Just adopted Umbrella Cockatoo

[abuzar1]

I recently adopted an U2 from a family that said they just didn't have time to give him due to never being home. She was sweet, never bit me since the day I brought her home. She talked a bit when I first went to go see her and since then has said a few words but very rarely. She makes a grunting noise very often throughout the day.

I was told to expect cockatoos to be loud and very active. I am worried about her as she is very quiet and is not very active. She climbs on her perch but does no "displays". She is pretty sweet where I can pick her up and pet her and she climbs to my shoulder but if given the chance will always want to go to her cage.

Is this normal behaviour? I'm just worried if she might be uncomfortable or sick or anything else I should look out for?

 

[Allee]

Welcome to the forums!

All birds are unique but it's pretty typical for some U2's to take a while to adjust to a new home. For such big birds they can be very cautious when they are unsure about something. It may be that your U2 was left alone a lot in her previous home and is just unaccustomed to interaction and attention. As long as she is eating and drinking and appears to be healthy, I'd just be patient and give her more time. Most U2's can't resist an interesting toy to take apart and most of them love music.

I don't know how old your bird is or how long you've had her but it might be wise to make an appointment with an Avian Vet for a well-check.

Enjoy your new adventure!

 

[sonja]

Oh, I'm quite sure she will liven up for you soon! Perhaps more lively than you would like!
You may want to do a little reading about letting the bird on your shoulder - some people do it, some people don't, but be aware that a U2 can give a really really nasty bite and it can be quite unexpected, especially when you don't know her body language yet. If she's on your shoulder, the bite will likely be on your face.

 

[Iholm5]

Congratulations and good luck on your new U2. As a fellow owner, I can tell you Tiki was a very similar bird when we adopted him, having come from a life as a 'display bird' to an active one with us. He spent his first month being 'emo' as my wife calls it to being an active and rambunctious bird. 'Toos are moody and will go from zero to 100 in four seconds and back, but the more you reassure her the happier she will be. Right now she is seeing her cage as safety. Go about your day as normal and always TALK TO HER and eventually she will come out of her shell.

 

[JustineBird]

I recently adopted an U2 from a family that said they just didn't have time to give him due to never being home. She was sweet, never bit me since the day I brought her home. She talked a bit when I first went to go see her and since then has said a few words but very rarely. She makes a grunting noise very often throughout the day.

I was told to expect cockatoos to be loud and very active. I am worried about her as she is very quiet and is not very active. She climbs on her perch but does no "displays". She is pretty sweet where I can pick her up and pet her and she climbs to my shoulder but if given the chance will always want to go to her cage.

Is this normal behaviour? I'm just worried if she might be uncomfortable or sick or anything else I should look out for?

Welcome to the forums. It might take a while until the bird gets used to the house. When I took justine home from the store she was a little quiet but after a little while she was more active inside and outside the cage.