I just posted a reply on your other post but I feel the need to answer this too (my blog is totally dedicated to life with a 'too, just started but more to come every day)
Let's start with the bright side. She makes us laugh, hourly, constantly. She lights up our lives, forces us to wake up early and go to bed at a reasonable hour. Having her encourages good eating habits all around the house. We tidy up and put things away more religiously because she's a goffins, and HIGH energy so she gets into everything. I stay home all day, she provides me with incredible companionship. She is affectionate, and always willing to return a cuddle. My partner loves her so much he emails from work to see how she's doing, shows "Dancing" (Cockatoos are great dancers) videos to coworkers and brags about her intelligence. As a professional animal trainer she keeps me on my toes, keeps me thinking and helps me grow at the same time.
The cons? We live in a large detached house. My neighbors can hear her. I don't just mean her tantrums (those are LOUDER), but just joyful "LIFE IS WONDERFUL" screams. When she sings along to mustang Sally... when the dogs make her laugh (she has the worst laugh in the world, and we love it). Worst of all, she HATES bed time with a burning passion. Some nights I can't sleep until almost 2am, and it gets better... because she decides it's time to get up around 8:30am. She can deliver a crushing bite, and is DESTRUCTO BIRD. I make her toys (tutorials on blog and some other sites as well), so it's not SO expensive but it's costly. When we have company over, we can't "hush" her. Infact she gets louder, and I know it makes guests uncomfortable. If she gets on the shoulder of a "new guy" (she loves men), she can hold them hostage for hours refusing to get off. She's messy, and it takes a couple hours of my time in total just cleaning, offering toys and feeding her. Vacations are almost impossible, it's really hard to find someone we trust who is willing. Plucking is an issue with these guys and while she's improved I'm ALWAYS watchful. It really is like having a child, she is equal amounts of work to BOTH dogs, BOTH cats, Elwood, and our SEVEN bearded dragons. I spend just as much time with her as I do with them... combined. Including the work hours I do with my dogs.
Is she worth it? For me, ABSOLUTELY. I'm going on to specialize in Parrot Behavior, working with animals in my life. She's a rescue, so she's a little bit of extra work. The bird you're looking at is double if not triple. I have a single love bird as well... and after getting her, his maintenance seems on par with watering plants. Cockatoos are my LOVE, luckily my partner is enthralled. In his opinion, when all the other animals pass away... he'll miss them, but he doesn't need more dogs or cats or reptiles. What does he want? SAVE THE BIRDS! More time for MORE BIRDS! And we wouldn't have it any other way. You really have to consider what's right for you, keep in mind my bird is half or even a third the work and commitment your is and remember ALL of this when you're looking for a new home. Most importantly, read, read, read. Check out
All About Cockatoos - MyToos.com these guys are SERIOUS about 'toos, know their stuff and tell it like it is. You can get some AMAZING help on that board and while they may seem harsh, it's tough and much needed love for these incredible creatures.
Best wishes!
