Galah - How long to acclimate to new home?

[marxxx]

Hello,

We are not new to birds, but our baby galah is our first cockatoo. She is almost 5 months old now. She came home about two weeks ago. While she is not particularly nice, she is nicest when she is in her cage. She will come over and put her head to be scratched. She is also fine if you open the door and pet her, will step up easily and step down.
The "issue" is she doesn't like our cats and dogs. Every time she sees one she will freak out - by this I mean raise her wings, start flapping and screaming like someone is killing her. She doesn't seem to ever really get "comfortable" out of her cage.
I have started taking her several times a day for short handlings. I do let her sit with me and climb around (since she doesn't really like being scratched for very long).
I'm sure there isn't a "solid" answer, but how long "could" it take for her to adjust? Are we talking weeks, months or possibly never getting used to our environment?
I called the store we got her from to get some advice. They thought she was still getting used to our home and said not to worry she should be fine.

I am concerned that she acts so skittish though.

Thanks in advance.

Mark

 

[incognito]

according to my information and current experience ... adjusting usually take around 2 months on average. its not a hard and fast rule ... sometimes it take less and sometime it can take more.

its just like building a trust circle, depends on how many characters are involved in it and each and everyone behave

and best of luck and i hope you will prove yourself a great parent for you baby galah

any name yet?

 

[Pedro]

My Too has taken 6 years to get accustomed to our way of living every day is a huge learning experience for him & us. I never force him to do what he doesn't want to do. Don't be in to much of a hurry in time your Galah will get used to it's new environment.
I inherited a Galah, he had 3 homes during his life & he lived until he was well into his 70's.

 

[Molcan2]

A baby shouldnt take as long (i would anticipate 6monyhs or so), for adults average seems to be 1-2 years, or more. It takes Toos a long time to adjust, they are a lot more sensitive to change than other birds are. Relax and take your time. there is no rush, your bird will live 50-80 years so you have plenty of time. Allow the bird to move at its own pace, if you push it'll take longer and can cause some behavioral problems that you dont want. Congrats on your new family member, looking forward to pics

 

[marxxx]

Thanks for the replies all!
She can take whatever time she needs. I can't say that I am not anxious for her to settle in, but this is a marathon - not a race. I want her to be happy and a full member of the family.

Her name is Rozilla. She is still a little whiner, but you can tell there is a heart of gold in there!

Thanks again!
Mark

 

[Detharmy]

it shouldnt take that long since she's still little. probably a few weeks. these guys are intelligent and will pick up things pretty quick

 

[Ginkai]

I was in nearly identical situation 4months ago. My galah hated my dogs at first but after about two months she now ignores them or tries to groom them so it shouldn't be too much longer for you.

Best of luck.

 

[lene1949]

I always leave Ben, Great Dane X, outside, when I have the birds out... Ben would never hurt them, but the birds are much more comfortable, when he's not inside...

 

[marxxx]

Thanks to all for the replies.

I do have another question.

My galah is still extremely nervous, she almost never stops moving when she is out. Up and down, back and forth she is all over the place. She steps up quickly will get scratched for a second, then back to bouncing around. She bites frequently, most of the time the bites aren't hard. She is 4 1/2 months old. Is this normal for a galah in a new home? I don't mind taking the time to work with her, I am just concerned that she may not adjust to our environment.

Thanks in advance,
Mark

 

[Conuregirl]

hi! i think that bouncing energy is normal for a too, especially since it's so young. the bird should mellow some more as it gets older and less stimulated by a new environment. is there a lot of activity in the house? that could escalate the energy level, too.

 

[marxxx]

Yes, there is a lot of activity in the house. She can be sweet when she is in her cage, but can't settle down for 30 seconds while out / being handled. She gets a bit more aggressive as she get more stimulated. Nothing real bad yet, but I don't want the bad habits to develop.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[Ginkai]

My girl is 10months old and still bounces around like a toddler on v, its normal, they are cockatoos. They will eventually calm down. When she starts biting unless its in play I'd ignore her for a while or leave the room. Teach her it's not acceptable and that she won't get any attention for it.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

Don't worry about the dogs, she'll eventually get used to them(although be careful of curious dogs). Young Galahs tend to bite and are still learning their manners, if she bites you try to ignore it the best you can or do something your bird doesn't like. If she loves getting attention from you leave the room, don't put them back in the cage as they should like it and can teach them that biting means to go back.

Galahs are fantastic birds from what I've seen of them. I've only handled a few young birds and all had been super cute. Older galahs I've met are surprisingly shy so they're definitely a bird who needs to be socialized and they enjoy the company of others. I love socializing my galah Rosie and because of it she is a fantastic bird who loves going places and showing off for people she likes. Rosie is at least 20 though so I didn't have t deal with her teenage years XD