Making a newly adopted 15 yr old comfortable.

[Cheri]

Hi all! New here and need advice.

I'm considering adopting a 15 yr old bare eyed cockatoo. She has been with the same family for the last 10 years. They say she is very friendly and cuddly. (I have not yet met her). The thing is, it sounds like these folks have always worked full time, and this poor baby only comes out of her cage for a couple of hours at night and weekends. I am a stay at home artist, and she will be out of her cage all day every day here.
My question is - what is the best way to transition her to a life with more freedom, attention, training, toys etc, without overwhelming her? Every other bird I've owned, I raised from about 10 weeks old.

 

[Birdman666]

Just open the cage door and pay attention to her...

With toos, though, you still need structured interatction. They have to still be able to self entertain, and not become so overly dependent on attention from you that they become screamers of pluckers... that's the one thing you don't want to do with a too. But I'm assuming you know how to raise one.

Those are learned captive behaviors. The wild birds don't pluck. They only scream to communicate with each other. So, that's all about how you raise them...

 

[Kiwibird]

What Birdman said!

Also to note, most domestic parrots do come to recognize their cage as their home. My bird is never locked in his cage anymore (door is always open) yet he opts to spend a lot of time in there of his own free will. Another thing to be aware of, parrots do require a bit of training (as well as you to do a bit of bird proofing) before they can be "free". Safety hazards abound in homes, so you'll need to address those, as well as get your bird potty trained, no-chew trained and if he's flighted, accustomed to the layout of your house/if he's clipped, then he should be trained not to go on the floor so he is not accidentally stomped. Just like a toddler has to be at a certain level of awareness before you can turn your back for a second, so does a "free" roaming parrot

 

[Cheri]

Let me clarify. We have always had birds and our home is already set up for parrots, though this cockatoo will be the only one in the home at this time. My concern is in overwhelming her with new sights, sounds, environment. Should I leave her in her closed cage for a few days while she settles in? Let her have the run of the place? Talk to her softly thru the bars, hold her face to face? What are some things you all have done when introducing an older bird into a new space?

 

[ToMang07]

Subbing....

 

[thekarens]

Let me clarify. We have always had birds and our home is already set up for parrots, though this cockatoo will be the only one in the home at this time. My concern is in overwhelming her with new sights, sounds, environment. Should I leave her in her closed cage for a few days while she settles in? Let her have the run of the place? Talk to her softly thru the bars, hold her face to face? What are some things you all have done when introducing an older bird into a new space?

Depends on the bird. If they adjust well I see no problem with letting them out immediately and interacting with them. We just got a grey that's been in a dog crate for 8 years. We opened the door and let him come out on his own terms. He came out on day two. We just watch the body language to see what's comfortable for him.

 

[Cheri]

Yeah....that's what I think...

 

[itchyfeet]

Yup, take it as it comes.
The inlaws sulfur crested cockatoo was 24ish when he arrived. We were all really cautious about keeping a calm environment, giving him his space etc for the first few days...then the grandkids came in and made some noise - happiest cockatoo ever! My IRN was on my shoulder the evening he came home, but he was only 10 months and his previous owners had done some amazing work with him.

 

[LeaKP]

Both my birds are rescues and they seemed to do well with structure as in knowing the family, surroundings and our routine. They are doing great and your too will do great! They respond to love quickly.

 

[Cheri]

Thanks all! Will keep you posted!

 

[Birdman666]

I generally tend to try and handle them right away if they accept it.

My theory is that if the bird has been festering, welcome to change for the better... it's different, but I think you're gonna like it here.

It really depends on the bird and their background.

 

[Scott]

Can't add much to the previous excellent advice! Cockatoos are generally social, gregarious, and keenly interested in their environment. I find them generally very tolerant of change, particularly if hand-raised.

If your Bare-Eye was reasonably well socialized, progress should be quick, particularly given your experience. Be the Alpha, but pay close attention to her leads!

 

[Ripstied]

What Birdman said!

Also to note, most domestic parrots do come to recognize their cage as their home. My bird is never locked in his cage anymore (door is always open) yet he opts to spend a lot of time in there of his own free will. Another thing to be aware of, parrots do require a bit of training (as well as you to do a bit of bird proofing) before they can be "free". Safety hazards abound in homes, so you'll need to address those, as well as get your bird potty trained, no-chew trained and if he's flighted, accustomed to the layout of your house/if he's clipped, then he should be trained not to go on the floor so he is not accidentally stomped. Just like a toddler has to be at a certain level of awareness before you can turn your back for a second, so does a "free" roaming parrot

You mentioned potty trained. What e Carly do you mean, and how would you go about doing that? I've had Kili my U2 for only 2 weeks so I'm new at this.