Cockatoo Sites?

negb

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Anyone know some really good cockatoo sites? Information, diet, behavior, anything really.

Thanks!
 

MikeyTN

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13,296
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Antioch, TN
Parrots
"Willie"&"Lola"B&G Macaw,
"Dixie"LSC2, and "Nico" Scarlet Macaw.
They're beautiful and it comes with a price!!!! Ugly scream and demanding!!! I love mine and wouldn't have her any other way. I will not suggest the bigger ones to a novice. Goffins, Bare eye, Lesser Sulfur Crested, Galah, etc would be a better choice. Look them up as there's a ton of info on the net about each of them. I would like for you to know your birds before attempting Cockatoos as they will require a lot more then the smaller birds. They also have powder dust that a lot of people are allergic to. Be around them lots before ever trying to attempt the bigger birds!
 
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negb

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Thanks, I'm trying to decide how to tell if I can tolerate the scream or not. I'm looking at mytoos site right now.

I understand that you'd want me to get a less demanding bird before hand, its just I don't believe in starter birds, I think if someone has their heart set on a bird and does their homework (and believe me, I will) then why not? As long as they know what their getting in too.
 

MikeyTN

New member
Feb 1, 2011
13,296
17
Antioch, TN
Parrots
"Willie"&"Lola"B&G Macaw,
"Dixie"LSC2, and "Nico" Scarlet Macaw.
A lot of times that's just what happens. People think they know enough to get into something that they think they can handle until they get it and found out how much of a hassel it puts them into. Then the animals moves from home to home. That's sad!
 

patterson

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belfast, northern ireland
Parrots
vincent-b/g macaw archie-alexandrine and coming in june greenwing macaw and millitary macaw this year too fingers crossed
Best way is to get some hands on homework vist some birds u like. Our first bird was an alexandrine then 3 months later a baby macaw with more on way this year.

Have to say tho I learned alot from guys on this site and Internet. But also knew that macaws were my fav birds always wNted one from young age. Then decided to buy last year. But we ate learning everyday they are demanding like the toos are big screamers and chewers.

Take any advise these guys give u because we would have been lost with out them. Plenty of parrot experience between everyone. Just do ur research then if ur positive what u want go for it. U need spend decent money on good big cage. And toys food fruit veg all adds up. But it's worth every penny. Hope this helps good luck with which ever u decide
 

patterson

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belfast, northern ireland
Parrots
vincent-b/g macaw archie-alexandrine and coming in june greenwing macaw and millitary macaw this year too fingers crossed
Yea like mike says u need be able to give ur bird plenty of hours each day. I work notes so I'm always home when they just wake and they go to bed everynite before I head to work.
 
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negb

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Well I get your guy's concern and I'd love to be able to get to be around birds but I got no family or friends who own birds (besides a budgie), so I have no idea where to go.

The only places I can think of would be maybe like helping out at this couple's place who bird-sat my cockatiel. Or possibly a pet store I know of who actually takes care of their animals and are very helpful. Although, I'd probably never buy from there and they'd probably get sick of me, haha.
 

Lesleybird

Banned
Banned
Mar 10, 2011
64
1
Houston
Parrots
Three amazons, Moluccan cockatoo, Umbrella cockatoo, Harlequin macaw.
Hi, Neither of my cockatoos scream like the birds on the site mentioned. I think if you get a young bird and get a book like "Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot" by Mattie Sue Athan and Guide TO Companion Parrot Behavior by the same author. I would not be without either of these books. Sometimes birds will scream if they are isolated from their flock be it bird or human and they need to be room with their human of they may call for them.

Funny thing is that my moluccan male does not scream at all and I had him for the first four years of his life in an apartment. I think if you read up on parrot behavior that screaming can be kept to a minimum. My umbrella's screaming is just her calling maa, maa. maaa. And this is ususally if she does not get a couple of hours of me holding her. She sits on my sap when I am watching TV and cuddles.

