Cockatoos compared to Macaws?

Hi, new here. I am wanting to get a larger bird within the next few months. I've done a large amount of research and have come to the conclusion that I want either a cockatoo or a macaw. Both are very affectionate birds, which is what I would like. As for my home (and their home as well): I will be living in an apartment but I have permission from my parents (the landlords) so noise wont be a huge issue for me- I would also be willing to sound proof the room of the cage. I am home most of the day- I go to college online (at the house for) and work 4 hours 4 days a week but other than that I am home. I have bird experience but not with large birds, so it will be a challenge stepping up from that from my two cockatiels but I am prepared to do the research and put forth the time. As for right now, Im a mommy to 2 cockatiels, 3 rats and a cat. They are all relatively independent, I spend time with them and have the means and time to care for them but I am wanting a bird that will become attached to me and form a a really close bond with me. My view on the macaws vs. Cockatoos is that toos are stressed much easier and prone to feather plucking, which is true to macaws to some degree but not as much. Cockatoos are friendlier to strangers where as macaws are more 'one person' birds, which I think I would like. I know both birds require hours of time, large cages (Or jungle gym areas, which I am also leaning towards) and dedication. I guess long story short, what are both birds like compared to each other and which would you recommend to me? Thanks for any answers!

Hi there! There's a thread here very new called, "Beginner Too." It's worth reading as well as browsing the cockatoo threads. Between the two you are looking into, id go with a smaller macaw, Hahns for example. Cockatoos are among the most rescued species because they can be a huge handful, more than one can expect. Macaws can be loud and demanding. Both species can send you to the ER.

Wisdom would dictate you take some time to visit birds at rescues, breeders, shops, just to see what a variety is out there and what species is best for you. I never considered my birds species (African grey) until I connected with one when I was visiting a friend. Now,greys are about the only bird I will have.

Ok I've talked long enough!

Maddie, either one does not require hours of time.... they require an entire lifetime of time. You could have a 'too or macaw until you are ready to retire or even beyond. Can you make that kind of commitment while you're still in college? Never going to move, or get a 9-5 job, or get married , or have kids or take a long vacation?

wrench13 said:

Maddie, either one does not require hours of time.... they require an entire lifetime of time. You could have a 'too or macaw until you are ready to retire or even beyond. Can you make that kind of commitment while you're still in college? Never going to move, or get a 9-5 job, or get married , or have kids or take a long vacation?

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Well, that's what I'd imagine. Im actually going to school for fisheries and wildlife with a specialization in birds- birds ARE my life already. And as I said before, I am aware of how long they live and Im okay with that, I wouldnt be considering wither if I wasnt ready to make a lifelong commitment. I do school from home so I can be with the bird while I do that, and I do not want to move. As for a 9 to 5 job, years later, I would still be able to give my bird the proper time it would need as long as I make sure to teach the bird how to be happy in its cage by putting it in the living room and providing it with a large cage with lots of toys to stimulate it and spending hours with it when I get home- if plenty of other people can do it then why couldn't I? I asked a question and I would appreciate constructive help instead of skepticism, I understand why you said that and you bring up good points, however I found the response lacking in any actual advice and seemed kind of rude to be honest

maddieatrisk said:

..........I asked a question and I would appreciate constructive help instead of skepticism, I understand why you said that and you bring up good points, however I found the response lacking in any actual advice and seemed kind of rude to be honest

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Ouch!
Welcome to the group!

In defense of Wrench, not sure what upset you,, looked to very good questions to ponder!

I have only met a few in passing. My dad had a Too when I was first born. SO I don't really know. For me I would love a Goffins small cute and fun. If I was going to get a Macaw I would get the small cute Hahns. Have you looked into them?

There are so many Cockatoos what one are you thinking. The big thing with cocatoos is they are messy and not just with the food but they have a Dander. People with allergies do not do well with them. SO many Cockatoos in rescues it might be worth contacting a rescue and going and meeting them.

I would never want a bird as big as a Macaw. I just could not give it the space I felt one would needs. They are so so big. They are made to fly many miles a day. Maybe if I lived in a really big house with a great room. Or if I lived where I could build an outdoor flying cage for the bird. It's not just the amount of time but the amount of space they needs.

