New Cockatoo

[cheldyl]

Hi everyone,
We recently bought a cockatoo from a friend, we are his fourth owner in about a month. We don't have much information on the bird we were told that he was four but the band on his foot said he was born in 03. He is the first bird that we have ever owned but we do have previous pet experience as well as a family member that has a parrot that is helping us out (we have also done extensive research on the type of bird). Upon doing research on the different types comparing him to the pictures I figured out that he is an umbrella cockatoo (the person that we got him from didn't know what type he is). We got him 4 days ago now and he still hasn't stopped shaking and I'm scared that the stress is too much for him. Does anyone know how much stress these birds can take? He hasn't plucked since we got him but he did pluck with a previous owner and his whole back is bald and some of his chest is too. He seems to eat fine and didn't have a problem with being touched. We haven't let him out of the cage yet because of his tendency to freak out and scream and also I didn't want to overwhelm him since he hasn't adjusted to our home yet. The woman we got him from says that he doesn't like to be handled as well. He hates being in a room alone. I know that they are social animals and that leaving them alone for long periods of time is a bad thing so I try to stay in the room with him as much as possible, but he begins to scream the second I leave the room. Its heartbreaking especially when its time to put him to bed ( I tried sleeping in the room with him but he cant see me well so he screams whether I'm in there or not). I was wondering if anyone has any tips for how to get him to not freak out so bad when he's alone for more than a few seconds? He has toys in his cage but for the most part he's usually more content with tearing up the paper at the bottom of the cage (he reaches through the grate). Any tips on literally anything would be appreciated. I am trying my hardest with him and all I want is for him to be happy.

[Wolf]

If it is at all possible, I would move him to a room where he can at least see you most of the time if not all of the time. He is shaking because he is scared so at this time he is in desparate need of the support of his flock ( you ). I would give him lots of paper to tear up, since he already prefers it. If he is still shaking in fear after four days, there is something in the area he is in that is scaring him so again moving him should help with this. You said that he has lots of toys. Did they come with him, like already in the cage with him? Or are they new to him? If they were not in the cage with him when you got him, he may be afraid of one or more of the toys, so I would remove the toys and introduce them back to him slowly. give him one and allow him time to get used to it before giving him another one.

I would suggest that you provide him with a radio or tv to keep him company when you are out of the room and maybe a nite lite for a while until he calms down.

[Pajarita]

Oh, my dear, you've done a very, very good thing getting this poor bird but, although not impossible, it's very unlikely that you will be able to help him. You are describing a bird with severe trust issues (sounds like an abused bird because neglected birds are not really afraid of people) and you have no other bird (this type of birds are usually comforted by another bird's presence) and no experience whatsoever and, unfortunately, good intentions and a heart of gold can only go so far with these difficult situations. The best scenario (for the bird) would be to be put in an aviary setting with other birds and limited human interaction at the beginning so the poor thing can relax and slowly 'come back' from the dark place he is now in.

Now, if you are not willing to rehome him to somebody with other birds and experience, you can try fitting a room where he can stay with you all the time (and that means 24/7/365) but, if he is shaking all the time you are with him, I don't see how that is going to help him...

I highly commend you for trying to help him and your very kind heart but I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that he might never be pet material and fully trust another human again... If I were you, I would make an appointment with a good avian behaviorist because this is the type of situation that cannot be really helped over a series of postings in the internet, you need somebody with knowledge and experience to come over and evaluate him so the advice is specific for his problem. Otherwise, he might continue shaking and screaming and might start plucking again (there is a good reason why he went through four homes in one month) but, aside from whether you are willing to put up with the screams and a naked bird, there is the issue of his happiness which is, obviously, non-existent right now...

[irkcha]

I think if you follow with taming advises from " Parrot Wizard " you can have a success.Please read all advices about taming, screaming problem,ect.. don't force the bird. You will need to take it very very slow but to be firm and consistent ( all your family members too) Reward the bird when she is not shaking . Good advice was to remove all new toys,subjects that in the close distance to her cage,may be don't try to take her from the cage at all for a few days or week until she will stop shaking inside the cage.Reward the bird when she plays with the paper.
You don't have any experience with the bird -don't force the bird and yourself. Learn about the bird first- You need to adjust to the bird too and your bird needs to adjust to a new environment, you,people, ect.. Don't feel bad about bird screaming.You are in charge of the bird and you know that the bird is ok. You are the one who teaching the bird not to scream and to be happy. It is not going to happen in one day. You have years ahead of you.