Any other birdy lovers?

[jrsygal37]

I have a three year old Umbrella Cockatoo. I've had her since she came out of an egg and handfed her. I've loved Cockatoos my whole life and Boo was my 20th Wedding Anniversary present. If anyone would like to exchange recipes I home cook for Boo and would gladly share. My recipes are good for all parrots. Also, I have a great supplier I buy all Boo's toys from. The quality is excellent and so so much cheaper then buying from the stores. Elaine

[jrsygal37]

Oh I also meant to include; Anyone with a Cockatoo or Cockatiel I have a geat site for you guys. www.mytoos.com. The only thing is if you go on just know in advance that they are very anti-buying. They are not advocates of breeding birds. It's an educational site - much like Yorkietalk.
Elaine

[troyg]

Have two cockatoos myself. An umbrella named Bella and a greater sulfur crested named Bojangles. Have had them both for a little over fifteen years so when I brought the puppy home they didn't know what to think. It's been about six or seven years since they last lived with a dog but have adjusted pretty quick. Bojangles loves to hang upside down and throw things for Beatrice. I must have a fixation on the letter "B"!

[yorkiegirl83]

Oh wow, I just checked out mytoos.com and I definitely am officially not prepared to own a bird like that ever.

My husband was looking into getting one years down the road-- he just loves them and gets all googly when he sees them at pet stores.

I'll definitely have to show him this website.

[nvnvgirl]

Originally Posted by yorkiegirl83

Oh wow, I just checked out mytoos.com and I definitely am officially not prepared to own a bird like that ever.

My husband was looking into getting one years down the road-- he just loves them and gets all googly when he sees them at pet stores.

I'll definitely have to show him this website.

It's so sad, b/c they're so beautiful and as babies, they'e so cuddly...they do stay cuddly pretty much, and if you have the time and patience, they're phenomenal companions, but you have to realize that it's like having a child between the ages of 2-5 (intelligence-wise)...and they can live for close to 100 yrs if cared for properly! But I can guarantee that that website isn't joking; my male was louder than that and if he was outside, you could hear him for a MILE away. Not only do you have to be patient, you need to have very patient neighbors; it only takes one neighbor complaining to make your life miserable!

I only say this stuff b/c I love parrots (most especially cockatoos) so much and it makes my heart break to see birds who end up being neglected or mistreated or passed from home to home b/c they just aren't what people expected. They bond with their owners very strongly and they bond for life, so it's not something you want to take lightly. Do not let ANYONE tell you that they've got a quiet cockatoo...there are some that are not as vocal as others but a quiet cockatoo is not a happy cockatoo in general. They all can be extremely noisy at least in the morning and evening. I had mine for YEARS AND YEARS before I got engaged and married and there was absolutely no way I would have married anyone who didn't at least tolerate them. I didn't expect them to love them, but I wasn't getting rid of them and I didn't want any angst over that. Funny how when you're dating, people will say anything (maybe they believe it and then change their minds once they have to deal with it on a long-term basis), but I'd like to have a dollar for every "discussion" my dh and I had over the birds.

[yorkiegirl83]

Originally Posted by nvnvgirl

It's so sad, b/c they're so beautiful and as babies, they'e so cuddly...they do stay cuddly pretty much, and if you have the time and patience, they're phenomenal companions, but you have to realize that it's like having a child between the ages of 2-5 (intelligence-wise)...and they can live for close to 100 yrs if cared for properly! But I can guarantee that that website isn't joking; my male was louder than that and if he was outside, you could hear him for a MILE away. Not only do you have to be patient, you need to have very patient neighbors; it only takes one neighbor complaining to make your life miserable!

I only say this stuff b/c I love parrots (most especially cockatoos) so much and it makes my heart break to see birds who end up being neglected or mistreated or passed from home to home b/c they just aren't what people expected. They bond with their owners very strongly and they bond for life, so it's not something you want to take lightly. Do not let ANYONE tell you that they've got a quiet cockatoo...there are some that are not as vocal as others but a quiet cockatoo is not a happy cockatoo in general. They all can be extremely noisy at least in the morning and evening. I had mine for YEARS AND YEARS before I got engaged and married and there was absolutely no way I would have married anyone who didn't at least tolerate them. I didn't expect them to love them, but I wasn't getting rid of them and I didn't want any angst over that. Funny how when you're dating, people will say anything (maybe they believe it and then change their minds once they have to deal with it on a long-term basis), but I'd like to have a dollar for every "discussion" my dh and I had over the birds.

They do sound amazing and even though the site has some "scary" information -- I can see people that are totally devoted being very happy with theirs.

I can truly say I don't think that I could give that level of attention, especially with my 4 furry babies.

