Cockatoos

[Rash]

They make a good mess that needs to be cleaned almost everyday.  It will also restrict the other pets you can keep in the house.  My mom and I would trade-off taking care of him.  We would trade off about every year.  It was nice to have a break.  I didn't fully shut the backdoor and one of my oustside dogs finished him off.

[Seanaldinho]

If your serious take the bird for a trial run,say about a week or 2 and see how it adjusts. The bird may well be social in it's home but change the surroundings and changes can manifest in many ways.

Thats what they suggested and we will probably do that in the near future.

Raised & bred them for years.
What kind?

He an umbrella.

Besides, if money is a major concern then what will you do about vet bills, food, etc?  People are already advising you that what is best for the bird (a bird companion), and you are already saying you can't provide this for the bird because of financial concerns. 

The money problem is more of a problem of this just popped up and we didnt happen to have the money laying around, we can afford it.

They make a good mess that needs to be cleaned almost everyday.  It will also restrict the other pets you can keep in the house.  My mom and I would trade-off taking care of him.  We would trade off about every year.  It was nice to have a break.  I didn't fully shut the backdoor and one of my oustside dogs finished him off.

I dont have any other pets.

Thank you all! 

[Seanaldinho]

People are already advising you that what is best for the bird (a bird companion), and you are already saying you can't provide this for the bird because of financial concerns. 

I'm not trying to be a grouch or burst your bubble but this does not sound like a good idea.

BTW said bird has been living without another bird since it was 6 months old when my friend bought it. Had I been buying him from a breeder i would no doubt buy a pair.

[mtnman]

I had an African Grey that I loved, had him for years.  He had an awesome vocabulary, and could mimic many different people's voices.  Great bird.

He only liked men, and particularly only allowed men with gold glasses and beards/mustaches to touch him.  He'd lure everyone else in to scratch his head, and as soon as they got in close enough he'd give 'em a serious nip.

One of my neighbors killed him by burning something unknown on his brush pile.  As a result he only lived to be 18 or so.  I'm still bummed about that.

I've moved on to birds that I like even more now; ones that I can take out and watch fly, and hunt with.  I've always been kind of a bird "nut".

[Seanaldinho]

Ive always wanted one as well. My mum grew up with parrots and has owned a few. (none died just moved on) My dad has  a way with all animals but he wants a tiny sun conure 

[lyric1]

Stimulation diet & space are key as well as the ability to fly.

To many birds go stir crazy as they get older & self destruct pulling out feathers that never grow back,repetitive motions & so on. Screaming constantly for attention is another big issue most people don't realize the bird has trained them over a period of time.

Remember this you have a perpetual 2 year old for possibly up to a hundred years.

[Seanaldinho]

Stimulation diet & space are key as well as the ability to fly.

To many birds go stir crazy as they get older & self destruct pulling out feathers that never grow back,repetitive motions & so on. Screaming constantly for attention is another big issue most people don't realize the bird has trained them over a period of time.

Remember this you have a perpetual 2 year old for possibly up to a hundred years.

He did learn to fly but after that he got his wings clipped. He stills flies around a good 10 feet though and walks around perched on peoples wrists. He doesnt like to shoulder though.

[lyric1]

He did learn to fly but after that he got his wings clipped. He stills flies around a good 10 feet though and walks around perched on peoples wrists. He doesnt like to shoulder though.

Not liking the shoulder is a good thing. It's a dominance issue in regards to who is perched higher.

[Seanaldinho]

Not liking the shoulder is a good thing. It's a dominance issue in regards to who is perched higher.

Thats what my friend told me as well.

Do you have a tips on foods I can use as treats and just all around for good health?

[morfiend]

Stimulation diet & space are key as well as the ability to fly.

To many birds go stir crazy as they get older & self destruct pulling out feathers that never grow back,repetitive motions & so on. Screaming constantly for attention is another big issue most people don't realize the bird has trained them over a period of time.

Remember this you have a perpetual 2 year old for possibly up to a hundred years.

  Figures an Aussie would know a thing or two about these birds!

   Read his last line and seriously ask yourself if your prepared to take that on. Living at home with Mom and dad is fine for know but what about when it's time for you to leave the nest?
   Wont be easy to find a place to live that will allow you pets,never mind a cockatoo!


    Your Dad has the right idea,get a conure to start,the cockatoo will be around for along time and if the conure works out then you have the option of a buddy bird.


   

[Seanaldinho]

Isnt that the great part about it though? To be able to look back and say "I lived 3/4 of my life with that guy." When I leave the nest he will probably stay with my mum for a year or two until Im settled and in a position to take him. (My little brother will also be old enough at that point to mess with the bird.)

 

[lyric1]

Thats what my friend told me as well.

Do you have a tips on foods I can use as treats and just all around for good health?

 

Best food is a pellet based diet has all the nutrients they need & there is very little waist.

Roudybush is what I have always used 25lb bags.

http://www.roudybush.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.sitemap

Plus plenty of fruit & Vegtables & from time to time nuts & seed.

[lyric1]

Just another valuable tip if your bird is strictly & indoor animal & is not going to be in an outdoors aviary. 

Most birds are indoor animals due to climate & so forth lighting is very important.

http://www.mmlights.com/bird%20lights.html

[lyric1]

  Figures an Aussie would know a thing or two about these birds!

   
   

Have had parrots around me since I was a baby. The past few years is the only time I have not. Still bitter about losing them to ex-wife.

[Seanaldinho]

Ok I think thats what hes eating now Ill double check.

I do plan on taking him outside occasionnally not much just enough for him to catch some rays.

Thanks!