Umbrella Cockatoo

[janabors]

Hello,

I just wanted to say hello and receive any advice on Umbrella Cockatoo's. Thanks to one of your members, Mygala, he managed to open my eyes. I was considering a monk for 3 years and since we are now very finacially stable I made the decision to get one. I posted on many forums and tried to e-mail many people to get some info on Cap's. Mygala really made an impact on me with his compassion. I wanted a pet that would live many years and yet be intelligent and cuddley. My husband and I cannot have kids together .

I had a very informative talk with the woman who owns "1-2 Tweet" in FL. on which bird is suitable for my family. I contacted her with the intent of African Gray, as a family friend had one. This woman obviously loves her birds more than she does money. After describing my family she suggested a Cockatoo even tho it cost less, she actually suggested a goffin for its size (even less money). But the playfulness and beauty of the Umbrella won my heart.

I purchased the largest cage I could find with a playtop (stainless steel), informed my vet, ordered a swing and extra perch, a cage cover, pellets and seeds (8 lb bags). Is there anything else I should do to make sure my home is ready for my baby?

He/she will be weaned in two weeks and then shipped to me. Im so excited and want to make sure I do all I can to make the bird as happy as possible.

Special thanks to you again Mygala!
I will post pics when she/he arrives
-Jill

[Eli]

Lots of toys, and don't be surprised when she gets loud. One of my teachers had one, that just got really loud, and she couldn't stand it,a nd got rid of her for that.

[Jade]

Same with any pet - research, research, research.
I'm sure Jodi or one of the other bird folks will be along soon with more info. Kudos to you for really deciding to research before getting a capuchin. I can't say I disagree with your ultimate choice.

[janabors]

Yeah, Im a firm believer in you can never research to much! I had a cockatiel, my father bought me when I was 14. My stepmom fell in love with Boo and forbade me to take her when I moved, lol. Boo is still happily residing with my father.

I worked with N.A.B.R.A (National American Bulldog Rescue Alliance) for about 3 1/2 years, I did not have the space to foster, so I donated my time. I quickly became best friends with the owner, I did ALOT of transports, Kennel Cleaning (yuck!) and O.B. for her. She also had 2 Love Birds and at the end an African Gray (only the last 2 weeks before I moved), that I helped care for. I also donated my time to the local Animal shelter for a little over a year. I was not responsible enuf or financially stable enough to own any of these animals so this was my way of being close. We occasionally got birds in but not many.

As soon as I find a host site to hold pics Ill send some of my beautiful Dober boy and our 2 cats. =)

[Chrisanne]

I think an Umbrella was a great choice. They are very loveable.

I have one, and she is just a joy. Yes, they can be loud. However, that's where responsible ownership comes in. If you develop a routine and STICK to it things go much smoother.

Generally from what i've seen the more obnoxious yellers are ones that were always out and played with all the time, then suddenly stuck in a cage and ignored.

[Eli]

Yeah that what she said

[Jodi]

Congrats on a new baby. Cockatoos can be very needy and demanding but also give back lots and lots of love.

I agree with Erin, be sure you have toys! Although a baby cockatoo might not be interested at all. Sometimes it takes them a few months or a year or two before they really take an interest in toys.

Get your hands on as many books and articles that you can on U2. Talk to lots of U2 owners and get a feel for what to expect. I have one friend, Lynn, that has just the sweetest U2 in the world.

Best of luck to ya and be sure to ask if you have any questions!

[janabors]

What do you reccomend for the size of my 2nd cage? I am going to place another Cage near the sunroom to place outside on favorable days. Should it be as large as the main cage or will a smaller cage surfice since its something that wont be used as much?

Ive read all the links provided on these forums, does anyone have any extra's to add? Mygala gave me the web addy of Jodi's site.

[Mygala]

Jill,

I'm happy for you, I think you'll love your new companion. Everyday is a learning experience with a bird. For bird owners, it's almost impossible to describe bird ownership to someone who's never owned a bird.

They change you somehow. I've owned dogs, cats, ferrets, and quite a few exotic animals. I've never felt the attachment that I have for my birds ..my cockatoo in particular.

I wanted to talk about diet. I noticed you mentioned seeds. I'm not a big fan of seeds for parrots.

This is a good primer on parrot diet:

http://exoticpetvet.net/avian/20facts.html

This whole site has EXCELLENT information, about all exotics, but here is their avian page. Many great pertinent articles:

http://exoticpetvet.net/avian/index.html

And don't forget, get rid of all your non-stick cookware/teflon products now!

