Bringing home a new older cockatoo

Hello everyone,

I am new to this forum and am very excited to read through threads and learn!

I am a small parrot owner, I have had a conure for a few years and he is just amazing!

I have adopted a 20 year old cockatoo who was very sheltered his entire life. He was surrendered to my local spca due to allergies. They kept him in a cage for as long as he was with the other family. I've read the surrender sheet and they never let him out. They didn't give him any toys or foraging toys. nothing. They gave him paper to shred and very little perches. I just fell in love with him because he is very sweet. Just extremely shy and nervous. Which is understandable. He isn't used to socialization or people really. He doesn't know any words or tricks. Which is fine, I would just like to teach him, step up and no bite. My conure's cage is all decked out and he loved it. He plays everyday and I plan on doing the same for my Cockatoo. I already put some toys in his cage and expect he wont touch them for a while. Of course they are not together! My cockatoo has his own room and if he is willing, they can be introduced.

My question is, because he is older... can he still learn? Will he willing to work with me as long as I am patient? How long does it normally take for an older bird to become relaxed and used to his surroundings? and, will he be willing to socialize with other pets?

Thank you for rescuing this darling!

Oh YESSSSSSSSSSSSS, he can still learn... a lot!
Give him some time to settle in and get comfortable. There's not much predicting how long it will take. Take great care and caution as far as socializing with othr pets.

This is a big change, buttt... I have a feeling that this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship.

I really like your style. You're energetic, open-minded, and excited. Welcome to our community. Lots of parrot-centric folks here, and in particular, some great cockatoo folks. Just wait and see.

Yes, there's lots to learn, but for now, just spend time near him, talking gently, letting him get used to you.

Meanwhile, here's some good reading.

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

He might well become very bonded to and affectionate with you because he's been starved for love. Cockatoos are very clingy, anyway, and with one who's had a background like that, it's possible he'll be even more so. Take it slow and don't push, but I wouldn't be surprised if he isn't snuggling with you in no time. However, I don't know about letting him and your conure interact. One chomp of jealousy from a cockatoo and that will be that. Be careful.

What kind of a cockatoo is he? Yes, he can still learn, twenty years of age is nothing compared to the fact that they can live to their eighties.

But please, I know it is tempting, but do not spoil this bird. Do not allow him to do things that will make you crazy six months from now.

He's young! Can look forward to several decades of life!

This is a wonderful story. Thankyou for adopting him, i'm sure he will appreciate it! You should look forward to many years of happiness with him. I can't wait to hear more about him and yourself. So exciting! :jumping40

You've given this neglected bird a new lease on life!

I too wonder the species. Big variations of the personalities between Goffins, Moluccans, Umbrellas, Galah, etc!

Histor may be somewhat a factor but not limiting. Whatever bond you develop is far more decisive than age.

Good for you - and good luck. There are reasons why cockatoos are the most surrendered parrots of all. They can be loud - constantly loud - and clingy, screaming for attention when they don’t get it. This is in their DNA. Search for videos of wild cockatoos and see how they are in a natural flock, and you will have a good idea of what’s normal for them. They are some of the smartest birds, quickly learning to make and use tools. I never had one, but it seems that rather than toys to shred or chew they would enjoy puzzle toys or complicated foraging toys. Google cockatoo tool making and be amazed!

This is really great information! thank you!

He is an umbrella cockatoo.

I really hope he does come out of his shell a bit, I have the room for him to roam out of the cage so I do not want him to feel as though he has to stay in the cage all the time. He gets his own room and I will be very weary with my conure. Right now he is in a temporary cage until the really big one comes in. once that one comes in I plan on hooking his room up with so much stuff. he deserves to have fun!

Please use caution allowing him to roam the room! Umbrellas are inquisitive and have an all-purpose beak! The amount of potential chewing is beyond belief! At a minimum ensure there are no electrical wires or hazardous pieces of furniture, window blinds, etc.

This thread provides a great overview of life with a cockatoo! http://www.parrotforums.com/cockatoos/17694-owning-cockatoo.html

If you can successfully bond with him, the joys of a companion cockatoo are limitless!!

Great Thank You!

Just wanted to say that it is so great that you've taken him in and he has a change of life for the better now! Must be deprived of letting out all the cockatoo-ness in him! They can be easily spoiled, but with the helpful info given in this thread, no doubt that both of you will be in in it for the long haul, and they are a long haul! Post pics when you can!

Vickkaax90 said:

This is really great information! thank you!

He is an umbrella cockatoo.

I really hope he does come out of his shell a bit, I have the room for him to roam out of the cage so I do not want him to feel as though he has to stay in the cage all the time. He gets his own room and I will be very weary with my conure. Right now he is in a temporary cage until the really big one comes in. once that one comes in I plan on hooking his room up with so much stuff. he deserves to have fun!

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Oh trust me, he will come out of his shell alright, and then you will be wishing for the days when he was in it. LOL!

All of you have been super helpful and have made me laugh! I really appreciate your help!

It has been three days now and he has ventured to the top of his cage, and he allows me to pet him on the head! I tell him what a good bird he is and pet him, it is really a fantastic start.

He really needs a bath though, he is very "dusty"
He still is weary about "step up" so I am afraid that if I force him he wont like it in the future. I know the spraying technique, but he really could use a shower shower.

Also, his left claw, at some point in his life was broken and never taken care of. The vet says at this point, he uses it pretty well considering that fact. He does not put all of his weight on it and it is not as open as the other claw. He does hold things with it still and itch himself with that claw. Would that be a considering factor for him not to want to step up?

Your story is bringing tears of joy to my eyes! These poor creatures need sooo many more people just like you! This mean world would be such a better place!

Does your new buddy have a name yet? Can you post a picture? EVERYONE on this fabulous forum just LOVE picture of members "family"! ( hint hint )



Jim

This is Amos

Amos is a beauty! It may take a few baths/showers, but his feathers will react nicely!