Are you SURE you want a 'too?

[OMG]

I remember reading somewhere (probably on this forum, for that matter!) that if you adopt a cockatoo, being bitten isn't just a possibility; it's a certainty. And you have to be okay with that if you're going to be a parront.

Today I spent a couple hours at my friend's apartment (the friend who, as I mentioned in my intro post, is dad to a sulphur crested cockatoo). This 'too was, as usual, on my arms or in my lap for almost the entire time I was there. He's nipped me many times before, but not the way he did today. (Maybe he was mad I hadn't been able to visit him in a while?).

Whatever the reason, he grabbed my ring finger in his beak and clamped down, HARD.

I know you're not really supposed to react because that's what the bird wants and they'll bite harder and more often, so I said "NO" once, loudly, and when he let go and calmed down, reminded him in a soft voice that he needs to be gentle, and petted him again.

So my finger is bruised and stinging, less than an hour later. I washed the finger with soap and water and put Polysporin on it, just in case.

All I can think is, oh my God, this hurts, but I really don't care, because I just love cockatoos (and this bird in particular) SO MUCH.

I guess that's how you know 'toos are for you, and you're for 'toos.

How did you know for sure that you're right for cockatoos and they're right for you? And is there a better way to react to hard bites?

 

[plumsmum2005]

It depends what Paco has in mind re what was behind the bite. If it is 'you are not scratching my head enough' then No it's not OK. Too's do not forget things, so it could have been 'you haven't been here to see me enough and I've missed you'. It can be used as a communication tool, usually displeasure, it just needs training to show them how much is necessary with bite pressure training. Return to cage for a time out is enough to show you are not happy with that form of communication. My RB2 occasionally flies at the hair on the back of my head if very upset about something, he doesn't hurt me and we both know he has done it because in a second he tells me 'go bubbyes' (cage) so he knows its naughty but really needs to express something. I just have to work out what the heck it was all about.

http://www.parrotforums.com/training/63988-bite-pressure-training.html

You could as a precursor to resuming the head scratching relationship go through a few minutes of re-introduction. Hey Paco, how are you, are we good? Sorry I haven't been able to see you lately etc etc. Use plenty of soft eye contact and see what his reaction is. They are cleverer than you think and are not pleased when a favoured one appears to have gone AWOL!

 

[FreedomAndForgiven]

Yup we fostered a Goffin that would clamp down on one of my fingers and spin, and do flips. They have those dang 3 pronged beaks which makes the bites even worse

 

[Flboy]

Great you are getting this now!
A three year old on crack, 10 hours a day can get old fast!

 

[SailBoat]

Getting Bitten is a likelihood with any Parrot! Yes, there are very well socialized Hook Bills that the event would be highly rare, but pushed by a stupid Human, at some point, they will make a very clear point.

Taking the Bite /don't react! I have always had a problem with this recommendation. Yes, I have seen it in a number of writings and know that it has a following! Yes, there are some Parrots that are reaction junkie, but I have always believed in the Very Clear, NO! And, tied to a clear Time-Out!

Hook Bills, and the double cutting line lower Bill. I have seen this on a fairly wide cross-section of Parrots. Specific to Amazons, I have had Amazons that had a very well formed double cutting line (two cut points) and others that had a flat cut line. So, I'm not sure if this is something they can create or if it is natural.

 

[Allee]

I remember reading somewhere (probably on this forum, for that matter!) that if you adopt a cockatoo, being bitten isn't just a possibility; it's a certainty. And you have to be okay with that if you're going to be a parront.

Today I spent a couple hours at my friend's apartment (the friend who, as I mentioned in my intro post, is dad to a sulphur crested cockatoo). This 'too was, as usual, on my arms or in my lap for almost the entire time I was there. He's nipped me many times before, but not the way he did today. (Maybe he was mad I hadn't been able to visit him in a while?).

Whatever the reason, he grabbed my ring finger in his beak and clamped down, HARD.

I know you're not really supposed to react because that's what the bird wants and they'll bite harder and more often, so I said "NO" once, loudly, and when he let go and calmed down, reminded him in a soft voice that he needs to be gentle, and petted him again.

So my finger is bruised and stinging, less than an hour later. I washed the finger with soap and water and put Polysporin on it, just in case.

All I can think is, oh my God, this hurts, but I really don't care, because I just love cockatoos (and this bird in particular) SO MUCH.

I guess that's how you know 'toos are for you, and you're for 'toos.

