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Re: Umbrella Cockatoo Worries
Posted by Leann on 6/21/06

On 6/21/06, Leigh wrote:
Let me guess, the web site is mytoos.com. I found it after
I put a deposit down on my moluccan baby. It almost made me
change my mind. I am in a similar situation. I can't have
human children, I don't work (if I ever do, it will be from
home), and I will only be in school part time. I still worry
about the future with her but I know that I can and will do
everything in my power to see that she gets everything she
can. I can give you the advice that several long term
cockatoo owners gave and continue to give me. First of all,
make sure you get a female baby. They are less likely to be
as moody. Unless, you have a male parrot now. You dont want
to mix sexes. Make sure that your baby weans on its own.
Feed her a very well rounded diet. The web site
Hartmanaviary.com has a great recipe. Make sure your baby
has a very very large cage. It should be at minimum 4'x3x5'.
She should have lots and lots of toys of several types. They
don't have to be expensive. Many can be home made. Only give
her the amount of attention now that you will be able to
give her in 10 or 20 years. Cockatoos are extremely loud
birds. Be prepared for her outbursts. I've heard several
(cocka)toos screaming at one time. It's something else. You
may want to consider not clipping her wings. I know some
people disagree greatly but the site I mentioned above
explains why this is important for parrots. They equate
clipping the wings with cutting of the legs of children or
hobbling slaves. Consider purchasing a harness for her so
she can go places with you. Expose her to as many situations
and people that you possibly can. Include small children
even if you never plan to have any. Treat her and think of
her like a toddler. Let her play outside somewhere safe. Do
NOT incourage her to cry for attention no matter how cute it
is. Be firm with her. Teach her step up and step down. It is
very important that she be able to play on her own. She
needs to have alone time everyday so that she isn't totally
dependent on you for everything. Otherwise, she won't know
what to do when you are gone. Be sure to get her from a
breeder that is willing and able to help you whenever a
situation arises. Consider joining a local bird club. Be
sure to include your fiance in both her care and handling.
I've noticed that some too owners seem to think that no one
else is qualified to have a too, yet they continue to get
more. I absolutely love my girl. My too is much more
independent than I thought she would be. If possible, see if
there is another bird lover that you could talk to and even
get together sometimes for the birds to socialize, using
precaution of course.
OT- what state do you live in? what career are you going in
to?
I hope some of this helps.
Leann

Posts on this thread, including this one

• Umbrella Cockatoo Worries, 6/21/06, by Leigh.
• Re: Umbrella Cockatoo Worries, 6/21/06, by Leann.
• Re: Umbrella Cockatoo Worries, LONG, 6/21/06, by Elizabeth.
• Re: No More Worries about My Umbrella! Yay!, 6/22/06, by Leigh.
• Re: No More Worries about My Umbrella! Yay!, 6/22/06, by Elizabeth.
• Re: No More Worries about My Umbrella! Yay!, 6/22/06, by Question for Elizabeth.
• Re: No More Worries about My Umbrella! Yay!, 6/22/06, by Elizabeth.
• Re: No More Worries about My Umbrella! Yay!, 6/22/06, by answer for Liz.
• Re: Elizabeths' Cockatoo "situation", 6/22/06, by Elizabeth.
• Re: Elizabeths' Cockatoo "situation", 6/23/06, by astute observer.
• Re: Elizabeths' Cockatoo "situation", 6/23/06, by Alison.
• Re: Elizabeths' Cockatoo "situation", 6/23/06, by Jolene.
• Re: Elizabeths' Cockatoo "situation", 6/23/06, by Leigh.
• Re: Elizabeths' Cockatoo "situation", 6/23/06, by Elizabeth.
• Re: Umbrella Cockatoo /Good Luck Leigh, 6/23/06, by Jim.
• Re: Elizabeths' Cockatoo "situation", 6/23/06, by Jolene.
• Re: Elizabeths' Cockatoo "situation", 6/25/06, by Leigh.