that she ate whatever they were eating. My friend did give me a container of seed she had for Peanut, which I told hubby to use in his bird feeders, as it was about 90% sunflower seeds. I have parrot seed which does not have sunflower seeds in it that she has been eating mixed with pellets...she's not sure of the pellets yet. I was told she does not eat fruit or veggies. I have gotten her to try broccoli, corn, blueberries and dried fruit. She doesn't eat alot of them (neither do Sassy and Cisco) but she eats a little bit so it's a start. She is just so sweet I want to cry when I look at her. I did ask my friend about how long her sister kept her covered and started ignoring her...she said it's probably been at least a year. I can't believe she is so sweet after all that!

I believe everything happens for a reason...I've always said that! Maybe I didn't get Peanut before because I needed to get Sassy first??

At any rate, I so love my fids...like my kids, each one is different!

I will have more pics soon...promise!

Thanks again for all your encouragement...God knows I need it!