Pros & Cons of Getting an Older Cockatoo?

[Pinkstiletto66]

So, I've always wanted a cockatoo, and recently have been considering green cheekconure. Someone is rehoming their cockatoo, and she has plucked her chest. Poor baby. So I'm getting as much info from the owner as I can. She is fifteen years old. What are your thoughts on adopting an older bird? Although she isn't that old compared to their lifespan, how well would she do in a new environment. Do you think I am getting over my head? Personally I've always felt animals can strive through anything with time and patience. End result is I want to make sure she's happy so her feathers can grow in.. What are your thoughts.

 

[osnyder]

My thought would be more based on your recent post about planning on working 9 to 5 soon, and the fact that an older, more established bird may need you more often than that for a good while. And, if he's plucking and a fretter, he may be even more in need of a lot of TLC.

I looked for YEARS at bird adoption sites and just felt like I couldn't take on any of the wonderful older birds. I waited until I was able to find a bird that really seemed like he'd fit our lifestyle, and even then it was the perfect situation, where the owner only wanted us to take him if it worked out perfectly, and so let us do a "trial run." I have access to the former owner any time for questions and advice, and feel like I have a lot of support in him.

cheers,
O.

 

[mtdoramike]

Cockatoo's are notorious pluckers. No matter how happy they are sometimes, it just isn't enough. Also once a bird starts plucking, it's almost impossible to stop. Do you have any previous bird experience? If not then I would reconsider. Cockatoo's are one of the most rescued birds because they have the loudest vocalizations in the parrot world and also can tend to be a one person bird.

If you have the experience and capability to deal with a troubled bird like a Cockatoo then I would be the first to say get him if you want him, but if not then I would leave him where he is.

 

[Molcan2]

First: What is it about a cockatoo that makes you want one?

Second: Never expect the plucking to stop (EVER). Offer the best environment possible but to anticipate that this will stop the plucking behavior is unrealistic. Everyone always has the idea that all they have to do is provide the 'proper' environment and the habit will go away. Then they take it personal when it doesn't. If you get the bird, except it as is. ANYTHING can set of plucking in a Too. After a lot of talking with Rome's previous owner, her shredding seem to start around the time that they were in and out of the hospital a lot and (what I think really triggered it) a little Conure that was her best buddy died in an unfortunate house accident. Don't always assume that the bird that does plucking/shredding is doing it because it wasn't taken care of well. Sometimes they do it just to do it, and the smallest of things can trigger it in a Too.

Thirdly: There is nothing wrong with getting an older bird (to each is his own). I got Rome a few months ago and she is 16yrs old. She was completely over spoiled when I got her, now she is learning to behave like a bird. If you can handle a Too then by all means go for it, just make sure that you are prepared to a Too before bringing it home (a Too is a Too no matter the age).

 

[oled]

Cockatoo is cockatoo and not like any other perrot. Wery demanding but the reward is fantastic if you are a cockatoo person.

 

[Pinkstiletto66]

First: What is it about a cockatoo that makes you want one?

Second: Never expect the plucking to stop (EVER). Offer the best environment possible but to anticipate that this will stop the plucking behavior is unrealistic. Everyone always has the idea that all they have to do is provide the 'proper' environment and the habit will go away. Then they take it personal when it doesn't. If you get the bird, except it as is. ANYTHING can set of plucking in a Too. After a lot of talking with Rome's previous owner, her shredding seem to start around the time that they were in and out of the hospital a lot and (what I think really triggered it) a little Conure that was her best buddy died in an unfortunate house accident. Don't always assume that the bird that does plucking/shredding is doing it because it wasn't taken care of well. Sometimes they do it just to do it, and the smallest of things can trigger it in a Too.

Thirdly: There is nothing wrong with getting an older bird (to each is his own). I got Rome a few months ago and she is 16yrs old. She was completely over spoiled when I got her, now she is learning to behave like a bird. If you can handle a Too then by all means go for it, just make sure that you are prepared to a Too before bringing it home (a Too is a Too no matter the age).

Well I think they are very beautiful, and was the type of bird I always wanted for many years. I'm pretty loyal to things that I like.

