I have done all the wrong things and need help

[machaus]

I have done things wrong and now have a spoiled umbrella cockatoo and have been trying to discipline her more but I think she's winning. Bella is 10 years old, have had her for 7 years now.and believed to be female( she does have black eyes and the web said she might be a he ). We have been working on her screaming issues for attention but now it's biting. She's cuddly one minute and biting me the next which has been on and off all summer long. Now she's becoming very territorial of her cage and bit me for trying to move her cage. She use to enjoy coming out of her cage to go outside but now bites me when I try to take her out of her room. I have been letting her roam free in a wooded play area but realized she had to much free time so been putting her scheduled play times. I am the only one who can hold her because she doesn't like anyone. When she bites it's aggressive and draws blood and I have been bitten so many times I am becoming weary of holding her but don't want her to know that.cant find behaviorist near by so has anyone here had these issues and what did you do? I am out of answers
Thanks

 

[SilverSage]

Keep reading around here - there are lots of stories of other people's issues. I wish I could give advice but I am way out of my depth here - I have never even been in the same room as a cockatoo that I can remember! Keep reading, look for things besides "discipline" as answers.

 

[Nexus]

Try placing the cage in a new area (even temporarily) and completely rearrange the decor.

My old bird was a screamer, and his cage was covered with a towel each and every time it got out of hand. Eventually, he calmed down and stopped screaming every time we weren't in the room.

As for the biting, that's a tough one. I've never had an umbrella cockatoo, but I assume it's painful. However, to move forward, you're going to have to handle her. Then, if she bites, put her straight in a dark room (say bathroom, laundry, etc).


Do you think this is hormonal? Is there any reason she may think it's breeding season?

 

[machaus]

I have dark out curtains but she does act very hormonal. I also read that peanuts and sunflower seeds make them hormonal: her favorite foods. She is fine one minute and crazy the next so it is probably hormones.
Thanks

 

[Birdman666]

Peanuts and sunflower seeds aren't what causes them to be hormonal. Well, if so, that's a new one on me...

This is a fairly long hard road now, because you need to correct all the bad behaviors.

Screaming protocols have been posted a million times. Cover the cage on 3 sides. If the screaming doesn't stop, cover all the way. When the bird quiets down, you open one side and praise the bird for being good. If the bird remains quiet, then you take the cover all the way off and praise.

Something like a foraging box will help. Just an ordinary box with crumpled paper, treats, and foot toys, for the bird to entertain itself with in the cage when not being held.

Toos need to be taught to self entertain, and they need structured interaction. Set a schedule, and stick to it.

Biting - Bird gets dropped on the floor and ignored for a moment, doesn't get stepped up again until the bird steps up nice...

 

[Pinkbirdy]

I hate it when your bird changes [don't you]. Having him not on a schedule [can give a Too a big head ] Also if hes bored Im sure that's why hes screaming.You can say "But he has tons of toys" but if hes not interested in them . You have to keep trying . Ive had four Toos [and they all have been shredders }. Besides their store bought toys mine really prefer balled up news paper ,phone books and cardboard boxes . Its a mess [but keeps my household sane]. I would do a big overhaul with moving his cage[so he knows things are going to be different]. Set your schedule with something that's realistic that you can keep up with. You might have to change how you interact with him. Take him out of his cage on a perch . Interact with him on a stand [not on you] . If hes being aggressive put him back . Now for the big thing . If you want a change with this Too your whole family has to be in on it [whether they like him or not] . They have to be super happy interacting with him through his cage bars. Toos want to be the "Rockstars" of the house and have their five minutes of fame everyday.Are Family takes Pearl on the kitchen table and play with plastic boats with him . He hops dances and shows off . We hoot, holler and clap. He needs this and things are much better with my Too [just giving you an example. My Ls2 Belly came screaming . When she made a pretty noise I was like OMG what a beautiful bird you are and lots of praise [no more screaming from Belly]Toos want a big reaction from everyone in the household. When they feel excepted [Im sure that's the answer]. I also agree with Birdmann [with covering part of the cage . You have to try everything with these guys [think outside the box]. Good luck