First cockatoo

[rypie]

Hello! I am receiving my first umbrella cockatoo this next weekend. I am a tad bit nervous but mostly excited. It is a rescue type situation. Although he is well taken care of they just can't afford to keep him anymore. Any advice on a new cockatoo owner? I have owned a macaw in the past. He is 8 years old and has been with this owner for three years. She let's him free fly through her house which I don't think I will do just yet.

 

[Allee]

Hello, welcome to the forum! Congrats on adopting a U2. Cockatoos are different than other parrot species in lots of ways. Sometimes it takes a while for a cockatoo to adjust to a new home and new humans. Here are some links you may find helpful.

http://www.parrotforums.com/cockatoos/17694-owning-cockatoo.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/cockatoos/262-cockatoo-species-information.html

General Health Care - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community

Parrot Food, Recipes and Diet - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community

General Parrot Information - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community

Good luck with your new adventure. Please tell us more about your bird and post photos of his homecoming.

 

[rypie]

Ok I read not to clip their feathers. Well I was going to have this one's clipped. As far as I know they have never done it, but I feel that until she is use to me and my other animals thus would be the best option for her then let them grow back once she has been bonded enough to me? I also plan on taking her to work with me as I work alone in an office. How long should I wait before taking her with me to work?

 

[Anansi]

Welcome to the forum!

Whether or not you decide to clip your bird's wings is a personal decision, and all you can really do is make the choice based on what you feel is best for your bird. Opinions vary greatly on this, and there are potential pros and cons either way, so all I can do is tell you what I would do.

If she is used to flying free and has been doing so for years, I would try my best not to take that from her. It's possible, depending on how well trained and socialized she is, that her transition to your own home can go somewhat smoothly without having to clip. (Of course, this is assuming she doesn't have aggression issues of the sort that would lead to strafing runs or dive bombing attacks.)

First thing I'd do is to make your home as flight safe for her as possible. Make sure all ceiling fans are turned off, curtains drawn across all windows, doors to bathrooms and all exits closed, and no water boiling on the stove top.

Then I'd take her on a tour of my home, walking her through every twist and turn, every hallway and relatively bird-safe room, introducing her to every window and having her touch her beak to the glass. Parrots are highly intelligent. This will help to make the flighted transition to your home as safe as possible.

I'd also start off limiting her flight to one room if possible, while getting her used to you. Then, once a rapport is established, allowing her access to the rest of your home.

And I'd provide perches throughout to serve as safe landing points.

Again, this is just what I'd do. But only you can say for sure what works within your own particular home dynamic.

And as for your question about how long you should wait before taking her with you to work, I'd say it depends upon how long it takes her to become comfortable with you and her new surroundings. Once she is, she'll likely appreciate the chance to travel about with you.

Hope this all helps.