Wanted a Cocatoo for our Family

[jthorp]

I am looking for anyone who would love to find a good home for a Umbrella Cockatoo, male or female does not matter. I have been with my husband for 23 years and he has always wanted a Cockatoo. We absolutely love animals and we provide good, clean and loving homes for our animals. So I am looking for someone who wants a good home for their Cockatoo. We are willing to drive 3 or 4 hours to pick up a bird. We live in Roseville, CA. Please contact me if anyone is interested.

 

[RavensGryf]

Have you tried a bird rescue? I don't know what's in your area, but you can look it up I'm sure. There are ALWAYS Cockatoos of various kinds looking for a good home in rescues!

Since you've (your husband) has been wanting a Cockatoo for so long now, I'm sure he's researched and heard some Cockatoo particulars along the way? They aren't the easiest of exotic birds to keep, that's for sure, but with lots of dedication to learning the species specifics you'll be on the right track . Good luck!

 

[jthorp]

Yes we have looked at bird rescues, but they either want a 1000.00 for an adoption fee or the birds come with a lot of medical problems. We have 3 kids and we don't want to take on a bird that will require a lot of medical requirements. As far as them not being an easy bird to raise we know our facts and my husband was raised with a lot of exotic birds growing up. So we thought we would take a chance and post if any one wanted their bird to go to a good home.

 

[Kiwibird]

I'm going to be honest here, but if the $1000 adoption fee is the deciding factor in not adopting a bird from a shelter, how much have you looked into the costs associated with owning a large parrot? All he love in the world isn't going to provide a bird of that size with the appropriate size cage, specialized diet or god forbid, illness or injury. It can cost upward of $300 just to walk in the door of an AV's office, let alone any medication or treatment a sick or injured bird may need. Cockatoos don't do well in a "cozy size" cage. With a large too, you're looking basically at a double macaw, which can be $800-$1000 just for the cage. Then you get into toys (cockatoos rip em up fast!), and food (high quality pellets/seed/cooked mix and daily fresh produce) and you can be at $75-$100 monthly upkeep costs for a healthy, active large parrot. Of course, there are *some* ways to cut costs (like making toys and baking treats), but parrots are plain expensive to keep. Are you financially able to maintain a large parrot, especially one of the more difficult/destructive species?

I'm not saying you wouldn't make an excellent, loving owner but people so often forget in their research just how much these birds cost to keep healthy and happy. It's more like bringing home a baby rather than a pet cost-wise. Just be sure you're budget allows, or perhaps look at some of the smaller species of cockatoos like rose breasted, goffins, bare eyed and even lesser sulfur crested

 

[yann]

if cost is a issue…i would be worried. my sulfur crested 'too can go through more than 100$ worth of toys in one day(if i let him ) wood is like cotton to cockatoos.

 

[RavensGryf]

Please remember there's never any guarantee about keeping any bird out of the vet. Even with a beautiful healthy new baby from a reputable breeder, you'd be surprised at how fairly common it is to STILL need a vet visit here and there.

I won't even talk about a 'new bird exam' or disease testing. Birds can look gorgeous on the outside with a "minor" bacterial infection that might be low level for a while, or the immune system might clear it, OR it might become worse and need vet attention. Or, a bird (and especially common in Cockatoos) can accidentally ingest a foreign body and need surgery, or get metal toxicity. These things believe it or not are common, and especially with inquisitive active types. Anyway if the bird doesn't die from foreign body ingestion or metal toxicity, it could mean big vet bills over a period of time for treatment. My exclusive avian vet will tell you how extremely common this condition is. I had no idea before he told me! It's more rare to have a medical "emergency" but a God forbid, that's expensive too! There's a plethora of other fairly common and unexpected reasons one would need to take a bird to the vet that I can't think of off the top of my head. Not only vet costs, but large toys for a voracious chewer like a Cockatoo, and monthly cost of foods and general upkeep?

IMHO, I think one shouldn't expect to cut corners on an expensive exotic animal. If one HAS the money, they should be prepared to spend all that is necessary for the creature's well being. If one DOESN'T have the funds yet, it should be saved until there is well enough to ensure for proper care and the unexpected. If one should fall short of cash unexpectedly, are you willing to go into credit debt because that's how much you love your bird? Sure, you might have no problems, but it's a chance you take. I hope you won't be mad at me for saying, but it's my humble opinion. I hope you'll reconsider about cutting corners and getting an expensive bird for "cheap". In the long run he won't be cheap! Good luck.