Bob

[janabors]

The seed is for small amounts as treat, I read to much is not good. I plan on 1/4 cup of pelleted diet mixed with 1/4 fresh fruit and vegetables. Are there any vegetables/fruits to avoid? I know onion and green peppers obviously.

[Jodi]

Here are some great veggies & fruit to feed:
Asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, corn, cucumber, green beans kale, peas, peppers, potato, pumpkin, spinach, sprouts, squash, sweet taters, tomato, yam & zucchini. And for fruits...Apple, banana, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries (without the pit), coconut, grapefruit, kiwi, melons, mango, oranges, papaya, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, raspberries & strawberries.

Veggies & Fruit to avoid:
Avocado (guacamole), onions, mushrooms, iceberg lettuce & celery (hope I'm not forgetting any, I'm tired!). I wouldn't feed grapes either. I stay away from peanuts because they have a high level of mold.

One VERY important reminder... be sure to wash all the fruit and veggies. If at all possible, buy organic. Whatever you do, stay away from any imported fruit/veggies from Chilie. There have been some problems reported and some countries don't have the regulations on pesticides like the US does. I will not buy any fruit or veggies anymore without knowing where they are from. Organic is your best bet.

Pasta, beans (cooked), sweet potato & brown or wild rice are great foods to keep your bird's diet balanced. Other "people food" such as scrambled eggs, french toast, spaghetti, crackers & bagels are ok to feed also.

Interesting quick facts:
* Dried, unsweetened apricots have the highest vitamin A content of ALL fruits!
* Apples have acids which keep the liver and digestive system healthy.
* Of all the melons, Honeydew has the lowest vitamin content.


I would recommend this book: The Healthy Bird Cookbook by Robin Deutsch. Lots of great info and recipes!

[janabors]

Great Info Jodi, I printed off that post to add to my bird folder I am gathering

I will look into getting that book you listed as well. Ty for all the help guys! It may be a month or more before I get my baby.. read, read, READ! I think my laundry is going to attack soon, been reading so much!

[Mygala]

I SOO envy you!

A baby cockatoo is just a Hoot from the GetGo!

Teach him/her good habits from the beginning.

Play "Peek-A-Boo" with a towel, so that she will get used to having a towel around her.

Every day, play with her feet and her wings so that she will be desensitized to you trimming wings and nails. Play with the scissors, nail clipper and file you will use, so that she can see these as "fun" things, not bad things.

Put special treats in her travel kennel, and then just put her in there to eat them. Then take her out. She'll get used to the idea that it's a fun place to go to.

Be VERY sure you give her time alone to play on her own. They need to learn very early that sometimes they have to amuse themselves and play with their toys.

Take her in the shower with you. Some cockatoos don't care for bathing, it's helpful to bathe them frequently (I shoot for at least twice/week) to keep down dust and keep feather condition good.

Mine loves being toweled off, and then "dancing" in front of the blow dryer (set on low) to dry off the rest of the way.

Just some things to think about and look forward to!

Bob

[janabors]

I have seen it said a couple times about potty training, and then on your website it says Toby was potty trained in a week. I never knew it was possible to potty train a bird, I had resigned to the fact I was going to become a walking poop ball

Any tips on how to go about this? Or is it realtively like a dog, soon as you see them start to go, place them in the cage and say "Potty", and encourage with sweet words and a treat when you see them go where they are supposed to?


On a side note.... Someone sent me an e-mail last night that disturbed me. Ill copy and paste here.
--------------------------------------------------------

Hello,
I am Mary klim ,I am from Tennessee.Am intereasted in buying your (dog
) which i saw on the internet and i would like to know the conditions
?, and probably arrange for payment to get to you and also arrange for
the pick up once payment is confirmed by you. Please acknowledge the
offer and i will have the funds remitted to you as soon as possible
,and i'll like this transaction to be kept in utmost trust, Kindly
reply back to me with your last asking price ?,Thanks and God Bless.
Best Regards
Mary
-------------------------------------------------------------

I replied to her saying my dog has never, nor will ever, be listed for sale, and to my knowledge never posted on the web. I asked her to give me the link where she got this info from and my e-mail adress. She has yet to reply, does this ring familiar with anyone? Im afraid to let my dog outside now!

[Jodi]

I'm sure it's just spam (like the email version of junk mail), I wouldn't worry about it.