Adopting a cockatoo

[andrea]

Hello everyone!
I'm new to this forum and would like to ask for advise.
Me and my husband was considering for some time now to adopt a cockatoo. We don't have an axperientc with a large parrots. What cockatoo will be better for us Umbrella or Sulfur Crested? I was doing my research, visiting websites like mytoos.com and etc. and foud out that U2 and M2 are more needy parrots and more difficult to care for. I'm working from home and have lots of time to give to the bird. We have two adoppted cats and one dog. Could some one please advise me on what cockatoo species will suit best for our family?

 

[Tieltoolove]

Now I'm a little biased from personal experience, but I suggest you go find a rescue and adopt whichever bird connects with you both. There are so many that need good homes and I can promise you that one will steal a place in your heart no matter if it is a M2 U2 triton sulfur or whatever it ends up being, it will be the prfect bird for your family because you will want to make it work because of this bird's personality. You also will have a network of people at the rescue to help you train and work with your bird.

 

[MikeyTN]

As much as I LOVE Java our U2, I would never suggest a Cockatoo to a first time owner!!!! IF you do persist, I would suggest a Lesser Sulphur Crested instead or some of the smaller toos, less issues to deal with if you don't have any prior experience. The bigger ones are not for faint hearted people, they can be very dangerous!!! Java likes me only, NO ONE else is allowed near me or in the same room period when he's out with me. He will do a fly attack or run after them to bite them. He will not hesitate to draw blood! They also will test you on a daily basis, scream your heads off, etc. Just be sure you know what your getting into first! Another thing why people give them up is because of allergies, they create a powder dust substance that some people are allergic to. They're extremely dusty birds!!! Anyone thinks they're so cuddly and loving better think twice and when it come to mating time they can be quite evil. And Cockatoos give one of the worst bite that I've ever got from any bird including macaw, the Cockatoo bite I received was far worse then any bite....Some of us have many years of experience with birds including me with over 15 years and I don't even take my eyes off my Cockatoo for a sec. cause you just never know....

 

[wenz2712]

Hi and welcome
You need to give alot of thought to taking on a cockatoo as a first time Bird.. They can be quite dangerous , very demanding and very loud.. If you really think a too is for you, then maybe a smaller one like a Galah

 

[mtdoramike]

I agree with all the above, plus I would like to add:

1. Do you have any prior bird experience?
2. Do you own your own home, rent or have close neighbors?
3. Do you have young children?
4. Are you financially stable?
5. Can you AND your family tollerate constant noise AND loud noise.

These are questions that need to be answered before getting a bird of any kind. Cockatoo's are one of the most birds that are turned in to rescue centers because of noise alone, not to mention hormonal issues.

Go onto YOU TUBE and search their videos on screaming Cockatoo's and then turn the volumn all the way up on your speakers to get an idea of just how loud they are and WILL BE. There was also a video on there where a guy had his VERY TAME Cockatoo riding on his shoulder and the bird just decided one day to take a chunk out of his eye brow. It was nasty and required several stitches.

We can only make suggestions to you based on what limited information you give. But I would reconsider a Cockatoo and if your a fist time bird owner, I wouldn't recommend a rescued bird either. A hand raised young bird from a breeder is the best way to go.

I would suggest other species such as an African Grey, Eclectus, which are similar in size and not quite as loud or needy.

 

[oled]

It is difficult to be first time keeper regarding big perrots but not impossible, All of us have being through "the first time", but many of us got som help from freinds. I think that Cokatoos is one of the most interesting and cute perrot but can be extrem difficult to have as pet. Could you concider other perrots? Amazons or smaler perrots?

 

[roxynoodle]

The dust really is a big concern if you have allergies and especially if you have asthma. I have a feeling I would die if a cockatoo were in my house.