Hello New Umbrella Cockatoo Owner

[LanceNSandy92301]

Hi Me And My wife Just got an 8 year old umbrella Cockatoo named Mya. She is extremely friendly but has a habit of pacing back and forth. Even when i take her out of the cage she will pace up and down my Arm. I was wondering if that is normal? Also she has started plucking. I was told by the owner to leave her for 1 week to get adjusted to the new surroundings. Is that true? Cause she screeches like she wants to come out of the cage. I was told that she loves peanuts and grapes. But when i try to give her one she just drops it. I just hope it is nothing i am doing wrong?

I want to thank anyone in advance that answers this post
Thank you
Lance and Sandy

 

[Freespin]

Has she only just started plucking since you have had her? What is her cage set up like? Does she have lots of room? Toys to play with while she is in there? What do you feed her? What is her daily routine? There are lots of reasons that a parrot could start plucking.

 

[4dugnlee]

Hi and welcome to the best parrot forum! There is a wealth of information here! Congrats on your new addition, Mya. I have a 7 year old U2, Peanut. I've only had her for a little over a month so I am no expert, but I would think that her pacing back and forth is normal and just settling in. When she is comfortable, I would suggest bathing her, probably by misting her to start (if possible I would ask her previous owner how she prefers her baths). Has she just started plucking or was she doing it before? How long have you had her? What size cage is she in? Are her wings clipped? Mine is an overpreener so I try to discourage her with toys. She loves the shedding toys and any foot toy she can chew on. There are fleece "collars" you can get for pluckers also. As far as the dropping treats...Peanut does that sometimes. As far as keeping her in the cage for a week...I would say it depends on the bird. Just be sure to start with a quiet calm environment so she doesn't get spooked. It takes alot of time to earn their trust. Good luck and keep us updated.

 

[Allee]

Hello Lance and Sandy, welcome to the forum. Congratulations to you for adopting Mya.

Freespin and 4dugnlee have asked all the important questions, so I'll just say from personal experience, it would be in Mya's best interest at the age of eight years to have a thorough examination by a certified avian veterinarian, if it hasn't been done recently. Cockatoos are prone to plucking and an exam can rule out underlying medical issues. That will give you a place to start and the vet can help you with a healthy diet for Mya.

It's normal for a bird to be stressed in a new home. It may take weeks or even months for Mya to adjust. You can help her with the transition by providing her with a safe, calm environment, a healthy diet, and lots of toys. Good luck to you and Mya.

 

[LanceNSandy92301]

Thanks for your fast reply Ok i Have mya about a week. I have her in a large cage with 2 toys. I am feeding her what the woman i got her from gave me which is pellet food, I also have been trying grapes and peanuts. She was plucked when i got her. I am attaching pics of her cage and her.

Thank you
Lance and Sandra Halpern

 

[4dugnlee]

Hi and thanks for more pics...we love pics! As Allee said, she should really be seen by an Avian vet to make sure she doesn't have a medical condition that could be causing her to pluck.

That said, I think she definitely needs more toys to chew on. If she hasn't had many toys before, you may have to "teach" her to play with them. Mine loves the shreddable ones best..she loves to tear them apart. You can make toys yourself also, which will save you lots of money. There are threads on this forum with many ideas for DIY toys. (I would put a link to those threads but I don't know how) Try to find things she likes to chew on more than her feathers. She needs LOTS of things to do/chew on, especially when you aren't home with her. Also, where is her cage placed? It is better if they are in the room that you/your family mostly are in. They like to be included and be where the "action" is.

I, personally wouldn't give too many peanuts...I use those and sunflower seeds for treats. Do you by any chance know that brand of pellets? Does she eat any veggies? I would try for more veggies with some fruit, and pellets. (Make sure you have the list of fruits/veggies that they can/can't have)

Hopefully with a good diet, entertainment and lots of love, she will fully feather in her next molt. (Still should see a vet though) Good luck and keep us updated!

 

[Allee]

Thanks for posting photos. Mya is a pretty girl. As Leanna said, Toos need lots of toys to keep them happy and busy. Shreddable, foraging toys are good to help distract them from pulling feathers. My Safe Bird Store is an excellent place to shop for toys and parts.

The Birdsafe Store - Parrot Food, Parrot Toys, and More!

Here's a couple of links to our toy, and DIY forums.

Parrot Toys - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community

Do It Yourself - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community

I would maybe add some different sized perches to keep those big feet healthy.

And here's a link to our food and diet section.

Parrot Food, Recipes and Diet - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community