Buying A Cockatoo

Buddy216 · Oct 22, 2017

I'm looking to buy a cockatoo and I don't have much experience with it and I was wondering if this seems like a reliable place to buy a cockatoo
https://www.birdsnow.com/bird-ad-528162

wrench13 · Oct 22, 2017

Please do a LOT of research on owning any type of cockatoo. I mean days of it, because they are the most surrendered parrot of all. There are many many of them in sanctuaries and animal shelters, becasue they are truely like children that can live 50-60 years and demand every day attention. And some are among the loudest of all parrots. I like cockatoos, but I've seen too many , plucked bare, depressed and unhappy in their lives, because people dont realize what it takes to own one. It takes a lot to own any parrot, but cockies are in a class by themselves.

Laylatoo · Oct 22, 2017

Reverse image search shows that exact photo on another breeders sale page for $2200 If the price is too good to be true it usually is a scam.

http://www.birdbreeders.com/bird/147801/umbrella-cockatoo

Buddy216 · Oct 22, 2017

Laylatoo said:
Reverse image search shows that exact photo on another breeders sale page for $2200 If the price is too good to be true it usually is a scam.

Umbrella Cockatoo #147801 for sale in Chicago , IL

Yeah, I know, I actually saw that a couple of minutes before you replied and I was sure it was a scam

Buddy216 · Oct 22, 2017

I already own birds and I can understand how needy they can be and how much attention they need. I have a family of 6 so I'm sure the cockatoo will never be alone. I just need a reliable place to buy one.

Buddy216 · Oct 22, 2017

If anybody does know a reliable place where I can buy or adopt a cockatoo, please let me know!

Flboy · Oct 22, 2017

A big red flag for sure, is the fact that they’re saying they will ship worldwide! In the world of today, this does not happen! Also, this phone number looks familiar, I believe I saw related to another scam! Been trying to do some searching on it but so far no luck.

LeaKP · Oct 22, 2017

I’d second being cautious with this species. They are magnificent but needy. Before jumping in feet first, why not volunteer at a rescue or bird store for some time to get a feel for the birds? Or become a foster parront to a cockatoo. This would provide valuable reference for the future.

Buddy216 · Oct 22, 2017

A close family friend has a cockatoo, and I've spent loads of time with her. I know how needy they can be and how loud they are. I am willing to take care of a cockatoo, and thanks for the advice!

Kiwibird · Oct 22, 2017

Where do you live? Look for the nearest avian rescue and/or local bird stores and start there. A rescue would be preferable. There are probably tens of thousands of cockatoos up for adoption across the US, it almost seems irresponsible to buy a baby when so many misunderstood too's need homes who understand them IMO. If you live in a smaller town, check your nearest major metro area for rescues and bird stores, then get in contact with a few, see what they have available and plan a day trip to visit. Any parrot rescue is going to have plenty of cockatoos up for adoption. They are the #1 species who ends up being rehomed (over and over and over). It sounds like you know what your getting into, and you might want to let any rescue you contact know you've spent time around cockatoos and know what kind of issues they can have!

psychocircus91 · Oct 22, 2017

I will "parrot" the above. The sanctuary I volunteer at has about 20 umbrella cockatoos, 12 goffin cockatoos, 8 moluccans, 8 sulpher crested, a bare eye, a rose breasted. They are not hard to come by. Not to mention countless people selling on craigslist.
I understand the appeal of finding a reputable breeder, but when you spend time with an adult, what you see is what you get!

wrench13 · Oct 22, 2017

Buddy, if you ARE informed, then you'll get excellent support from all the members here. We are all about the birds first and owners second, after al,l it is The Parrot Forum, not the Parrot Qwners Forum.

What kind of cockatoo are you looking for? They are all so cute and most I have meet were real mush balls, but then again, who takes out their problem parrot to meet people ? I would have a hard time picking one, but I think I like the Lesser Sulpher Crested Too's best. Good Luck, and please come back when you get your 'too !

