Molcan2
New member
- Jul 19, 2011
- 783
- 1
- Parrots
- Princess Rome- Moluccan Cockatoo (18yrs old), Rosie - Galah/Rose Breasted Cockatoo (2yr old)
the main difference is what the birds dietary needs, how loud, how independent they are (how much time they need with their human,) and other small intricate things details. [/QUOTE]
Their dietary needs are similar to other parrots, nothing really special (Pellets, Fruit, Veggies, some nuts etc.).
I am so sorry this is soooooo long but hopefully you will find it more helpful, I've been trying to rethink what makes a Too so different, this is the best that I can explain:
They are loud (this is what def sets them apart). Usually they scream only when they aren't getting what they want (each is different, mine doesnt do any screaming regularly in am or pm. What people refer to the normal sounding off). When Rome first came home she went through a period where she wasn't happy anywhere - wasn't happy on my arm, she wasn't happy on her stand and she wasn't happy in her cage - no matter what we did she screamed. I waited for her to get over herself and shes come a long way since then but it was really really difficult in the beggining.
Its a misconception that Toos need 'more' time than other parrots because they don't. They act like they need more (when in actuality they really don't) so people give them more than whant they need and they get spoild (they spoil easily, I guess thats a better way to put it). Its not so much that they aren't independent (because they really are if thats the behavior that you encourage, but you have to provide them with the means to be independent, ex: they love to forage for food, so create an environment where thats what they do all day), its that they want more. You give them all the attention possible and they want double that (you give them an inch and they don't want a mile they want the entire country). Thats what we mean by demanding. This is why everyone throws the experience part out there. Toos are like a child, let them run the house and they will, however they thrive off of structure, routine, and disipline (with these in place you will have a wonderful Too). Look at it like the parents who give in when their child cries for a toy (these people should never own a Too, because the Too will end up owning them), a Too's scream is so loud that most 'give in' to what they want in stead of sticking to the rules. This only reinforces the screaming and makes the bird more in charge. The 'experience' that everyone talks about is the ability to not only reinforce positive behaviors but to also lay down strict rules and abide by them (i.e. a person who can be firm and strict makes a good Too owner). The fact is, that no matter what bird you choose to get your 'experience' from, may not set you up for a Too (I got my 'experience' from training horses - the concepts transend into Too behavior). A Too constantly asks for attention, you cant give in to what they want. Attention time (when, what kind, and the length) needs to be set by you and not the bird (has to be on your terms - ALWAYS). They will beg and beg for attention, then they demand it, and you have to wait until they forget that they even wanted you in ther first place, then you give them attention. They have to know that you set the rules and they have to know that these rules are firm. In the begging they will test the rules constantly. If you stay consistent then eventually the bird will learn and become better rounded.
When I first brought Rome home she did not know what it was like to entertain herself. When she screamed for attention I simply ignored her, after 3mo she has finally started to learn that screaming does not get her what she wants. When she talks however, I give her attention for that - so her screaming has been more and more replaced by her talking (invest in ear plugs, they are your friend). I have been firm since day 1 about the screaming not getting you what you want rule. I also set up a routine for her day and have, for the most part, stuck to that. In the begging it took some adjustment but now she knows what to expect during the day.
Also, my Too is not a one person only bird (and I have met two other M2s that are the same). She loves everyone she meets and will jump from stranger to stranger, talking her jibberish to them and laughing. She enjoys being life of the party.
As far as biting, it hurts no matter what parrot delivers it! A Too has nothing on a Greenwing bite (I don't care how many prongs a Too has the bigger the beak the worse the bite - its a risk you take with any parrot). I think the biting is a little over exaggerated with the Toos, any parrot has the potential to bite. They are individuals when it comes to that. Mine doesn't have any aggression at all, has never biten or shown any signs of trying. She gives me kisses, feeds me (she likes to try to put toys in my mouth and then come get them later), and preens my eyebrows.
There are days where I do question my decision to bring her home, but that is what a Too does. They test your limits and show you what you are really made of. They take you to a place like no other, its a level of craziness that is pure bliss. The rewards of having a Too are insurmountable, if you can hadle life with one.