From what I have read and seen cockatoos are very prone to picking. If you have ever seen things about wild cockatoos they really are NEVER alone they travel in big flocks. Were as the Macaw they tend to have small flocks and will at times be alone looking for food. So I think Cockatoos by nature are very needy. One reason they tend to pick most I think.

I have given a bedroom to my black capped conure. He has his own room. I am putting up rope toys from the ceiling and adding all kinds of stuff. I feel like the room is not big enough for him haha. It is a small bedroom. He has a huge window to look out. He does come out to the living room too where he has a play place set up for him. The amount of space a large bird needs......Can you give him that the rest of the birds life?

There are plenty of smaller sized parrots that make GREAT feathered friends.

Wasn't meant to be rude, mea culpa. Me, I like macaws better, B&G's to be exact, or blue throats, which are a really fascinating species, being the mechanical engineers of the parrot world. they are endangered in the wild too, so anyone who would like to raise one is doing the world a big service. Cockatoos from what I read are extremely difficult to keep happy. there is so much information about raising and living with cockatoos online you really should read as much of it as you can. they are really nice when they are cuddly but keeping them happy is another thing

maddieatrisk said:

wrench13 said:

Maddie, either one does not require hours of time.... they require an entire lifetime of time. You could have a 'too or macaw until you are ready to retire or even beyond. Can you make that kind of commitment while you're still in college? Never going to move, or get a 9-5 job, or get married , or have kids or take a long vacation?

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Well, that's what I'd imagine. Im actually going to school for fisheries and wildlife with a specialization in birds- birds ARE my life already. And as I said before, I am aware of how long they live and Im okay with that, I wouldnt be considering wither if I wasnt ready to make a lifelong commitment. I do school from home so I can be with the bird while I do that, and I do not want to move. As for a 9 to 5 job, years later, I would still be able to give my bird the proper time it would need as long as I make sure to teach the bird how to be happy in its cage by putting it in the living room and providing it with a large cage with lots of toys to stimulate it and spending hours with it when I get home- if plenty of other people can do it then why couldn't I? I asked a question and I would appreciate constructive help instead of skepticism, I understand why you said that and you bring up good points, however I found the response lacking in any actual advice and seemed kind of rude to be honest

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I'd say he was on point, and you might do well to take advice whether it is what you want to hear or not. Don't ask questions if your not prepared for the answer.

maddieatrisk said:

Well, that's what I'd imagine. Im actually going to school for fisheries and wildlife with a specialization in birds- birds ARE my life already. And as I said before, I am aware of how long they live and Im okay with that, I wouldnt be considering wither if I wasnt ready to make a lifelong commitment. I do school from home so I can be with the bird while I do that, and I do not want to move. As for a 9 to 5 job, years later, I would still be able to give my bird the proper time it would need as long as I make sure to teach the bird how to be happy in its cage by putting it in the living room and providing it with a large cage with lots of toys to stimulate it and spending hours with it when I get home- if plenty of other people can do it then why couldn't I? I asked a question and I would appreciate constructive help instead of skepticism, I understand why you said that and you bring up good points, however I found the response lacking in any actual advice and seemed kind of rude to be honest

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I found wrench's post to be quite helpful and it is something that a lot of people don't think about. You will get answers that may not be what you're looking for, but please remember there is a person behind that keyboard who took time to answer your post.

lets all take deep breaths, Wrench didn't get offended, lets try not to get offended for him either.

@Maddie A few things. First off, welcome. Second off, a few things I think you should keep in mind when reading responses. Everyone here is an AVID bird lover, and our first concern is always going to be the animals.

Since you are new here, no one has had the chance to get to know you, we don't know your stories, or much of your situation. We don't know about your experience or your history. All in all, we just don't really know you.

Then take in to consideration the fact that one of the species you are asking about, cockatoo's, especially larger cockatoo's, are the *single* most abandoned/rehomed/taken in by rescues bird species out there.

People, especially wrench, aren't trying to offend you, or be rude to you, but many of these birds end up in rescues BECAUSE the person never asked themselves those exact questions. And the only way we can know, is if we ask them ourselves. Trust me, the people here are very smart, and mostly crazy (bird people, whatcha gonna do...), if anyone decides they want to insult you, it will come across loud and clear. So just try and read everything from the perspective of people who are just trying to look out for the animals who can't ask the questions, especially until we get a chance to know you better.

