How to help a 28 year old pet to talk "bird"?

SilleIN

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Aug 18, 2016
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Denmark
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I recently got a 21 year old female moluccan cockatoo from a zoo, Lullu. She couldn't cope with the males they had (they were far too aggressive).

I spoke to the biologist at the birdpark I know and asked how I would give her the best option to have a mate, since she was too mild a cockatoo to manage a relationship with an aviary male.

We found a 28 year old male pet, Mulle, who is very calm. They do quite well together, but Mulle seems to be missing a lot of bird socializing skills. If Lullu comes close and Mulle wants her to come closer, he lifts his foot to show he will step up. Lullu then interprets that as "Stay away" and backs off. That is just one of the things Mulle does as a result of being a pet, rather than being around other birds.

I still like Mulle to be able to step up, but am saddened by the total miscommunication between the two.

It's still early days, they have only been together for a little less than 2 weeks and they are not together unless I am there to intervene, should anything happen. At night they share a double cage with the divider in between them.

Is there anything I can do to help Mulle and Lullu understand each other better?

sillein-albums-my-birds-picture18855-lullu-mulle.jpg
 

PrimorandMoxi

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May 29, 2015
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New Jersey
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Max (23yo) Blue and Gold Macaw,
&
PRIMOR (8yo) Red Lored Amazon,
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ABBA (33yo) Red Lored Amazon - RIP
How amazing and lucky you are to share your huge heart with these birds.

Your flock is really expanding.
 

Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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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.
A difficult situation, one I've not yet experienced. My guess is supervising them together will allow some basic instincts to be shared or accrued by observing. They are really keen observers of their environment and miss almost nothing!
 

Notdumasilook

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Jul 28, 2015
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Blue Fronted Amazon, Cookie..Sun Conure..lil Booger (RIP) Have owned Parakeets, lovebirds, cockatiels, cockatoos, pocket parrot, and quakers.
First off I think you just have to be one awesome person. Bringing those 2 creatures together to give them opportunity for a happier life... that says a lot. Its a big plus if they are not being combative in any way. Has there been any preening of each other at all? I had a similar situation about 30 years ago with limited success, but I chalked that up to just too big a difference in the species . Given a little time methinks these 2 will work it out for themselves. Regardless, the lil lady has found a much better home.
 
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SilleIN

SilleIN

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Aug 18, 2016
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Lots of parrots, most of them rescues
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Lullu lived at a big zoo, so her life was not bad, however she did not cope well with the other birds, so it was the right choice to move her.

They are both very mild and loving birds, so they haven't shown any aggreession against each other or any of the other birds.

They are together during the day and spend their nights in a large double cage with camera supervision. I know that male cockatoos can be a bit harsh and I don't want her to have anymore injuries, than she has already. They will not be left alone before I am 100% certain they understand each other.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4k_Ld4VCg8"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4k_Ld4VCg8[/ame]
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
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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.
Terrific video! Such a nice feeling to bond with a cockatoo and exchange such closeness!

Male cockatoos can indeed be harsh; I've had to separate two couples because of aggression.
 

SailBoat

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Jul 10, 2015
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Teach the new Too the language of Human /Too interaction! This should allow a common starting point, since the vast majority of us Humans, do not speak Too.

The new member will at least have some bases of understanding what your Too is trying to communicate.
 
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SilleIN

SilleIN

Active member
Aug 18, 2016
495
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Denmark
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Lots of parrots, most of them rescues
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Teach the new Too the language of Human /Too interaction! This should allow a common starting point, since the vast majority of us Humans, do not speak Too.

The new member will at least have some bases of understanding what your Too is trying to communicate.

I'm trying my best :) The female Lullu has never been tamed prior to me getting her. She is the too in front of me in the above video. The male Mulle has always been a pet, so he speaks human rather than too :eek: He's the one in the background on the latest video I posted.

I am trying to teach Lullu human AND try to get Mulle to pick up on his "Bird" :D
 

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