How did you know for sure that you're right for cockatoos and they're right for you? And is there a better way to react to hard bites?

Everyone's journey is different and all of them have the potential to be amazing. I didn't know I was "right" for cockatoos. My oldest son met and fell in love with my U2. He couldn't adopt her in good conscience due to a super busy schedule and Poppy's behavioural issues. I was coerced into adopting Poppy because my family insisted she needed me. Our Oprah moment occurred weeks later when she leaped off the balcony of her cage into my arms and snuggled under my chin.

Hard bites aren't funny, cockatoos have a three pronged beak and in the right mood, they can cause serious damage. Toos have a wide range of emotions and mercurial attitudes, one second they will wave to to be picked up for a hug, the next, they are glaring at you with obvious malicious intent. I've found its best not to buy into thier drama. If Poppy gets nippy, I immediately place her on her stand with a stern, "No", until she gains control of herself. Most birds catch on pretty quick when time outs are involved. Once you get to know a Too, you will be able to easily read body language and know when they are bluffing or giving you a warning.

 

[khaiqha]

I trained my bird to press his beak against me and not bote when he is upset. I resect it every time he does that, so we have a pretty good communication set up that involves no bites.

 

[Holly the U2]

My LSC2, Daisy, nipped my wife on the back of her neck yesterday, only me & my son can approach her

 

[reddawg]

I've had an umbrella for 25 years and have only been bitten twice. Once was when I had him with me and he got scared the other time he was on my shoulder, I had just gotten home n took him out and put him on my shoulder and before I took my 2nd step he bite the back of my neck. Have no idea why, it wasn't like I stumbled or that he was loosing his balance, so not sure why and the face that I couldn't see what was going on didn't help trying to figure it out.
But 25 years is a long time and only 2 mishaps... I'll certainly take that in return for all the love n happiness we've shared!! No brainer... Lol.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

 

[Scott]

Toos stole my heart so long ago it is hard to remember life without them.

Most of mine have been hand-fed and imprinted by humans, but they can still bite. Seems two types of chomps: the minor nip aimed at discipline, the other a desire to break the skin and make you bleed! Ironically my tame babies are more likely to get angry with me, while the wild-caught parents have never broken skin. Strange!!

As others have said, they are very beaky critters, so one must accept the occasional bite.

 

[fayah]

It's weird, when I was younger I was quite frightened of 'toos and macaws and such. I would even refuse to take a picture with one at zoos and such.

But ever since becoming a parrot mama i'm oddly at peace with those powerful beaks. One of my fosters has bitten me pretty hard on the lip once. Not quite sure if something startled him or if he just shifted into a nippy mood before I noticed. I think more surprising is that I still wasn't really scared, I realize it was more my fault than anything for not being as in tune with him. He hasn't ever bit me hard since then. I feel I've really transitioned into loving big birds as well as small birds now from reflecting on this experience

On the other hand my ex-boyfriend still blames the bird for almost biting a hole through his sock to get to him. He didn't have any patience to deal with birds lol.

 

[JustineBird]

I remember reading somewhere (probably on this forum, for that matter!) that if you adopt a cockatoo, being bitten isn't just a possibility; it's a certainty. And you have to be okay with that if you're going to be a parront.

Today I spent a couple hours at my friend's apartment (the friend who, as I mentioned in my intro post, is dad to a sulphur crested cockatoo). This 'too was, as usual, on my arms or in my lap for almost the entire time I was there. He's nipped me many times before, but not the way he did today. (Maybe he was mad I hadn't been able to visit him in a while?).

Whatever the reason, he grabbed my ring finger in his beak and clamped down, HARD.

I know you're not really supposed to react because that's what the bird wants and they'll bite harder and more often, so I said "NO" once, loudly, and when he let go and calmed down, reminded him in a soft voice that he needs to be gentle, and petted him again.

So my finger is bruised and stinging, less than an hour later. I washed the finger with soap and water and put Polysporin on it, just in case.

All I can think is, oh my God, this hurts, but I really don't care, because I just love cockatoos (and this bird in particular) SO MUCH.

I guess that's how you know 'toos are for you, and you're for 'toos.

How did you know for sure that you're right for cockatoos and they're right for you? And is there a better way to react to hard bites?