On to your topic at hand, just a couple of minor warning flags that popped up for me. You mentioned with the apartment that your folks are the landlords. Are you referring to like an over the garrage in-law suite style apartment? Or do your parents actually run an apartment complex? The reason I ask, is because if it is an actual apartment complex, the landlords don't necessarily have any say in the matter. Noise ordinances are set by the counties, and in an apartment complex style environment, a large cockatoo is 95% guaranteed to draw complaints. I know people say they are prepared for the noise, *I* Said I was prepared for the noise. And I can say from first hand experience, *NO one* is prepared for the noise the first time. Consider, a Moluccan going full tilt can be heard from *miles* away, they have the potential to hit decibel levels that from a close distance can literally rupture an ear drum. Even knowing that, isn't the same as *living* with that. I really urge you to spend some time if you can around a rescue with a screamer to see first hand what it is like, especially if you can go when you are already having a bad day (because when they come home with you, you no longer get to pick and chose)

Short version, if it is an actual apartment complex I would double check the local county noise ordinances just to make sure you don't have a potential problem down the road.

Between the two, I feel like going with one of the Mini-Macaws would be a much better choice. I will also admit though, I think very few people *should* keep cockatoo's due to their nature. It's really hard to understand what you are potentially getting in to, and once people have, if they can't handle it the birds often end up in horrible downward spirals to awful lives.

Keep asking questions and getting information though, you are definitely doing the right thing. And again, the last thing anyone here wants to do is upset you, all that accomplishes is making you less likely to stick around and learn. Some of us are a bit blunt though, but I assure you it isn't anything personal. We are very glad to have you, so long as you keep up the right attitude of wanting what is best for the animals, which is all any of us want.

It is awesome to do all the reading and such about the care, nutrition and 'stereotypes' of any species.

But, I'll share with you what I do with potential adopters.... First question for someone still in college and not sure where they will be in 5 years. Are you ready to have a baby? Literally are you ready to give birth to a child tomorrow that comes out running around, incredibly intelligent, massively destructive and will remain that way forever? Any larger parrot is absolutely like having a child, and that child never grows up.

Again, awesome to do the education and research end of things, but nothing in the world will ever prepare you to live with a large parrot, especially ESPECIALLY a cockatoo. The two birds in my life that are 'my' birds are by chance a bare eye cockatoo and a blue and gold macaw. The BE2 picked my husband out, tho I joke she found the weakest link and suckered him in, but over the years, she is my bird. She is wonderful, sweet, super affectionate, playful, funny, truly the perfect family cockatoo if there ever was one. BUT.... and man talk about big buts... but a cockatoo is so challenging to live with. And no reading, no advice, nothing anyone can ever tell you or share with you will prepare you for the reality of having a too in the home. As much as I adore and love my girl, I have to be honest, if I could turn back the clock to the moment my husband dragged me over to point her out and I knew what the following years would bring, there is at the absolute best a 50/50 chance I'd still bring her home.

My blue and gold.. well never wanted a macaw, had no interest in having a bird that large, nor knowing they are as demanding as a cockatoo, don't let anyone tell you that macaws are any less prone to stress and plucking. I wish I had read your message earlier today, I was at the shelter, I would have done a head count for how many macaws vs cockatoos and how many were plucked of each. Percent wise, we have more plucked macaws... But, back to my Max... My daughter wanted to adopt him and the shelter owners knowing my feeling on macaws and the fact that my daughter was a college student and chances are the bird would need to spend time with the family to prevent him from becoming stressed, lonely, depressed and tearing himself to pieces, I was given the ultimatum that I had to learn to handle him... the first meeting did not go the way anyone expected, besides laughing at me cause I was waiting to have my arm eaten off, but Max instantly connected with me and it was clear that whether I wanted a macaw or not, I was picked to be Max's mom. Over 2-1/2 years later, Max spends on average 10 hours a day out of his cage socializing and playing with me or about the house, but always knowing where I am. Today while I was at the shelter, he spent the day in his cage. Max has no interest in being in his cage, tho plenty of space and filled with about every type of toy a macaw could want, he touches nothing. All he wants is to be out of his cage and following me around or playing with his toys, but always, always, always knowing exactly where mom is. I usually get him to play a version of hide and seek we do if I need to go upstairs or down to the garage to get something out of the freezer. Because if I leave the room without him, he believes I'm never coming home.

