Hello from Australia

LeoTheGalah · Apr 1, 2018

Just joined this forum to share and receive some knowledge around parrots!

I just got a 3 month old galah (rose breasted cockatoo). I had a galah previously but she ended up getting adopted by my dad as I was in the process of moving. In that time she bonded to him so she is his haha.

My new galah is named Leo (if you couldn't tell by my name) :') He is extremely intelligent and is learning at a faster rate than me to be honest... Within 3 days he went from biting and hissing to pats and cuddles. He already knows what "scratch scratch" means, had his first ever shower, getting the hang of stepping up, and already gets into his cage on command. I say 3 days but honestly it's more like 2 max, considering the first day was a day of getting used to his cage and people walking around him.

I have purchased a flight suit/bird diaper and would love any tips about them. If I should leave it in the cage next to him so he gets used to it, putting them on, etc etc.

Also he doesn't take sun flower seeds as a bribe/treat.... He much prefers a good scratch on the ears

Anansi · Apr 1, 2018

Hello, and welcome to the Parrot Forums family! I'm glad that you and Leo have decided to join us, and we look forward to learning more about you both. And we'd love pics of your galah. He sounds like an amazing bird already!

If you try out our search function, you'll see quite a few threads about flight suits and harnesses. Literally a wealth of information is waiting for you.

That said, the initial process for getting Leo used to his flight suit wouldn't be much different from that of a harness. No, I wouldn't put it in the cage with him, but you do have the right idea. First put it within sight of his cage. Perhaps across the room. Then bring it closer, like on a nearby furniture piece. The process should be gradual, though exactly how slowly you take it depends largely upon Leo's individual personality. Some birds need this process to take weeks. Others a few days or even less. Main thing is to make sure not to take it faster than his comfort level will allow. If he comes to associate the flight suit with something unpleasant, teaching him to put it on will prove that much more difficult.

Eventually, you'll get to the point that you can have it there with him while you are holding him. Having it become a part of normal play will get him completely used to its presence. In the meanwhile, you should also get him used to you being able to touch him all over. Wings especially, as you'll need to be able to maneuver him around in all kinds of positions to get him into the suit.

And what will really help is finding out his favorite treat and making sure it's something he only gets during training sessions with you. That way he'll associate doing as you ask with the joy of a favored treat. (Apparently sunflower seeds are not among his favorites. A good thing in the long run, believe me.)

Once he's completely comfortable with being handled by you and the presence of the flight suit, you can work on putting it on him.

LeoTheGalah · Apr 1, 2018

Anansi said:
Hello, and welcome to the Parrot Forums family! I'm glad that you and Leo have decided to join us, and we look forward to learning more about you both. And we'd love pics of your galah. He sounds like an amazing bird already!

If you try out our search function, you'll see quite a few threads about flight suits and harnesses. Literally a wealth of information is waiting for you.

That said, the initial process for getting Leo used to his flight suit wouldn't be much different from that of a harness. No, I wouldn't put it in the cage with him, but you do have the right idea. First put it within sight of his cage. Perhaps across the room. Then bring it closer, like on a nearby furniture piece. The process should be gradual, though exactly how slowly you take it depends largely upon Leo's individual personality. Some birds need this process to take weeks. Others a few days or even less. Main thing is to make sure not to take it faster than his comfort level will allow. If he comes to associate the flight suit with something unpleasant, teaching him to put it on will prove that much more difficult.

Eventually, you'll get to the point that you can have it there with him while you are holding him. Having it become a part of normal play will get him completely used to its presence. In the meanwhile, you should also get him used to you being able to touch him all over. Wings especially, as you'll need to be able to maneuver him around in all kinds of positions to get him into the suit.

And what will really help is finding out his favorite treat and making sure it's something he only gets during training sessions with you. That way he'll associate doing as you ask with the joy of a favored treat. (Apparently sunflower seeds are not among his favorites. A good thing in the long run, believe me.)

Once he's completely comfortable with being handled by you and the presence of the flight suit, you can work on putting it on him.

Thanks for the speedy reply!

His personality is extremely carefree, probably due to him being 3 months old. Seems to be open to everything, and scared of absolutely squat... He's even charged at my dog...

He does pick out and eat the sunflower seeds when they're in his bowl, but when I hand them to him he grabs them and drops them :')

The person I got him off never had him on his hand, always grabbed him with two hands and had him sit on his chest.... So he's only just getting used to standing on my hand/finger.

I'll make sure I slowly introduce the suit to him. Due to his head strong nature do you think it would work well to have the flight suit in hand while I'm playing with and petting him?

I'll attach a picture of him :red1:

plumsmum2005 · Apr 1, 2018

Hello and welcome to you and Leo, the Rose-breasted Cockatoo!

He sounds a very smart birdie and I would just leave the flight suit out in plain sight even let him play with it a bit. You will need to get him used to being manhandled and touched to get it on him though. You seem to have an intelligent, quick learner so Leo will keep you on your toes and I would recommend clicker and trick training to give him something to focus on. A bored RB2 can be a nightmare. You will find he needs that stimulation. It can also be used to help you with the flight suit. Just be aware that when out using the flight suit he will be on constant alert for predators in the sky above which is why I purchased a Pak O Bird for my Plum. Try switching the training treats to something else tiny morsels of some nuts, walnuts, almonds, tiny amounts though and please do very careful with those Sunflower seeds if you want Leo to be healthy. As someone with experience of FLD please take note. I wish you and Leo and long and happy life together

Please don't be surprised if in a few months even a year you get a stroppy period, cockatoo adolescence - good luck!

Anansi · Apr 1, 2018

Great advice from Plumsmum. And yes, having the flight suit in hand and letting him play with it a bit should be just fine given how bold he seems to be.

GaleriaGila · Apr 1, 2018

Thanks for sharing Leo with us.
What a beauty... those colors just knock me out.
I'm glad you're here. Welcome!

YUMgrinder · Apr 1, 2018

OMG he's beautiful! I think a galah is my number one on my list of birds to join my flock. Maybe someday! Welcome!

Scott · Apr 1, 2018

A warm welcome to you and Leo! You've got a magnificent bird, so vibrant and intelligent!!

Flboy · Apr 1, 2018

Welcome to you and your new family!

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