 

[Arwyn1313]

From what I have seen at different stores and such,Cockatoo's go for more then $1000.00 not to mention the cage and food and toys and upkeep so on and so on. I never realized how expensive birds can be. If money is an issue you might want to wait a bit.

 

[jthorp]

Wow thank you so much for all of your concerns, but how about you just let me worry about my finances.

 

[Kiwibird]

Don't think we are "attacking" you, but anyone who's been around here a while has seen some very wonderful bird owners get hit with major expenses or personal financial crises and have to make a heartbreaking choice whether or not to rehome their birds. So when we hear about an adoption fee being a major consideration, I think we all get a little "worked up"

 

[SilverSage]

Hello and welcome to the forum. It seems to me from your reply that you are frustrated with us for expressing our concerns about you acquiring a cockatoo, but there are several reasons why we must. First of all, this is a forum that is full of advice, it's one of the main things we do here; we give and take advice. Secondly, you have come here and asked for one of us to send out beloved pet home with you, so we as a community have the right to question your ability to do so. Many of us have seen the tragedy time and time again of owners being forced to rehome their birds for financial, behavioral, or other reasons and we know that the #1 way we can all help prevent this heartbreak is to speak up BEFORE a pet is brought home.

This is especially true of cockatoos. Did you know that the average time a cockatoo spends in each home is only 2 years? Just imagine how many homes that is, and how you would feel being bounced around that much, from family to family with no explanation. Also, have you noticed how many pictures of plucked cockatoos you see compared to other species? I am not speaking badly about cockatoos, they are MAJESTIC creatures, I am simply stating that VERY FEW people are equipped to handle their needs in ANY area, from emotional needs, mental needs, chewing needs, diet needs, training needs, and yes, housing and financial needs.

Which brings me to the point many have already addressed - your idea of how much you want to pay. For starters, a quick internet search reveals to me that $1000 is a LOW price for an umbrella cockatoo, not a high one as you have made it sound. If you are unable to bear the purchase price, this is not the right bird for you. Wow, does that sounds harsh and judgmental? It is not meant to, it is simply something I have realized over the years; the purchase price of a bird is often a good indicator of how expensive the pet will be to keep properly. I wont go into how a $3000 vet bill can spring up out of nowhere even if you take good care of the bird, or how a suitable cage will likely be much more than the bird itself, or the expensive damage your bird is likely to do to your house, electronics, furniture, etc, but will simply talk about day-to-day costs. I do not own a cockatoo, but I own enough birds who are "moderate" and even "lite" chewers to know it can get expensive just to keep them in toys, and that is when most of them are home made or just branches from the yard! I have found, since I owned my first bird at age 11, that someone who cannot afford to pay full price for a bird, more often than not, cannot afford to give that bird the life it deserves. There are SOME exceptions to this rule, special cases, but they are not common. What IS common is for people to THINK they have the funds, if only they can get a good deal on the actual bird, only to find out the hard way they cannot, and off their bird goes to a new home, hopefully one that can afford them this time.

Also, I agree that bird rescues are a good place to look for birds, and yes, they are usually full of cockatoos, the poor birds. However, be careful, should you go ahead with your plan to get one. A cockatoo is a full-time pet no matter, what, but perhaps your first parrots as a couple should not be one with behavioral problems already. I say this because likely the only "deal" you will get on a cockatoo will be one with problems - big problems. I have heard a cockatoo scream from 1/2 mile away, loud and clear - do you live in a home where your neighbors are farther away than that? Or can you afford to move if the bird is too loud, or would you sell the bird? Can you afford insurance to cover if your bird bites someone? Cockatoos have FAMOUS beaks, and rescue birds can be less predictable, simply because of their history. I am not saying don't get one, I am saying "beware the bargain" and "you get what you pay for."