Anyway, I'm babbling... my advice to you is not to get this species or that species... my advice and the best advice (okay that sounds arrogant, but I do this everyday), is to go and volunteer at a shelter. Volunteer every Saturday for two months, meet the birds, handle the birds, be in the room when the cockatoos won't shut up and scream to the point where one literally sounds like a freight train. Help with the macaws and find that they are not always as affectionate as you might think, they love to challenge you, again they are incredibly intelligent, so while they might love you, they love to test boundaries and see what new trouble there is to be found. But, no reading in the world will ever give you the real knowledge and experience that volunteering will. And if birds are really your life already, I'm surprised you are not already devoted to a shelter and helping the literally thousands of macaws and cockatoos in rescues across the country.

The only other advice I offer adopters... go into adding a new bird to your home with an open mind and heart, let the right bird pick you. Everyone has a dream bird or a bird they want, but reality, the right bird for you is the bird that wants to come home with you. And it won't matter the size or color! An old saying I typed yesterday to someone else (its from the horse world, but is more true in the parrot world) - a good horse is never a bad color.... so extremely true with parrots. If I had followed my 'want', I would never have ended up with my Max and a relationship I never dreamed was possible with a feathered family member

Good luck and I hope when you venture out to 'bird hunt' you listen to your heart and let your Max pick you!!

Large birds are a lot of work. I have a cockatiel, a senegal, an amazon and a scarlet macaw. The macaw is three times the work of the other three birds *combined*. I honestly don't know how people who have jobs do it. I'm a housewife and it seems like I never have enough time.

BeatriceC said:

Large birds are a lot of work. I have a cockatiel, a senegal, an amazon and a scarlet macaw. The macaw is three times the work of the other three birds *combined*. I honestly don't know how people who have jobs do it. I'm a housewife and it seems like I never have enough time.

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We blend all our meals up in to smoothies, and wear those hats with the cups on the sides so we never have to stop and eat. Also, diapers.

SirEdwin89 said:

BeatriceC said:

Large birds are a lot of work. I have a cockatiel, a senegal, an amazon and a scarlet macaw. The macaw is three times the work of the other three birds *combined*. I honestly don't know how people who have jobs do it. I'm a housewife and it seems like I never have enough time.

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We blend all our meals up in to smoothies, and wear those hats with the cups on the sides so we never have to stop and eat. Also, diapers.

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Y'all are probably just a heck of a lot more organized than me. Charlotte is currently mad at me because I spent half of yesterday at the boys' orthopedist. I'm not looking forward to the inevitable grudge when surgery day rolls around. We scheduled both boys for the same day. I will be gone all day.

Welcome to the forum Maddie! IF you decide to stick around, you will learn many many MANY things,and get excellent advice,from VERY knowledgeable people.
Like many have stated...NO ONE here on this forum is out to insult your intelligence or be purposely RUDE to you...They <we> are just concerned and want to be informative for you.

NOW...let me give you MY personal experience with a Cockatoo < read my sub header,you will see the outcome>

I have been a "bird person" for nearly 30 years now. My first "parrot" was Smokey,a Timneh African Grey..she passed on a year ago at 27 years old. A year after getting Smokes, I took home Amy, my Blue Front..she will be 27 next January
She was 14 weeks old when I got her. After Smokes passed on.Amy and I were heart broken. "We" live alone,and this household has always been a two bird house..it was errily quiet with Smokey gone..Amy became withdrawn, not wanting to come out of her house,and being VERY quiet. Amy is not your typical 'zon..she does not scream..EVER..but she is LOUD in speech.. HELLOOOO!!! HOW ARE YOU???!!

Enter in Jonesy..a Goffins 'Too.. the brother of my ex girl friend has/had two 'too's.. POOKY a M2...then Jonesy. DJ had owned Jones for about 28 years and all of a sudden Jonesy and Pooky did NOT get along! After his sister told him that I had lost Smokey,he asked if I wanted to adopt Jonesy..I was actively looking for a "baby" African Grey,and NEVER owned a 'Too...and really never had any interaction with one. BUT I listened to my heart,not my brain . Amy was sad...she makes friends with EVERYONE and I knew she would want to be pals with Jonesy..and DJ told me Jonesy wanted to be pals with POOKY...but Pooky wanted no part.

