anyone with a too in the Washington DC area?

[danishherring]

I am wondering if there is someone in our area watching these posts who might be willing to let me and my kids come visit your cockatoo for an hour or two. We very much want to buy one of our own, however my kids have allergies and asthma. They have done fine with an Amazon in the house, but since toos have all that dust/powder, I understand they might cause a greater problem. Unfortunately the bird shops with toos in our area all seem to have furry animals (to which my kids are allergic) in them as well, so I haven't been able to get a clear read on whether a cockatoo might be a problem for us.

[TooLover]

Welcome to the board!
I am not in the DC area for a visit, however, I can tell you that I am owned by 3 cockatoos and they are very, very dusty birds and probably not a good choice if your children have asthma; I was diagnosed with asthma last year and I am 41!
Hope this helps!

[birdyland]

I too am not in the DC area, But I have undiagnosed Asthma (started 3 yrs ago when I had pnuemonia and never went away). I have one Molluccan Cockatoo and I'm 100% sure Niki's dust aggrivates the issue. I hope you find your test subject, but IMO - this is not the right bird for these kids.


Also, IMO and others', Toos are one of the most difficult parrots to live with as a pet in general. I don't know what your background is with birds or how much research you have done, but if you haven't already, please visit http://www.mytoos.com . You may not want your children around while you do this, as it is the Extreme point of view on toos, but PLEASE read the whole site, and decide wether or not you could live with it if your too turns out like the ones on this site. Most of them will develop one or more of the behaviors shown there, to some degree, at some point in their life. Like I said, it's an extreme site, but it can be the outcome, and IS for many many many of these birds, they're just not designed to live with us.

[danishherring]

Thanks Dana - I have done lots of research on toos, and spent a fair amount of time with a few when I was younger (helping out in my mom's bird store - which she no longer owns), so I think I have an idea of the commitment involved. But I am wondering, if we conclude the asthma will be aggravated by a too, what other intelligent, affectionate, medium-sized parrot would you recommend? Our family's Amazon (who lives with my mother) is not a very friendly bird, and went through some bad nippy years. I am also wondering about a Hahn or Noble macaw. -Caroline

Originally Posted by birdyland

I too am not in the DC area, But I have undiagnosed Asthma (started 3 yrs ago when I had pnuemonia and never went away). I have one Molluccan Cockatoo and I'm 100% sure Niki's dust aggrivates the issue. I hope you find your test subject, but IMO - this is not the right bird for these kids.


Also, IMO and others', Toos are one of the most difficult parrots to live with as a pet in general. I don't know what your background is with birds or how much research you have done, but if you haven't already, please visit http://www.mytoos.com . You may not want your children around while you do this, as it is the Extreme point of view on toos, but PLEASE read the whole site, and decide wether or not you could live with it if your too turns out like the ones on this site. Most of them will develop one or more of the behaviors shown there, to some degree, at some point in their life. Like I said, it's an extreme site, but it can be the outcome, and IS for many many many of these birds, they're just not designed to live with us.

[birdyland]

Originally Posted by danishherring

Thanks Dana - I have done lots of research on toos, and spent a fair amount of time with a few when I was younger (helping out in my mom's bird store - which she no longer owns), so I think I have an idea of the commitment involved. But I am wondering, if we conclude the asthma will be aggravated by a too, what other intelligent, affectionate, medium-sized parrot would you recommend? Our family's Amazon (who lives with my mother) is not a very friendly bird, and went through some bad nippy years. I am also wondering about a Hahn or Noble macaw. -Caroline

I imagined you were a research kind a gal by the sheer fact that you posted on this issue, and asked to visit :-} I'm glad you understand the complexity of birds. I will let others post details on a Hahn's or Noble Macaw as I have not owned one personally, but I have been smitten with more than one Noble, Severe and Yellow Collared.... I think they are great creatures and I know a few owners that love theirs dearly as a cherished and involved family member! Although, be forewarned that the mini-mac's have a tendancy to get high strung. But (same for most birds especially 'zons or 'toos) you need to read them and put them up when overloaded or approaching overload. I am what they call a "macaw" person, as I LOVE almost every type of Macaw!!

As for other types there are tons.... I know of a few people that sing the praises of female ekkies, and others that boast of their ringnecks. Caiques, although expensive, can be quite a little bundle of energy and sheer joy for children to keep up with. If you're willing to go a little smaller, I'm one to always sing the praises of a Green Cheeked Conure.


How old are your kids? Please also consider what will happen if the child your bird loves the most goes off to college, or even starts being home less due to sports, music, friends or dating. Also, in relation to that, I always mention to even experienced parrot keepers the dangers of spending TOO much time with a new bird addition to the family. Only spend as much time with the bird as you are willing to give it ever; diminished hours of attention leads to behaviorial problems.

Thank you for being such a responsible potential parrot owner and doing your research! Love to see that, as we all do here!

Might I also suggest looking into and even visiting a local rescue? There are so many birds out there that are in need of a good home that are "slightly used" ;-} . While there, you or your kids may discover a species that you love, or an individual that is just "the one"!

[gone2thebirds]

Originally Posted by birdyland

Might I also suggest looking into and even visiting a local rescue? There are so many birds out there that are in need of a good home that are "slightly used" ;-} . While there, you or your kids may discover a species that you love, or an individual that is just "the one"!

If I may add a little, should you check out various rescues a bird will surely choose you. A bird choosing you instead of you them has many upsides. One, you *never* know how a bird will turn out. They are not domesticated, as I'm sure you've heard many times before, but in saying that that means no matter how coddled a bird was at hatching, they'll still one day hit an age you don't recognize them. A bird will be who they are meant to be according to nature, not their rearing. Adopting an older bird is always the best option for anyone; in doing so you'll have fewer surprises coming along in the future (still, of course, depending upon age), and you can ensure the adoption of a bird who has bonded to *you,* not a growing, changing child.

Once a bird does choose you, a good rescue should inform you on all you need to know about the behavioral characteristics for *just* that bird. There are nippy and gentle birds within each species; every species profile is mere opinion, and you'll notice that most websites either copy profiles, or completely differ from one another.

Set your sights on the perfect companion that will fit your lifestyle, but never limit to what species you want.

JMHO.

[birdsnthings]

We're close enough and you can come and visit Tiffie my Umbrella. He is loud on occasion and does have the dander. lol

[The Outlaw]

I have greys, BG macaws, a Severe macaw, a female Yellow Nape amazon, a quaker and an eclectus. Of these birds, my BGs love my 8 year old a lot, but can get too playful. The occasional nip can and does hurt. Mine DON'T bite her, however. They usually just want to play.

The BEST bird I have here for my granddaughter is by far my Ekkie. She is totally sweet to her, something that she is NOT always with me. If you take a look at the male ekkies, you might be surprised how really sweet and beautiful they are. The females can get pretty nasty when it comes to their cages and little kids simply won't respect their territory. However, my ekkie hen is totally drawn to little kids. I used to take her to Miss Lily's pre-k when she was smaller. The kids loved her and she returned the favor.

However, they can be high maintenance, for they really do require a fresh and highly regimented diet. If you have the time to do it right, please consider the Eclectus parrot.

THE OUTLAW

[danishherring]

Dear birdsnthings, Thank you SO much. We would love to come visit. How do I contact you directly? You may call me, if that works best, at 202 364-0864. -Caroline

[birdsnthings]

Hi Caroline,
Will give you a call tomorrow. On my way out the door at the moment.