Can someone point me to...

[sonja]

I'm looking for info on differences in gender and various ages of Moluccan 'toos.

For example, an article on mytoos discusses the baby stage- up to 2 years, child stage- 2-6 years, and adult stage- 6-7 years. Well, what's after that? Do they pretty much stay the same from 7 years on? I'm looking for things like hormonal behavior, and aggression.

And, differences in males versus females. It seems to be generally accepted that females tend to be less aggressive.

Anyway, these are the kinds of things I'd like to do more reading on.

Can anyone recommend some good references?

Thanks!

 

[Mare Miller]

Hi Sonja, I wish I could help but have no experience with a Moluccan. I do have a 13 yr. old umbrella and am finding him to be mellowing out, through the late summer, into fall, months. He's very hormonal in the spring, obnoxiously so, but in the four years I've had him he has matured noticeably from when he first came here. Maybe I'm just more use to him, not sure, or maybe he is just more use to us!

 

[antoinette]

Sorry no experience either
I have attached a link, which you will find rather interesting

What is the difference between male and female

 

[Molcan2]

Hey sorry, been a bit busy lately. What makes you want an M2? They are arguably one of the hardest parrots you could own. They are a lot like having a U2 but magnified. Their demands are higher (emotionally), they are also more emotionally unstable than U2s. I know you rescue a lot , which I LOVE! There are so many in rescues that need good homes . I really don't see how they could be okay caged all day. I would suggest only having one if they could be in a situation where they were loose all day, on stands, aviary, bird room (they require a RIDICULOUS amount of mental stimulation). Or in the perfect world, if you could take the bird to work with you - that would be awesome. Honestly, I love my M2 but if she were to pass, I would never own another one. They are just to hard to keep happy.

As far as age: after they mature, IMPO, once that personality has set in - its there to stay. I think that with age, owners just get more used to it and adapt to the personality so it seems easier. I think over time its natural to get complacent about the routine.

Gender: Males are a handful. In the wild the male calls the shots. In captivity males can be quite aggressive. The males are known for killing the females in captivity, for no apparent reason. Something that doesn't happen in the wild. M2s just don't cope well with captivity. The females are by nature more submissive. A male should only be owned by a very experienced parrot owner. Always get DNA done if it hasn't been so that you know what your getting. My female has all physical male characteristics: smaller, dark (almost black) eyes, pubic bones are close together - DNA = female. My female is EXTREMELY submissive. She has never even tried to bite, however I almost had my lip taken off by a female someone else owned. So you still need to be careful with them. Females by nature don't usually 'attack' they are more of reaction bites. The males sometimes can set out on a rampage. Just be cautious with them and never let your guard down around them.

Breeding season in the US is from Nov-March. They can be difficult to handle during this time. Their more fussy, harder to please. Their focus is on breeding. I think that this does increase with age. IMPO this drive to breed becomes stronger as they get older. Usually have a lot more screaming during this time (any time their needs aren't being met, expect screaming).

Noise: I know your house is already loud but they are one of the loudest. When Rome is inside if she sounds off it is deafening. I read some where that their decibels hit up to the same as a 747 on take off, I believe this fact (and so do my neighbors up to a one mile radius around my house).

Moluccan Cockatoos - Hornbeam Aviary

Moluccan Cockatoo fact sheet

 

[sonja]

Thanks so much for the extensive response, Molcan2!

As to why I want one: Well, I guess I've always wanted one! But, of course, I know that the fairy tale dreams of having a pretty silly pink cockatoo are nowhere near the reality, so I've never gotten one before, and in fact have turned them down when they came to rescue since I knew I wasn't in a position to give what they need. I'm reconsidering it now because a few things have changed, so I figured I look into it again. The biggest change is that I am re-building my bird room to be twice the size and allow for those birds who are appropriate to be cage-free.

If / when I get an M2, it will definitely be a rescue or rehome. I am aiming for a female, and I think I'd like one in the 10-15 year old range, although I'm also open to one older.

I guess one can read everything and even visit with M2s in other folk's homes but you never really know what it is like until you live with your own.

In your experience, will M2s make friends with other species like macaws?

 

[Molcan2]

Yes they can, the female M2 that almost took my lip off, lives with a blue and gold. They are completely loose toghether all day unsupervised, kind of in a similar set up as mine are in. Those two get along just fine. We picked Rocco due to his size, Rome in particular is very submissive and i didnt want another bird to intimidate her. Just be careful if you have one with a slightly naughty personality, then i would not allow them loose around caged birds, you could come home to missing body parts. However I strongly reccomend that M2s should never be caged. Also they are very particular about their feathers, i wouldnt suggest ever clipping their wings either, typically can cause them to pluck or make them feel vulnerable - which can cause aggression. Good luck on making your decision