HELP!! i rescued a cockatoo

Amsterdam

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KrSF4ry


Hi guys i dont know if i made the biggest mistake so i need your help!!!

So here in my home in Turkey people know me know as a bird rescuer ( wich im not ) and yesterday my neighbour knocked on my door telling me he knew someone who coudnt care for his cockatoo, we together went to the adress and i immediately noticed his cage was too small ( it was a small budgie cage ) , he was covered in dirt , had mites everywhere his right leg had this big bubble under it, he was scared his beak had this yellow puss looking thingy all around it. After a long long discussion where i became very pissed at the owner and it really almost turned into a fight, i told the owner that what he was doing was bad and not the way we should treat animals he was really pissed about it that i told him this, to make a long story short he only wanted to give him up for money wich i gave him after i told him he was a piece of **** ( sorry for the language ). I raced to the closest vet wich is aloooooooong way from here got to see the doc and take a closer look on him and she also told me he is in very bad shape , thankfully she cleaned him up and i got the meds to treat his mites and his legs. After this rescue i am a bit scared myself ( what did i just do again ?? ) , i coudnt leave him there i have no experience with these type of birds and never had and i know i lack knowledge , was it a mistake to bring a bird home where i almost know nothing about?. I really want to make him healthy again and give him love and attention wich me and my wife can provide, however i also want to be honest to myself can i take care of him? i know they need more attention then budgies etc? should i rehome him? the problem is i dont trust anyone here in this region because they only see birds as money?
Do you guys have any advice for what to do ? i have a appointment in 2 hours to buy a cage wich is very big to put him in i also already bought food for the birds with some vitamins.

can you guys help me out AGAIN?


ibb.co/KrSF4ry


( pic taken at the vet )
 
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Amsterdam

Amsterdam

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THE CAGE I AM GOÄ°NG TO BUY IS A DAYANG A 10 DO YOU GUYS THINK ITS GOOD ENOUGH?

9494259564594.jpg
 

plumsmum2005

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LaManuka

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Oh Amsterdam you really are my hero! Thank you for taking in yet another one and getting him the medical attention he clearly needs, and as for the cage, anything has to be an improvement!

I think you’ve hit the nail on the head about parrots in some regions being viewed as little more than a monetary asset. I’m sorry I’ve never had a cockatoo but from what I’ve read they’re a BIG commitment so you may find it difficult to find a suitable new home where he won’t be viewed simply as a status symbol! I’m sure wiser heads than mine will be along soon to help you more but in the meantime you are our super-hero!
 

saxguy64

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Thank you so much for helping this poor guy in need! The fact that you know you need to learn, and have the resources and determination to do so speaks volumes to everyone here. Good for you! You are indeed his hero. I truly believe that you will do what's right for him.

As said above, bigger cage is better, and the one you're looking at is certainly an improvement from what he has. That said, still probably small depending on what species he is. If he has a lot of out of the cage time, then it's much less of an issue, as long as he has his "safe place" to go if he wants, and also for sleeping.

Please keep us posted!

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OutlawedSpirit

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Amsterdam, we are cut from the same cloth I think. I would have probably done the same as you if I had been in your situation. The way I look at it is you got him medical attention, the cage you showed is definitely more appropriate than a budgie cage, and you love your birds as family members not money. All three are huge improvements for that poor too.

Sometimes with rescue birds, especially those that have been kept in deplorable conditions and mistreated, we can't provide them with the ideal life. But we can provide them with a better one. We can give them a reason to trust and love us and sometimes that can make a world of difference, and I think you've already gone above and beyond for a bird that was essentially dropped in your lap.

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saxguy64

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Amsterdam, we are cut from the same cloth I think. I would have probably done the same as you if I had been in your situation. The way I look at it is you got him medical attention, the cage you showed is definitely more appropriate than a budgie cage, and you love your birds as family members not money. All three are huge improvements for that poor too.

Sometimes with rescue birds, especially those that have been kept in deplorable conditions and mistreated, we can't provide them with the ideal life. But we can provide them with a better one. We can give them a reason to trust and love us and sometimes that can make a world of difference, and I think you've already gone above and beyond for a bird that was essentially dropped in your lap.

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Very well said Spirit! I whole heartedly agree.

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noodles123

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Thanks for helping the bird. You have a good heart.

What type of cockatoo is it?

If you are going to do this, you will need a bigger cage (although obviously that is better than what it had, it is still too small, even for a small cockatoo).

You are a very determined and intelligent person, so I am sure you are capable of doing whatever you choose. That having been said, some paths are more difficult than others. It depends on what you want and whether you are in it for the long haul once you decide.

