New Cockatoo question

[nomadman1956]

I just got my first Cockatoo last week off craigs list and am a little concerned over its lack of interest in everthing. The lady I got him from had him for a few months had to get rid of him due to allergys. She got him from a bird show and said he was 10 years old and he was purchased from a breeder and his mate had died. He was in tiny cage for the last several months. First thing I build him a 3' by 6 ' tall cage with lots of wood perches. he does seem to like that but...he really shows no interest in getting to know or interact with us. I leave his cage open and he doesnt even come out. He is very quite and really makes little to know noise at all. its only been a week is this normal readjustment for a cockatoo or since he was a breeder bird does he just not like to interact with people?

 

[nomadman1956]

Then I guess my next question, what is the best process to befriend him? He does not seem to want to be handled at all

 

[Pedro]

From the sounds of things your newly acquired cockatoo seems to be an aviary bird. First off i would consider a Vet visit to see if it's ok & isn't unwell. Then i am afraid that you will just have to bide your time & gain his trust & it will take some time. Could be years. But it will be worth it. Just take things day by day & don't rush him at all. Gently talk to him.

One thing i will ask is what materials did you use to make the cage with. Did you use gavanised mesh, if so did you neutralize it with a vinegar wash??? If you have taken all the precautions thats fine but if not you risk your bird getting sick from heavy metal poisoning.

 

[MikeyTN]

Like Pedro mentioned, you need to give him some time to adjust. It took a little bit for my Cockatoo to adjust to her new cage. But she was willingly wanting to interact with us from day one. Not all birds are the same, some just takes a bit longer to adjust. By talking to him all the time and have him where he can see everyone to make him a part of the family. I like to keep my birds in the living room where everyone gathers so they get to see everything and watch us do everything. I watch tv with them, listen to music, etc. They get included in everything we do. Do you have a play stand? What are you feeding him? Give him treats into his bowl first until he knows what they are then start offering it to them directly from your hands. Cockatoos are wonderful birds that takes a bit of loving tender care to get them to trust and love you. Once he's there, he would be a wonderful little entertainer to have around. My Dixie entertains us all the time, she's a very funny bird, she dances and make little funny noises and she talks with baby voice....

Welcome to the forum, if you have any questions just ask away!