What have I let myself in for???

Betrisher

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Jun 3, 2013
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Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Dominic: Galah(RIP: 1981-2018); The Lovies: Four Blue Masked Lovebirds; Barney and Madge (The Beaks): Alexandrines; Miss Rosetta Stone: Little Corella
Oh. My. Word.

I have an update. As usual, my post will be wordy, but there's kind of a background story, so:

Following the passing of our dear old friend, Dominic the Galah, we've all been looking at his empty cage and wishing it were full again. We began haunting the rescue sites in the hope of finding another needy bird who might be happy to share our home.

No luck.

Eventually, the kids began asking 'Can we get another bird? It's not the same without someone to play with and share toast with!' So I began looking in earnest. I found two possible candidates: a very young galah whose family found out too late that cockatoos are needy and an older corella whose family had too many birds already and needed to reduce their population. I consulted my son, Matt (who is our resident animal-whisperer) and he felt we shouldn't have a ' replacement Dominic', so we went with the corella. She arrived today.

I'll say it again: Oh. My. Word.

This bird is ADHD on steroids! She jumps and bounces and hurls her toys, she flies around the room and hangs off your finger like a bat and rolls over and then begins again! She's amazing! (Also very LOUD)

I was astonished to find I was afraid of her at first, since her weight on my shoulder felt exactly like Dommie (who many of you will recall hated me and liked to eat my flesh). She's bigger, but almost the same bird, with a similar bill and way of moving. As I type, she's having a snooze with the new cat (that's another story - I'll post that in Off Topic) watching her like a - well - a cat.

I think we're in for a roller-coaster ride. They weren't joking when they said cockatoos need stimulation! This one sure does! :)

PS. She doesn't have a name yet. Well. She does, but we don't like it (Houdini). More on that when we decide.
 

ChristaNL

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All are rescues- had to leave their previous homes for 'reasons', are still in contact with them :)
Oh my...good luck with that one :)


Sounds like you went from a void into a starburst!
(let the fireworks fly!)
 

Scott

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RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Good to hear from you, Trish! Have to wholeheartedly agree with Matt's reasoning.

Well now you've done it... a white cockatoo! From what I've heard corellas are a bit like goffins but a tad larger. Stimulation is the key to a happy relationship. If you are able to handle her, the bonding and outlook should be better. They just love physicality and will reward with much joy.

They are perpetual motion machines! Love when they "twirl" in place!
 

noodles123

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Jul 11, 2018
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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
Constant stimulation is their best friend. TRY TRY TRY to get him to entertain himself as much as your can (so that you aren't the only source of stimulation). My U2 came to me as an adult (3 homes previously) and she never played before. It has been a SLLLLLOOOOOWWW process, but we have made some progress (she is less scared of toys now and will sometimes play with them). The more independent you can make him, the happier you both will be lol. You are right about the roller-coaster ride as well, and the ADHD on steroids lol. It is a WONDERFUL and HARROWING experience...TOTALLY unique/high-maintenance birds....totally exhausting and lovable all at the same time. Cn't imagine life without mine, but she is SO much work. WELCOME TO THE CLUB (again).
 
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EllenD

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Wow, a Corella huh...Oh my is right.

I've only had experience with one Corella that was surrendered to the Avian Rescue that I volunteer at, it was in 2012 (ask me how I remember this bird so well), and he was with us for over a year...Well, to be fair, he was adopted twice and brought back twice before finally finding his forever home. I didn't have much contact with him because I wasn't as active or involved with the Rescue back then (I'm now the medical liaison), but he was always a very sweet bird, just very active and LOUD. He would step-up for anyone, and he loved it when we would let him out to fly around and play on the open play-stands, but man did he have a lot of energy and a voice!!!! But honestly he was a sweetheart, he was just too much for most people to handle...although, so are most species of Cockatoos, because most people don't have a clue what they're getting themselves into with any type of Cockatoo...

Good luck!!! I'm sure he'll settle-in nicely...
 
OP
Betrisher

Betrisher

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Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Dominic: Galah(RIP: 1981-2018); The Lovies: Four Blue Masked Lovebirds; Barney and Madge (The Beaks): Alexandrines; Miss Rosetta Stone: Little Corella
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Thanks, Scott! She's gonna be a handful!

Already, she's found she can grab her big plastic ball with a toenail and drag it up to her perch so she can drop it with a BANG!!! As I type, she's earnestly calling me to let her out, which I will as soon as the coffee's gone.
 
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Betrisher

Betrisher

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Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Dominic: Galah(RIP: 1981-2018); The Lovies: Four Blue Masked Lovebirds; Barney and Madge (The Beaks): Alexandrines; Miss Rosetta Stone: Little Corella
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Thanks noodles123! I have a feeling I'm gonna need everyone's wisdom with this one.