I was thinking of adopting a U2 before I bought Justine as a baby. Those thoughts of, would it like me or will it just be a mean bird and not really adjust to its new environment from its previous owner. But for justine, when I got her at the store as a baby she grew attached me to very quickly. If you look at her web site there is a picture of how she would fall asleep in my arms at the store when they first got her in. Now she has already grown attached to my extended family. My parents can take her out of the cage and play with her and she is so mellow. She still has some minor issues with biting toes but that seems to be slowing phasing out.. Will see what the future holds for justine. I am enjoying every day with her...

Actually my profile is one example. When she is on my shoulder and there are lots of people around she would hide close to my neck and not move, even if I try to say step up and take her down she wont budge. sometimes she is more open if she knows the people who are around me. This is why I take her to the store on the weekends.. more interaction with other birds and people.

 

[Freebird1969]

Interesting thread, and 2 comments that really stick out here.
Firstly, which has already been mentioned is that yes any bird will bite you (not just rescued ones) and the probability is everyone will get bitten at least once, if not several times whilst caring for a feathered friend. We must remember that parrots are not a domesticated pet. The problem with a Cockatoo is that they have one of the strongest bites, the larger cockatoos are even stronger than a Macaw. Macaws are great at pressure bites, where as a Cockatoo is much more capable of breaking the skin and doing a lot more damage.
Also another interesting point here, one member has mentioned their human imprinted pet causes more damage than his wild caught pet, this is because the wild caught bird is taught at an early age how to act by the parents, cockatoos learn over a few years with their parents. Most hand reared birds are pushed out to homes within a few weeks, some are not even weaned properly, this in itself bringing unwanted behaviour. This has been a very controversial topic; I know a lot of people would like to stop the hand rearing of birds due to the behaviour problems it causes. For starters do you ever see a plucked parrot in the wild? Do we hand rear any other domesticated pets? None that I am aware of, just birds, unless the parents have rejected their young.
The main problems with Cockatoo’s I believe is:
1. Their longevity, they can live to 80+ the white cockatoo’s have the longest lifespan. This means you have to put them in your will, all good if you know someone that will look after the bird when you are gone.
2. They hate change, what happens if your work takes you away for long hours, what about getting married, having a family. A cockatoo that used to having your dedicated time and then having to share you with new family members won’t adjust very well.
3. Cockatoo’s are the worst pet for plucking and self-mutilation, they can also push the patience of a saint when it comes to noise. What do you do, keep them covered up?
4. If your house proud forget it, they will manage to personally sign everything with their beaks. A cockatoo loves nothing better than something they know they are not allowed.

These are all things you really need to think about, it really saddens me when I read that someone wants to rehome their cockatoo, as I know Cockatoo’s are the hardest to rehome. They can take a long time to adjust, I will stand by what I say when it normally takes 2 years for them to completely settle.

At first they may be full of loving and cuddles, but Cockatoo’s have what I call a honeymoon period. Once that is over (about 6 months). This is when they start to show their true colours, they will start to test your patience and start showing behaviours that could be your worst nightmare. This is when the test really begins. If you can show them you’re in for the long haul the rewards are amazing, but you have to be very well prepared for the worst before you get to this point. Not all Cockatoos are like this, but from experience this is often the case.

Cockatoo’s are very deep creatures, they do not forget anything, even after having one for several years, if a Cockatoo has been mistreated. Certain things can still trigger their memory and bring them back to that awful time. If a cockatoo is bonded to you and you rehome there is a high chance are they will pine for you, causing plucking and self mutilatation.

I love and adore cockatoos, I have 3 of them! To right home they can be amazing creatures to have in your life. Sadly, I could have a house full by now, but I know my limits. You only have to go to a rescue centre and see for yourself. You have to ask yourself why most parrot rescues are overrun with Cockatoos.

Anyone wanting a cockatoo, I urge you adopt and not encourage breeders to breed anymore. No matter what your good intentions are, every cockatoo will have at least 2-3 homes in their lifetime if they are lucky enough to survive this long with the correct diet and care.

Adopted cockatoo's can be the most rewarding of all. They are the Velcro birds, very needy of your time and attention. They are not known for their talking ability, but there true loving cuddly nature. They will completely take over your life and you will never have any spare time again.

 

[Scoza]

Great post


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[JohnH]

Freebird1969 do your 2's socialize with each other?
Are cockatoos less temperamental when kept with another 2, same species or other?
Would you recommend one gender over another?
Fantastic post btw.