 

[Pinkstiletto66]

I'm going to mull everything over.

 

[mtdoramike]

I'm not saying don't get a cockatoo. But if your not experienced with this type of bird and dealing with birds with issues. Then I would get a baby bird from a breeder that has been well socialized and hopefully without any issues or bad habits that need to be overcome that was instilled in the bird by a previous owner. Cockatoo's give a very nasty bite and one that is on pare if not worse than a big macaw.

Good luck with your decision,
Mike

 

[MikeyTN]

Cockatoos may be the type of bird you want, but can you learn to understand them? Getting a too as your first bird can be trouble especially when you don't have any other experience with birds!!! They can do worse things then plucking, they can self-mutilate. The work hours is fine as long as you provide plenty of toys and give the bird the attention they deserve. But you also need to teach them to be self sufficient so they're not clingy!

 

[Pinkstiletto66]

I have bird experience just not with larger birds. Only parakeets.

 

[MikeyTN]

I have bird experience just not with larger birds. Only parakeets.

Owning a Parakeet is very different then owning a Cockatoo! You have a lot more to learn to own a Cockatoo. Im not deterring you from getting one but just understand what your getting into. Next thing is the type of Cockatoo. Certain types you have to stay away from if you lack the experience. Such as Moluccan!

 

[Molcan2]

I would suggest spending some time with some first. They can be very demanding. With your work schedule, you can make it work but you'll just have to be prepared to put in more. My Too takes up about 3-4 hours of my day, everyday. I am a full time student, and I also work. I make Rome work with my life because I want her to. My first bird I ever had was a U2, then I had some teils. Toos can be okay for first timers, as long as you understand them. That being said, I myself never wanted another Too (ever). I ended up with Rome by chance (I have the mentality for Toos so its fitting that I have one since so many cant handle them, but they require so much more out of you, thats why I didn't want another one - higher ups decided different :21. My day with Rome goes like this, I spend my morning preparing everything for her (her food for the day, fill all of her foraging toys, a little cuddle time for her), this takes about an hour. Then she is put outside for the day. Around 4-5 she comes in and we spend time one on one (training, cuddling) and time just being around me until 7-8pm. On the days that I cant do this my Boyfriend steps in and tries to fill my shoes (emphasis on tries, remember your partner when considering whatever bird you choose). My schedule works because I have help with her and I have got her where she spends most of her day foraging so shes occupied. She is loose all day and only is caged at night when she is inside. When she first came to me she was way over spoiled, now I have gotten her to act like a bird in my absence, vs. just sitting there. You need to be careful because it is very easy to over spoil one. By this I mean the bird will scream when its not happy. You have to be able to ignore the scream (never own one if you live in an apartment or have roomates). It has taken Rome 3months (and still is a working progress on occasion) to realize that screaming doesn't get you what you want. This is 3mo. of SCREAMING from a M2, not fun. However when I commit myself to something I commit. If you bring one home it takes a long time for transition to find out if they are going to work or not. They are very very sensitive birds. Give the bird a full YEAR before considering whether its working or not. By the time a year is up your bird should be settled. This means no matter how difficult one may be, you HAVE to be committed to it for a year no matter how difficult it may be to live with. So if you go pick one up you need to make an oath to it and commit for a year regardless, when you have a Too it comes first and you second.

I would also suggest going and meeting a few to make sure that you are not allergic to them first as well. Some people are allergic to their dander, that their entire bodies are covered with.

With all that being said, I do love my M2. She has a wonderful personality and I wouldn't trade her for the world. I attached a pic of the area that she spends her day in so you get an idea of what I've done with her. Most Toos don't like to spend their days in cages. You just have to figure out your limitations, only you will truly know. Good luck with what ever you decide.

 

[Pinkstiletto66]

I have bird experience just not with larger birds. Only parakeets.

Owning a Parakeet is very different then owning a Cockatoo! You have a lot more to learn to own a Cockatoo. Im not deterring you from getting one but just understand what your getting into. Next thing is the type of Cockatoo. Certain types you have to stay away from if you lack the experience. Such as Moluccan!