Another thing, you said you have 3 kids - how old are they? I know many people have homes where parrots happily co-exost with children, but do you realize that a beak that size could easily break, or even internally amputate a finger, especially that of a child? Do you believe with 100% confidence that your child will never put his or her finger in the cage? Do you have a plan for how they will interact with the cockatoo? It also sounds like you have other pets - what kind and how many? A cockatoo will not happily sit in his cage every night while you snuggle the cat or dog, do you have a plan for keeping the bird safe from current pets, and current pets safe from the bird? Are you familiar with the concept of displaced aggression, and the ease with which a hormonal or simply upset bird of that size could remove your eye?

One thing that might help us all understand you better is if you told us a bit more about why you chose this bird in particular. Why a cockatoo, and why an umbrella cockatoo, of all the species? I think a lot of our "disaster-o-meters" went off as horror stories run through our minds, because this situation could go so wrong. Not to say that it will, and not to say you are not the most loving pet owner alive, but you have given us nothing to go on.

All that said, you may still be offended that we dare question your wisdom in bird choices, and even more that we question your finances. I am sorry if you are upset, but you have come here to a community that loves, values, and fights for birds. Many of us have poured hundreds or even thousands of dollars into saving birds from owners who should not have owned birds, and many of us experienced sticker shock not when we bought the bird, but when we realized how much it costs to care for that bird properly. So please, if you feel our comments are unjust, instead of snapping at us or leaving, simply tell us more about your situation, get to know us, and let us get to know you because trust me, I have yet to find a better parrot resource than this forum. So if you do indeed choose to embark on the journey of parrot ownership, we would love to come alongside you in that. But just as a family questions its members and gives advice, we tell it like we see it, and do our best to have the birds' backs.

 

[Arwyn1313]

Hello and welcome to the forum. It seems to me from your reply that you are frustrated with us for expressing our concerns about you acquiring a cockatoo, but there are several reasons why we must. First of all, this is a forum that is full of advice, it's one of the main things we do here; we give and take advice. Secondly, you have come here and asked for one of us to send out beloved pet home with you, so we as a community have the right to question your ability to do so. Many of us have seen the tragedy time and time again of owners being forced to rehome their birds for financial, behavioral, or other reasons and we know that the #1 way we can all help prevent this heartbreak is to speak up BEFORE a pet is brought home.

This is especially true of cockatoos. Did you know that the average time a cockatoo spends in each home is only 2 years? Just imagine how many homes that is, and how you would feel being bounced around that much, from family to family with no explanation. Also, have you noticed how many pictures of plucked cockatoos you see compared to other species? I am not speaking badly about cockatoos, they are MAJESTIC creatures, I am simply stating that VERY FEW people are equipped to handle their needs in ANY area, from emotional needs, mental needs, chewing needs, diet needs, training needs, and yes, housing and financial needs.

Which brings me to the point many have already addressed - your idea of how much you want to pay. For starters, a quick internet search reveals to me that $1000 is a LOW price for an umbrella cockatoo, not a high one as you have made it sound. If you are unable to bear the purchase price, this is not the right bird for you. Wow, does that sounds harsh and judgmental? It is not meant to, it is simply something I have realized over the years; the purchase price of a bird is often a good indicator of how expensive the pet will be to keep properly. I wont go into how a $3000 vet bill can spring up out of nowhere even if you take good care of the bird, or how a suitable cage will likely be much more than the bird itself, or the expensive damage your bird is likely to do to your house, electronics, furniture, etc, but will simply talk about day-to-day costs. I do not own a cockatoo, but I own enough birds who are "moderate" and even "lite" chewers to know it can get expensive just to keep them in toys, and that is when most of them are home made or just branches from the yard! I have found, since I owned my first bird at age 11, that someone who cannot afford to pay full price for a bird, more often than not, cannot afford to give that bird the life it deserves. There are SOME exceptions to this rule, special cases, but they are not common. What IS common is for people to THINK they have the funds, if only they can get a good deal on the actual bird, only to find out the hard way they cannot, and off their bird goes to a new home, hopefully one that can afford them this time.

