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Posted by rapterble on March 03, 2003 at 20:02:40:
In Reply to: More Cockatoo question\'s posted by Raydee on March 03, 2003 at 17:12:27:
Hello again, I forgot to tell you in my last post that we use crushed walnut shells that we get from a pet-bird store near us. It is crushed up very fine and does not hold bacteria, moisture, etc. You can view his droppings to make sure he's healthy with this and you don't have to change it but once ever couple months. Then we use a scoop (also from the bird store) to scoop out the droppings, dropped food and dropped wood shavings. It sifts it much like a cat litter sifter does. Also, our vet said it was very important to have a second floor or grill that separates where the bird can walk and where the droppings land. You do not want your bird to be able to get to old fruits or veges, or other foods that has fallen into his droppings and been contaminated and/or spoil. Also, we were having problems with our bird's feathers looking a little dull and not too healthy when she was very young. Our vet did bloodwork and found it was all nutritional. She was eating good, but evidentally not a good food (one of the popular brands of pellets though) He had us switch to Harris Bird food, which is totally natural and it has made alot of difference. Also, she loves the food. Cockatoos have a real need to chew, what is best is to provide them with wood to chew on so they don't go looking for it in your house. Also, the more they chew, the nicer their beak will stay. You can just cut some untreated 2x4's and put it in his cage. They also love toys. You can make all kinds of toys (they're pretty expensive to buy). There's lots of websites out there showing the different bird toys. Just be sure if you make them (or buy them) that they're safe. Sometimes my bird doesn't want to step-up when she knows she's going back in her cage. If she doesn't respond on the second command, I pry her foot up and say in a way she knows I mean it "step up". I know your bird is new, but he's taking notes too on what he can get away with. He sounds very sweet and not mean...do you think you can just pick up his feet and make him step up? Then once he gets use to you making him do it and telling him "step up" each time you do it, he may just catch on. Plus you might not be late to all your appointments then :) Talking...cockatoos are not known to be big talkers. If I understand right, 9 years old isn't that old for a cockatoo. Once your bird gets more use to you and comfortable in his new surroundings, he may respond so well he may come out with a vocabulary that he's known but just not used. They also have a sweet sounding high pitched lady-type voice. So don't be surprised when he doesn't sound like a HE. lol Sorry this is long, but wanted to respond to each question that I have had in the past too and let you know what we did with our bird. Good luck :)
:I have a few questions about the 9 year old Too I just bought. One is when I want to pick him up he won't let me. When I put my arm or fingers out for him to step onto he just bows his head for me to pet and scratch him. It can be a pain when i want to put him in his cage or leave the house. I have only had him for two days now and he is very affectionate toward me and my wife. He also loves wood and if he gets out of my site for 5 minutes he will eat the wood trim in the house for sure. Is this a behavior problem?
:Also my bird does not talk at all and was really never taught to speak so does this mean he never will learn now that he is 9 already. Even if he never speaks or talks it is no big deal to me. He is the nicest bird I have ever had!!