If you can tell us why you want a cockatoo and what type of companion you are looking for maybe we could help you better. I have two cockatoos...a moluccan male, and an umbrella female, both I have had for over a decade. I love my umbrella female and she is very sweet and cuddly and likes to sit on my shoulder and watch me get ready for work in the morning. I am having problems with my moluccan male because his male hormones are kicking in and he gets aggressive at times and will bite us on the ankles and we have to put him up so I think that a female cockatoo would be best because they don't get that way as much. My moluccan male is scarry smart and usually knows what we are talking about like when we say we need to put him back in his cage. My umbrella female sees me as her mate and she is a very good companion bird, she makes me happy and she likes to be hugged and kissed just like a little teddy bear. We just got a new macaw last month that I am totally in love with. She is a female harlequin macaw and she is very smart and also likes to cuddle and be petted all over her body and kissed on her face. She is very playful and has a climbing tree that we keep in the room with the TV and she will stay there for hours and play with her toys. My moluccan will not stay on any playstand and loves to run around on the floor and get into everything. Can't take your eyes off of him for a minute or he will be into something. I like my umbrella and the new macaw best. The umbrella doesn't like to run around on the floor and just hangs out on my shoulder or on my lap and stays out of trouble. I had never thought of a macaw before last month but I have found that they can be trained not to bite with their big beaks. So like I said if you tell us what type of relationship that you want we could steer you to the right breed. I also have three amazons, two of which are part of a couple. Amazons can be good talkers but don't like to cuddle much. Lesley
 
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negb

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I am definitely not getting an umbrella or moluccan. I was thinking about a goffin, because of size and I heard they're a bit more independent (not that I'd spend any less time with it).

I was just wondering if goffins were as prone to destructive behavior as larger cockatoos because the site (mytoos) seems to be aimed at umbrellas and moluccans.

Also, it seems that a cockatoo can become self-mutilating even with a good owner. Is this true? If so, how often does it happen and is there any 100% "cure" (doubt there is...)? Is there anything I can prevent stuff like this happening (besides good diet, attention, cage)?

Thanks!
 

MikeyTN

New member
Feb 1, 2011
13,296
17
Antioch, TN
Parrots
"Willie"&"Lola"B&G Macaw,
"Dixie"LSC2, and "Nico" Scarlet Macaw.
Plus lots of toys!!!! The main thing is good diet and attention! My Cockatoo entertains herself pretty good so I don't have problems with her. She doesn't pluck like she used to with her previous owners. We had her for 6 years....Right now I don't pay too much attention to her, she's in the mood for mating....We highly discourage her from doing so... The moment you try to go in her cage, she turns the backside towards us and start doing her thing....Not happening!!!!
 
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negb

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So if I do lots of my research, provide proper diet, attention, cage, training and so on, what are my chances of things turning out bad?

Are their terrible twos worse in cockatoos (btw, I'm talking strictly about goffins, but whatever you wanna add is fine :) ) than other birds?

How about outside of cage hours? I'm in school still but there is always someone home.

I was thinking getting up earlier and playing with him/her for some time and keep him (for now, let's just say its a he) out while I get ready, eat, wait. Then when I get home do the same, play for awhile then do homework, shower (hopefully he will like showers), chores (usually only on weekends), supper and whatever else with him and then once again play. Does that sound ok? Hows 9 for bed time?

Thanks! :)
 

Lesleybird

Banned
Banned
Mar 10, 2011
64
1
Houston
Parrots
Three amazons, Moluccan cockatoo, Umbrella cockatoo, Harlequin macaw.
The bird will be fine. It's usually the birds that nobody worries about that turn out bad. Visit a few of these birds and make sure that the bird picks out you. They are like people, some we/they like better than others, so the most important thing is to pick a bird that really seems happy that you are there. If you both don't feel a good connection then look for another one because the bird may be with you most of your life and you want to make sure that you choose wisely. Lesley
 

Gandolf

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Mar 29, 2011
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Lincoln, Ne
Parrots
Goffin's Cockatoo, Congo African Grey, 3 Conures, 2 Cockatiels, 6 Love Birds and 4 Budgies
I am definitely not getting an umbrella or moluccan. I was thinking about a goffin, because of size and I heard they're a bit more independent (not that I'd spend any less time with it).

