How tamable is a parent-raised aviary Galah Cockatoo versus a hand-raised?

Bub

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Jan 22, 2019
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Hey community! I'm someone with a lot of bird (and parrot) experience from the parental house, and I'd like to have my own partner-for-life bird now that I'm an adult and can provide for one.
I've done all the necessary research, and concluded that a Galah Cockatoo will be the bird I get to partner up with.

There is 1 local breeder, but unfortunately he only has aviary birds that are parent-raised. How much of a challenge will it be to befriend one of them, compared to buying a Galah Cockatoo that was hand-raised? And what are your long-term experiences with parent-raised birds? Will they end up the same as a hand-raised bird?

Thanks for your thoughts and experiences in advance :) I'll gladly answer all questions from you guys and girls.
 

wrench13

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Regardless of species, taming a parent raised aviary parrot is always going to be a throw of the dice. With exceptional patience, consistent technique and a big helping of luck, you might end up with a companion parrot that is more along the lines of your expectations. Might. However the dice could roll the other way. Are you prepared to have a basically aviary parrot for the next 40-50 years, should the dice roll that way?
 

Scott

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Interesting proposition, prognosis a bit brighter considering it is a cockatoo vs other less malleable species.

Will the breeder share independent references so you can do due diligence with representative birds? I can share personal experience diverging both ways. I've had a pair of wild caught Goffins since 1988. Happy breeders until male aggression kicked in 10 years ago. Had to split, female seemed amenable to taming. She's now 90% as mellow as her three hand-fed offspring and enjoys handling. The male showed no positive vibes so I paired him with slightly larger female Citron - no nest box! Anecdotally female cockatoos less aggressive. In your case, task made simpler by captive-bred vs birds with a taste of freedom.
 

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