Also, I agree that bird rescues are a good place to look for birds, and yes, they are usually full of cockatoos, the poor birds. However, be careful, should you go ahead with your plan to get one. A cockatoo is a full-time pet no matter, what, but perhaps your first parrots as a couple should not be one with behavioral problems already. I say this because likely the only "deal" you will get on a cockatoo will be one with problems - big problems. I have heard a cockatoo scream from 1/2 mile away, loud and clear - do you live in a home where your neighbors are farther away than that? Or can you afford to move if the bird is too loud, or would you sell the bird? Can you afford insurance to cover if your bird bites someone? Cockatoos have FAMOUS beaks, and rescue birds can be less predictable, simply because of their history. I am not saying don't get one, I am saying "beware the bargain" and "you get what you pay for."

Another thing, you said you have 3 kids - how old are they? I know many people have homes where parrots happily co-exost with children, but do you realize that a beak that size could easily break, or even internally amputate a finger, especially that of a child? Do you believe with 100% confidence that your child will never put his or her finger in the cage? Do you have a plan for how they will interact with the cockatoo? It also sounds like you have other pets - what kind and how many? A cockatoo will not happily sit in his cage every night while you snuggle the cat or dog, do you have a plan for keeping the bird safe from current pets, and current pets safe from the bird? Are you familiar with the concept of displaced aggression, and the ease with which a hormonal or simply upset bird of that size could remove your eye?

One thing that might help us all understand you better is if you told us a bit more about why you chose this bird in particular. Why a cockatoo, and why an umbrella cockatoo, of all the species? I think a lot of our "disaster-o-meters" went off as horror stories run through our minds, because this situation could go so wrong. Not to say that it will, and not to say you are not the most loving pet owner alive, but you have given us nothing to go on.

All that said, you may still be offended that we dare question your wisdom in bird choices, and even more that we question your finances. I am sorry if you are upset, but you have come here to a community that loves, values, and fights for birds. Many of us have poured hundreds or even thousands of dollars into saving birds from owners who should not have owned birds, and many of us experienced sticker shock not when we bought the bird, but when we realized how much it costs to care for that bird properly. So please, if you feel our comments are unjust, instead of snapping at us or leaving, simply tell us more about your situation, get to know us, and let us get to know you because trust me, I have yet to find a better parrot resource than this forum. So if you do indeed choose to embark on the journey of parrot ownership, we would love to come alongside you in that. But just as a family questions its members and gives advice, we tell it like we see it, and do our best to have the birds' backs.

Well said!! :35:

 

[Ducatimom]

Very well put SilverSage! jthorp please don't think we are trying to criticize or come down on you. We've recently had a few people come on here asking for free parrots. One even asked for a free macaw with everything included and must already be well socialized!

With that said we're already a little concerned about new people asking for parrots when we don't really know anything about them. A lot of us view our parrots and other furry animals as children so you can imagine how we feel when somebody wants us to give one of our "kids" to them without learning anything about them first. I feel so bad about taking a beloved pet away from someone (even if their circumstances leave them with no way to keep the pet) that I will still give updates on them for a while after we've adopted them. I still talk to our bearded dragons' previous owner and we've had them for almost 3 years now, and hoping to give them one of the babies (assuming we have some successful hatching eggs :smile046.

I'm not saying you won't be able to care for the 'too and it does sound like you have done your research and I'm sure you realize any of these birds won't be cheap since you said your husband grew up with exotic birds.

Doing a quick google search on prices and it seems like 1000.00 is about the lowest for one in my area. There was even one on craigslist (which is where I found my Sun Conure) for 1900. I can't speak for everybody else, but to me if that is too steep of a price then maybe a smaller parrot would be better for you (not trying to tell you to get a smaller one, just giving some advice). Keep in mind they are not going to $100 either. My Sun was $500 on craigslist (a little more than at the pet store). Granted he came with everything he needed, but we've still spent so much on him with his first vet visit, toys, food, etc.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

I live in New York [sometimes its hard to get birds around me]..Ive had some shipped [young and older]. and it was a great experience. So that might open your search. Finding a Too [I see lots of them ] . google willing to ship.Sometimes I see breeders looking to sell older birds that [may have been theirs] that say their pet quality . I don't know why that shelter wants that much for a rehome price ?[[maybe to cover costs of their place?]. I see a lot of super steep prices on Craigslist [they need to get over themselves IMO. ] Keep looking you will find your Too

 

[Allee]

It hurts my heart every time I see a future cockatoo owner who would like to have everyone tell them it's a fabulous idea to adopt a Too. I would really like to tell you to keep searching for an Umbie to bring home. I can't tell you that in good conscience. Every member that has responded to your post is trying to help in a friendly fashion. Believe me, please, when I say there is good reason to be well-informed. All of the information you have been given is right on. I think of all the parrot species, the cockatoos have the toughest time adapting to captivity. There is a reason sanctuaries are filled to overflowing with plucked, screaming, biting, seriously damaged birds, a lot of that damage can't be undone, even by the best of the best. Think about that, most of the owners originally spent on average $2500. just for the bird, add the cage, toys, play stands, vet bills, a huge investment and then they beg someone, anyone to take the bird off their hands. There is a reason for that.

