by Pajarita » Wed Mar 26, 2014 2:46 pm
My dear, it's not a matter of how responsible you might be. It's a matter of how much time, money and decision-making capability you have. You are going to school and will continue going to school (time) and depending on your parents (money and decision-making capability) for many, many years and cockatoos are VERY needy, VERY noisy, VERY destructive and VERY expensive to keep. They are birds for people who already have the money, infrastructure and stability to fit the bird's needs. You don't. I am not trying to be mean or to imply that you won't love this bird but, at your age, a VERY difficult bird that will live 60 to 80 years represents a commitment that you simply cannot fulfill. I am sorry to hurt your feelings but the life of an intelligent and very sensitive animal is at stake! Consider getting yourself a pair of cockatiels or budgies, they can be very happy in a nice, large flight cage even when you are in school - and they are not too noisy, needy (because they will have each other), destructive or expensive and can be as rewarding as a large bird is.