[mizzwanned]

Originally Posted by nvnvgirl

It's so sad, b/c they're so beautiful and as babies, they'e so cuddly...they do stay cuddly pretty much, and if you have the time and patience, they're phenomenal companions, but you have to realize that it's like having a child between the ages of 2-5 (intelligence-wise)...and they can live for close to 100 yrs if cared for properly! But I can guarantee that that website isn't joking; my male was louder than that and if he was outside, you could hear him for a MILE away. Not only do you have to be patient, you need to have very patient neighbors; it only takes one neighbor complaining to make your life miserable!

I only say this stuff b/c I love parrots (most especially cockatoos) so much and it makes my heart break to see birds who end up being neglected or mistreated or passed from home to home b/c they just aren't what people expected. They bond with their owners very strongly and they bond for life, so it's not something you want to take lightly. Do not let ANYONE tell you that they've got a quiet cockatoo...there are some that are not as vocal as others but a quiet cockatoo is not a happy cockatoo in general. They all can be extremely noisy at least in the morning and evening. I had mine for YEARS AND YEARS before I got engaged and married and there was absolutely no way I would have married anyone who didn't at least tolerate them. I didn't expect them to love them, but I wasn't getting rid of them and I didn't want any angst over that. Funny how when you're dating, people will say anything (maybe they believe it and then change their minds once they have to deal with it on a long-term basis), but I'd like to have a dollar for every "discussion" my dh and I had over the birds.

That is true even with Cockatiels. They sing every morning and demand to be taken out their cage lol we let them out and they just sit onn top of the cage. They have their times when they just feel like making noise

[nvnvgirl]

Originally Posted by mizzwanned

That is true even with Cockatiels. They sing every morning and demand to be taken out their cage lol we let them out and they just sit onn top of the cage. They have their times when they just feel like making noise

Absolutely! I always considered cockatiels miniature cockatoos. They're just about the same, only smaller and luckily, their beaks can't do QUITE the damage the bigger birds can! I think someone who wants a companion bird that's smart and entertaining, but can't devote their entire life to them, a cockatiel is the perfect bird.

If someone was really wanting a parrot type bird that's bigger, and they wanted something that's a little quieter than most of them, and not quite as emotionally demanding, the Eclectus is a great bird too, and they're really beautiful. The males are a bright green and the female is a bright red.

[jrsygal37]

nvnvgirl. I couldn't agree with you more. I belong to Mytoos also. it's a great site and it really gives people prospective on what they are getting into with a Too. So many buy them because they are so cuddly but they do not realize the committment. I had someone here from YT PM me awhile back about wanting a Cockatoo and asking advice about them. I told them the truth. That I've wanted one my whole life and finally for my 20th Wedding Anniversary got one as my kids were older and I felt the time was right. I further stated that I've had Boo about 3 yrs. and could I do it over again I would not have gotten one. They are great birds but NO ONE is prepared for a Cockatoo until they actually get one in there house. I've gone through two laptops (They love destroying keyboards. Popping those things out are fun) and the dander whether you are allergic or not will give you some sort of allergies. The screams can be deafening and did I mention destructive. Yes, do not leave them alone even for a second or you can come back to furniture, woodwork, you name it destroyed. And, let's not forget cooking. These babies need homecooked food, veggies, fruits etc. YOu have to provide for them as they would provide for themselves in the wild. I could go on and on for pages about care and committment let alone expense, a good Avian vet you can't walk into without a $300 bill. Anyway, the YT member never pmed back. I think I insulted her when I said that parrots do not make suitable pets. If anyone is interested in buying a cockatoo pls. PM me and I will give you very honest advice about care and expense and the committment needed then you can make an educated guess. Don't buy into the hype that the petstores sell as these babies are cuddling in your arms melting your heart. Most do stay cuddly but for the ones that get hormonal (males especially) they can rip your face open without even trying. Elaine

[nvnvgirl]

Originally Posted by jrsygal37

nvnvgirl. I couldn't agree with you more. I belong to Mytoos also. it's a great site and it really gives people prospective on what they are getting into with a Too. So many buy them because they are so cuddly but they do not realize the committment. I had someone here from YT PM me awhile back about wanting a Cockatoo and asking advice about them. I told them the truth. That I've wanted one my whole life and finally for my 20th Wedding Anniversary got one as my kids were older and I felt the time was right. I further stated that I've had Boo about 3 yrs. and could I do it over again I would not have gotten one. They are great birds but NO ONE is prepared for a Cockatoo until they actually get one in there house. I've gone through two laptops (They love destroying keyboards. Popping those things out are fun) and the dander whether you are allergic or not will give you some sort of allergies. The screams can be deafening and did I mention destructive. Yes, do not leave them alone even for a second or you can come back to furniture, woodwork, you name it destroyed. And, let's not forget cooking. These babies need homecooked food, veggies, fruits etc. YOu have to provide for them as they would provide for themselves in the wild. I could go on and on for pages about care and committment let alone expense, a good Avian vet you can't walk into without a $300 bill. Anyway, the YT member never pmed back. I think I insulted her when I said that parrots do not make suitable pets. If anyone is interested in buying a cockatoo pls. PM me and I will give you very honest advice about care and expense and the committment needed then you can make an educated guess. Don't buy into the hype that the petstores sell as these babies are cuddling in your arms melting your heart. Most do stay cuddly but for the ones that get hormonal (males especially) they can rip your face open without even trying. Elaine