I was just wondering if goffins were as prone to destructive behavior as larger cockatoos because the site (mytoos) seems to be aimed at umbrellas and moluccans.

Also, it seems that a cockatoo can become self-mutilating even with a good owner. Is this true? If so, how often does it happen and is there any 100% "cure" (doubt there is...)? Is there anything I can prevent stuff like this happening (besides good diet, attention, cage)?

Thanks!

Make sure U know what U R getting into. Study, Study, Study. I can tell you from experience that the Goffin's take ALLOT of patience and understanding. They R Very affectionate and Loving with very DESTRUCTIVE behavior. They REQUIRE allot of attention and I do mean allot. They R not a bird recommended for the inexperienced at all. Out of all of my birds Gandolf requires the MOST attention. U cannot turn your back on them for even a minute.:D

Now that I have gotten that out of the way....:D I would recommend the Goffin's over any of the other Cockatoo's. Be warned though that this an 80 YEAR COMMITMENT. Oh yeah....They are Very Very Very loud :52:
Gandolf2.jpg
 
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negb

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80? For some reason of been reading 40-60 everywhere
 
Mar 18, 2010
4
0
Florida
Parrots
Umbrella Cockatoo
I am sitting hear holding one of my two legged feathered babies, an unbrella cockatoo (Mango). I suggest that you go to a parrot rescue Avairy. If you do, most will help you decide what type of cockatoo and which cockatoo will be a good fit for your home. I have fostered cockatoo's and have my own.... The funny thing about cockatoos is that they have to have the right fit... Going to a rescue will allow you to do a few things:
-Rescue a bird in need, as there is an extream amount in need (over crowding in many rescues homes)
-Most rescues will allow you to exchange (if you will) a bird, if the one you brought home is not a good fit for you. This may sound cold... but it is very important for both you and the bird and truely a wonderful option.
-Rescues will help answer all your questions and concerns both before and after an adoption.

Please consider adopting from a rescue.... You won't be sorry!
 

Gandolf

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Mar 29, 2011
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Lincoln, Ne
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Goffin's Cockatoo, Congo African Grey, 3 Conures, 2 Cockatiels, 6 Love Birds and 4 Budgies
Picky picky....:) There have been documented cases of 60 + years on the Goffin's I prefer to think 80 wonderful years with my Gandolf. Point is that it is a life time commitment :)
 
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negb

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I promise I wasn't being picky, I was just confused. Sorry! Thanks for the info though.

Wish I could rescue one but I don't think I have any bird rescues by me. We have a humane society but they don't get many birds. There is a lot of classifieds for people getting rid of birds though...what do you think of that idea?

I don't find it so bad. I mean I'd be giving the bird a new home, I could visit several times before deciding and the previous owner could tell me personality, habits and such. Opinions anyone?
 

MikeyTN

New member
Feb 1, 2011
13,296
17
Antioch, TN
Parrots
"Willie"&"Lola"B&G Macaw,
"Dixie"LSC2, and "Nico" Scarlet Macaw.
I don't think classifieds are bad.....there isn't a rescue by me either....well, there used to be but no more....so I had to find my birds through classifieds.... when you see the bird the very first time, you know when its the right bird....
 

Gandolf

New member
Mar 29, 2011
78
Media
6
Albums
1
0
Lincoln, Ne
Parrots
Goffin's Cockatoo, Congo African Grey, 3 Conures, 2 Cockatiels, 6 Love Birds and 4 Budgies
No problem.....I should have been more specific...LOL
 
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negb

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So I know birds like to hang with you whenever, I was just wondering what can you do.

I would love to take my bird out while I get ready for school and then when I get home to get a snack and stuff. If I get homework I was thinking I could take him out (I can still pay attention to him as I can multi-task :) and I know he may attack my homework as my cockatiel tried to eat it even if I stopped and played with her)

Is that ok? I mean of course of going make time for just him (paying all my attention to him) and play and train him. I was gonna wake up earlier to have some one on one time and then I'll have much more time in the evening and especially on weekends.

I heard people having their birds out while they watch TV. What do most birds do? Just hang out around you and some petting/cuddling?
 

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