I know owning a parakeet is no comparison, to owning a cockatoo, but I just wanted to state the fact that I did have some type of bird experience. Although small, its some experience compared to someone who has never owned a bird.

I believe she is an Umbrella, but the person is taking a very long time to respond to my emails.

I keep hearing people saying that its better to have more experience but can someone please be more detailed because I am trying to make sense of it. As far as I know the main difference is what the birds dietary needs, how loud, how independent they are (how much time they need with their human,) and other small intricate things details. I would think it's safe to assume parrots are all individual so even though you can research all you want, you are still just getting the gist.

So what I am mainly asking is what this experience that I hear people suggest that you have to have? What do I need, or what would I assumably be lacking if I adopted a Cockatoo as opposed to a Cockatiel? Thanks.

 

[Pinkstiletto66]

I would suggest spending some time with some first. They can be very demanding. With your work schedule, you can make it work but you'll just have to be prepared to put in more. My Too takes up about 3-4 hours of my day, everyday. I am a full time student, and I also work. I make Rome work with my life because I want her to. My first bird I ever had was a U2, then I had some teils. Toos can be okay for first timers, as long as you understand them. That being said, I myself never wanted another Too (ever). I ended up with Rome by chance (I have the mentality for Toos so its fitting that I have one since so many cant handle them, but they require so much more out of you, thats why I didn't want another one - higher ups decided different :21. My day with Rome goes like this, I spend my morning preparing everything for her (her food for the day, fill all of her foraging toys, a little cuddle time for her), this takes about an hour. Then she is put outside for the day. Around 4-5 she comes in and we spend time one on one (training, cuddling) and time just being around me until 7-8pm. On the days that I cant do this my Boyfriend steps in and tries to fill my shoes (emphasis on tries, remember your partner when considering whatever bird you choose). My schedule works because I have help with her and I have got her where she spends most of her day foraging so shes occupied. She is loose all day and only is caged at night when she is inside. When she first came to me she was way over spoiled, now I have gotten her to act like a bird in my absence, vs. just sitting there. You need to be careful because it is very easy to over spoil one. By this I mean the bird will scream when its not happy. You have to be able to ignore the scream (never own one if you live in an apartment or have roomates). It has taken Rome 3months (and still is a working progress on occasion) to realize that screaming doesn't get you what you want. This is 3mo. of SCREAMING from a M2, not fun. However when I commit myself to something I commit. If you bring one home it takes a long time for transition to find out if they are going to work or not. They are very very sensitive birds. Give the bird a full YEAR before considering whether its working or not. By the time a year is up your bird should be settled. This means no matter how difficult one may be, you HAVE to be committed to it for a year no matter how difficult it may be to live with. So if you go pick one up you need to make an oath to it and commit for a year regardless, when you have a Too it comes first and you second.

I would also suggest going and meeting a few to make sure that you are not allergic to them first as well. Some people are allergic to their dander, that their entire bodies are covered with.

With all that being said, I do love my M2. She has a wonderful personality and I wouldn't trade her for the world. I attached a pic of the area that she spends her day in so you get an idea of what I've done with her. Most Toos don't like to spend their days in cages. You just have to figure out your limitations, only you will truly know. Good luck with what ever you decide.

Thanks.. Thanks for the info. All of my animals I keep regardless if they might drive me nuts. I have one animal that has a problem, but because he's my sugar, he's here to stay. I was considering seeing what the original owner thought of a "trial" like adoption. I'm taking everything in. I'm a bit put off by the very slow responses that are still lacking information. I will see. Still mulling, and researching though. I'm in no rush to just get any bird, but I need to know what size cage to purchase for the future bird.

Thanks everyone for their responses. Keep them coming if you like.

 

[Molcan2]

What kind of Too was it that needed re-homing? Another good way to think of a Too is like a two year old for life. They are intelligent and can give a lot to you. I know the Too you said was a plucker, my Rome is a shredder and even with all I provide her she still shreds on occasion when something upsets her (mostly changes in her daily routine, they are very sensitive to changes and don't like disruptions in their schedule) She tends to shred mostly when I work a 12 hour day and don't see her at all for the day (even though my BF subs apparently this isn't good enough for her). Shredding/Plucking is a long process to try to get over and unfortunately is something that may never resolve no matter how badly you want it to. Here is a pic of what Rome is currently doing.

