I just got a cockatoo and I have a few questions

[oxyman]

I just got a 10 year old bare eyed cockatoo. He is a great bird but he does have a few issues. The lady I got him from is getting a kidney transplant and can no longer have a bird. I dont think the she was able to take care of the bird and spend as much time with the bird as she should have because of her ilness. She said the bird has bitten her on ocations when she tries putting it back in the cage. I just assumed it was because he hasnt been handled very often. I played with and held the bird for a good hour or so then when we started packing all his stuff up he about bit my ear off. Im sure the bird was confuissed and didnt know what was going on. Pluss the owner was in tears from having to give up the bird So Im sure the bird picked up on that to. So I dont balme the bird at all. Im sure Its going to be some work getting the bird readjusted. Its beentwo days at my house now and I thought I would atempt letting the bird out of his cage. The bird didnt want to come out and tried biting me again. I just closed the door and I figuire I will just let the bird come out when he wants to. It might take a few days or even weeks. I was just wondering how long it generally takes a bird to re-adjust to a new home? Also how can I train him not to bite? I am terified of getting bitten in the ear again. My ear just cant take that again for a while. Any help would greatly be apreciated

 

[AndrewH]

You have a humorous way of putting the ear bite. Seriously, though, many people never allow their birds on their shoulder. In your case, you might want to wait on that level of trust for many months.

Talk to the bird and give it treats and don't push things. You may get a few nips, but this has worked for me for a couple of rescue birds (recently with my macaw)...this is also consistent with some advice I got from members of this group.

 

[bogo1]

I agree with advice given . I do let my birds on my shoulder but it is a privilege to be earned. I am glad you aren't holding the bird accountable for what sounds like a really bad bite. A safe approach at this point would be assume the bird will bite until time and experience is tempered by trust. I would not let bird near your face for now and keep stuffed animal handy to be between you and acts that look like prebite posturing. Good luck and I am glad you are willing to help this bird and her previous owner.

 

[Cowtown]

Just give him time to adjust, like you said it will take time...
It has take Abby 3 weeks before she would come out of her cage on her own.
I had to use a perch stick to get her out of her cage and she would still nip at me.
She now steps up without nipping.

Just remember that his world is totally changed...

Just talk to him quietly and show him you love him

 

[Mel]

Great advise given above. It can take months for a bird to settle into a new home so you just need to give it time, patience and more time. Leave the cage door open and let him come out when he's ready. Sit nearby and talk to him, offer treats - I used bread sticks with my sulfur crested when we first got her (she was a nipper as well). They are long so there's no risk in getting fingers too close.

Once he's gotten used to the new surroundings he'll realise he's safe and hopefully venture out. I also agree with the shoulder sitting - it's a privaledge that should be earned and only when there is 100% trust.

I'm sure others will have more to add - check out some of the posts in the behavioural section, there may be something there that will help.

Good Luck and keep us posted

BTW Welcome and thanks for rescuing your too

 

[oxyman]

Great news. Ive had the cockatoo for 6-7 days now and he is doing great. He is very talkative at certain times. Usually when there are a few people around or someone new to him stops by. He seems to be adjusting very well. The only time he screaches or squaks is when everyone leaves the room he will squak about 2-3 times then he is quite again. So far he is a great bird. He lets me rub his head and his belly. He is still hesitante about leaving his cage and he will bite if you put your finger out and say step up. But Im sure that will come in time. Should I rename him or leave him with the same name he had? They called him TY-BOW. I dont want to rename him if it is going to be any harder on him. Thats why I thought I would ask all of you guys. Also how many words can I expect him to say or learn. He is very smart. I would say he knows close to 75 words now. He even tells me when he needs food or water. Everyday I hear new words that he knows. How many words do cockatoos usally learn??

 

[Mel]

That's fantastic, Cockatoos are so much fun. They are very smart which is why they can develop problems if not left with enough to do. My too calls herself Cocky - very original. The couple that rescued her called her Chikadee because she does this chicken scratching thing, we just call her Chika which she recognises now.

AS for how many words it really depends on the bird, yours sounds like a great talker. Sounds like your in for a fantastic journey, ENJOY

 

[AndrewH]

75 words for a cockatoo is astonishing. They aren't known for being big talkers (vocal, but not lots of words). I mine only has a few words. The 8 or 9 too's I know are in the half dozen words range...75 words wouldn't be shameful, even for an CAG or Amazon.

You got a very bright bird!

 

[RachelP]

I've had my baby Henry for almost 6 months now but when I first got him he was very insecure so he would lunge and bite so we didn't allow him on our shoulder. Trust will be gained from the both of you, just give it time and lots of patience. I'm allowing him to come just to my elbow with my arm low so he can't attack my face if he gets in one of his moods. Just keep spending time with him and you'll both be great friends soon.

Rachel

 

[Siobhan]

A bird who's been in a home where he was loved and taken care of -- and the person can't help getting sick and not being able to do that anymore -- is a whole different story from one who's been taken from a home where he wasn't. Rocky took to us almost right away, chose me as his person, and other than regular 'too issues, has been pretty easy to live with, all things considered. It took a while to learn to live with a 'too, but that was our problem, not his. I'm betting your bird is homesick and confused and doesn't know why you don't take him home to his person. You have to win his heart and you have to understand that he's upset and his whole world is upside down. Don't be in a hurry. Give him plenty of time to get to know you and trust you.

 

[Scott]

Goodness, there is almost a six year spread between the OP and responses and Rachel's post. But it is a relevant topic, as rehoming a parrot can be challenging for both parties!!

 

[sarai7]

..... My too calls herself Cocky..... ENJOY

I found this too cute...