|
|
|
| |
auctions - advertising rates -
site news -
help -
contact
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
auctions - advertising rates -
site news -
help -
contact
| |
|
|
Posted by rapterble on February 05, 2003 at 18:43:26:
In Reply to: Beginner posted by rogerc on January 28, 2003 at 16:11:09:
Hi, this is my first post here...so I'm not an old pro or anything. My advice based on my own personal experience is probably different than what most people would advise. I believe that most would tell you that a cockatoo is too much a bird for a "beginner". I also wanted an umbrella cockatoo, but listened to that advice of getting a "starter bird". We got a Senagal Parrot, who was really sweet, but wasn't really what I wanted. Also, he was pretty noisy and very messy. He threw his food, veges, etc. all over the wall. I was washing down the wall behind his cage about once a week. I continued to research the umbrellas and really wish I would have followed my heart. I ran across someone who fell in love with my Senegal and wanted him. So, I parted with him since I was sure it would be a loving home for him. Then I continued to do my homework. I talked to many breeders and searched the internet for a few months before making my decision. We brought home our 4 months old baby umbrella cockatoo "Tilly" and have never once regretted it. I think the key is to get it when it's a baby though...that way you're starting with no bad habits and if you've done your homework, hopefully can avoid getting any started. She is now 4 YEARS old...she is very loving, I have NEVER heard her scream. She talks and sometimes gets a little excited with that, but never as loud as our senagal was. She snuggles up with us. She LOVES each member of our family. We were careful to not let her become too attached to any one of us as the breeder warned us about. She loves everyone, even strangers. She isn't nearly as messy as we expected, not nearly as our Senagal was. She is also potty trained which only took a day or two to train her. She does take alot of care, but I think any animal taken care of correctly would. We've been careful not to give her too much attention, being sure not to give her more attention in the beginning than we will be able to give her later. But each evening she's out of her cage cuddling with one of us, she's out enjoying mealtime with us. She loves to go outside for walks with us in the summertime. The worse habit she is is "pacing" back and forth in her cage when she wants out. That drives hubby crazy, but I don't think that's too bad of a habit to have, considering what it could have been. So, my advice to you is do all your homework. Go visit some cockatoo breeders, asking lot and lots of questions. Be sure you can get a large cage and provide all the toys, shower perch, foods, etc. You will also need to take your bird to the vets a couple times a year for checkups and grooming. If after considering it all, you feel you can handle it and you'll be in it for a lifetime, then ...GO FOR IT! Good luck and keep us posted.
:I have never owned a bird before but I am interested in purchasing a cockatoo. Is this a good bird for a beginner living in a condo and, if so, what kind? Thanks!