Depressed cockatoo &#55357;&#56852;

Finocolada · Mar 9, 2015

I was wondering if anybody could help me with my cockatoo, he has been living with an old man for the last 30 years and I'm not sure how he was treated, we have had him now for 3 weeks and his behaviour keeps changing at first when we opened the cage he wouldn't go back in and now the cage is constantly open and he won't come out he is just sitting there making little faint whimpering noises and then sleeping, any information is appreciated, thank you in advance

Pinkbirdy · Mar 9, 2015

Because , hes lived one way for so long [that's what he knows]. Im sure he didn't get the interaction he needed. You are going to have to be patient beyond belief with him. This could take a LONG time. If you love him to death and are consistent with him ,im sure he will respond. You have to be happy with what hes willing to give. Talk softly to him everytime you go by. Then progress to making a huge deal about him ,make friends through the bars, try treats . Could take 6 months or longer. My zon would not make a sound for months when we got him . When he got comfortable [you should see him now], Im sure your guys super scared and has to learn to like attention. Good Luck

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strudel · Mar 9, 2015

Have you had him vet-checked to make sure he's well? Are you feeding him the same as before, or have you changed his diet?

If he's not sick, then 3 weeks is too soon to expect anything of him, it takes time for him to get to know you and adjust.

Finocolada · Mar 9, 2015

Re: Depressed cockatoo ��

He's starting to open up a little, he was dancing with me yesterday, the main thing I'm worried about is he has the freedom of the room and if he's not in the cage he's ontop of it, he lets me clean the cage no problem but he's very nervous, he takes food from my hand also

Thank you for the advice :white1:

Finocolada · Mar 9, 2015

I have changed his diet, he was on all seeds before with a peanut or slice of apple for a treat, I now give him fresh vegetables and fruit along with a dried fruit and seed mix (separate bowls) he loves pears and sweet corn

Dopey · Mar 9, 2015

Re: Depressed cockatoo ��

My too (I've had for just around 2 months) is super nervous. Shakes all the time...or at least seems to be shaking almost every time I look at her. She comes out of her cage and sits on the door but it I go by the cage she runs back into the cage. If she sees me not looking

she will come out more and go onto the top of her cage. With the toos you just have to be more patient. I bet if you watch him you will see that he is watching you.

A lot has changed in his life in the last 3 weeks.

strudel · Mar 9, 2015

Re: Depressed cockatoo ��

Dopey said:
A lot has changed in his life in the last 3 weeks.

Everything has changed.... Everybody he knew, the smells, the sounds, the lighting, even the food. AND he'd been in his previous home for such a long time, the familiarity of it was well-ingrained.

He will adjust, it just takes time. As long as he's not sick, time and patience will sort things out.

Finocolada · Mar 9, 2015

So can anyone tell me why he makes the whimpering noise?

Dopey · Mar 9, 2015

Re: Depressed cockatoo ��

No, I can't tell you that. Does he do it all the time? Is it only a certain time of the day? Maybe he really wants to be with you but doesn't know how. Were there other parrots in the house? The old man may have done whimpering noises for the last few years. My too doesn't whimper.

Allee · Mar 9, 2015

I think you have it right, it sounds like your cockatoo is depressed, under the circumstances, I think that's to be expected. Cockatoos are very emotional and they don't always accept change easily, even when the changes are positive. Give him plenty of time to learn to trust you.

It's a very good sign that he's taking food from your hand and dancing a little. Make a big deal of it when he's in a playful mood.

I agree with Strudel, a vet-check would be a good idea if he hasn't had one recently.

strudel · Mar 9, 2015

Re: Depressed cockatoo ��

what sort of noise is it? Could he be imitating his previous owner or a dog? Is it like "talking", or a bird-type noise? If the latter, I'd be worried about his health, so that's why I asked about his vet-check status.

My galah makes an "oh" sort of noise when she's grooming. Is he doing anything when he makes his noise?

Finocolada · Mar 9, 2015

He seems to respond better to my boyfriend he's really talkative and clicks his beak at him, the noise he made was like a new born puppy only a lot quieter and he was just sitting in his cage bowing his head dosing

Finocolada · Mar 10, 2015

Re: Depressed cockatoo ��

Looks like fino is doing much better today he's very lively and playing with his new toy, lots of good strong cockatoo noises too!

Dopey · Mar 10, 2015

Re: Depressed cockatoo ��

I'm glad to hear that he is doing better. It will take him time to adjust.

Taw5106 · Mar 10, 2015

I'm not an expert but I have found that food is an amazing motivtor. I feed my babies breakfast and dinner when we eat. Regardless of what we eat, if my birds are served, see us eating, they chow down. They are included and part of the flock. I could be eating a hamburger, they are eating green beans, but they are a part so they eat a lot!!! Try that!

punkindave · Mar 13, 2015

As others have said, a lot has changed and he is prob just mourning the loss of his old flock and habits of 30 years. Be patient and he should settle in just fine.
My Butchie is 27 years old and took a few months to fully settle and be himself!

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