Hello & Please Help!

[aschmitt]

Hello,

I've just joined and am looking for some advice. Let me start by saying... I need to help my older brother. My brother, Stan is a 30 year old umbrella cockatoo. And yes... he is older than I am.

Originally he was a gift for my father, who raised him since he was a hatchling. (Not sure if that's correct terminology.)

I've been in the veterinary field now for nearly 6 years but have very limited knowledge on birds (to be honest I only memorized what I had to in order to get by.. my speciality is k9/feline oriented).

I do however realize that Stanley, is not getting NEARLY enough time out of his cage. I feel for the cage size he has which is probably about 36L x 24D x 36.5H in. He is out every evening and sometimes during the day, but his behavior (ie. screaming non-stop... twirling... aggression... and excessive molting) tell me it is not enough.

I am wondering, what suggestions you may have as far as a cage size goes. And ways to stimulate/interact with him other than hanging toys. (which he has tons of).

I am going to try and talk to my father about letting the bird out more, but the issue is... the bird is bonded with my father, and attacks both my mother and myself. Yes.. I have been dealing with this bird attacking me my entire life. When I was growing up I used to have to go to "my cage" so that Stanley could come out. But now that I'm an adult... and one in a veterinary field... I know there is a behavior modification process to fix this. I believe you CAN teach an old dog (or bird) new tricks. And I believe that I may be able to get to the point where I can be in the same room as the bird when it is out of it's cage.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Stanley's Sister

P.S. Oh and one last thing, Stanley is actually a girl.. we discovered on his (her) 28th birthday when she laid an egg.

 

[LordTriggs]

hello there

well to start off what are those measurements? CM? MM? Inches? Feet? that would be a good start

Secondly it could be anything causing issues, not just out of cage time although it is important. Does Stanley have foraging toys? not just basic hanging ones but ones that make her work for some food. interaction with people? Also has her time out of the cage been cut short recently? If she has had the same amount all her life then a sudden change in behavior warrants a vet visit. Lastly you are certainly correct that they can change their habits but it takes work. Are you still living with your parents? If you moved out then the scream is trying to locate your dad which is hard to change really. I do have to question why your dad would give a bird that attacks you to you unless he's unable to take care of her anymore. All you can do to gain some trust is talk calmly to her, and offer treats non-stop until she realizes you're a treat dispenser and not a predator

 

[clark_conure]

it has to be inches...36mm deep or 36cm deep is barely bigger than an american foot. 36 inches is one meter more or little less.

The bird is going to be set in his ways, at that age. Calmness, treats, being patient, treats, more interaction, treats. Also use treats and I'm guessing he isn't clipped, open the cage in a closed room and let him out and about to explore, be in the room but do something else so he sees you not totally intent on him but just a laid back guy in the same room, not afraid, but not excited and all up in his business, with a bird that's just been weened it's easy, with an older bird, you have to put in the time. Remember they are very smart.

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, Big Sister! Stanley is fortunate to have a sibling concerned and willing to engage in behavior modification.... of an Umbrella! (U2) A tall order but worth the effort!

Assuming the cage is measured in inches, it is far too small for an intelligent and active parrot. Best advice is for the largest cage affordable that comports with available room. An alternative and/or addition would be a large play-stand for Stanley to spend time out of the cage. Chew and foraging toys are outlets for frustration and the natural curiosity of cockatoos.

You'll need to enlist the trust of Stanley but bonding closer may be an issue because of your father. Some birds are temperamentally "one-person" while others readily adapt. A period of discovery will answer both questions. Keep in mind some of Stanley's behavior may be directly attributable to being cage-bound leading to cage-aggression even outside the confines.

A few helpful threads:
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/training/60435-clicker-target-training.html

Thanks for taking on the challenge! Good luck and let us know of progress.