Question about Rescuing a Cockatoo

[TangosMomMT]

Hello,
I have a question for everyone. About a year ago I went to our local pet store here in town which is super small and they had a Cockatoo that wasn't in the greatest shape. They had a sign that says he bites but when I walked up to his cage he put his foot through the bars and wrapped his toes around my finger and just looked at me with the sweetest eyes. I fell in love but decided against getting him. Now, the other day I went into the pet store to get bird food which I usually order online and to my surprise they still have the same cockatoo and again he wrapped his toes around my finger. I watched him and when other people came in he moved away from the cage door but every time I got near the cage he stuck his foot out again. His feathers are frayed, he had 2 worn out toys in there and that was it and of course his cage is filthy. He gained a bunch of weight and seemed really depressed. The manager said that they don't take him out anymore because he bit her. She said he got mad that they don't take him out so when she did take him out he bit her.
I heard that you shouldn't buy from pet stores because you are supporting them not taking care of the animals but my heart goes out to this guy. I so want to take him home and give him some TLC and help him feel better and have an enjoyable life. He is 3 years old according to them. They want $1100.00 with cage which is a large amount to me for a bird that they say bites but I feel I have a bond with this bird.
In your opinion should I pay the money and get him out? What would you do in this situation? Any advice or opinions are appreciated.
Jen

 

[Betrisher]

Well, you could do what I did and offer half the amount to take him off their hands (since he's such a risk and all). They might be relieved to get rid of him.

Cockatoos are big birds and when they bite you really do notice it! LOL! But, if you're a patient person and feel prepared to devote a LOT of time to this guy, then why not have a go?

I know the argument about supporting bad pet shops is a strong one, but the way I look at it, the bad shops are going to be there until laws are passed to prevent them dealing in livestock. Until then, a life is a life. If we can save just one life of a poor animal locked in a foul situation, then why not? NB. This is my opinion alone and I certainly don't expect anyone else to automatically agree with me. You have to do what your heart tells you to.

Best of luck in deciding and do let us know how you get on, won't you?

 

[MarciaLove]

I would get him its awful and I never buy from pet shops but this poor guy might never get out and be loved because he bites ad is so much money But being a cockatoo you REALLY need to do A TON of research on them!!!!! and be sure to quarantine form your other birds!!

 

[brianlinkles]

What type of cockatoo is he? I would also offer them less and see what they say.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

I would try to get him [theres some sort of bond it looks like ] IMO A birds a bird [no matter where it came from ,at least for me ] I always thought I had to get a bird from this guy [because he impressed his birds were of the greatest health. ] Well my macaw almost died last year and it was something she had gotten from the breeder .So I learned this can happen anywhere.My suggestion just do the quarantine and thorough vet check and don't worry Keep us updated.

 

[BillsBirds]

I, too, would make an offer of less than asked for. Remind them that they've had him a long time, he's got problems, and will take a lot of work. Their price is comparable to a young, tamed, healthy bird with no behavior issues, like biting. Also, tell them that he'll never be better in that situation, and therefore, nobody will want him. I would not mention this, but between us, he is reaching out to you. And those of us with a good deal of experience have realized that they often choose us, as opposed to us choosing them. Good luck, and stand firm. You may be the only one who has shown interest in him. So, if they refuse any deal, play as though you'll only consider him, if they work with you on a deal. Would they rather have a bird who bites, and nobody wants? Or sell him, and make some money, and have room for another bird that may bring in better money?

 

[aliray]

I agree with the above posters. The most they can say is no but my quess especially with liability issues possible is that they will be more than happy to unload the bird. I wish you luck and hope you get him or her

 

[betty]

I am definitely not the best person to give advice as i have only owned ours for about 9 months, We have a Mollucan and sometimes he bites, but we have trained him to bite a lot less often and i believe to also temper his bites. I was somewhat indifferent to getting him, but i went through the same as you , where it seemed to bird just took to me, and now that little bugger is my best buddy. We are at the point where it is very easy to tell when he is looking to take a nip, and a few words usually calm him down, We got him as a re home from an owner who's health just didnt permit them to keep him. He is 23 yrs old, and from what i have read , is a pretty well behaved bird as far as Too's go, and i cant imagine not having him around. They are extremely smart birds, and definitely have a mind of their own, but with patience and care, this bird should make a wonderful pet for you. And no matter what, it sounds like he would be better off with you than in that crappy pet shop. One bit of advice i will give, is DO YOUR RESEARCH, and good luck.

