New Umbrella Cockatoo...Plz HELP!!

[dolphin3212]

I just got an umbrella cockatoo 2 days ago, she is 10 yrs old, she seems to scream a lot more than she is supposed to, is she just going to take time to get used to everything new and calm down with the screaming? and YES I know it has only been 2 days I have other birds I know they need time, she is very affectionate and loves attention, she was kept in a garage instead of in the house, any thoughts or advice appreciated...THANKS if the full story of her would help please pm me for it, thank you

 

[MickeysMom]

Of all the birds I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, I can tell you that our Umbrella's are the most loving and expressive. Screaming is a form of expression for them.

As you know, she will need time to adjust. She is getting attention for the first time in who knows how long, poor thing is starved for affection. I would just give her time and love. I would follow your normal routine with the birds, don't give her too much extra attention (only because you will set yourself up for this becoming a constant behavior).

Has she been to the vet? I would make sure there is nothing physical wrong first. From there, I would find something she loves (toy, tv, music, etc) that can be used to distract her when she starts screaming. Ours can be distracted (they will have "scream wars" sometimes) by my singing lullabyes (I say distraction, hubby says punishment LOL).

I would love to hear her story. One of ours came from a "less than ideal" situation. The other was a very well loved/spoiled baby that needed a new home due to unforseen circumstances. They both have settled in, and we and they have adjusted. It took time, but I couldn't imagine life without them.

Also, I want to say thank you for making this girl's life brighter.

 

[Allee]

When I brought home my U2, someone told me it takes a year to get to know a cockatoo. It didn't take nearly that long, but it did take months for him to adjust. We were Popeye's third home, he was given up twice for screaming, we were actually surprised he didn't scream more, it wasn't half as bad as expected. Popeye loves plenty of climbing space, lots of foraging toys, soft wood to chew, and a toy guitar that he plays often.

I would love to hear your U2's entire story. What is your girls name? We'd love to see photos.

How can people think it's okay to put a parrot in the garage? Thank you for changing this girl's life.

 

[Birdman666]

Screaming protocols have been posted many times.

Ignore the bird when screaming. She gets attention when she quiets down.

If screaming persists, cover the cage on 3 sides until she quiets down. If she doesn't quiet down right away, she gets covered on all sides until she does. WHEN SHE QUIETS DOWN, THE COVER GETS LIFTED FROM THE FRONT, AND SHE GETS PRAISED FOR BEING GOOD. If she continues to be good, the cover comes off...

Structure the interaction with this bird so that she has a set schedule every day. This is my cage time. This is my out time. This is my handling time. This is the time I need to learn to self entertain.

Foraging toys, like a simple cardboard box with treats and foot toys, and paper to shred, will help keep her occupied when she goes back.

Screaming toos are always a challenge.

 

[t_clark233]

When I first adopted my female U2 she would scream horribly. She had been with an elderly gentleman and had been separated from her mate. It took about 2 months before she was used to me. She still has screaming fits at times. I think that is normal for a cockatoo. Mine would quieten down some if wrapped in a blanket. She lives a blanker.

 

[ChristaNL]

I would love to hear her story!
(I am a sucker for happy-ish endings anyway)

No 2-experience, but Sunny was (unintentionally) trained to scream for attention.
It is *very* hard to ignore a bird screaming its head off - I wish you every ounce of patience you will ever need. (And buy some earprotection.)

Follow the Birdman, he knows what he is talking about.

There are times to be nice (poor birdie) and there are times to be firm so birdie can have a great future.

(Right now I am being hollered at because it is bedtime, and the lazy human has not closed the curtains ... poor birds, they have such a hard time training me! )

 

[Scott]

Unfortunately this thread is from 2014. Sad we often receive no closure following an OP and a burst of responses.

 

[ChristaNL]

whoopsie....