I'm new to forums, and umbrella cockatoo owning :)

[rainbowbrat23]

Hi. My name is Nikki and this is my story.

My mom passed away 3 weeks ago, and I inherited her umbrella cockatoo she has had since I was 6 years old (I am 32 now). We are estimating she is between 26 and 30 years old. My mom was really sick with cancer for the last 8 months, but sadly, for the last 3 or 4 years the bird has been basically cage ridden. No exercise (or seldom), about 12 years ago her ex husband sprayed the bird with pinesol to try to stop her screaming which has caused her bad feather loss (and their marriage to end). I have felt so bad for this bird for years, and now that she is mine, I am going to make sure the last half of her life is as awesome as possible.

I went out and got her a new cage, ropes, perches, toys, wood, & gave her an entire room to herself. She is still close enough to interact with the family, but in like an alcove where she can feel safe. I got her on a fruit, veggie diet with pellets and treats, and she is only in her cage when we leave the house (which is hardly ever because I work 16 hour days at home). We play with her everyday, talk to her, love her, ignore her screaming, and reward her for being a good girl when she stops screaming for 10 minutes. Her behavior has already improved 10 fold! She use to scream allll the time, but now she does it 2 times, maybe 3 times a day, for about 5 minutes.

Thanks for reading!

 

[Mare Miller]

Welcome to the forum! It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job with your new bird. Sorry for the loss of your Mom, cancer sucks, for sure. I think it's commendable of you to take over the care of this bird, she otherwise would have, probably, ended up in a shelter.

 

[rainbowbrat23]

Thank you Sadly, my mom would have never taken her to a shelter, she would have just stayed in the cage. I love my mom, and she had so much compassion for animals, but she just couldn't keep up with 12 animals, running a business, doing red cross classes, being a cub scout master, and taught primary in her church. I even asked her one time if she ever thought about rehoming some of her animals since she had such a busy schedule, but she refused because the thought of her loved ones going to a shelter or rescue killed her.

I honestly thought when my mom died, The bird would go to a shelter, but when I went to get her from my moms house...I opened her cage her door then she came to me and rubbed her head on me, it was at that moment I decided I was gonna be her rescue. I didn't think she would take to me because I knew they usually bond with their owners and sometimes get selfish, but it was not the case this time. She obviously remembers me and you could tell she was depressed & grieving. She seems sooo much happier now. I am still a little scared of her monstrous beak, so I just don't feed her small treats or small food..lol

 

[Mare Miller]

Yeah, that beak can cause a lot of damage to your body but you will learn how to read her moods, hopefully without too much pain. If she decides to accept you as her one and only, you will most likely have a trusting relationship with her, try not to show her if you are afraid.

My U2, Amigo, was bonded to my youngest son, after he left for college, Amigo bonded right to me. I'm not sure if that is an umbrella 'too trait, or not, but he had a definite change of affection, rather quickly.

I wish you luck and just take it slow, you'll have good days and bad. The more comfortable you get with her, the more she will love you.

 

[rainbowbrat23]

That makes me feel better Thank you!!!

 

[Purl]

Nikki,
My sympathies on the loss of your Mom. She sounds like an incredible woman with all that she did.

Happy to hear that Mom's baby is now living with you and receiving the love and attention to live out the rest of her years.

Hugs,
Chris and Purl

 

[rainbowbrat23]

Thank you Purl