I waited for years to have the time and resources to be able to be a responsible parront. I work at home, my sons are grown, so no children at home. When my sons were growing up there is no way I could have given a cockatoo the care it needed. A woman contacted me and asked me to take her six year old male cockatoo. She knew that I had taken care of a severely abused and extremely ill eclectus. I told her no three times, before I went to pick up her Umbrella, or "Great White Cockatoo", I couldn't ignore the implied comparison. I had a lot of experience, I worked three years for a veterinarian that treated parrots, most of the parrots were dearly loved and well trained, they were also out of their comfort zones and behaved well in the office, not the same as having one of your own. I read all the horror stories and looked at all the heartbreaking photos. I could have been more well informed, but not much. It takes a certain amount of selflessness, a tremendous amount of patience, extreme dedication, and a genuine love for birds. A sense of humor and a lot of money comes in handy too.

When people ask about my Umbie, and they always do, I tell them I feel like I've adopted a three year old. Popeye's food bill runs from $75. to $100 dollars a month and I'm pretty careful. I order a lot of his food on line which is higher quality and cheaper in the long run. For every $100. you spend on food at least half lands on the floor. The local squirrels aren't as picky as my U2 and they need weight watchers from consuming parrot leftovers. He needs a full time maid but I can't afford that. I make a lot of his foraging toys to cut costs, but he goes through them fast. I've spent as much as sixty dollars for a single toy and watched him happily destroy it the same day. I have an emergency account for vet care. I haven't flown to Vegas to visit my youngest son's new love, not because I can't afford it, but because I don't trust anyone to take care of my seven year old unless a real emergency requires me to leave him, and in that case, I've already discussed boarding with a vet, just to have a plan in place. That's a small part of Popeye's story, there are so many more cockatoo stories, a lot of them are not success stories and too many are deeply disturbing. If something happened where I was forced to find him a home, the list of potential new homes would be short indeed, and I would want a close look at the new owners finances and lifestyle. And a dollar amount, well he's quite simply priceless.

It's very exciting to welcome new members and new parrots into our flock. We would love for you to stay and share your story no matter how it unfolds. There are so many parrots out there and I know one is waiting to be a part of your family. Try not to overlook a perfect fit in your quest, if that turns out to be a U2, I wish you well and I'll be glad to help if I can.

 

[Abigal7]

Do not think people are trying to be mean to you. We are just trying to be honest with you. I am not saying you should not get a parrot but research and get a idea on what the cost can be. Sure you can cut some cost by making your toys and cooking for you bird. I also think you should know the pros and cons before you get a too. There ar many species of cockatoos. I would advise reading about them and think about it. You might decide a different too species may be more compatible. You are getting good advice from people here. I am not going to accuse you of wanting a free bird but understand why some are defensive. Some people have signed up and asked for free birds. Some time back a guy bragged about getting a free bird on this forum. I do not know him well but I noticed he has not posted anything for a long time and most members (even busy members) post something once in a while.

 

[4dugnlee]

Wow..I'm glad I didn't get the U2 that was offered to me originally back before I got Sassy. My friend's sister has a U2 that she does NOT take care of! She has the poor baby's cage covered 24/7. She throws things at the cage if it makes noise or "bobs" it's head, which she says she can hear her doing?? My friend begged me to take the bird and I said I was going to look at an amazon but I would take the U2 to get it out of the situation. My friend (the owner's sister) loves the U2 and can pet the bird's head and "dances" with the bird from outside the cage whenever she is at her sisters. Long story short, the day I was suppose to go get her, the owner called crying and "changed her mind". I told my friend that was fine because maybe now she will realize she needs to take care of the bird! NOT!!! So, last week (3 months later) she told her sister (my friend) to tell me to come get the f*#@$(#g bird...that now I can have it! I feel horrible for the bird, but it's not fair to my Sassy & Cisco (or hubby) to take it now. I would have taken it originally...and I WOULD HAVE given it the BEST home that I could!! But now I just can't commit to that kind of obligation that would take away from my birds that I AM committed to. Especially with Sassy needing extra attention since she came from a home without handling.