So I adopted Jonesy...Amy adored him and he adored her..I would often find them together on either ones roof top preening each other. Joneys feathers started to come back in from terrible plucking..he was talking <he ended up CUSSING real bad!> he was sooooo lovey! Wanted head skritches..pets on the back..ride on my shoulder...he was also a CLOWN with his antics..running..hopping..turning his head "this way and that way"

THEN it all changed...over night! He began to SCREEM...as loud as he could! from the moment he woke up til the moment he went to bed..and even AFTER!...Then he started to BITE! HARD!! drew blood!! for no reason! A Dr Jeckyl/ Mr Hyde...one moment as sweet as could be..then the very next CHOMP!! It came to the point We could not trust him! And I was getting nervous/concerned that Amy would pick up on his screaming and start herself..and then I was concerned that Jonesy would BITE Amy!! I was not about to let that happen,or find out!! He screamed so much,for so long,and so loud...Amy would actually yell out at him SHUT UP!!
I tried everything I knew to change his behavior..I asked all sorts of questions here...got tons of GOOD advice..but nothing worked
I had to rehome him...Today he is VERY happy and well behaved. His new parronts adore him < we keep in touch constantly>
It was MY fault..I did ZERO research on 'toos and we paid the price. Maddie...do research research RESEARCH on whatever you are thinking of purchasing..and ASK QUESTIONS here! You'll end up lovin' us...REALLY!!

Jim

Sorry folks on the looonngggg post!

zero

SirEdwin89 said:

lets all take deep breaths, Wrench didn't get offended, lets try not to get offended for him either.

@Maddie A few things. First off, welcome. Second off, a few things I think you should keep in mind when reading responses. Everyone here is an AVID bird lover, and our first concern is always going to be the animals.

Since you are new here, no one has had the chance to get to know you, we don't know your stories, or much of your situation. We don't know about your experience or your history. All in all, we just don't really know you.

Then take in to consideration the fact that one of the species you are asking about, cockatoo's, especially larger cockatoo's, are the *single* most abandoned/rehomed/taken in by rescues bird species out there.

People, especially wrench, aren't trying to offend you, or be rude to you, but many of these birds end up in rescues BECAUSE the person never asked themselves those exact questions. And the only way we can know, is if we ask them ourselves. Trust me, the people here are very smart, and mostly crazy (bird people, whatcha gonna do...), if anyone decides they want to insult you, it will come across loud and clear. So just try and read everything from the perspective of people who are just trying to look out for the animals who can't ask the questions, especially until we get a chance to know you better.

On to your topic at hand, just a couple of minor warning flags that popped up for me. You mentioned with the apartment that your folks are the landlords. Are you referring to like an over the garrage in-law suite style apartment? Or do your parents actually run an apartment complex? The reason I ask, is because if it is an actual apartment complex, the landlords don't necessarily have any say in the matter. Noise ordinances are set by the counties, and in an apartment complex style environment, a large cockatoo is 95% guaranteed to draw complaints. I know people say they are prepared for the noise, *I* Said I was prepared for the noise. And I can say from first hand experience, *NO one* is prepared for the noise the first time. Consider, a Moluccan going full tilt can be heard from *miles* away, they have the potential to hit decibel levels that from a close distance can literally rupture an ear drum. Even knowing that, isn't the same as *living* with that. I really urge you to spend some time if you can around a rescue with a screamer to see first hand what it is like, especially if you can go when you are already having a bad day (because when they come home with you, you no longer get to pick and chose)

Short version, if it is an actual apartment complex I would double check the local county noise ordinances just to make sure you don't have a potential problem down the road.

Between the two, I feel like going with one of the Mini-Macaws would be a much better choice. I will also admit though, I think very few people *should* keep cockatoo's due to their nature. It's really hard to understand what you are potentially getting in to, and once people have, if they can't handle it the birds often end up in horrible downward spirals to awful lives.

Keep asking questions and getting information though, you are definitely doing the right thing. And again, the last thing anyone here wants to do is upset you, all that accomplishes is making you less likely to stick around and learn. Some of us are a bit blunt though, but I assure you it isn't anything personal. We are very glad to have you, so long as you keep up the right attitude of wanting what is best for the animals, which is all any of us want.

