[KimBear]

Enjoy this time getting to know Indie, but realize that what you're seeing may not be his "real" personality. When parrots are adjusting they are not only getting used to you, but are sizing up the situation in terms of what they are allowed to do and not do. This isn't a good time to be too permissive, so set up some rules for Indie, such as limiting where he can play and giving him commands for stepping up and down. Cockatoos need a lot of structure and guidance or they can end up trying to run your house!

Be careful about allowing him near your face. A bite on the nose, even if it's not meant to be aggressive, is not something you want to experience. Cockatoos can be fiesty and strike at you without warning, even if they aren't angry at you. Our citron was a very sweet natured 'too, and I trusted her near my face, but once nabbed me and boy, did it smart! She was being very cuddly and the bite wasn't expected at all. So just be careful.

One thing you don't want to do with a cockatoo is over cuddle. Hold and pet him for a few minutes, but then try to get him interested in playing a game or interacting with a toy when he sits with you. Cockatoos need lots of exercise and also need activities to keep their minds occupied. While they may act like you can hold them all day long, it's not in their best interest. You can spend quality time with a cockatoo doing other things besides cuddling. They usually love to play.

As Indie gets to know the members of your household, be sure that everyone is consistent from one person to the next in how they interact with him. If one person lets him get away with something that other people try to discourage, it can be confusing for the bird. Discuss what rules and limits you want Indie to have and encourage everyone to respect them.

Indie may already know some words, and as he becomes used to his new home, he may start saying them. Even if he doesn't already know how to talk, you can certainly try to teach him a few things. It's hard to know what an individual bird's talking potential is once they're older. Sometimes it makes a difference if they had a more enriching life when they were younger, and they're probably more likely to learn new words if they already talk. But even older birds who've never talked before have been known to pick up a few things.