My point...if you are committed to everything, financial and otherwise, that comes with an Umbrella Cockatoo, then there are U2's that need a good loving home. But after everything I've learned, I'm sure glad I went with an Amazon (albeit a sometimes bi-polar Amazon) and a sun conure. I had no idea what I would be getting into, but I would have learned and taken care of it...but if you do know, and still want a U2, then keep looking and best of luck to you.

(I have been wanting to open a new thread about this situation because I have been upset since last week when my friend told me I could have the bird now. But this seemed like the time and place to vent. I told my friend I could not take away from Sassy and Cisco and take on the U2, but I have felt so bad about it. However, I know it's right.)

 

[Minimaker]

Yes, exactly-you guys have me shaking in my shoes over buying one of these birds now. I came here because my husband and I were contemplating buying either a sulphur crested or umbrella cockatoo and now I don't know if we should. They sound like terrible pet birds or something from your descriptions! Are they really as bad as they sound? How do you go about making one happy so they don't end up like this? Admittedly we're new to parrot ownership-my kids are nearly grown and I work from home. We already purchased a large cage with a nice playtop on it online-and looked up plans to build a large play gym and now I feel like I might have made a mistake after reading this. We own budgies and they are very spoiled and loved, we even built them a double decker table top play gym. I have raised several orphaned birds from young chicks that have fallen out of trees in a hostile country environment where another animal would have had them for breakfast. And a farmer once dropped off a tiny turkey vulture chick he found in his barn when they removed all the hay and left it to me to either raise it or leave it outside to die. I didn't have the heart to do that so I raised it. Needless to say, it was a really big bird when it flew away (close to a 70 inch wingspan) for good and he was really happy and healthy. He hung around us for quite awhile after I stopped feeding him because he loved us, but he soon made new friends and left in the fall to migrate to a warmer climate. So I have some experience with difficult large birds. Do you think that I would be a good candidate to deal with a cockatoo based on what I've said?

 

[MikeyTN]

Visit here ----> All About Cockatoos - MyToos.com

After reading all that and listen to their screams then decide. I would highly advice you not to if your not familiar with Cockatoos. Especially the bigger ones!

 

[Minimaker]

Quiz copied from your link: NOW....ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS

1. Owning a bird can cost money. Food, toys, and vets can soon add up. Do you HAVE an avian vet in your area?
-There is a travelling avian vet that comes to my area once a month, and a local pet hospital that treats parrots on a regular basis for the people here who have no other option. They are very familiar with parrots because of this and I'm sure they've learned plenty in the years of treating them for our area. As for food, I cook ALL the time. I garden fresh greens and fruits as well, we live on a small farm.

2. Many birds go through a period of adjustment. They may bite, or just avoid you altogether. Do you have the patience to deal with this without getting discouraged? It can take a long time if the birds been abused.
-We would be getting a weaning baby that we would have to feed ourselves for awhile so that we can bond with the bird.

3. A parrot can live from 10 to 90 years. It can be a LIFETIME pet. Are you ready for this? And what will happen to the bird when you die? Think about it!
-We've talked to our teenagers about this, and they both want the bird when we die and will likely fight over who gets it. They both adore animals and my son's long time girlfriend (most likely future wife as the plan goes) has experience with smaller parrots in her family and loves birds.

4. When you go away on vacation, who will care for the bird? Many people are afraid of large parrots. What if the bird gets out of its cage? Can they handle that?
-My parents (in their fifties) pet sit for us when we go somewhere and when my kids are out of the house (a year away for one of them) they will be able to deal with it for us because they plan to live nearby. We have several good friends that could also care for the bird when we go somewhere-which doesn't happen very often anyway. These people are in our house often and will be well acquainted with the bird. One of them has already cared for our pets when we left for Florida two summers ago-and one of the animals was the almost fully grown turkey vulture that needed hand fed raw fish.