Elaine~ exactly! I had a male and a female (although I wasn't actually POSITIVE about it until the female started laying eggs 18 yrs after I'd gotten her! My male was a handfed baby and I had him from the time he hatched. We were extremely bonded but I have to say, he could be lethal when he got over stimulated or you were doing something he didn't like (like putting him back in his cage) . I loved my birds to death, but like you say...I wish I had some good digital photos of some of the damage my Valentino did....sheetrock (I'm talking WALLS), carpeting, door mouldings, windowsills, dining room chairs, custom cabinetry, draperies, furniture...you name it, he'd destroy it. And I bought my birds TONS Of toys ....which BTW, if you are buying them instead of making them yourself, cost around $20 each and up, and they can go thru them in about 15 minutes. Any bird who is not a "shiny" bird (cocktoos, African greys, cockatiels, and ....hmmm...I think there's something else...) have POWDER down on them (and it's got a sort of oily component that makes it tenacious when it sticks to things....it's not like you can just 'dust' and clean it off) and it gets on everything and INTO everything. We were fortunate that when we moved to the desert, we had a separate guest suite at our home that we made into the bird's room. My husband was a little annoyed when we'd be at someone else's house who had the same model as we did and they had this gorgeous guest suite and we had an aviary in ours.

I never got a computer while I had them in the house b/c I knew good and well that it wouldn't last long. And it's not b/c you're not paying attention to them; it only takes one millisecond for them to do what they've been thinking about doing all day and you were watching them, LOL. I swear, Valentino would go for something, I'd catch him and tell him "NO" and he'd sit on his perch or wherever I had him until he knew I was distracted and he'd IMMEDIATELY go back to whatever it was that he wanted to do! They're incredibly intelligent....geeze, I could go on for DAYS LOL. I have a big group of friends who I know thought I was nuts, but they've got some hilarious Valentino stories too....I was just very fortunate in my choice of living area and neighbors. Anyone who is interested in birds is welcome to contact me too, I am so glad Elaine, that people can hear from owners instead of pet shop owners or the breeders. Even the people who bred Valentino said they'd NEVER have a cockatoo as a pet, LOL (they were friends of mine, they didn't tell most of their customers that of course!). I honestly went absolutely nowhere for more than an overnight trip for over 10 yrs after I got them. I finally had to get a life and I found a reliable bird sitter (you have to remember the liability if you go somewhere and your parrot bites someone while they're cleaning the cage or feeding them too....it's much more complicated in the long run than cats or dogs, or even smaller birds. I wouldn't give up one second I spent with mine, but oh gosh, do I wish I had the money back that I spent replacing or repairing things . Like I said; you gotta LOVE them to keep them!

[VickiG]

Heres my little trouble maker. Her name is Mikey, her name came before the dna test that told us she was a girl. Mikey is a goffins cockatoo(the smallest of the cockatoos) I can so relate to the chewing of woodwork, remote controls, telephones and so on. She is sitting in my lap chewing the zipper on my jacket. Mytoos is a great site, haven't been there for awhile.

[VickiG]

Originally Posted by jrsygal37

I have a three year old Umbrella Cockatoo. I've had her since she came out of an egg and handfed her. I've loved Cockatoos my whole life and Boo was my 20th Wedding Anniversary present. If anyone would like to exchange recipes I home cook for Boo and would gladly share. My recipes are good for all parrots. Also, I have a great supplier I buy all Boo's toys from. The quality is excellent and so so much cheaper then buying from the stores. Elaine

I would really be interested in your recipes and suppliers.
Vicki

[yorkiecrazy]

Originally Posted by VickiG

I would really be interested in your recipes and suppliers.
Vicki

I would also like the information. Please pretty please...

[coroth]

Ha ha ha. I thought Daphne was bad!! She just shreds any paper we have...then you tell her no and she will sit on her perch and sing like I was just telling her that she is the best thing ever! Tiels...they're goofy! I love them...but if you have one, don't try sleeping in!!! Daphne will "chat" with you if you are in her room..which is our living room so we are almost always in there. She sings in the shower with me every morning But she needs attention when she WANTS it! She is sit on her door and rattle it until she comes out. It was cute...at first...

[coroth]

Originally Posted by VickiG

I would really be interested in your recipes and suppliers.
Vicki

P.S. me too!!