Galah Cockatoos.. cuddly?

Angiie

New member
May 5, 2017
8
0
Hello!

A pet shop near me is going to be bringing in a Galah cockatoo soon, and Ive been thinking about it ever since the owner told me :) This is just in time since Ive been trying to find the right bird for me for a year and a half, and after lots of research, I never really was able to be set on a species..

But to the point, Im looking for a bird that loves to cuddle up and wouldnt mind being real close to me. Ive seen so many videos of birds cuddling up in bed with their owners in the early hours, even under a blanket, and Id love to have such a close bond like that.

Would a Galah cockatoo fit this? If not, what bird would you suggest and what are your experiences with Galahs?

Thank you all so much, Im super excited for a bird, and I really hope I dont have my head in the clouds hoping for a velcro bird. <3
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,789
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 to the forums! Totally understand your desire for an affectionate companion. I have/had many species of cockatoo but never a galah. Several members do, and I've heard they can be a bit less neurotic and clingy than others.

There is never a guarantee a particular bird will bond with us, but cockatoos in general enjoy close contact with their humans. While you will have a chance to meet a single bird, there is the concept of allowing the bird to pick the person. Works well with a large number of choices!
 

haleyd

New member
May 1, 2017
39
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Western North Carolina
Parrots
Green Cheek Conure (Baby Bird)
I agree with the above about trying to allow the bird to pick you. I know it's not always possible under the circumstances, but regardless of species every bird has a potential to be a Velcro baby, or to be totally stand offish. Some things just come down to the individual. Although this species might be perfect for you on paper, if this particular bird doesn't absolutely tickle your fancy then pass and wait for the next to come around.
It's all about love with the birds
 

adz1984

New member
Dec 4, 2016
269
0
Australia
Parrots
Alexandrine (Bella) RB2 (Unammed)
Galahs are my native birds so I've met a few, most of them enjoy petting and head scratches but they are generally not considered as cuddle bugs like other cockatoo's or gcc's.
 
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Angiie

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May 5, 2017
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Thank you all for the responses! I really appreciate them.

I'm gonna try and make sure I'm with the bird for at least two hours at the store just so she can get a bit used to me, and I'll see if she can be a cuddlebug. Birds' individual personalities impress me a lot, since most of the pets I've owned haven't been very different in expressing themselves. I'll always admire birds for their intelligence in this..

Again, thank you all! :)
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,789
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.
Birds' individual personalities impress me a lot, since most of the pets I've owned haven't been very different in expressing themselves. I'll always admire birds for their intelligence in this..

Again, thank you all! :)

Oh yes, parrots of a species can have vastly different personalities! I have a family of 5 Goffins; 2 parents and 3 hand-fed offspring. Each one is very different in ways a stranger might notice in 2 minutes of interaction!
 

Laylatoo

New member
Feb 27, 2017
151
0
Northern California
Parrots
Layla- F Galah 02/14
Jazzi- F Galah 3/24/17
Mali-F Meyers/Senegal 5/5/17
Pyper- F CAG 11-1-2017
My Galah is not cuddly at all. She is very independent. She rarely enjoys a 3 second head scratch. She's friendly and outgoing with the people she likes but never really seeks out attention and would rather be just close to you than on you. My bare eyed hybrid was opposite. Loved cuddles and had to be on you when out of his cage. Layla, my Galah is most content hanging on her stand in the same room as her family.

Edited to add....hand reared babies are almost always cuddly in my experience. So you can't really make a determination on how Baby will be as an adult unfortunately.
 
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Jayyj

New member
Apr 28, 2013
735
2
UK
Parrots
Alice - Galah cockatoo
Mine would make a labrador puppy seem a bit stand-offish - she spends as much time as she can as close to me as possible and regularly falls asleep with her head buried in the neck of my shirt. Holding hands is also very popular and she can spend ten minutes at a time getting her head scratched if she's in the mood.

So they're definitely cuddly galahs out there.
 

plumsmum2005

New member
Nov 18, 2015
5,330
94
England, UK
Parrots
Lou, Ruby, and Sonu.
Fly free Plum, my gorgeous boy.
Rose Breasted Cockatoo's are very individual birds. Mine will cuddle if he feels like it, but it is not a given every day although he does seek reassurance that all is well with his mum each morning.

I look after another younger RB2 regularly and he has a different relationship with everyone in his life ie only wants to sit and cuddle with me, play games and tricks with his mum, be loved by his Nana and be tickled and whistle with his dad.

They are great birds and I love mine to bits but if they are more independent and 'busy' that in the long run is better for their health. Good luck with your choice.
 
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