5. Do you have the TIME to devote to the bird? Will you be able to play with it everyday, and maybe let it safely fly? Will the bird have more room than just its cage?
-Yes definitely. I am home nearly 6 days a week because I am a homebody. I work from home and have three stories of house with plenty of room. I have already added an avian flight harness/leash to my watch list on ebay (pending what size of bird I buy) to be able to take the bird outside with me while I work in the garden. We plan to build a sizable play gym for the bird to play on inside the house.

(Be aware however, "T" stands and 'Toos don't mix, as they are MUCH too active to sit on a stand. As soon as you leave the room, they are OUTTA THERE!)

6. Do you have room for a LARGE cage? And what about the droppings here and there? Mind a little damage now and then to things in your home? It WILL happen, trust me! (Maybe even LOTS of damage.)
-I have a room to devote to the bird/cage/accessories right off the main living space where everyone always hangs out. I bought a 71" tall cage already with a play gym on top. I don't plan on putting the bird inside it unless we're going to bed. As for the mess, I have children with lots of friends that have loved our home WELL for many years. If I can handle cleaning up after that crew, I can handle cleaning up bird poop.

7. Is anyone in your family allergic to feathers and in the case of Cockatoos, lots of dust? (How do you think they stay so white?)
-My son has no known allergies other than an occasional pollen sneeze and my daughter has been scratch-tested for allergies and is only allergic to horse dander.

8. Do you have other pets in the house? Will they get along with your bird and vice versa? Cats can kill a bird just with its saliva. Are you willing to risk that?
-The two cats were adopted from a friend and are declawed so they cannot climb and they are old and a little too overweight to worry about anything. The bird will be up out of reach on stands/play gyms/ in the cage. We can keep them separated.

9. Parrots are normally very shy of small children and I don't recommend giving large parrots to children period! But if you DO give a child a pet bird, are YOU willing to take responsibility if the child gets BIT or gets tired of the bird? Its YOUR fault if that happens.
-Our kids are older teenagers and if they get bit I'm sure they'll survive it just fine.

10. Forget everything you know about pets when it comes to birds. Many birds are just as EMOTIONAL as humans. Can you deal with this? Can you deal with your husband/ wife/kids? If not, better steer clear of parrots!
-I grew very emotionally attached to the vulture I raised and I was very distraught when he grew too old and independent to come down out of the sky anymore when I called him. I was happy for him (especially since he found friends to hang with), but I missed him. I'd love to have a larger bird that stays with me forever.

I'd be happy to hear suggestions on which type of larger breed parrot would be better for a beginner if anyone has a suggestion. I'm sure all of you started somewhere, most people aren't born owning a bird so at some point you all bought your first bird and therefore so can I, right? Are there no happy cockatoo owners in the house at all? If there are I would love to hear from you all about your own experiences with them whether they be good or bad. But I am open to suggestions on which breed might be better for us.

 

[Ducatimom]

Quiz copied from your link: NOW....ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS

1. Owning a bird can cost money. Food, toys, and vets can soon add up. Do you HAVE an avian vet in your area?
-There is a travelling avian vet that comes to my area once a month, and a local pet hospital that treats parrots on a regular basis for the people here who have no other option. They are very familiar with parrots because of this and I'm sure they've learned plenty in the years of treating them for our area. As for food, I cook ALL the time. I garden fresh greens and fruits as well, we live on a small farm.

2. Many birds go through a period of adjustment. They may bite, or just avoid you altogether. Do you have the patience to deal with this without getting discouraged? It can take a long time if the birds been abused.
-We would be getting a weaning baby that we would have to feed ourselves for awhile so that we can bond with the bird.

3. A parrot can live from 10 to 90 years. It can be a LIFETIME pet. Are you ready for this? And what will happen to the bird when you die? Think about it!
-We've talked to our teenagers about this, and they both want the bird when we die and will likely fight over who gets it. They both adore animals and my son's long time girlfriend (most likely future wife as the plan goes) has experience with smaller parrots in her family and loves birds.

