Cockatoo proofing my home?

[Firethorn]

Hi guys!

I've seen first hand the destructive nature of cockatoos. I know how to kidproof my room and how to catproof my home but wanted some direct info on how to cockatooproof my home. The electrical lines have been wrapped in metal to keep my bunny from chewing on them. What else should I do before my new muloccan cockatoo arrives?

 

[Scott]

It would depend on how much freedom your Moluccan is granted out of the cage. Cockatoos can be voracious chewers to include furniture, mouldings and even walls. I assume you will be observant to determine basic tendencies. A good offense is to provide a variety of chew-toys; wood and plastic chain* are popular.

*large colorful plastic chain is enjoyed but can be controversial.

 

[Firethorn]

Why controversial? Luckily I have four years of high school woodshop and a large pile of redwood that was supposed to be a chicken coop (before the raccoon killed my poor chickens). Is redwood safe for birds? I already gave my Dieffenbachia away. I only have ferns and orchids now. My cockatiels regularly molest my adantum. I give them a lot of different greens so I think it's a texture thing. When I worked at a vets office I saw a whole lot of accidental poisonings and electrocutions and hit by cars. In my experience working at the vets office, I found psittacines to be very stoic. By the time they become symptomatic of anything it's already been going on a while. Very problematic. I have a complete CBC done every 60 days. Expensive but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I have health insurance for my cats, but never found reasonable insurance for my birds. My goldfish are not only a large financial investment but there living and breathing entities. Why does no one offer insurance for birds and goldfish? Large parrots demand a premium so it would make sense to insure them. One of life's little inequities. If my cell phone is stolen I'm covered, but if my sentient bird gets hurt or sick I'm not. Being a responsible pet owner is very hard.

 

[Scott]

First, I applaud your conscientious stance towards the sentient creatures under your care. Kudos!!

A concern with plastic chain is the potential for ingestion of small bits. So far no issues with my parrots. Wood OTOH is a natural commodity for birds. Others can reference the good and bad of wood types as I only purchase ready made toys from reputable stores.

Where do you live? AFAIK insurance for parrots is available in the U.S, though I haven't pursued coverage. Many are happy with plans for dogs and cats.

 

[OOwl]

I don't have an M2 but I have a RB2 that chews wood like he is paid to do it. He really does go through an all-wood toy (like 8 big chunks of pine) a DAY. Yes, not a typo, a DAY. We do make them but I also buy some for variety for him. I would caution you about window sills and window insets. My guy was supposedly playing on on the top of his playtop-style cage, and when I went to check on his quietness, found he had chewed all the sheetrock around the entire window his cage sits in front of. That was my old house. I swore it wouldn't happen at my new house. Guess what? He's already done it. I'm not sure how one would parrot-proof that area (open to ideas). But watch your sills and window insets/corners.

I'd also recommend an outdoor aviary whenever you can afford one. I have had one almost the entire time I've had my parrots and it's been instrumental in fostering good behavior. When they spend nice days out in the aviary, they come in tired and good birds, ready for a warm, hearty dinner, a gentle snuggle, and an early bedtime. A tired cockatoo is a good cockatoo, so they say, and I find that true. Good luck with your new bird.

 

[gracebowen]

I was wondering if hard plastic such as whats used for Windows would work to cover those window areas

 

[19266022]

I need a bird proof house also haha [emoji2]

 

[Aquila]

View attachment 15270 I need a bird proof house also haha [emoji2]

You should have seen what my conure did to my blinds in my old apartment. V shaped notches all over them.

 

[OOwl]

Oh, my gosh! That trim looks like my windows in my old house. Fortunately, he hasn't chewed that badly at the new house (but he WOULD if he COULD). Some cockatoos are such woodchucks!

 

[Flboy]

Double check me, I do believe redwood is an issue!
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/449-toxic-list-our-birds-5.html#post236418

"
Re: Toxic List for our Birds.
Sorry Goaler, but cedar, redwood & even pine chips/shavings have been linked to skin blistering and deaths of chicks and linked to plucking, barbering & self-mutilation in older birds.....
Actually, there is danger from these woods to other pets also, even though wally world, hardware stores, pet stores & virtually every online vendor sells peddles them on their shelves....."