All Wrong

[u2pearl]

After reading through many posts here and also on Mytoos bb, DH and I went about getting our baby cockatoo all wrong.

Last Sunday we went to a bird show. It was the first time for us. I thought it would be similar to a dog show or cat show or even horse show. We were totally surprised that all it was , was a place to sell birds and their wares.

After cruising around a bit, somehow, someway we decided to purchase a baby cockatoo. We have never had a large parrot before. And this dear precious baby is not even weaned. The "breeder" showed me breifly how to feed her. I did have some past experience in feeding babies, as I rescued a few wild babies that were orphaned over the years.

Then of course we had to purchase a large cage, which we did at the "show." Also the food and toys.

DH and I are committed to making this work. But to tell the truth I am kinda scared.

After all that I read about too's is surely enough to scare anyone off.

What were we thinking?????

Anyway, like I said before that we are committed to this baby. So I will be here asking lots of questions, and some just might sound pretty dumb.

Also, what was the breeder thinking of selling these birds to novices?

While we were there we saw lots of babies, not even feathered, that they were selling.

I am home all day, so I do have the time to devote to Pearl. Thats one thing in my favor. (I guess). I have never rehomed an animal, quite the contrary, I have rescued many.

I think I'm feeling a bit over whelmed, and need some encouragement.

[nmrspindoc]

Well, you now know what to expect. And you're dedicated to keeping the 'too. That's good. Prepare for the worst, expect the best, right?

Oh, as to what the breeder was thinking....$$$$. I think that sums it up.

[tielmama]

If I had a baby Too, I would take care of his needs, and hold him some, but remember not to hold him any more than you will be able to or want to for the rest of his life. I hear that the worst problem that "people weaned" and "people raised" Toos have is separation anxiety. I would keep him in a room where you will be most of the time, and leave him in a play area with lots of toys that you will have to TEACH him to play with. He has to learn to have fun without you. I bet he would like to see your other birds, so he gets the idea that he is a bird, and that he is not alone. (After quarantine) I am no expert, but we do have an expert here, and a lot of good Too people also. I'm glad you looked at Mytoos. I hope you read more and more from there, but don't tell them that you bought an unweaned baby from a bird show. They will eat you alive.
BB is a friendly, helpful place for advice and I hope you stay and keep us posted. We would love to see pictures of all your fids when you get a chance. Good luck with your baby.

[stepht25]

How old is your baby supposed to be? The first thing you need to do is get your baby to an avian vet. asap to be checked out. I suggest asking the vet if he/she knows any good breeders or hand feeders that would be willing to finish weaning your baby for you (you will have to pay someone for this - but it would be well worth it). Your vet should be able to give you detailed instructions on hand feeding to get you through till you can hopefully find someone to finish the weaning process for you. So much can go wrong with hand feeding very quickly. If you can find a good caring, qualified person to finish weaning your baby - it would really be best for the bird and for you, IMO.

[GlendaNS]

Each bird has it's own unique personality. No "Too" are alike. Pun intended.

My Maxie is a rehome. I adopted her last year. She was 8 then. She wasn't rehomed due to her behavior. The Lady that owned her died. She thinks she is people. She likes to look at other birds, but not too close. She doesn't like male humans very well, but she likes all females. That is her only drawback. I suspect that is the way she was raised.

I know several local people with U2's. They have had them for years. They are part of their family and they wouldn't dream of letting them go. They are ALL still, the snuggly, loveable bundles they brought home as babies.

Understand they are like a small child in the way they behave. Naughty at times. Also, loveable at times. Very cute most of the time!

We will help you, any way we can. Educate yourself and enjoy your baby!!!

PS... I would LOVE to have a baby Too!!! I don't think Maxie would let me though.

[Buteo]

Hello and welcome to BB!

One of the first things you're gonna have to do is learn how to post pics here so we can see your new birdie baby.

I'm very glad you now realize that you should have done more research before you got decided on getting a FID, but what's done is done. You're committed to the bird's welfare and making the best life for it with you, so actually I wouldn't exactly say what you did was all wrong....
but an impulse buy of any pet is not the best way to start things off.

I agree with you that the breeder should have pointed you towards a bird more suitable for a novice handler/owner....
Personally, I don't agree with selling such potentially high maintainence Fids to people with no experience; Even worse is the bird they sold you was unweaned. In my humble opinion, that's dang near criminal as an easily made mistake during feeding can be potentially life threatening for the poor bird.

I can also understand your trepidations after visiting Mytoos....
but please understand - it's specifically designed to be like that. As scary as it may first appear, MyToos does offer some great cocakatoo specific info. Cockatoos can be a big face scarring, finger-removing handful to say the least and many people fall for the beauty and aren't ready for the biting, screaming, constant attention demanding, plucking/self-mutilating beast that a 'Too can become.

That said, please don't get disheartened as it doesn't have turn out like that.

Getting a 'Too as your first larger bird....
LOL!
WOW, ya sure know how to polevault into the deep end of the pool....

That's a bird that you'll need to a great supply of love, patience & understanding....
and knowledge, of course....
Some of which you can get right here.
Teilmama, Glenda and others members here can give you some 'Too specific sage advice. What they've already posted is an excellent start.
I'm sure someone or other will be more than willing to exchange email addys or possibly even a phone num with you for those emergency situations that are bound to crop up.

So please don't get discouraged! You may feel you've stumbled coming out of the starting block, but the life of a 'Too can be a long journey and it sounds like you have the heart of a champion.

And BTW, Pearl is a great name for a U2!!!


PSSSSSSST!
We NEED them baby Pics!
Show us yer 'Too!!!

[jenseits]

Just want to reiterate the encouragement. No need to get too stressed out before you even run into any problems - there's a good possibility that everything will be just fine -- especially since you're educating yourself now. It's just important that you commit to this animal which you've brought into your life, and realize that they're intelligent creatures with special needs. The fact that you're reading up on 'toos here and on other sites bodes well for your new life -- at least you don't expect a cockatoo just to be some pretty decoration.

Keep asking questions (and posting pictures!!) and you'll get lots of encouragement here.

[u2pearl]

Thank you for all the replies and encouragement.

Pearl was born on April 25 of this year.

Hand feeding is not a problem, both hubby and I share the duties.

Posting Pics- I don't have a digital camera, and can barely work the pc. I'm in the dark ages. lol

Glenda, thanks for your support. You're my kind of gal, as I have 3 German Shepherds allong with my flock.

Buteo, dh and I have pole vaulted before. Many years ago, we were at an horse auction, and bought 2 horses (one just 10 months old.) Didn't have a plaace to keep them, didn't even own a halter or lead rope, had no idea how to feed. Beleive it or not it all worked out.

Jensits, thanks for the kind words and encouragement. Much needed and appreciated.