4. When you go away on vacation, who will care for the bird? Many people are afraid of large parrots. What if the bird gets out of its cage? Can they handle that?
-My parents (in their fifties) pet sit for us when we go somewhere and when my kids are out of the house (a year away for one of them) they will be able to deal with it for us because they plan to live nearby. We have several good friends that could also care for the bird when we go somewhere-which doesn't happen very often anyway. These people are in our house often and will be well acquainted with the bird. One of them has already cared for our pets when we left for Florida two summers ago-and one of the animals was the almost fully grown turkey vulture that needed hand fed raw fish.

5. Do you have the TIME to devote to the bird? Will you be able to play with it everyday, and maybe let it safely fly? Will the bird have more room than just its cage?
-Yes definitely. I am home nearly 6 days a week because I am a homebody. I work from home and have three stories of house with plenty of room. I have already added an avian flight harness/leash to my watch list on ebay (pending what size of bird I buy) to be able to take the bird outside with me while I work in the garden. We plan to build a sizable play gym for the bird to play on inside the house.

(Be aware however, "T" stands and 'Toos don't mix, as they are MUCH too active to sit on a stand. As soon as you leave the room, they are OUTTA THERE!)

6. Do you have room for a LARGE cage? And what about the droppings here and there? Mind a little damage now and then to things in your home? It WILL happen, trust me! (Maybe even LOTS of damage.)
-I have a room to devote to the bird/cage/accessories right off the main living space where everyone always hangs out. I bought a 71" tall cage already with a play gym on top. I don't plan on putting the bird inside it unless we're going to bed. As for the mess, I have children with lots of friends that have loved our home WELL for many years. If I can handle cleaning up after that crew, I can handle cleaning up bird poop.

7. Is anyone in your family allergic to feathers and in the case of Cockatoos, lots of dust? (How do you think they stay so white?)
-My son has no known allergies other than an occasional pollen sneeze and my daughter has been scratch-tested for allergies and is only allergic to horse dander.

8. Do you have other pets in the house? Will they get along with your bird and vice versa? Cats can kill a bird just with its saliva. Are you willing to risk that?
-The two cats were adopted from a friend and are declawed so they cannot climb and they are old and a little too overweight to worry about anything. The bird will be up out of reach on stands/play gyms/ in the cage. We can keep them separated.

9. Parrots are normally very shy of small children and I don't recommend giving large parrots to children period! But if you DO give a child a pet bird, are YOU willing to take responsibility if the child gets BIT or gets tired of the bird? Its YOUR fault if that happens.
-Our kids are older teenagers and if they get bit I'm sure they'll survive it just fine.

10. Forget everything you know about pets when it comes to birds. Many birds are just as EMOTIONAL as humans. Can you deal with this? Can you deal with your husband/ wife/kids? If not, better steer clear of parrots!
-I grew very emotionally attached to the vulture I raised and I was very distraught when he grew too old and independent to come down out of the sky anymore when I called him. I was happy for him (especially since he found friends to hang with), but I missed him. I'd love to have a larger bird that stays with me forever.

I'd be happy to hear suggestions on which type of larger breed parrot would be better for a beginner if anyone has a suggestion. I'm sure all of you started somewhere, most people aren't born owning a bird so at some point you all bought your first bird and therefore so can I, right? Are there no happy cockatoo owners in the house at all? If there are I would love to hear from you all about your own experiences with them whether they be good or bad. But I am open to suggestions on which breed might be better for us.

I'm glad to see you're doing alot of research on them and thinking about these questions, before taking the plunge to get one. I know Allee has a U2. She posted a little bit of Popeye's story earlier in this thread. You can also check out the cockatoo's forum on here and see if there's anybody else with a U2. I feel like, as long as you are ready to pay the money for one (I'm sure you've seen they can 1000 and more just for the bird), and you've done the research and have a general idea of what to expect during the stages of his life (I don't know about 'Toos but Conures go through an attitudey teenager phase that can drive some parrot owners crazy and I can only imagine how a large bird is when they hit that point, unless it's just a conure thing I'm not sure). And to add, though I'm sure you know, those beaks can be pretty powerful when they feel the need to be. Ducati has drawn blood before and he's a little Sun Conure. The beak was half the reason I decided to get a smaller parrot for my first time. That and I love the Conure personality. Anyways, I think if you are able to deal with all that then keep looking for your U2. You'll find one that you guys just instantly fall in love with.