Cockatoo -- Should we even consider this?

[Azure Hanyo]

I agree with pretty much everyone here... Go for it! I personally love cockatoos, the sound they make doesn't bother me a bit, and if you have a WELL SOCIALIZED (emphasis on that) cockatoo, and give him plenty of attention and keep him from getting bored, he should be a terrific match for your husband. It sounds like your husband has a best friend in the making just waiting for him.

[Rue]

I gather the cockatoo is a no-go. Just curious as to why not?

[entrancedbymyGCC]

I gather the cockatoo is a no-go. Just curious as to why not?

We think he's a no-go for several reasons. Upon careful reflection, we aren't really sure we want to take on a challenge quite that big. Upon reading up on that particular subspecies, they are more likely than even other 'toos to be difficult as pets. Also, when we went and interacted him with the owner, the owner clearly is more attached to the bird than he wants to admit. I don't think he really WANTS to let him go, and the bird clearly adores him. With him around, he was not at all interested in interacting with Bill. And he wasn't easy even with his owner. So we decided to start looking around at other available birds to see how that affected our opinion. Bill met the Cape in a store we were just checking out (although they nearly got me to fall in love with a little baby Jardine that has a broken leg, but that's another story) and there was chemistry. The chemistry that seemed to be there with the 'too evaporated with actual contact. This one kind of grew and when we went back today the bird clearly remembered us from yesterday.

Bottom line is that we know we are adding a family member for the long run and we want to hedge the bets that everyone will be happy with the arrangement. The 'too had a lot of appeal, but he doesn't need rescuing the way we originally thought, and on paper he's definitely not the right choice. The Cape is a good choice on paper and there is chemistry, so it makes a lot more sense.

I think the Major Mitchell is definitely out of consideration, and the Cape isn't a done deal yet, but the 'too definitely catapulted us into serious contemplation of growing the flock.

[Rue]

Gotcha! Thanks for explaining!

It's always so hard when deciding to add another long-lived family member to the mix...you need to feel really good about the choice you make!

[a.susz]

the cockatoo is their sales bird.... lol. makes you just want one of their birds.

[Kim S]

It looks like you have made the right desicion. Very well thought off.
I hope you can find the right match sometime soon!

[lzver]

Fair enough ... after reading your Cape thread it sounds like you guys are making the right decision.

Can't wait to see how the story unfolds.

[Azure Hanyo]

Aw how sad for the owner! I hope he can work with the bird and calm him down. But I am so glad you are doing what is right for you! A mis-match with a cockatoo of any sort would be absolutely terrible given their long life expectancy. Best of luck on your quest for a new fid!

[kellybird]

I honestly would say go for it!!! I chose and picked out all my bird and about 75% of them were mean, nasty, biters, flying into you head ready to kill you. Now omg what a family we have here. I have fully trained each one. Yes some of them still bite just as any bird can bite but I can hold them upside down, pet them on their backs, give them baths etc. They are my life and would never give them up for anything!!! You can always train him. It will take time but to me in the end it feels like such a great reward!!! Good luck I hope u get him!!! kelly