 

[KBEquine]

I just saw this thread & thought I'd offer my 2 cents -

The things to consider in getting a cockatoo (in addition to the cost, which I am sure is negotiable by now) include:

Do you live in an apartment, row or townhouse or have close neighbors? A cockatoo scream is powerful & you don't know whether the bird will scream in your house, until it is already there. Some people tolerate the scream of a cockatoo better than others. So whoever lives with you, and any close neighbors really need to be on board for this. And unfortunately, people might be on board - UNTIL the reality of living near a screaming 'too becomes a reality. [There is good advice on the cockatoos yahoo group to help with that, by the way.]

Also, one of the reasons you see cockatoos being rehomed is because they cause breathing problems in humans - and often in other birds. And this will dramatically affect your flock/quaker in other ways. So you need to consider the effect of a larger bird on your quaker. Will it be afraid? Will it be stressed by sharing your affection. Will it have breathing problems? Just throwing out the possibilities.

You clearly are drawn to this bird and I am sure you would give it a better existence than it has now. But I'd suggest finding all the cockatoo sites you can, including the cockatoos yahoo group. There are people on that list who love 'Toos, but are realistic about living with them. They will have great information.

I really think the question isn't "buy from a pet store or get a cockatoo elsewhere" I think the question (other than cost) is whether you can offer a long-term home to the bird. Everyone thinks going into cockatoo ownership that they can. But the birds end up in rescues anyway because the owner didn't count on the landlord threatening to evict due to the noise or dust, or having a child who develops an allergy to the bird. Or getting married to a non-bird-person or having to move some place that cockatoos are not welcome. Or they just plain don't have the time the bird thinks it needs. These are just some things to consider.

Best of luck, whatever you decide to do.

Kim

 

[getwozzy]

I think if someone were to actually want to buy him, they would've done it by now. But if the 'average' pet owner walked in and saw a sign that says he bites along with the price tag they wouldn't even think of buying him because who wants a bird that's a problem from the get go?? Not the 'average' pet owner. He probably doesn't like the owner, or had a bad experience with her...hence, the biting.

Buuuut, I honestly think he's reaching out to you (otherwise you probably would've been bitten already). It makes my eyes water thinking of him holding your finger and looking at you with pleading eyes "please take me home with you!"
I agree with the others- offer a reasonable price, but not the "sticker" price. A pet store wants to attract customers and SELL pets, not let them hang around terrorizing people.

 

[Mare Miller]

I have a U2 and know for a fact that this bird lets people know when he doesn't like them. If this bird is reaching out to you, it's a good sign. These are such amazing, intelligent creatures, if you feel a connect, please help him out.

 

[MikeyTN]

Oh Mare....I still do admire you and Amigo...I had to let Java go....He did reach out for me from the beginning too and was good from the beginning then everything changed since then.

To the poster, they lure you in to get you wrapped around their little claws. But just be sure you've done your home work and understand what they can be like and all before you devote yourself into a Cockatoo. Like what others asked, what type of Cockatoo is he?? Not all are the same, it just depends on how they were raised to begin with. It is a risk, but if you feel the need to help him, please feel free to do so like what others says to cut a deal with the pet shop. Good Luck on your decision!!!

 

[Mare Miller]

Hi Mikey, good advise, for sure. I love my cockatoos, not many more in the household do but they have my vote! I really tend to think that there are particular folks that are cockatoo people. These birds aren't going to thrive with everyone. Number one, they were not meant to be a captive bird. They don't do well in small quarters and they need a lot of attention or freedom to roam to do what they like.

 

[MikeyTN]

I still have my Dixie the Cockatoo, she's a sweetie!!!

About Java, he became so dangerous that I can not handle him anymore without him trying to do something evil....Even cleaning his cage is a task, I can hardly scrub the insides of his cage without keeping my eyes on him and keeping a stick handy to place it between him and I. But he is the only bird that allows me to clip his nails through the cage bars as he sticks them out to me on his own. I can pet him and all without any issue. The problem came down to he wants to do something that I don't want him to, then he goes ballistic....

 

[fishstick600]

I have a 10 month old U2 and cockatoos can and will bite.. I doubt pet stores realize this and after one bite think they are a danger.. Sydney would never bite me out of anger and the only time I have gotten a true bite was when I lost his balance.. I hate seeing big birds stuck in cases all day :-( they deserve to be out for hours a day to let out pent up energy and exercise.. I would break down and buy him but I'm a sap lol you could always rehabilitate him and resell to someone who will give him the care and attention he needs