Thank you for the welcome
It turned out that I didn't get Tabitha because I never heard back from the rescue place after the initial contact. The first response I got from her, she sounded happy that I was interested & that I had Quaker experience, and said she would get back with me to set up a date to meet, then nothing. I am hoping that she ended up finding someone to give her a happy loving home.
But, I guess things happen for a reason because a couple days ago I was looking through Craigslist and I came across a post that was about 10 days old or so. It was for an Umbrella Cockatoo. The ad didn't say to much, it was pretty basic & looked odd to me. The price was $275 and that came with her cage. I figured that it was a scam or something so I closed it out & went to bed. Well, it was nagging at me so much that I called the number the next morning. It was legit! I was surprised as I was speaking to Henrys owner I found out his story. He belonged to his daughter & she just lost interest & he felt bad because Henry wasn't getting the attention he deserved. I voiced my concern to him & that was that I was was worried that someone could buy the bird just because the price was so low and not have the birds best interest in mind. I really didn't have the intention on buying him because I simply didn't have the money for him. He said he understood my concern & said he thought of that as well and had already turned down a few people because he didn't feel comfortable with them. We learned that we only live a mile or so from each other so I decided what the heck, I will go meet Henry. Well, Henry stole my heart and is now in my living room yelling for me.
I have never handled a bird Henry's size and I have no cockatoo experience BUT I know I will love this beautiful bird forever & learn every possible thing I can on how to give him the best care that I can. I have handled him already and I learned quickly that he BITES. I was holding him for the first time while his owners were breaking down his cage- yep, BIG MISTAKE. He got me several times pretty good. I know this was out of fear and I will not be afraid to handle him again, I tried to get him to step up but all he did was nuzzle my hand. He loves to be pet & I have found his sweet spot already.
I have his cage cleaned up & set up in the center of our home and his play gym set up in my office with his Quaker brothers. They can hear each other but have not seen one another yet. I will let Henry get use to being here & make sure he is healthy before he comes into the office.
Anyway, I am open to any suggestions from Cockatoo people and I hope to not be yelled at for bringing a bird that I know nothing about into my home because I did it out of LOVE and that's what all animals deserve, right?
Sorry this is so long!
