Getting a new cockatoo

[brinstrong]

I am travling out of state to pick up a MC this weekend. I have not ever had a larger bird, but I feel pretty confident in owning one after a lot of research on this type. I do however still have some questions, and any help would be great. The lady that is giving me the MC has had him for 9 years, she took him in after her sister died, so he is about 20 years old now. How should I approach him for the first few days or until he trusts me? I know he will be scared. Another thing is he plucks his feathers from being bored. The lady who has him now said she took him in and he is healthy. My brother knows this lady and she wants her MC in a good home and she is traveling over 600 miles to meet me half way to bring me the bird and paying my expenses too with hotel stay. She and Muggs (MC name) are in Florida and I am in Michigan....pretty awesome person huh? Muggs has a huge cage and everything he needs, She got muggs when her sister died and she loves him very much but just does not have the time he needs, because she has horses and such. I need some advice in bringing Muggs home the best way possible so the move goes well for him. I will be traveling with him for about 9 hours in the car, Muggs will be in a bird carrier. any advice would be wonderful. I am so excited I just may wet myself....

[birrdylove84]

this is totally off topic but I love your quote about life is not measured in how many breaths you take....
and congrats on getting your first large parrot!

[brinstrong]

Here is a pic of Muggs and his cage. I think he is beautiful.

[brinstrong]

Thank you for your comment Birrdy.

[Tom Lawless]

Good luck. With love and attention Muggs might even let some feathers grow back. These guys love to chew wood so have a lot of wooden chew type toys around. They might just distract him from plucking. If not, he is lucky you love him for who he is and that that's enough. Knowing they are happy and healthy is my only concern at the end of the day.

Talk to Muggs alot on the way home. Sing (everyone sings in the car) and stuff like that. He might not be traumatized at all and might take quickly to his new life but if he seems scared, quiet, or you sense he wants to be left alone give him his space. LisaB often recommends sitting by their cage at a distance that will not appear threatening and read to them. It doesn't matter what, it just lets Muggs get used to you without you causing him any extra stress.

I hope it goes well. Happy and safe driving.

[loyallyroyal]

How exciting! I would definitely look at some new perches for him, something soft and chewy, like cajeput or bottlebrush perches. A sisal oingo boingo may be fun also: Paradise Toys Sisal Twister 97" long, 1 1/4" diameter

Eventually you may want to start him on shredding and foraging toys too:
Planet Pleasures Pinata Spiked Extra Large
Foraging Toys for Parrots

I dont know if you have checked these out but they are definitely worth a read: The Picky Parrot

[Greycloud]

When preparing the bird carrier put some newspaper down then a handtowel on top. Sprinkle some seed and pellets and apple and orange slices for fluids. If you have cups that attach that don't take up to much room use them and give some water. He needs to be able to move around alot. Put a nice new chew toy in there too. I would stop 2-3 times and check on him and offer somewater if it doesn't fit in his cage. You don't want to leave it because if he dumps it he will be wet for a long ride. Turn on some relaxing music, sing and talk to him.
He has a great cage! Load it up with chew toys, wood, leather and foraging toys. I would give him luke warm mist baths with a plant mister 2-3 times a week. I would not get him out for at least a week. Give him treats thru the bars and talk and read to him. Then begin opening his door and see how it goes. He needs to build his trust in you and you in him. This is a big bird so be prepared for big noise, mess and toy bills.
**Remember***QUARENTINE***-he must be kept in a separate room with a closed and covered vent and closed door for 30 days. I saw you have other birds. Be safe, not sorry!
Thankfully with you rehoming him maybe now his life can turn around for the better. Good luck and keep us informed.

[LovelySydney]

Congrats on your soon to be new baby. I think its awesome that this lady is helping you out so much and even awesomer that the bird is going to a wonderful new home!! He is beautiful and I hope he allows some feathers to grow back. He also looks tiny in that HUGE cage, which I suppose is a good thing!!! I cant wait to here all about his ride home. Keep us posted and CONGRATS again!!

[maggy]

Congrats on having the good taste to adopt a cockatoo! My only suggestions are, get some good grooming type toys as a distraction from plucking, lots of foraging toys, plenty of vegetation like tree bits, flowers, and bits of wood. A nice view of other birds and goings on outside also help with boredom too. Lots of luck!

[chinniechantel]

He is gorgeous. I am so glad he ended up in good hands, I am realizing more and more that most birds don't. I am here with any advice you need on him, I have a M2 as well. He is 5 and so sweet, there is something very special about these birds.