Cockatoo -- Should we even consider this?

[entrancedbymyGCC]

So, there's this Major Mitchell's cockatoo in one of the local pet stores that has a mutual admiration society going on with my husband. Every time we visit there, the bird gets all animated and sings and dances for him and puts a foot out like he wants to be picked up, and begs to be scratched and all that good stuff. There is a big sign saying he was hand-raised in the store 15 years ago and has a lifetime home and also that he BITES, but we assumed they just didn't want everyone and his brother sticking their hand in there -- he's in an open-topped terrarium type enclosure with a big tree perch during the day. . But my husband has scritched him a couple of times when no one was looking... and still has all his fingers...

So I finally broke down and asked the cashier about him the last time we were in there and asked if the owner would consider selling him. Much to my surprise, she said "maybe" but cautioned that he is a bad biter and even bites the owner who never handles him without a towel... this made all the bells in my head go off and I now feel really bad for the poor bird -- It makes me REALLY interested into looking in to buying him. Am I crazy? I'm sure he'd be too much bird for me by myself, but Bill has had a lot of birds and has been missing his cockatoo for a long time now (he lost him due to PBFD, very sad.) And the bird really seems to welcome his company.

How can we tell if we'll be able to handle him? Do we assume the current owner is a Bozo, or is the bird really likely to be an incorrigible biter? He sure ACTS like he wants some interaction, at least with my hubby (He occasionally acknowledges me, but often ignores other people in the store).

[Rue]

Well...if you were after a baby, I'd suggest 'no', because IMO, cockatoos aren't good pets, as far as parrots go...(too many potential issues)...

But, since he's 15 and needs a good home, and you're not stepping into this with blinders on...go for it!

BTW...if he's already showing a liking for hubby, and hubby knows enough not to be 'taken advantage' of...a new home might be just the thing. In a new setting, with new rules, bad behaviours don't necessarily continue...

[entrancedbymyGCC]

Update, I spoke to the owner... he's interested in finding him a good home. He said if the place was "amazing" he'd even be willing to make a deal on the cost... IF Bill can handle him. The owner, who sounded MUCH more caring in person, said he feels it isn't fair to the bird to be in that kind of small cage at this point, and that he CAN handle him, but has to be careful. If the bird feels encroached upon, he'll go to his beak very quickly.

So I think we are going to try to hook up with the owner and see how it goes... any and all advice welcome.

Bill does know 'toos, so the species isn't a negative here -- he's been wanting another for years.

[Kim S]

Well, if Bill has wanted another one for years. It sounds like this one is in desperate need for a good home. Also sounds like you know what you're getting into. You will beat yourself up if you dont.

The other side of the coin. Say things go downhill. The bird becomes too agressive to handle properly. What then? Have you thought about what you can or will do with the bird?
He will at least have a 'family' that belongs to him and interact with him on a daily basis, even if he has to be cage bound. I believe he will have a better life with you, period.

[a.susz]

it sounds like fate to me... good luck and i hope bill gets what he wants, whether you guys end up with the bird or not, and the bird is happy of course

[TheNzJessie]

it sounds like the bird has made the decision i say go for it, bill sounds like he knows his stuff and with a major mitchell i couldn;t think of anyone else than bill as u say hes had cockatoos before.

[Tarsun]

You should check out this site called 'mytoos.com' before considering getting a Cockatoo. As beautiful as they are, they're dangerously nippy. I've seen video on YouTube, where a man was nipped by his Cockatoo. The Cockatoo took out his eyebrow and bruised it. It looked really bad. They tend to be really hormonal, and you can't often pet them because of that particular reason. They're also known to be 'emotional'. But I don't blame your hubby for wanting one, I met this beautiful 3 year cockatoo at my local pet store and he was beautiful and so cuddly. I would've hold him but he was in a nippy mood, however I scratched his head. I wanted to bring that thing home with me so bad! Cockatoos also scream loud, not a pleasant sound

But if you think you could handle all that, you should go for it. Anyways please do check out www.mytoos.com, it informed me alot about Cockatoos in general. At that time I really wanted one but that site changed my mind about Cockatoos. However, it might not be the same to you. Really Cockatoos are just so beautiful

[pchela]

Cockatoos, like all parrots, have problems and there are a lot of general assumptions about them that aren't necessarily true of all cockatoos. The only way to know is the get to know the bird and I think that the bird being older and already in possession of his true personality is a bonus and will help you make your choice!

[MandyG]

Personally I'd be nervous about it if it was me in that position. But as you said your husband has had lots of bird experience and has owned a cockatoo before so I think you're in a good position to make an educated decision on whether or not this one is right for you!

Just in case, make sure you talk to the store about possibly being able to return the bird if things don't work out. Or have some sort of a back-up plan. I don't advocate returning parrots, but sometimes you have to do what's in the best interest of the animal. If he fits in at your house then that's great! But if he has some severe issues that you're unable to deal with it might be best for him to be back where he is now. Over all, if there's any chance that you can give this bird a great home then I say you have try

[lzver]

Sounds like you're already doing all the things I would suggest.

Sounds like your husband has the experience and desire for another cockatoo. As a few others have suggested, I would make arrangements to meet with the bird in person and determine if your husband can handle the bird. It sounds like the cockatoo has already picked your husband and may do really well in a new environment.

With the Meyer's parrot that I'm adopting (not same bird or same size I realize), I met her twice before paying the deposit and signing the adoption contract. I have spent at least 4 hours interacting with/observing Kylie so I think it is important to meet the bird several times before making a decision. I will also be visiting Kylie a couple more times before I bring her home to try and make the transition as easy as possible for her.

Good luck and I hope everything works out. It's not always an easy decision to re-home a parrot, but try not to over think it too much. If your husband is able to handle the cockatoo and the bird gets excited when she sees him... that may be a sign.

As a side note, I can put you in touch with the girl I'm adopting Kylie from. She has a re-homed Cockatoo and I has made good progress rehabilitating her and working on some of the behavioral issues. I'm certain she's be more than willing to help you out if needed. Let me know.