Want to get a cockatoo

[Mare Miller]

Is it possible for you to spend some time at a rescue? That way you could meet different types of birds and who knows, maybe one will pick you !

 

[Seagulls]

The smaller cockatoos have just as rich of personalities and intelligence as the larger ones. They just don't tend to have as many of the cons of large 'toos like Umbrellas.

And to date, the only parrot observed to make and use tools is a Goffin. So, yeah. Small 'toos are just as good. And personally, I've never heard of a Rose-breasted that wasn't larger than life in personality and intelligence!

I second the recommendation of going to rescues. Despite what some may claim, so-called "used" birds are just as good as getting a baby. The old myth that getting a baby increases your bond with the bird is not true! Some of the best birds I have ever owned were rehomes. The hard part is jumping through the hoops laid out by rescues.

 

[brianlinkles]

I have just gotten a rose breasted Cockatoo about a 1 1/2 mos. ago maybe 2 not sure. He is a hoot! He has a HUGE personality!! He is fully flighted and is right now circling the house! He plays literally plays with my dogs. I have a small Chinese crested and a Chihuahua. Nigel Thinks they are part of his flock. When sun shines onto the floor through the window you will find all three of them grouped together "sunning". My little Chinese crested (Pia) which is so happy to find that Nigel would like to hang with her will jump on a chair, Nigel will fly on the chair, Pia jumps on the floor, Nigel flies to the floor and on and on it goes.

He will fly over to me, beg a little for attention and then off he goes to play. I think you would love an rb2. Yes the price here in the states is high (1500) but then remember that birds that are so much cheaper here are sooo expensive overseas. I am not sure where you are located but my breeder has two girls that are Nigels clutchmates as well as a male that is a bit older. It would give you the opportunity to meet some. They also have a couple of older birds that are always loose in the aviary (weather permitting) Again, I am in Ohio and not sure where you are.
I would also advise against any of the big white 2's. They in my opinion are not birds that do well in most home environments. In fact even in the best circumstances they are difficult. Not to mention LOUD, I mean really, really Loud!!!

 

[sonja]

Billy, I too wanted a large cockatoo my whole life. For me, my dream was a Moluccan. I have 25 years of experience with hundreds of parrots, both my own and rescues. I have and RB2, a goffin and a major mitchells. And I JUST finally took the plunge on the M2 and I'm still not confident that I can do it!! I adore him but I'm fearing the end of the honeymoon period to see what I really have! My point is, large 'toos become the center of your life. Everything will revolve around their needs. A future spouse or kids will cause huge problems in yourr relationship with a large 'too. Moving can be a problem. Even having a single family home too close to neighbors can be a problem. And unfortunately you can do everything "right" and still have a problem. I agree with everyone else about the RB2 being a good choice. MM are flighty and timid. Goffins are fun but can be loud. Volunteering at a rescue is a great idea to get an idea of what to expect.

 

[fishstick600]

I work twelve but I still live with my parents so my U2 has a lot of human interaction when I'm sleeping or at work.. However he gets about 4 hours out of cage time as long as I haven't over slept. Be careful getting multiple birds because cockatoos are the worst for bird on bird aggression and generally speaking a hand fed bird isn't all that interested in other birds because they think they are humans

That being said as long as you give him a lot to do while you aren't their I think you'll be fine

 

[Ravennessa]

The red brested are really nice.. I was looking at these before
http://www.parrotforums.com/cockatoos/34141-taking-rosie-santa-cruz-today.html

I'd say that be a good compromise!!

Also I am a fan of amazons... Have not met one that has not been funny!!

Good luck in your pick!

 

[Sungazer]

Yeah I'm thinking if I got a cockatoo it would be a rose breasted. Just worrisome that a bird that is compared to a pigeon in Australia is worth so much here. Do they have the personalities of their larger cousins?

I have never heard of anyone every comparing a Galah with a pigeon. They are just not the same creature other than they both have wings.

Galahs IMHO have the best personality of all the Cockatoos. They are much more loving. In the wild Galahs are always in pairs and pair for life. They will love their owners just the same and if you are carefull they will love all the family members and not just one person. They love being involved with your everyday activities.