Neither Dominc (galah) or the Beaks (Alexandrines) ever played much with toys. I made them all sorts of elaborate beaded, fluffy, chewy toys, but nope. I barely got a nod of interest. When the Beaks went into their big cage, I made them a swing from 1" sisal rope and they *love* that! They'll hang on it all day, rocking and swinging. They like their Big Boing too (made that out of sisal and fencing wire). Oh, and they have a Rummage Basket (wire hanging planter filled with all their chewy toys). They like to fly onto the basket and swing on it, then get inside and rummage around for something to chew on.

I have a feeling this new birdie is going to be easy to make toys for, since she's so interested in everything. :)
 

noodles123

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Jul 11, 2018
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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
CAREFUL! She was probably watching as you typed that LOL...
Cockatoos are ridiculous and often picky/fickle. Just don't give up---a daily rejection for months doesn't mean that suddenly, a hated toy/food/person/song won't become her favorite (and vice-versa).


Also- if she makes sounds that you like more than others, then ignore the squawking stuff and attend to those (make sure you don't let her know that she can manipulate you by screaming, throwing food etc). They tend to have a bit of a honeymoon period when they transition between homes so it will take time for you to get to really know her, but it's best to set establish your expectations early on. You probably know all of this already, but just in case...
 
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noodles123

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Jul 11, 2018
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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
I somehow posted my last message twice....
 
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Betrisher

Betrisher

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Jun 3, 2013
4,253
177
Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Parrots
Dominic: Galah(RIP: 1981-2018); The Lovies: Four Blue Masked Lovebirds; Barney and Madge (The Beaks): Alexandrines; Miss Rosetta Stone: Little Corella
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O.M.G. She's utterly gorgeous!

At first, I was pretty scared of her, since she's so full-on and running about everywhere (our previous Dominic bit me viciously). But I've had a morning session with Miss Corella and she's just a darling. I can see already how much work she's going to be. She's like Speedy Gonzales: all over everywhere!

There's lots of work to do on her behaviour. She won't stay on your hand but runs immediately to your shoulder. From there, she likes to plummet down your front and hang like a bat from your clothing (disconcerting to say the least). So Project One is teaching Miss to stay on the hand.

She's extremely loud, but we don't mind that (used to the Beaks' piercing shrieks). It's just a bit odd, hearing the sound I associate with outdoors indoors (we have large flocks of wild Corellas living in our suburb).

Although she was so sweet this morning (tucks her head in my hand and wiggles herself under my plait), I can tell a lot of her behaviour is a bit fraught. I've told the family to play very quietly with her without allowing her to escalate into a screaming demon. We'll see how she goes after a few days getting used to us.

I gave her a leather offcut and she spent a good ten minutes hurling it around the floor and then killing it to death. Next, I gave her a small tub of bottle caps. Well! Within seconds, they were hurled everywhere! A whiffle ball died almost immediately, but the length of sash cord was the hero of the day. She *loves* it! She'll grab hold of the knot at the bottom and climb up, then hang from it, then plummet down to start again. The funniest thing, though, is the way she hop-hop-hops along with her hat at full-staff and wings held out for balance.

This bird is so much fun, but it's clear from the outset that 'fun every day' is going to be a lot of work. OK. Rolling sleeves up.
 
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Terry57

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Trish, I know she could not be in better hands, my Friend. I'm glad you went with a Corella instead of another Galah, your Matt is such a wise one. I want pictures, pretty please?
 

AmyMyBlueFront

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And a Normal Grey Cockatiel named BB who came home with me on 5/20/2016.
Sounds like you're going to have your hands full Trish :04: You KNOW we'd love to see her...RIGHT?? :03:

And the high hat and hop-hop-hop arms out thing...I recall Jonesy the Goffin was very talented with that.


Good Luck!!




Jim
 

Scott

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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.
She sounds like a delightful bird, Trish. Let her wiggle into your heart and you'll have a dynamic companion for life!
 

jlockhart29

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Oct 27, 2011
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Welcome to Bare Eyed world!!lol Aerial is about 7 years old now and I've had her since weaned. You can read my original write up under "good and bad about small toos" sticky. She is exactly like yours except I have calmed the screaming for the most part. That loud shrill double scream gets her no where. Dont know if yours makes this sound but Aerial will make something like a small child would say when he makes a mess "oh o". I repeat it back to her and has become her contact call. Also tapping with her beak and I tap back. Anything but that pearcing scream!lol If possible keep her flighted. Burn more energy but never leave her unattended. They will have to be into something constantly but when she crashes shes out. Will fall sound asleep on my knee for an hour or more watching TV. You can train her to go back to a portable perch with a plate under it to pop as well. Aerial is about 95%.
 

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