I need help: Bare Eyed Cockatoo

[BareEyedRedgie]

I am newely married!!!! With my husband came his ex girlfriends Bare Eyed Cockatoo. My husband and I do not know anything about birds. The bird- Redgie- lives outside in his cage and is properly cared for in terms of food and water. I am guessing Redgie is over 4 years old. I try and handle him but he bites really really hard. He also screams for no reason, really loud, ear piercing. Is it possible to teach him to stop screaming? I would also love to start handeling him. I was thinking of buying a big glove so if he bites me it wouldn't pierce my skin. I am also open to allowing him inside the house if that is healthier for him. I need as much feedback as possible. I really would like to learn as much as I can about Redgie!

[Oscars Mom]

Id call a bird store(there should be lots in So Cal) and see if they have employees that could come show you how to work with the bird.One or two sessions could do the trick!

[jenseits]

The site mytoos.com is a great resource on cockatoos. Be forewarned that the members of the MyToos forum are very no-nonsense people and they don't mince words.

They'll probably tell you first thing that the cockatoo should not be living outside full-time (that's how I read your post, apologies if I'm wrong). They're very social creatures and need to be in the thick of things. If they're only getting food and water and that's it, then they're not "properly cared for." Isolating them is really quite bad and might even be exacerbating the screaming. That said, 'toos vocalize loudly (i.e. scream) because that's what they do. They scream when it's morning to signal to the flock that they're okay and to make sure everyone else is okay. They scream when it's time to go to bed to wish the flock a good night. And sometimes they scream just to let everyone know "hey, I'm a cockatoo. yay!"

If the bird is screaming in order to get your attention, yes, they can be trained to stop doing that.

Cockatoos are amazing, wonderful, smart, funny, personality-filled -- and did I mention SMART? -- creatures.

Go to the MyToos forum and learn all you can about cockatoos' needs and behaviors. (Don't worry, it's not always as bad as they describe) And come back and post some photos of the little guy here!

I wish you much luck and success in getting to know Redgie; hopefully you'll have a great, lifelong relationship.

[swanwillow]

umm, I disagree with sending someone to mytoos for help with a too.
they think NOONE should own a bird, none should be bred, and they are NO help. Luckily this person came HERE FIRST!

I agree that Toos are hard to care for, but you already have it. It does need to be inside. Preferably in a high-trafic area, such as your living room. They NEED to see you! That won't stop the behaviors, but it'll be a great start.

Proper food, things like that are essential. Hopefully more too owners come around and can tell you more than I. But, the very first thing that you should do right now; BRING HER INSIDE.

Gloves, sure! get a pair of soft doeskin. It will still hurt, but you won't get ripped open. And it may be the first step of a wonderful relationship.

Also, I think a man called 'the bird whisperer' is in your area.. Ken Globus
The Bird Whisperer - Breakthrough Bird Taming Techniques - Turning frightenned, aggressive birds into loving pets

[jenseits]

Originally Posted by swanwillow

umm, I disagree with sending someone to mytoos for help with a too.
they think NOONE should own a bird, none should be bred, and they are NO help. Luckily this person came HERE FIRST!
[/url]

They believe passionately that 'toos shouldn't be bred into captivity, but they recognize that they need to do everything possible to help those people who already have cockatoos in their household. They'll do everything they can to dissuade you from buying a cockatoos (including running you out of town on a rail) but in the OP's situation, where she "inherited" the bird, they would try to help, IMO. I've gotten a lot of really good insights out of some of the threads there - certainly a lot more very cockatoo-specific stuff - you just have to keep an open mind and read, read, read. (I don't have a 'too now but I grew up with an Umbrella cockatoo). You just can't be overly sensitive or get defensive on that board or you're toast, unfortunately.

[jenseits]

remove double post

[swanwillow]

I also agree that toos shouldn't be bred in captivity.
I do, BUT I just don't agree with a LOT of things I've read on that board. IMO..

lets agree to disagree!

BUT, the first right step taken was coming here. If anything, Maybe if the only option is to keep the bird outside is to rehome it?

[sassie]

I also have a bare eyed! They are a handful - I cant compare them to other too's per say. I do know the basic comands on screaming birds in general -- which is to ignore it

[jmacek07]

I agree 100% with what's been said here about the need to move your cockatoo into a more high traffic area of your house. I think the best way you can bond with this bird is to train him. There are different resources out there for this even one mentioned here earlier. I talk about training methods I used in my blog. Patience, gloves, and ear plugs will be your friend!

[BareEyedRedgie]

Thank you all for responding. I have moved Redgie inside! I think he is liking it. He sure has a lot to say. I have also checked out the Too site. I haven't joined but have read a what they have to say! It's so good to see people so excited about their pets! I love it! Thanks again!