Adopting a plucked Umbrella Cockatoo!!

[ZoeynHarley17]

Hey Everyone, my name is Melanie and I currently have two beautiful macaws. I went to a consignment store yesterday and fell in love with a plucked umbrella cockatoo named calypso. apparently the owmer that had her didn't care for her and really didn't have the time either. when I tell you it wasn't love at first sight im not lying. she is not really the typical white beautiful cockatoo, she has a broken wing that healed in the wrong position and still is a horrible plucker . I have the time to dedicate to her but im scared. does anyone have a plucker or a bird that use to pluck and now is back to normal? Did their chest feathers come back? don't take me wrong I have no issues with owning a less then beautiful bird, her sweet attitude speaks for itself. I walked up to her she RAN down her perch snuggled her head on my chest and literally fell asleep, I was sold at that point, but again macaws are my thing, ive never really had a cocokatoo especially one that already hates itself. I do have the time and the resources I just want some feedback.

let me know what you all think.

the second is a video

 

[Kalidasa]

I think you should get her if you have the time. I don't have a too, but I have a conure who looked much worse than she does (minus the wing) and she stopped. Her chest, back, legs and shoulders were completely bald. She's covered now, and they're still coming, chest included. It wasn't easy, but it was do-able. I used lots of distractions, preening toys, daily baths, and kept her with me constantly. It can be turned around-if you have the time. I think she's very cute btw, I can see the appeal.
I think diet was also a factor in my situation, once that turned around so did she.

 

[MikeyTN]

It's wonderful to adopt but here's the thing. Cockatoos can be very problematic. Learn lots about them before proceeding. I love them but I think twice after owning a U2 before that was a hand full.

 

[Pajarita]

Awwww, poor little thing! And she is so much in need of love and care... GET HER! I took in a U2 that plucked and mutilated (she had been kept in a closet for two years because she did not like the owner's new husband) and she stopped mutilating and got all her feathers back and although she did continue to pluck during breeding season, you could hardly tell because she only plucked a brooding patch and would let the feathers grow after she was done with her nesting.

 

[Sungazer]

Many people may disagree with this but my opinion is that not all individual animals are the same and different methods work with different animals so yes you will get conflicting information.

I use the flooding or dominance method I don't like that term I consider it more a persistence method. One thing I agree with is never ever give a painful punishment as you would do in horse training. (I have done a lot of work in that area as well and spurs and whips hurt). Negative reinforcement such as removing them from your comfort or their comfort zone I do think has a place though.

Horses do the same turn away from them and they will want to walk up to you. Many of the so called horse whisper's push this method.

I also am confronted with a lot of wild animals I give them time to accept you as being in the same room and being near them but to get to the touch stage you have to make this happen and you are going to get bitten to start with and sticking with it is a must.

I also know we have wild birds that will willingly fly upto us and sit on our hands to be be fed some even knock on the door or window at certain times of the year for an extra feed but it is different and they would not do this if they were in captivity.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

I took In a very problematic Goffin . He flew [and would try and attack ,he screamed and slightly plucked. Pearl is not that bird now. I think it was taking him out of his environment [and did a 180 with him] . I had back up plans and was ready to think outside the box. I don't know if he sensed I was ready for him. But he totally loves me now.Believe me ,I saw him in action at his house [even tried to help the people keep him] But he is proof problem birds can change. I have 3 Toos [have had 4 in my life] and they are sensitive] . So getting them on a realistic time out with you schedule {works with them] Even if its only 20 to 30 minutes twice a day [and of course encouraging lots of playtime ]. I would get him in a heartbeat .Your ready ,having Macaws and fostering. Good Luck

 

[ZoeynHarley17]

so I bit the bullet. Calypso has come home with me. Her plucking is terrible. I starting using no more pluck, but its deff not working. im thinking about a sock buddy? Avian vet appointment is Thursday. so I have to see what they tell me until then I just haven't left her alone. I brought her in the shower with me and even to pick up my nephew from school, just so I can watch her and tell her no plucking. she stops when I tell her and I give her a treat and then she dances. shes sooo sweet. any idea what would work in the mean time?

 

[JerseyWendy]

Congrats on Calypso, Melanie!!

What's a sock buddy? Like something she can snuggle against?

What about an outfit for her? FeatherProtectors - Avian Fashions

 

[ZoeynHarley17]

A sock buddy is just that. I sweater for birds... I think at this point its my best option. hes been with me for about 9 hours now and already learned how to say

"no plucking..ok?
and
"doesn't that hurt?"
and
"öuch"

o boy do I have my work cut out for me.
shes ALLLLLL full of blood feathersand our bond isn't strong enough for me to start pulling them now. hope I can wait until Thursday, if not ill take her to the birdy E.R.

 

[Kalidasa]

Congratulations! There was another thread about pluck no more, that stuff can cause aggression among other problems. Please wait until you see the vet before trying to treat her. There is no magic product our there that will magically stop a bird from plucking. But other than that it sounds like everything is going well. She's probably terrified of being abandoned again so she'll be be very clingy, but it works in your favor because you can curb the habit easier if she's always with you. You might not need any sock buddy or collar, things will be more clear after the vet visit. Glad she finally found someone who can give her the love she needs.

 

[ZoeynHarley17]

update!!

so i ended up taking Calypso to the E.R. she just seemed to be pulling herself apart, stress of a new place ontop of everything else, she literally pulled out 3 blood feathers in a matter of minutes.
blood work says she is physically healthy, just mentally unstable, we did put a sock buddy on her.
she seems to enjoy it some. shes in my room sleeping now where i can keep on eye on her.

 

[MikeyTN]

I hope she does well with you on the sock buddy!!!! We were just discussing about Sock Buddy when Echo mentioned it the other day. Best of luck!!!

 

[Sungazer]

Good luck. It sounds as if she really accepting you. I mean learning new words already that is great. She wouldn't be doing that if the stress was too much. I think the new environment and your attention will go a long way to changing her plucking habit.

People don't give up smoking the first day so stay positive and patient it sounds like you are doing really well with her. Again for her to be showing you affection that means so much for her mental health going forward. But this is where you also need to be careful and make sure she socializes with more people than just you or you can end up with an overly obsessive bird.