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This is all stuff I've taken into consideration and understand, also I misread his comment- I read it not as genuine questions but instead as like a rhetorical remark- like, you're not going to be able to do all this, type thing if that makes sense, so I'm sorry that I got upset, but I get defensive (And then go on to regret it later). And I did say that he brought up very good points, mainly I got upset (for no real reason) because I thought the tone of what he said was much different from what he intended

wrench13 said:

Wasn't meant to be rude, mea culpa. Me, I like macaws better, B&G's to be exact, or blue throats, which are a really fascinating species, being the mechanical engineers of the parrot world. they are endangered in the wild too, so anyone who would like to raise one is doing the world a big service. Cockatoos from what I read are extremely difficult to keep happy. there is so much information about raising and living with cockatoos online you really should read as much of it as you can. they are really nice when they are cuddly but keeping them happy is another thing

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Sorry I got snippy with you, I mentioned in another thread, I took it the completely wrong way, I didnt realize the questions you were asking were genuine, instead I read them as rhetorical/skeptical remarks (if you know what I mean) and I get defensive when I feel like Im being told I cant do something, so I'm really sorry and thank you for not getting upset. I picked these to to try and choose from because I want an affectionate animal that wants to be near me often, the ones I have are very sweet but they also dont wanna just bond with me for hours. And cockatoos seemed perfect at first but the more I read the more I saw of what yous said, they are very hard to keep happy, which is why I am kind of leaning towards a macaw because they seem to be a bit more independent :red:

jenphilly said:

Anyway, I'm babbling... my advice to you is not to get this species or that species... my advice and the best advice (okay that sounds arrogant, but I do this everyday), is to go and volunteer at a shelter. Volunteer every Saturday for two months, meet the birds, handle the birds, be in the room when the cockatoos won't shut up and scream to the point where one literally sounds like a freight train. Help with the macaws and find that they are not always as affectionate as you might think, they love to challenge you, again they are incredibly intelligent, so while they might love you, they love to test boundaries and see what new trouble there is to be found. But, no reading in the world will ever give you the real knowledge and experience that volunteering will. And if birds are really your life already, I'm surprised you are not already devoted to a shelter and helping the literally thousands of macaws and cockatoos in rescues across the country.

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I have the next four months to prepare before I want to do them actual 'bird hunt'. In that time Im really hoping to find a shelter, but I live in the middle of nowhere (Not really but its a small town surrounded by small towns, the nearest shelter would be probably about 2 hours away- so unfortunately I cant really drive back and forth 2 hours to volunteer, but I would love to) I plan on going a visiting a shelter at least once or twice and interacting with the birds to get a feel for them. I know Im talking stereotypes but I dont mean to sound like I expect them all to adhere to them, like dogs certain breeds have defining qualities, but there are so many exceptions to the rules. I have a unique home situation that would really allow the bird to feel included in a 'flock' at all times- my family lives together, all 10 of us, and will live together for the rest of our lives, (the way we're set up makes this possible its not as crazy as it sounds) and my family, especially my mother, is very supportive, so while Im at work for the few hours Im gone the bird will still be socialized and played with. I want a bigger bird (although if one changes my mind then I could depart from that idea) because I want an animal to truly bond with. I want a life long companion to carry around the house and love. (Rose colored glasses there, but you get the idea) I picked the macaw vs cockatoo because from my 'research' (looking at what others had to say about their birds) they tended to be the most affectionate, and I like the size because I wont be afraid of losing them and having a fatal mishap, they just dont seem as fragile as my cockatiels (Although all birds are fragile) Im rambling now, but thank you and if you have any other advice or tips for seeing birds/adopting at shelters please let me know

[EDIT] On the baby part- I actually have a lot of experience with babies (not the same as having a baby but I feel like it's still useful) Three of my siblings are under 6 and for the four and a half months I am babysitting my three cousins all under the age of 8, the youngest being 2. I actually do quite well in terms of feeding them thier meals at the same time, picking up after them and keeping the house clean, managing work and school and keeping life on a schedule. So I think these skills would really help with taking care of a large bird properly. And as far as where I will be in five years- I have a general idea of what I want to do (things change I know, but as a whole i feel we should operate on perfect knowledge and have back up plans for if things go different than expected) I know for sure I will be living with my family and working either doing seasonal research stints or finding a job near home- but I am dead set on staying put in my town my parents and siblings

AmyMyBlueFront said:

Welcome to the forum Maddie! IF you decide to stick around, you will learn many many MANY things,and get excellent advice,from VERY knowledgeable people.
Like many have stated...NO ONE here on this forum is out to insult your intelligence or be purposely RUDE to you...They <we> are just concerned and want to be informative for you.

