To TOO or NOT to TOO??? That is the question?

[parrotntn]

I'm very confused and am put some thoughts here on this issue of whether or not to add the cockatoo to our home.
The facts:
Cleo is my 8 year old female BFA who has come lightyears from her very scared self when I got her. Not going into all the details again, but she was abused before rescued by GlendaNS and Glenda contacted me to take her and I did. Cleo is coming along fantastic. She steps up MOST of the time. You can read all about her adventure at The Cleo Chronicles....God doesn't make bad birds, He makes training opportunities..
Cleo is not "friendly". She maybe oneday? I dunno. Right now she will not go to anyone, but a stepup and then back to me. And THAT is agreat feat in itself. She's become part of our life. However, she is limited. I've accepted that. And also, she is an Amazon. They cannot help their moodiness, hormones etc. That is not her fault. She's just acting on what makes her the magnificent creature that she is.
Currently, she is going thru hormones as she has become aggressive, clucking like a chicken, masturbating again and I have found a pile of leaves/chewed toys in her cage as she looks to have made a nest out of stuff. I was giving her small limbs to shred, I have since stopped that. And she, if she gets on the couch is, trying to bury her bottom in the cracks of a the cushions and pillows. So, she is having a hard time right now. :) But, this is temporary.

However, I don't feel selfish for wanting a bird that can be more interactive with our family and friends. As it is, Cleo is admired from a distance by anyone except me. And I can handle her some if she is in the mood and that is limited to only head scratching at this time. And I accept that and expect it to get better as she is with us longer.

Now, the question:
I have the opportunity to take in GIGI. Here is a video of GIGI:
YouTube - GIGI
The video pretty much says it all. Female, I know the family and have spent several visits with GIGI at their home and one at ours. She is not dependent as it actually maybe a couple of days before she is removed from the cage. Now, she is petted, played with then. They have taken in sick family and do dog rescue. They are just overwhelemd and can't tend to all the things they need to. Great loving family. They say she has never bitten anyone and I too find that hard to believe. But, I've had her in several different locations with and without them and she is perfectly happy and at ease and a joy to all who are around her. My children being around a larger bird that is that funny and entertaining and they too can interact with and pet.
In the summer, GIGI stays outside wiht them most of the day. They have decided to rehome her IF they find the right fit.
They are satisified I would be the right fit.
I've done the research, I've had MORE people tell me to run away from toos. I've posted on a certain forum, unmentioned, and they even though they OWN the toos are sort of martyrs and all they can do is extoll the demanding traits of the breed. I've had one bird behaviorist tell me it's fine. I've had another tell me it's a mistake.
I don't want to pass up a golden opportunity out of fear. Had I been scared of the committment, I'd never have taken in CLeo. I can't imagine sitting down to watch a movie and pet a big bird like that. Or go outside with them on my arm. It was awesome when we had friends over and Gigi was there. She hopped on them and acted a fool. She even 'bonded' with one of my buddies and preened his mustache and hair. Since I have no hair, she did kiss me on top of the head.
Birds are committment. bottom line.
They have agreed to let me take her into our home for 4 weeks. Two quarantined and two in the bird room with Cleo.
So, do I run away out of fear of the unknown? I keep getting cautioned about what IF she becomes hormonal, what IF what IF?? What if my aunt had testicles, she'd be my uncle! I mean, what if's only go so far. I mean, any bird can turn on you in a moment. They're BIRDS..
The biggest what if is "what if I pass, GIGI finds another home, and I continue to have a bird that is reluctant to interact?" You only get one life to enjoy it and the things God gives you to bless that life.

Or do I say this is just not the right time in our life?
I guess if I had been around more toos, I could have a better feel for this, but I haven't.
Confused.....

[Lightwing]

Ok, I'll start this out by saying that I do not have experience with Too's, but I do have 14 years experience with a YN Amazon.

I've read the Cleo Chronicles and you are GREAT with her! It seems to me you realize the time and patience needed to care for these wonderful (and wild) creatures. If Gigi's personality did change, it seems that you could handle it, but that's a question for you to answer. It could be that she will go through a tough time leaving her current, long time family, but only time will tell. It's wonderful that the family is looking for the "right" family for her and not just selling her on Craigslist. That tells me that if you took her and it didn't work out, for whatever reason, they would take her back in a heartbeat. The other thing I would worry about is creating a needy bird, but I'm sure you're aware of that also. I think you've looked at all the pro's and con's, but it's a very personal decision that only you can make. Also, I always listen to my "gut" instinct, it's rarely wrong. Listen to people's advice, but also take everything with a grain of salt, no one knows you like you do. Good luck with your decision,
Stephanie

[greencinacheeks]

Originally Posted by parrotntn

I keep getting cautioned about what IF she becomes hormonal, what IF what IF?? What if my aunt had testicles, she'd be my uncle!

That is Hilarious!!!!


well. i think it comes down to what is best for you...and like lightwing said...."no one knows you like you do"


I think it is great your going through so much to see if it might work out. 4 week visit in all...and it seems you could handle GIGI even if she change...personality wise...whatever you decide...good luck! and keep us informed how everything goes.....


~Nate~

[GlendaNS]

Oh Mark, quit worrying and go for it!!!! You will do just fine.
Maxie got hormonal on me and laid an egg!!! I took it as a compliment. She never got mean about it. She just panted and quivered every time she saw me. I did not encourage it either!!! She even did it in the shower!!!

Poor Cleo... Maybe you could get her one of those plastic parakeets to ride. She does get a little xxx rated!!! She really loves that bumpy perch when she gets that way.