 

[Freebird1969]

I think Cockatoos are one of the hardest birds to introduce other birds too, having more than one doesn’t make life any easier. I have a friend who has 10 cockatoos, none of them get on to the extent where they can share cages or all be out together, except 2 who now share a cage. They are a male U2 and female Lessor who adore each other, the female was a wild caught bird who is such a character, and the U2 is a hand reared soppy male. Sadly, his long term owner passed away so he was rehomed by my friend, the lessor has always had an eye for the males U2’s in her life lol. I will stress these birds are not bred, the female lessor is in her 80’s and still extremely spritely. This lady is great friend of mine and dedicated her life to rehoming rescue birds over quite a few years, sadly ill health has put a stop to a lot of her work.
With more than one cockatoo, or at least with mine I have to have eyes in the back of my head, as soon as they think I’m not looking, they always go for something they know they are not allowed. They see it as a great game! Despite the fact that their cages are full of toys. Coco and Suki have huge double cage with a divider, I was hoping after time the divider would come away, sadly I’ve now come to realise this will never happen. The funny thing is, when the cages are open, Coco is straight into Suki’s cage and vice-vesa, they love nothing better than to eat each other’s foods and destroy each other’s toys. Despite the cages being pretty much the same lol, it really is like sibling rivalry.
All 3 of mine do get jealous of each other, Coco, who is the smallest oven ready cockatoo wears the pants, sadly she didn’t come with any history, I was told she was 18 years old when I picked her up, that was all, both Oliver and Suki are scared of her. She does behave though, she knows if she doesn’t she spends time in her cage, which thankfully isn’t too often, just when she gets over hormonal of an evening, more so when they are tired. I know in Oliver’s previous home he would happily preen a female M2, but mainly he was a lone bird. Suki just prefers people full stop and doesn’t really tolerate any bird taking her human attention away, but sticks to her own space.
Of an evening, I normally have Suki on one knee, Coco on another, and then Oliver is with my partner, although Oliver does go to bed earlier than the girls so then Suki has a one to one his lap, Oliver also needs more sleep than them. If he doesn’t get enough sleep he gets grumpy and can become quite nippy.
As for the question on gender, a good question. Females tend to be more docile than the males, the only problem with females is that they lay eggs which you obviously don’t want to encourage. Males can definitely be more aggressive than females when the hormones set in, and believe you me both males and females suffer the hormones just as bad. The main trick is reading their body language, which is important with any species, once you can start reading the body language it really does help immensely! I find the larger species of Cockatoo are needier than the smaller ones. Galah’s are probably the easiest of the cockatoo species to keep and also the quietest, if there is such a thing in the parroty world :09:

 

[JohnH]

Thanks for answering my questions. Would love to pick your brain some more but i've hijacked this thread enough. Thanks again .

 

[JustineBird]

I think most Toos are just about the same, some are mellow, some are aggressive, some are loud, some just bite and destroy everything and some are a one owner bird where they bond to the owner and will only be around the owner and try to bite anyone who comes near it or its owner. Over Bonded or defensive.

before I bought justine I was very close to getting an M2 or a BGMccaw / Shamrock Mccaw. Granted they are all good birds but the decision will take a while. This is why when you buy a baby bird from a store not a breeder you are given the chance to play with various birds. you can see which could be more open to different environments or personalities. I had an Ex who had a bird that was handed down from a grand parent and it hated everyone except the mother. All other people it would run away scared or scream / talk but still run away scared.

But still all birds still end up biting or loud. Technically a human baby, loud tempers, aggressive, could cause pain with biting or screaming but in the end still take a while until they mellow out or become content with the environment and can become more friendly over time.

 

[Scott]

Freebird1969 do your 2's socialize with each other?
Are cockatoos less temperamental when kept with another 2, same species or other?
Would you recommend one gender over another?
Fantastic post btw.

I have a family of 5 Goffins. The two wild-caught parents had 3 live hatchings, now adults. The parents had to be separated after roughly 25 years of bliss. (male aggression) The female now lives with 2 of her children and are out of the cages 24/7. Very mellow and trustworthy, no fighting ever. The first-born is smaller and very sweet, but does not get along with his siblings or parents. The father is separate in a large flight cage and enjoys supervised time with a female Citron. (no, they will not be permitted to breed!) So yes, toos can live together, but it is complicated! I can take the first-born into the room with the other 3 Gofifns at night, and they groom each other peacefully in a low-light situation. I KNOW they are aware of each other!

 

[JohnH]

Thanks for the reply Scott. All helpful.