NOW...let me give you MY personal experience with a Cockatoo < read my sub header,you will see the outcome>

I have been a "bird person" for nearly 30 years now. My first "parrot" was Smokey,a Timneh African Grey..she passed on a year ago at 27 years old. A year after getting Smokes, I took home Amy, my Blue Front..she will be 27 next January
She was 14 weeks old when I got her. After Smokes passed on.Amy and I were heart broken. "We" live alone,and this household has always been a two bird house..it was errily quiet with Smokey gone..Amy became withdrawn, not wanting to come out of her house,and being VERY quiet. Amy is not your typical 'zon..she does not scream..EVER..but she is LOUD in speech.. HELLOOOO!!! HOW ARE YOU???!!

Enter in Jonesy..a Goffins 'Too.. the brother of my ex girl friend has/had two 'too's.. POOKY a M2...then Jonesy. DJ had owned Jones for about 28 years and all of a sudden Jonesy and Pooky did NOT get along! After his sister told him that I had lost Smokey,he asked if I wanted to adopt Jonesy..I was actively looking for a "baby" African Grey,and NEVER owned a 'Too...and really never had any interaction with one. BUT I listened to my heart,not my brain . Amy was sad...she makes friends with EVERYONE and I knew she would want to be pals with Jonesy..and DJ told me Jonesy wanted to be pals with POOKY...but Pooky wanted no part.

So I adopted Jonesy...Amy adored him and he adored her..I would often find them together on either ones roof top preening each other. Joneys feathers started to come back in from terrible plucking..he was talking <he ended up CUSSING real bad!> he was sooooo lovey! Wanted head skritches..pets on the back..ride on my shoulder...he was also a CLOWN with his antics..running..hopping..turning his head "this way and that way"

THEN it all changed...over night! He began to SCREEM...as loud as he could! from the moment he woke up til the moment he went to bed..and even AFTER!...Then he started to BITE! HARD!! drew blood!! for no reason! A Dr Jeckyl/ Mr Hyde...one moment as sweet as could be..then the very next CHOMP!! It came to the point We could not trust him! And I was getting nervous/concerned that Amy would pick up on his screaming and start herself..and then I was concerned that Jonesy would BITE Amy!! I was not about to let that happen,or find out!! He screamed so much,for so long,and so loud...Amy would actually yell out at him SHUT UP!!
I tried everything I knew to change his behavior..I asked all sorts of questions here...got tons of GOOD advice..but nothing worked
I had to rehome him...Today he is VERY happy and well behaved. His new parronts adore him < we keep in touch constantly>
It was MY fault..I did ZERO research on 'toos and we paid the price. Maddie...do research research RESEARCH on whatever you are thinking of purchasing..and ASK QUESTIONS here! You'll end up lovin' us...REALLY!!

Jim

Sorry folks on the looonngggg post!

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So sorry you had to rehome your baby- but yes I will spend the next few months learning all I can (research is my middle name) Toos are definitely intimidating, but they seem like truly worthwhile pets if you know how to properly care for them (Not an easy task) but thank you for story and advice

snowflake311 said:

There are plenty of smaller sized parrots that make GREAT feathered friends.

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I like the umbrella, possibly goffins because theyre smaller for the toos, not sure of the macaws though, And instead of a cage Ive seen people set up jungle gym type stands so theyre not so confined, which I would want to do I think. And my biggest concern with the cockatoo is the feather pluking and how neurotic they can become, if it werent for that the cockatoo would be my choice (unless if maybe a senegal like yours came and stole my heart ) But the Macaws are so large, I want a big bird because of how they handle and how affectionate they tend to be and Im pretty set on a larger bird also because I feel safer handling them, Im not so scared of squishing them but a macaw is at the very end of the large scale (Unless maybe a Hauns), so theres a whole bunch to consider still and I dont wanna rush because this is a big decision- Im also not determined to get one of these specifically but they are my favorite from what Ive read and watched (which is totally different than real life)