First Parrot

[talvarez]

ok so i talked to a well known local bird store and i am going to make a deposit on a hatched bird. Im thinking of getting a more independant cockatoo. I have hours and hours that i can spend with any bird i get but i feel a more independant bird is a better beginner. I will take any and all suggestions. I do have experience with smaller parrots and grew up with a lifelong neighbord who had i beleive 5 parrots/macaws at once. i fully understand the noise and the responsibility.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

What kind of too ? Just read everything you can on them [and follow what they say] to give you a heads up . My suggestion put your 2 on a realistic [time out of cage ] schedule [yes you can vary] that you can keep up with the rest of her life. If theres no structure with them . That can start the problems.

 

[psychocircus91]

ok so i talked to a well known local bird store and i am going to make a deposit on a hatched bird. Im thinking of getting a more independant cockatoo. I have hours and hours that i can spend with any bird i get but i feel a more independant bird is a better beginner. I will take any and all suggestions. I do have experience with smaller parrots and grew up with a lifelong neighbord who had i beleive 5 parrots/macaws at once. i fully understand the noise and the responsibility.

are you saying you want a cockatoo because you think they are more independent than amazons? cockatoos are one of the toughest species of parrots to raise.

 

[JerseyWendy]

You have gotten OUSTANDING advice, talvarez.

Please don't rush into a bird in a hurry. Research, read, and learn as much as you can before you take the plunge.

A Cockatoo may not be your best choice, just like psychocircus pointed out.

 

[talvarez]

i forgot what kind of cockatoo it was, but what i read about it is that they are more independant in terms of self amusemant. They can play with toys and be okay alone more often the amazons. This is not to justify me not spending time with it and bonding with it, but i do like the idea that it has a more independant backbone to it. Any bird i get will be treated like a brand new puppy everyday Im going to find the cockatoo it was though because id like insight.

 

[psychocircus91]

i forgot what kind of cockatoo it was, but what i read about it is that they are more independant in terms of self amusemant. They can play with toys and be okay alone more often the amazons. This is not to justify me not spending time with it and bonding with it, but i do like the idea that it has a more independant backbone to it. Any bird i get will be treated like a brand new puppy everyday Im going to find the cockatoo it was though because id like insight.

There is no cockatoo like this, other than the cockatiel. I would not discourage you to get what you want at all; getting what you want is what is going to make sure you have a good relationship with your bird.
Please be aware that cockatoos are just about the loudest, pack the most painful bite, one of the messiest, destructive, and needy birds out there. All of them. Even rose breasted and goffins.
Plenty of people have success training cockatoos, but I would never consider one if you want something more independent.

 

[christinereed]

I'm not a bird expert. My family had budgies when I was a kid and I have an Amazon now. So, this just my advice from my own experience/personal preference, but I'd get a bird you can see and interact with several times before taking it home. These birds live a long time, practically as long as a human, when you're talking about 'Zons. Look for the personality -- as you already said, personality is important. I keep reading advice that says "Never have an Amazon for your first bird." But, it has worked for us, because she is such a sweetheart. We visited her several times before taking her home. (Also, we treat her sweet, hoping to keep up a good relationship.)

Anyway, that's my two cents.

 

[talvarez]

Well, i signed up for an adoption from a rescue here in NJ. She is a very nice lady and she said i can come and look around. She truly is in it for the birds. For medium sized birds its 160 and large birds like macaws its around 200. Iknow the money has nothing to do with the bird but for me its a great start because i dont really have to worry about size or pricing because i can basicaly go there and see what bird really connects with me because like psychocircus said, getting what you like is going to gauruntee a good relationship. I am going to look at medium sized birds, Zons and too's. I dont think Too's are neccisarilly the hardest to care for from what my research has shown, its more about how much time and patience you have to devote to these guys. Anyways, i have to wait two weeks for her to review my application and then we can go from there.

 

[psychocircus91]

Many rescues require previous bird experience for you to adopt a larger parrot. If possible, I would visit a few times before choosing a bird for sure because they act differently throughout the day and depending on their moods.

Rescuing is great! just be aware that these birds have histories that you just cant know about, so you may face more obstacles.

Also, I encourage you to go to mytoos.com The stories are the extreme end of the spectrum, but it is still realistic. I assure you that toos are tougher than most parrots.
I have no doubt that you will find some plucked, temperamental cockatoos at the rescue.

 

[Abigal7]

While I would never discourage you to not get the bird you want. I have to say neither toos or Amazons are considered easy. Toos are considered the hardest parrot to keep. While I do not agree with mytoos agenda I think it is an important site for new owners that think they want a large parrot to see there can be down sides. It is also good for those that have a hollywood vision of large parrots to see. As you stated you want a bird with some independence, fits your lifesytle, etc and a bird that fits into your life will be a more enjoyable pet. The best birds I had as a child was a conure from a breeder, and a cockatiel from a private pet store that worked with their animals. My current conure I got off craigslist was under a year old so it work out good.

 

[Merlee]

Before deciding on a particular bird, look ahead where you are going to be living in a few years. Are you going to college? Will you be living in your own home? The noise factor your future bird makes should be taken in to consideration. Many people get a bird and later find out it must be rehomed because the owner's home life has changed.

Now, this is the mom of 3 college kids talking. Do you really want to have a cockatoo? From what I have read and seen in pictures, they are very needy birds and develop plucking habits. Considering you are a teenager and will probably have a very active social life, possibly college and a part-time job, will you honestly be able to give a cockatoo the attention it needs? Owning a long lived animal should not be taken lightly. My 2 college kids are living at home, going to school, working part-time, and socialize with friends. They are rarely home. I am not trying to discourage you from getting a pet, just be honest with yourself and look ahead rather than the present.