 

[Molcan2]

Does the re-home come with the cage? If so I would suggest taking its current cage (if its not appropriate slowly introduce a new cage). Its a lot easier for these guys to have something that they know and are comfortable with when coming into a new environment. Rome came to me free, with two stands, two cages, toys and some food. The understanding is that if she doesn't work then she either goes back to her old home or we both approve of a new one. They don't visit ( a visit may happen in about 3years or so, only to not upset Rome) but we keep open contact, I'll either call them or they'll call me with updates.

Really the hardest thing about a Too to deal with is their scream. A lot of people cant ignore it long enough for the behavior to go away. Any reaction to their scream is positive reinforcement. Like I said its taken 3mo to really see an improvement. The second hardest thing is that it can take a year for them to adjust. If you can tough through the transition period and hold out they can make lovely birds. It can just be a difficult time until they are truly settled.

 

[Pinkstiletto66]

Does the re-home come with the cage? If so I would suggest taking its current cage (if its not appropriate slowly introduce a new cage). Its a lot easier for these guys to have something that they know and are comfortable with when coming into a new environment. Rome came to me free, with two stands, two cages, toys and some food. The understanding is that if she doesn't work then she either goes back to her old home or we both approve of a new one. They don't visit ( a visit may happen in about 3years or so, only to not upset Rome) but we keep open contact, I'll either call them or they'll call me with updates.

Really the hardest thing about a Too to deal with is their scream. A lot of people cant ignore it long enough for the behavior to go away. Any reaction to their scream is positive reinforcement. Like I said its taken 3mo to really see an improvement. The second hardest thing is that it can take a year for them to adjust. If you can tough through the transition period and hold out they can make lovely birds. It can just be a difficult time until they are truly settled.

By her looks she's an Umbrella. I'm waiting on the owner to give more information. I believe she comes with a cage. The owner is not charging. I was looking to see if I can find a bird group locally, but no one has had a meetup yet. Hmmm.. I think I will try to find others hopefully this week.

 

[MikeyTN]

One thing is if your not careful you can be badly hurt by the bird. They can disfigure a person's face easily!!! So that one if the major different between a large and small bird. Another is the scream part, can you deal with it? Are you allergic to the dust? Cockatiels, Cockatoos, and Greys makes a powder dust that a lot of people are allergic to. They tend to change their moods very quickly if your not sure what to watch for. They tend to be clingy, can be a one person bird, etc etc. There's just a lot of stuffs you have to consider. I have more then 15 years of bird experience but with a different specie of bird, I go through the learning experience all over again. But at least I have the basic part covered.

 

[melinda]

If you realy want a cockatoo and can set a routine that you can live with( as soon as you bring the bird home) for the next 10 years. Keep in mind that you are getting a 3 year old child that will be a 3 year old for 70 plus years. They are sweet loving birds to those they like and can be monsters to those they don't. My girl will shred her feathers if she thinks something doesn't go her way. She spends 90% of her day on her playstand. When she wants me she asks nicely and if i don't jump she will get ear busting loud. I try not to let it get to that. She does sound off 2 times a day for 10 to 20 mins just letting everyone know she is happy to be alive. I get in with her screaming my head off and she loves it. But some days i wonder what was i thinking wanting a bird that can get this loud. I love her and wouldn't give her up for a million bucks but i wouldn't have 2 in my house at the same time. I had a conure a year before i got my dream bird and i am glad i waited until i had the exp. the conure gave me. If i had it to do over would i have gotten her? YES!!! But pleasego to a rescue group and spend at least 4 hours with the cockatoos just to make sure you can live with the call they do everyday.

 

[Pinkstiletto66]

No local bird rescues. I'm working on finding a parrot meetup group. Although I feel like I'm leaning towards getting a conure, and if the owner does contact me, I will sort it out with him. I will let you guys know what I do.