It sounds like you already are aware of what an undertaking these birds are. It's a lifetime commitment and they (cockatoos specifically) are very demanding and unique parrots. I can't tell you what to do, but the bird will get attached to you, so keeping it for a few years and then re-homing would be potentially damaging, so if you keep the bird, keep the bird.

Anything you do for it is better than what it had, BUT (as you know) it shouldn't have ever been subjected to those conditions to begin with...So, I am trying to think about it in the same way I would think about a cockatoo who hadn't come from a crappy situation. Cockatoos are who they are and need what they need regardless, so I suppose you have to ask whether your are ready for that level of a commitment.

Again-- THANK YOU.
I think we need to knight you or something:
Amsterdam, I knight thee in the name of birds everywhere; to be known evermore as protector of the parrots and keeper of the flocks! May ballads boast of thine greatness throughout the land hahah --there you go, BAM- knighted!
 
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OutlawedSpirit

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Also, I wouldn't move him from a budgie cage to a mansion right away honestly, especially if he's been in that tiny cage for years. In my experience, many birds that have spent a long time in small cages tend to become very nervous if just put into "huge" appropriate sized cages right away. They adjust better if sort if stepped up. So it might even be best if you start somewhere between the cage he was in and the cage he should be in.

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Amsterdam

Amsterdam

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Thanks for all the tips guys the cage is rust free i am planning to get him a bigger one later , he is very very shy but he started to eat gave him some veggies and he ate them right away. ive had a discussion with my wife and we are planning to keep this little warrior we will let him out of the cage most of the days but first he needs to relax and addapt in our home, its good to see my budgies look very interessted and they are like cheering him up with all that noise he kinda looks like at them like is this my new familly?. I have no experience with cockatoos but i will make sure i can learn about the basics in a short time he is very neglected but not aggresive at all just scared he will let me treat him with the meds i got wich is good, i wish i could rescue more birds but i think this is gonna be our last one sometimes we have to be realistic i cannot save all birds i wish i could but i cant :(
 

noodles123

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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
Thanks for all the tips guys the cage is rust free i am planning to get him a bigger one later , he is very very shy but he started to eat gave him some veggies and he ate them right away. ive had a discussion with my wife and we are planning to keep this little warrior we will let him out of the cage most of the days but first he needs to relax and addapt in our home, its good to see my budgies look very interessted and they are like cheering him up with all that noise he kinda looks like at them like is this my new familly?. I have no experience with cockatoos but i will make sure i can learn about the basics in a short time he is very neglected but not aggresive at all just scared he will let me treat him with the meds i got wich is good, i wish i could rescue more birds but i think this is gonna be our last one sometimes we have to be realistic i cannot save all birds i wish i could but i cant :(

With a cockatoo, you will have your hands full lol!
Head and neck petting only (these guys want to snuggle so badly, but resist the temptation).
Teach and reward independence.
Never attend to a screaming "Too".
There is more but I am going to be late for work at this rate lol.
 

plumsmum2005

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Thanks for all the tips guys the cage is rust free i am planning to get him a bigger one later , he is very very shy but he started to eat gave him some veggies and he ate them right away. ive had a discussion with my wife and we are planning to keep this little warrior we will let him out of the cage most of the days but first he needs to relax and addapt in our home, its good to see my budgies look very interessted and they are like cheering him up with all that noise he kinda looks like at them like is this my new familly?. I have no experience with cockatoos but i will make sure i can learn about the basics in a short time he is very neglected but not aggresive at all just scared he will let me treat him with the meds i got wich is good, i wish i could rescue more birds but i think this is gonna be our last one sometimes we have to be realistic i cannot save all birds i wish i could but i cant :(


You have a window of opportunity with a new 'too, this will be however long it decides it is completely at home so make good use in terms of getting to know him and a little training such as step ups. Not all like hands and I have to give one an arm instead. He will eat most likely anything and everything you present but will more than likely change, again make good use of this. :)
 

ParrotGenie

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THE CAGE I AM GOÄ°NG TO BUY IS A DAYANG A 10 DO YOU GUYS THINK ITS GOOD ENOUGH?

9494259564594.jpg
You want to get him a bigger cage as possible, it sure be big enough to where he can stretch wingspan and be able to move around comfortably. At least 30-36 inches deep, 48 inches wide and 6 feet high.


The one in the picture looks only about 18 inches deep. If it all you can get, anything better then what he was in. As far as coating it safe to use. I hate to say this but if his old cage is rust free, keep him in temporary till he adapts to new surroundings, then let him come out and explore new cage keeping it close by.

What kind of cockatoo is he and his name, if he had a name for him even and if you have pictures.
 
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Casper223

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KrSF4ry


Hi guys i dont know if i made the biggest mistake so i need your help!!!

