Secrets to a happy independent cockatoo

[Lisa B]

Anyone see this article by Sally Blanchard in the new issue of Bird Talk?
With all the bad advice that circulates, and all the instant behaviorist popping up all over with no credentials, I thought this was pretty sound advice.....from someone with a few decades of experience

Hints like slowing down your energy when your too is in overload behavior mode, and not to punish them with time outs as some suggest. Display modes, confusing the birds with our body language, screaming for joy, and setting boundaries.
She specifically notes that toos are "reactors" and not "actors". How she met one woman who said that her too bit her when she returned from a trip because it was angry with her. Sally noted that she believed the person moved in with too much enthusiasm, and the too was accustomed to her not being there and the owner overwhelmed the too. If the owner had calmly greeted the bird and let her get use to her again over a few minutes the out come most likely would have been different.

I just thought I would point it out...

I also enjoyed the new feature "Memo to Parker and Pepper"...life with two greys.

[angelicarboreals]

Man, I cannot wait to read this issue!!! Sounds great!

[jenseits]

The Memo column... is that the one written by Patricia Sund? If so, she has a blog too: Parrot Nation

If you like her writing, I'm sure she'd LOVE a comment to that effect on her blog. It's always nice to get positive feedback. =)

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by jenseits

The Memo column... is that the one written by Patricia Sund? If so, she has a blog too: Parrot Nation

If you like her writing, I'm sure she'd LOVE a comment to that effect on her blog. It's always nice to get positive feedback. =)

thank you! I did!

[Solara]

I recently aquired a citron cockatoo. In the past I owned a mulokan for 20 years so I am not a novice. This 7 year old was a hand fed baby but ended up in an aviary. When we first met he was so sweet and let me cuddle and love him constantly. He would let others love him too but after a few days decided I was the special one and always wanted to be with me. He never flew when he came up for me and let me rest one hand on his back as we walked. After two weeks with him I had to go out of town for three days. He started flying to the bottom of his cage when my husband tried to feed him and would not leave his cage. When I returned he started the flying to the bottom of his cage but would come up for me, however he would not let me touch is his back and flew off my hand everytime we walked. Now everytime I pick him up he flys. He will not sit with me for our loving grooming sessions just flys away. He has no change in his healthy appetite, good droppings, great looking plumage, wings clipped and vet approved.
I have tried taking him in the bathroom and limiting his space. After he throws his fit and settles down I can sort of pet him but he does not look happy and this feels cruel to me. Can anyone help me get my sweet bird back.

[Greycloud]

Excellent article.
Question about the Too flying away now.
I have a U2, I think what we have to remember about Toos is that they are extremely smart and reactive as well as emotional. I think the change oviously threw your guy into a tailspin so to speak. What is just 3 days to us could seem like forever to them. We don't really know. I think what you need to do is step back. In other words one step before you used to hold him. Giving treats and practice stepping up and right back to a step down several times in a row for several days befor he feels comfortable again. I am sure he will come around just fine. Patience.

[MissV]

The space limiting sounds negative and manipulative to me....I would not do that.

Honestly, I'm not a 'too person, but it seems like he may have suffered some separation anxiety after being left for a few days so soon after being removed from another home.

Hopefully one of the 2 people can give you better advice....you may try asking this in a new thread though, or going specificially to the Cockatoo section under the species specific threads.

When you post on a dead (meaning super old) topic like this, it can be confusing because the subject id different so you may not get as many replies as you'd like!

[Astrid660]

I believe I read that article.. sounds familiar. lol I get confused as I have so many issues of that magazine It is true, they are reactors and it's important to remember that...

On another note, I really do not like that memo to pepper and parker. ugh I could think of a few different things I'd rather see in there... I also wonder what happened to the amount of letters they print in mailbag each month.. a few years ago it used to be two pages, now it's just one and they don't do the letter of the month anymore.

[Solara]

THANK YOU FOR RESPONDING TO MY LETTER ABOUT THE CITRON COCKATOO. It was the first time I ever used a message board and I hope I did not do too many things wrong in using the board. I will keep practising.

[chapala]

Originally Posted by Solara

I recently aquired a citron cockatoo. In the past I owned a mulokan for 20 years so I am not a novice. This 7 year old was a hand fed baby but ended up in an aviary. When we first met he was so sweet and let me cuddle and love him constantly. He would let others love him too but after a few days decided I was the special one and always wanted to be with me. He never flew when he came up for me and let me rest one hand on his back as we walked. After two weeks with him I had to go out of town for three days. He started flying to the bottom of his cage when my husband tried to feed him and would not leave his cage. When I returned he started the flying to the bottom of his cage but would come up for me, however he would not let me touch is his back and flew off my hand everytime we walked. Now everytime I pick him up he flys. He will not sit with me for our loving grooming sessions just flys away. He has no change in his healthy appetite, good droppings, great looking plumage, wings clipped and vet approved.
I have tried taking him in the bathroom and limiting his space. After he throws his fit and settles down I can sort of pet him but he does not look happy and this feels cruel to me. Can anyone help me get my sweet bird back.

Especially with a male Cockatoo, but really for any mature parrot, you have to very careful how you handle them so they do NOT regard you as their mate. That will lead to frustration and possible behavior problems such as screaming and biting. You do not want to stroke the bird anywhere except preening/rubbing his head, which flockmates, not necessarily bonded mates, will do for each other. To stroke his back might stimulate sexual urges, and unless you're willing to build and nest and raise young with this bird, you need to let him know you are a pal, not a mate. You might want to teach him simple tricks, and reward his good behaviors such as playing independently. Making a bird into a live cuddle toy can be a recipe for disaster.