FINALLY, FINALLY, FINALLY - he's coming home

MrsBigE

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Oct 19, 2016
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Pickerington Ohio
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Sun Conure
Umbrella Cockatoo
I am so absolutely over the moon!! It's been 7 long, exciting and fun months since Bambam was born and on his 7 month birday he'll finally come "home."
Visiting him all these months has been great, he such a beautiful, gentle, loving, comedian. I love him more than I ever dreamed I could love a bird.
I know as it is I don't see all his hi-jinx, all his little possible nit-noid behaviors or the possible decibel level of his noise but I have prepared myself for over 2 years by reading here, other forums, bird pages, books, you tube and by speaking with other owners. I know I'm ready and I willingly welcome this awesomely crazy, intelligent, noisy, funny, moody, whacky, loving and special boy into my life.

In 7 months he's brought so much joy and love into my life and it outweighs any minor annoyances I may sometimes feel. After I had my first child a co-worker taught me a way to deal with times I was so frustrated that I wanted to scream at him. She said. " first thing - step back - count to 5 - consider the situation.
Is the behavior he's exhibiting something he's done before and at the time it didn't bother me or is this a new behavior?" If he did it before and it didn't bother me then this is a "me problem" and if he did it before and it bothered me -it's a "he problem." If it bothers me today and didn't before then my day has prob been bad or I'm already annoyed, not feeling good etc.. if it's him and we've had prev problems we'll prob see them again since it's now being repeated and we need now that develop the corrective action and stick with it.
I've used this with both kids. My son is 32 yo, was in the Air Force, now Air Force reserve, works for the AF and also carries a 3rd job just to pay off bills to buy his first house. I've never had a single problem with him and I'm very strict. Luckily he's incredibly loving and gentle and kind and I couldn't be more proud. My daughter 17 has been a high honor student her whole life and of of the most caring and compsssionate people I've ever known. They're both trusting, trustworthy, responsible & independent. My point is that in using this to assess the problem it has allowed me to build the kind of relationship with my kids that I also want with Bambam.
It's My first Cockatoosp maybe it's a pipe dream but even thought the number of U2's who get rehomed is high, there are even more homes where they live as a part of a family and thrive.
My breeder Michele Baker deserves the most praise for the living home he's been in until now. He's been a part of their family since birth and he's been nurtured, loved, respected and well cared for. He doesn't know anger or angry words, scolding or mistreatment. I think the first 7 months of his life will hard to measure up to for me, she set the bar high but I'm up for it!!
I'm sorry to ramble, but I'm hopeful that stepping back and assessing if a behavior is a me or he problem will help 1 Cockatoo from being rehomed.
Thank you all for all your friendship and advice. The road ahead is long and I plan on hanging out with you as I walk down it.

OBTW- bambam's parents laid another egg and she hatched Monday. I wish I could get her but I'm gonna just trust that bambam is the only crazy Cockatoo for me!!
 

itzjbean

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Jan 27, 2017
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Iowa, USA
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Congratulations!! What a wonderful time for you. Your kids are raised and it's time for you to enjoy the rewards of it, a wonderful new baby cockatoo!! I see the excitement in your post and feel it spreading to me! Such an exciting time for yo!!! :) I can't wait to see pictures! :D
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Welcome home Bambam!

You seem aware of the challenges and have prepared well. Cockatoos are perennial toddlers, and you will find the same consistency used with your well adjusted human children will be very applicable and useful!
 

GaleriaGila

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Parrot of the Month 🏆
May 14, 2016
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Cleveland area
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The Rickeybird, 38-year-old Patagonian Conure
The Rickeybird and I wish you a long and happy life together!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Holly the U2

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Apr 17, 2015
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Phila, PA
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Holly - U2
When I got Holly, I said she be the only one, 3 months later I had Stewie & Daisy entered the flock very unexpectedly 6 months ago.

3 toos, I must be out of my mind.
 
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MrsBigE

MrsBigE

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Oct 19, 2016
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Pickerington Ohio
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Sun Conure
Umbrella Cockatoo
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Thank you all!! I'm so excited but also so nervous. I'm not sure how to deal with him like when we first come home. Should I cage him and let him hang out for a day or so or keep him out and let him play with everyone and meet the family and his "siblings?"
Now all these things are whizzing around in my crazy head.
I had read to bring him home, get him in his cage and don't get him out for a few days but how I do that? He'll be confused about the location, new people, new animals, new cage etc but the one constant that he does trust is me and that I'll comfort him. I don't think I could not comfort him at such a time?? I know he needs to learn his role, his space, our schedules etc but it just seems the first couple of days he'll just need a lot of love and comfort.
 

itzjbean

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Jan 27, 2017
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Let him settle in for at least several hours. Work at his pace. If he wants to come out, open the door to his cage after he seems adjusted to his cage and let him out, offer him your arm, but do not force him to step up on it. Allow him to come out on his own if he wants. It may not take long, or it may take several hours/days. But as you already know him and he knows you, I doubt it will take him long at all before he wants to be out with you :)
 
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MrsBigE

MrsBigE

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Oct 19, 2016
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Pickerington Ohio
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Umbrella Cockatoo
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He came home and settled into his cage really nicely. The shop trimmed his feathers but not enough because he took off in full flight around my house. We can have that- too much stuff and a small house. He'll get hurt quickly. He was kinda quiet and reserved but acclimating Mickey
 

reddawg

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Jun 24, 2016
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Aww what an awesome story and post!!! Happy Happy for both of you, and wish you both many many happy loving years together!!! Cockatoos are awesome and extremely loving and entertaining as you obviously have found out already from your new baby!!! So happy for you!!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
 

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