Buddy216 · Oct 23, 2017

Kiwibird said:
Where do you live? Look for the nearest avian rescue and/or local bird stores and start there. A rescue would be preferable. There are probably tens of thousands of cockatoos up for adoption across the US, it almost seems irresponsible to buy a baby when so many misunderstood too's need homes who understand them IMO. If you live in a smaller town, check your nearest major metro area for rescues and bird stores, then get in contact with a few, see what they have available and plan a day trip to visit. Any parrot rescue is going to have plenty of cockatoos up for adoption. They are the #1 species who ends up being rehomed (over and over and over). It sounds like you know what your getting into, and you might want to let any rescue you contact know you've spent time around cockatoos and know what kind of issues they can have!

There are two bird stores in my area, unfortunately both over an hour away, but I am willing to travel that far to find the bird I want, and to be sure I'm not being scammed.The reason I want a baby or a young cockatoo is because older cockatoos can get attached to their shelter and can get super scared and nervous if someone were to adopt them. Younger ones would better adjust to me and my home. The only issue I have is that they are pretty expensive. But adopting a young one, maybe 2-5 years, would be ideal, considering it costs considerably less.

Buddy216 · Oct 23, 2017

wrench13 said:
Buddy, if you ARE informed, then you'll get excellent support from all the members here. We are all about the birds first and owners second, after al,l it is The Parrot Forum, not the Parrot Qwners Forum.

What kind of cockatoo are you looking for? They are all so cute and most I have meet were real mush balls, but then again, who takes out their problem parrot to meet people ? I would have a hard time picking one, but I think I like the Lesser Sulpher Crested Too's best. Good Luck, and please come back when you get your 'too !

I think I'm either looking to get an umbrella or a moluccan. Which cockatoo would be the easiest to take care of?

Buddy216 · Oct 23, 2017

Also another question...would bird diapers be a good idea? I know that my pigeons HATE them and would never wear them. Are they comfortable for parrots?

LordTriggs · Oct 23, 2017

Any bird becomes comfortable where they are. you'll probably get more fear from a baby cockatoo considering not only did it leave its flock but it left for the first time, lost mum and dad, and everything is new. Older birds can understand and just need time to settle. Plus you don't have to deal with sudden puberty which can be a trying time, go take a look at rescues. No harm in looking, you may find a good companion there.

As for diapers do you mean for taking out or in the home? for taking out get a harness, they're more robust. for around the home either get potty training or make peace with the poo. Keeping them in a diaper all day isn't fair on them and will likely end in an infection of the cloaca

sonja · Oct 23, 2017

"Which cockatoo would be the easiest to take care of?"
None of them!!! They are extremely challenging birds. I kept birds, and did parrot rescue, for almost 20 years before I felt like I *might* be prepared to adopt an M2, a bird that I'd wanted since I was a teenager. And it's still challenging, and mine is not a "problem" bird. Proceed very, very cautiously.

They are extraordinarily loud as a baseline - let alone if yours develops a screaming problem. They are very messy - and yes, they will poop on stuff. And people. I can't imagine any cockatoo keeping a bird diaper on for more than the 10 seconds it would take for him to destroy it.

If you tell us what general area you live in, perhaps people can make suggestions on where to look.

Laylatoo · Oct 23, 2017

You can also look for legit ads on Craigslist type sites. Amongst the scams you can find some beautiful birds needing good homes for a variety of reasons. I got Layla from a craigslist seller. I feel like I hit the lottery with her. She’s well adjusted and her previous owner loved her very much. I’m still in contact with the previous owner actually

. Just be wary of the scams and ask lots of questions.

Buying A Cockatoo

New member

Moderator

New member

New member

New member

New member

Well-known member

Well-known member

New member

Well-known member

Member

Moderator

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

New member

Adopting/rescuing

Galah cage size

Similar threads