 

[Billy29]

Looks like it's definitely between a galah and a Amazon. I hate making decisions like this because they both seem really nice. Which is more hands on and likes to be handled?

 

[Seagulls]

Depends on the kind of amazon you have in mind. Some can be very cuddly, others can be very aggressive, and some can be both at the same time. Amazons are far more forgiving and easygoing about missing time out. They are very good at entertaining themselves, even if you just give them a solid chunk of wood. But Amazons can also be very, very loud.

Or... You could get both, like I have! Just be careful that the birds won't be able to get to each other. As stated, Cockatoos are terrible about other birds.

 

[mrgoogls]

when it comes to beig handled, I would say it depends on the personality of the individual bird.

 

[Pajarita]

I know that Galahs have a good reputation but I know two that bonded to just one person and attack everybody else (even the owners husband and children, in one case -the other owner is single and has not been able to have a 'normal' relationship since the bird became sexually mature_

 

[Jayyj]

My galah is very amiable towards guests and has yet to show active dislike for anyone. But I do also know of one who is the opposite, has a few favourites but will try to attack others on sight. I guess it depends on the bird.

I do think on balance though you have a better chance of making things work with a galah than one of the larger cockatoos.

 

[Mare Miller]

My Goffin's is a trip. She's a great bird but she IS a parrot that chews, gets moody, loves attention and entertains herself well. She's known to be a plucker but just for a few months out of the year, makes me think it's hormonal.
My U2, on the other hand is AWESOME! I love this bird and everything about him, even his wicked attack mode has got to be admired. They are beautiful birds but not meant to be in a home environment. (Sorry, I had to say something positive about U2s . I do love them!

 

[Luke252]

Galahs are definitely alot easier to take care of. Being one of the smaller cockatoos they are always a good start. It does depend though from bird to bird on their behaviour towards people. I have been quite lucky with my three Cockatoo babies. Larry My Sulphur Crested Cockatoo is rather cautions around strangers, not a real show off at all, however at 18 months, is still yet to lay his first proper bite into anybody. He tends to try and intermediate strangers, whilst never actually attacking them. Whereas on the other hand, my Beautiful Red Tailed Black Cockatoo is just so gentle. Always shows off in front of everyone and never attacks people. It just depends on the bird itself. Some species do have different behavioural traits, however with most birds, it just comes down to the bird itself.

 

[Sungazer]

As with nearly all animals their is an instinctive behavior and that can either be reinforced by people or modified by people.

Galahs do need a little bit of tough love to make sure that they do not bond too much with the one person or act aggressively towards others.

I have a time out cage outside away from everyone when and if he displays behavior that is not appreciated just like you would a child in a naughty corner or time out room.

 

[fishstick600]

Sydney is an angel unless my nieces and nephews are around. Their high energy lol gets him going and he screams for their attention. It's funny and extremely annoying at the same time. There's nothing you can do either... They will be upstairs and he'll hear them and start calling to them. I think he feels that they are his flock or maybe his peers. He doesn't so it that much with adults.

 

[Sungazer]

Sydney is an angel unless my nieces and nephews are around. Their high energy lol gets him going and he screams for their attention. It's funny and extremely annoying at the same time. There's nothing you can do either... They will be upstairs and he'll hear them and start calling to them. I think he feels that they are his flock or maybe his peers. He doesn't so it that much with adults.

I totally agree that type of behavior which is out of the norm, spontaneous you can not change. This is like a flock behavior and one feeds off the other in your case noisy children encourage the noise from Sydney.

I tend to have it happen between my Galah and the Eclectus one of them get to have a stint outside. Its not that bad for them a different environment different smells and sounds and the small punishment factor they feel. They are always grateful to come back in. I get them to go through a few tricks just to check that they do want to come inside. Normally very quick to respond.

 

[fishstick600]

Hopefully next year I will be living in my own house and Sydney will have an enclosed back porch or bird room to spread his wings during the day but for now he has a fairly large cage and as much out of cage time as possible. Generally 4 to 5 hours.