What have I gotten myself into?

[Newto2s]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum, though I've been lurking for a bit.

My bird experience has been mainly with cockatiels, conures, and Amazons.

I currently have an Orange Wing Zon that I rescued about 15 years ago from some people who where keeping her locked in a closet "because she made too much noise". Sydney now has a big cage located in the living room in front of my picture window and loves watching TV (and screaming during my favorite programs). She's never become tame and doesn't talk, which is fine with me. For the most part, I'm tolerated, but she has come a long way from the cowering bird she was when I first got her.

I also owned a Mexican Red Head that was also abused - he had belonged to a family friend who had had him since his early teens. He had taken Bernie to college with hime where he was teased by all his room mates and therefore came to hate men. He was sick when I got him with a vitamin A deficiency and almost didn't make it. But my vet pulled him through and I had him for 10 years before he died of a heart attack. We still don't know why as his autopsy/necropsy revealed that he was pretty healthy for his age and his past poor diet. My mom was home with him when it happened and nothing had scared him to possibly cause the heart attack.

Anyway, Friday I'm picking up a U2 from a lady that can no longer care for her due to her health issues (she has heart problems and is frequently in the hospital). Her absences upset Gracie and she wants to find her a better home. What have I gotten myself in to??

She bought Gracie from a pet store and is practically giving her to me - because she feels that I will give her the best home of the others that have been interested in her, even though they would be willing pay more money.

I have met her and held her. She let me cuddle her to my chest which her current owner says she doesn't normally let strangers do. I did make the mistake of letting her on my shoulder and she pinched my ear - totally my fault.

Her owner describes her as not very needy (compared to the other U2 she has) and when I saw her she seemed a bit withdrawn (of course her owner had just come back form another stay in the hospital).

I have been reading the Mytoos sight, and while they have been very helpful and are really knowledgeable, I must say I'm am now a little frightened. I guess my biggest worry is how she will handle the new environment. I have plenty of time to spend with her and she will virtually never be home alone. I have no children and rarely have visitors. I've always had a way with animals and I'm willing to do whatever I can to give her a good home.

Any adice/tips would be welcome. I will also most likely be looking for a new name for her once she's settled.

[Voslover]

With your experience, a lot of loving attention, and positive reinforcement, she should become very well adjusted to her new forever-home. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[becca623]

While I usually don't recommend cockatoos to most people, from what I read I think you have what it takes to make her happy. You have year of experience with emotional birds, you're home a lot, and you have a big heart. All you need is a good set of ear plugs and you're good to go. lol
Welcome to birdboard! Congratulations on your new addition. I no longer have cockatoos because I can't handle the dander but I and many others are here for you should you have any questions, want to share stories, or just need to vent.
We would love to see pictures of your new girl and your current flock. We can't get enough pictures around here. We're a bit needy in that aspect.
Good luck!

[Newto2s]

Thanks Vos and Becca, I'm hoping all will go well. I will keep you posted when I get her!

[xafsmom]

mytoo's is meant to frighten you.

[Alan]

Well i was wondering the same thing in april. I rehomed a U2 that had been covered and left alone for a number of years. She is 21 years old according to her band, and she turned out to be one of the best rehomes i have ever had.

You have gotten yourself into a life time of fun with a too. I have 3 too's 2 G2's and a U2. I love them all. They are all rehomes and a great joy to me. Actually one of them was a rescue and it took him a while to come around but he has and is great.

I would refrain from shouldering a too esp one that you don't know, but I am sure you already know this.

[chinniechantel]

I think that although a cockatoo is a very large responsibility and probably more work than other birds, I do think you sound like you can handle it. I honestly think, and know from my experience with my large too, that keeping them entertained is key. Foraging toys are worth the money and they really really love them. My Paco will stop screaming, or go in the cage when I want him to if I fill up one or more of his foraging toys. He even hides his veggies in there sometimes, I think he is trying to sneak it past me!

Also be prepared to spend a TON of money on toys, they eat more a week than you want to know. You must make your own toys or it will be crazy. I cut drill and dye my own pine and that works great. Find some good plastic toys like whiffle balls at the dollar store, that works great for us. I like to use hard apple wood as well as pine, don't even waste your money on soft wood. You can find prepared apple wood on a lot of chinchilla websites, I make my own.

Mytoos is totally meant to scare you, and rightly so, but I don't think they are terrible or impossible, just misunderstood ;-) I agree that they should not be bred though, there are so many other birds that do better in captivity.

[Newto2s]

Thanks for your responses everyone.

I am looking forward to bringing Gracie home and getting her settled - I bought her cage today since she isn't coming with hers (she currently is in a double cage with a divider in the middle) - it is going with her other U2 to her daughter's home. I think she will be happy with it. It's a square domed cage it's 6ft tall, 3.5ft wide, and 3ft deep.

I'm sure she will be a challenge at times, but we have nothing but time to work it out.

I think I'll do some searching on how to make toys. Thanks for the tip on finding apple wood.

[Newto2s]

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This basically the cage I bought her - except her isn't stainless steel. I think she'll like it.

[Ashling]

Originally Posted by xafsmom

mytoo's is meant to frighten you.

In no uncertain terms!