Critternation cage, amount.. and clipped or not clipped?

Three questions.

One -- I own a double unit critternation cage which currently houses four sweet rats. But I recently met the sweetest little baby Goffins 'Too and I've been interested in owning one ever since !! I was thinking about possibly using my critternation cage to house my possible 'Too once the rats cross the rainbow bridge. Mainly because it's such a large and sturdy cage, but also because it costed a pretty penny. I heard 'Toos are very crafty and are master lockpicks, I personally don't feel that they could possibly manage to open that cage.

Two -- I know with rats it is best to buy pairs. Having a single rat is never a good idea, they are pack animals and thrive in groups and can get depressed and lethargic when not in pairs or groups. But is that the same with birds? Specifically Goffins Cockatoos.

Three -- Pros and Cons of clipping wings? Pros and cons of not clipping wings? I'm having a mental debate on whether or not I'd want to clip my future Goffins wings ...

One-It sounds like you have a very nice cage for your pet rats, but I can't think it would be appropriate for a bird, especially a bird as large as a Too. Hopefully your pet rats won't be heading for the rainbow bridge any time soon. The baby cockatoo you fell for will grow up very quickly, they are masters at escaping their cages, they have very strong beaks and most are avid chewers, it can be dangerous or even fatal for parrots to chew cages that weren't specifically designed for pet birds. Cockatoos, even the smaller species, need lots of space to climb and play. The cage needs plenty of room for a large variety of perches, food dishes, and multiple chew toys.

Two-Some parrot species are flock birds, but most of them do fine by themselves, as long as they have human company and all their needs are met. Caring for birds is vastly different than caring for rats.

Three-I don't want to discourage you, but I think a lot of people would agree that a cockatoo may not be the ideal choice for the inexperienced bird owner. Please do plenty of research before making your final decision. Maybe consider an easier species for now, a lot of the smaller parrots are a lot of fun to have around and much easier and less expensive to care for.

Best of luck with your decision. Please let us know what you decide.

I don't think they'll be leaving my side anytime soon! My boys are young and healthy; I feel I should wait to get a bird til after their passing for many reasons though.

And yes, I know they are quite different, I was just very unaware of their pairing situations. I noticed many birds at a local pet store I visit -- and may soon be working in -- are paired, and others of the same species are alone. I wasn't sure if it was behavioral or not. Perhaps a case by case sort of deal.

I know being a first time bird owner people push for the easier birds. But I have plenty of time to learn -- as I don't plan on making this purchase til after april of 2016 -- and I may be working in a store where I'll be caring for all different types of birds! (( There's no telling if I'll change my mind and come to want another breed, however! :~) ))
But that still didn't quite answer my question about wing clipping /: So far I am leaning towards not clipping.

Thank you for your reply !!

I apologize for failing to answer your question about clipping. To clip or not to clip is a hot topic for debate, we've had countless discussions. Here's a link to a recent thread, there are several more links in the thread itself.

http://www.parrotforums.com/congo-t...ngs-not-clip-question.html?highlight=Clipping

I really concur with Allee about a cockatoo as a first bird. Being around them in a store, even if you care for them there, is worlds apart from living with one so that you learn their body language and what various sounds mean and how to manage seasonal mood swings and all the things that go along with having a parrot. I would suggest a cockatiel for a first bird. They have all the charm and personality of a cockatoo, but they're much easier to have. They're good at entertaining themselves when you're at work, they don't need such a mammoth cage (though bigger is always better!) and you can learn parrot ways and needs without the ear-splitting scream sessions a cockatoo can create. I love Rocky and he doesn't scream much, but when he does, you can hear him at a serious distance. We have an empty field across the road and when we take the dog for a walk, we can hear him all the way across that field -- several ACRES. If you have near neighbors or live in an apartment, that won't do at all.

I'm not a fan of "starter" birds or supposed easier birds.

However, I agree that cage would not be at all suitable for a too. Definitely take your time, visit as many mature toos that you can and research. Personally I think there's very few people suitable to take on a U2 or M2, but the other toos can make great pets for the right person.

I'm not a fan of the concept of "starter birds" either, but Cockatoos aren't for everyone, even with experienced people.

I would find a way to spend time with mature Cockatoos, not just cuddly babies....
Or visit mytoos.com.... or maybe April (Kiwibird) will see this and share some of Alfie (her dad's Goffins) most devious side! All before you make your decision .

I applaud your desire for the companionship of a bird! For now, consider it an aspiration while you learn more about your options, particularly if considering working in the pet store. You can never learn enough about these feathered creatures, indeed it becomes a life-long process!

While the mentioned cage is not suitable, you may be able to sell it at the appropriate time and use the proceeds to acquire something ideal!

My personal preference is to not clip wings, as flying can enrich the life of birds who have the urge. However, safety within the bird environment trumps all, and there are some behavioral issues associated with such freedom.

Good luck, and please continue the discussion!!

I still have my "starter" bird and all the others who have found me over the years since I got him, and frankly, Mr. Starter Bird is the most challenging of the nine! But you don't want to begin a parrot journey without knowing what you're getting into. At least with tiels you don't have the eardrum-busting shrieking. They can yell, but they usually don't, and even when they do, it's not that loud.

I understand the advice pushing me towards a "starter" bird. I'm not a fan of that either. But family of mine has owned birds of all sorts, I plan to do extensive research and my area will be avian. I personally think it's best for me to find a bird who will match my personality best as well as my surroundings. (( So if I live somewhere where noise could be a problem, then I'll stay away from louder birds ))

It'll be quite some time before I settle on a bird and welcome it to its new home !! But honestly I think I've chosen to leave wings natural. I see it as in their best interest in the long-run. So long as I'm a responsible parent -- which I plan to be -- the bird will be happy, healthy, and able to do what they were born to be able to do - fly.

Does anyone have a cage recommendations? :~) Also, lets say I am moving to the city and have to live in an apartment for awhile ... What bird species do you suggest?

A cockatoo could snap the bars of a Critter Nation cage super easily! It may be large and sturdy for rats, but is definitely not built to withstand a beak that can exert hundreds of pounds of pressure and chip through wood like a buzzsaw.

I won't say not to get the 'too if you are really committed...just know what you are getting yourself into and make sure you are willing to commit and adapt, no matter how tough things get down the road.

First things first though, you definitely need a large cage, no less than 40" wide x 30" deep, with suitable bar spacing and thickness for a medium-sized parrot.