So here in my home in Turkey people know me know as a bird rescuer ( wich im not ) and yesterday my neighbour knocked on my door telling me he knew someone who coudnt care for his cockatoo, we together went to the adress and i immediately noticed his cage was too small ( it was a small budgie cage ) , he was covered in dirt , had mites everywhere his right leg had this big bubble under it, he was scared his beak had this yellow puss looking thingy all around it. After a long long discussion where i became very pissed at the owner and it really almost turned into a fight, i told the owner that what he was doing was bad and not the way we should treat animals he was really pissed about it that i told him this, to make a long story short he only wanted to give him up for money wich i gave him after i told him he was a piece of **** ( sorry for the language ). I raced to the closest vet wich is aloooooooong way from here got to see the doc and take a closer look on him and she also told me he is in very bad shape , thankfully she cleaned him up and i got the meds to treat his mites and his legs. After this rescue i am a bit scared myself ( what did i just do again ?? ) , i coudnt leave him there i have no experience with these type of birds and never had and i know i lack knowledge , was it a mistake to bring a bird home where i almost know nothing about?. I really want to make him healthy again and give him love and attention wich me and my wife can provide, however i also want to be honest to myself can i take care of him? i know they need more attention then budgies etc? should i rehome him? the problem is i dont trust anyone here in this region because they only see birds as money?
Do you guys have any advice for what to do ? i have a appointment in 2 hours to buy a cage wich is very big to put him in i also already bought food for the birds with some vitamins.

can you guys help me out AGAIN?


ibb.co/KrSF4ry


( pic taken at the vet )

Good Morning Sir.... First and Foremost, Thank You for a job well done, That little guy needed help in the worst way from your description, and you were there for him, I doubt he will ever forget it. I've read through your whole post, and my question is this..... There are many species of cockatoo's which one have you rescued. If this is a bigger Cockatoo, as in Umbrella or Moluccan, then the minimum cage size for this size bird is 40"x30"x75" with a 1"bar spacing. If this is a smaller Cockatoo as in Goffin the minimum cage size for this bird would be 36’’ long, 24’’ wide and 66’’ high with ¾’’ wire spacing. Use this as a guide, it can be larger without a doubt, but use this as a guide for minimal cage size. Hope this helps my friend. Best of Luck, and my second question, what's his name?? :)
 

sunshine.within

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I’m so happy you rescued that poor bird. Please consider a bigger cage. The one you posted is too small. What kind of cockatoo did you rescue? I rescued an umbrella Cockatoo a few months ago and bought an indoor aviary for her. She’s free to walk around the apartment most of the time but when she’s home alone she has a huge space to live, sleep, play in.

Just give your new bird lots of love and chew toys and you’ll receive double the amount of love. Most of all, arm yourself with lots and lots of patience for the first few months.


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Betrisher

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Amsterdam, you are doing a wonderful thing for this poor bird! There's no doubt that cockatoos are hard work, but you seem to know that already and are still prepared to try. If you do, you'll end up with a friend for life and a beloved family companion.

My first reaction to the cage is that it's far too small for an adult cockatoo of any size, HOWEVER, if your bird lives mostly outside of the cage, that need not be a problem. For now, I think it's probably better to keep him in a smaller cage since that's what he's been used to. He could take fright if you put him suddenly into a great big cage. The problem is, no doubt you, like me, are not rolling in money. Might you be able to sell the white cage after a few months when your bird needs a bigger one? Or, could it be possible to build a cage with metal framework and clean wire mesh?

Do let us know if you need help with ideas: I think we all want you to succeed with this bird and we wish you both well! For now, just concentrate on helping him get well and learn to eat a good diet. Spend a lot of time speaking gently to him and try to keep noise and other animals away while he learns he is safe.

Most importantly, do report back and let us know how he's getting on! Does he have a name? And what kind of cockatoo is he? My corella, Rosetta, says 'Hello' to him. :)
 

Owlet

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If you don't know what kind of cockatoo you can post a picture and we can help identify! Most popular I see are sulphur crested, umbrella, mollucan, and goffins
Sulphur crested are all white with a thin yellow crest. Umbrellas are all white with a black beak and a wide umbrella of a crest. Mollucans are similar to umbrellas but much bigger and have a salmon/pink tint to their feathers. Goffins are smaller, mostly white with some pink around their face and grey beaks and have a small pointed crest
 
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Amsterdam

Amsterdam

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guys the people at the vet told me it was a sulphur cockatoo however he doesnt really looks like one the feathers on his head dont get up tbh he has almost no feathers on his head due to the mites he had i defo will need a biÄźgger cage it thought this was one was big enough needed it for emergency and coudnt find a better one i will need to save some money and ship one over with a bigger size thank u so much guys
 

Owlet

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Do you have a picture you could share?
 

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