Training Wild Cockatoos?

[Grant82]

Hi Guys, I live on a 6th floor apartment with a balcony. I've been buying some feed for cockatoos to feed some that hang around a tree next to my place - I leave a plate of the feed on a table on my balcony.
I really enjoy feeding them and interacting with them but lately they've started knocking over potted plants on a shelf next to the table I feed them on. I'm wondering if there's any way to train them to only go on the feeding table or there's anything I can do?
I really enjoy them but will have to stop feeding them if I can't train or funnel them a bit as they keep breaking things. Granted they are wild guys so if not possible no worries!

 

[Scott]

You are so fortunate to have wild cockatoos, thanks for the awesome pic!!

Unfortunately, training wild cockatoos to ignore non-food items will prove difficult if not impossible. Cockatoos are clown-like and will forage for food in the most unlikely of locations. They probably believe there is more good stuff to be found on your balcony.

 

[Betrisher]

The most well-developed skill that all cockatoos possess is the ability to destroy things: it's what they do! I'm afraid the only way you can prevent the cockies from mucking up your balcony is to stop feeding them. They can and will do dreadful damage to anything they can get their beaks into!

I s'pose you have two choices: empty your balcony of everything that can't withstand cockies or stop feeding the little toads and let them go elsewhere for their entertainment.

 

[noodles123]

The most well-developed skill that all cockatoos possess is the ability to destroy things: it's what they do! I'm afraid the only way you can prevent the cockies from mucking up your balcony is to stop feeding them. They can and will do dreadful damage to anything they can get their beaks into!

I s'pose you have two choices: empty your balcony of everything that can't withstand cockies or stop feeding the little toads and let them go elsewhere for their entertainment.

lollllllll "those little toads"-- so true!!!

 

[fiddlejen]

Get a cheap large birdcage from craigslist -- and, put the Pottted Plants inside it.

(Or, you could make something along the same lines like a mini-homemade aviary for your plants.)

Try re-potting your plants with some heavy weights in the bottom?

I can't fully see your balcony so don't know if this is possible / any attachment points -- but IF there is any sort of attachment point, then use floral wire to attach the pots to balcony so they cannot be knocked over.