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Someone offered me a 3 month cockatoo with cage for free--I'm a little leary about this for a few reasons one being isn't 3 months too young for a 'too to be weaned and/or fledged??
I would really like a web site where I can get all the information possible about 'toos to see if it is even feasible to have/get one and, of course, any information you would want to share.
Feel free to e-mail me at mgood66@juno.com.
Thanks,
Martin

Why do you want a 'too, Martin? They are surely among the very hardest birds to live with. The prospect of a free one with cage is NOT a reason to want to live with one. You must really love 'toos to put up with one. Please don't make a mistake just to get a free bird. It's not fair to the bird.

Paca

That's why I want to read all I can first--I have 2 budgies, 2 tiels and 17 zebra finches--I would not take on a 'too unless I felt it was a good fit for me, the other birds and them--free or not--and I want to research first before I decide and/or committ.
There are personal problems, too--I am single and 72--I would have to be assured that the bird would be atken care of later and that they know the person-I am on blood thinners and have to be careful of deep bites--I am not looking at this as a lark.

I used to breed U2's and G2's and have always had a soft spot for cockatoos. However, I currently don't have any as pets. They are simply too demanding for me at this phase of my life. Don't get me wrong, they can be wonderful pets for the right person in the right situation. It is good to research first though.

As for a 3 month old being weaned - what type of 'too is it? My babies were never weaned at 3 months. The majority of goffins weaned about 4 months sometimes 5; umbrellas 5 to 6. Of course, I didn't foce wean, and still don't so each bird was treated as an individual and allowed to wean at their own pace.

Please also know that baby cockatoos will sometimes revert to "begging" behavior when they are moved. This has to do with insecurity more than anything although sometimes you will get a baby that isn't completely weaned, or has not been weaned properly. In this case the baby is hungry and you should be able/willing to offer either formula from a spoon, or soft warm foods from your fingers to ease the transition which can take quite awhile. Also, cockatoos do not eat as much as an amazon or pionus and can literally starve themselves if their needs are not met (i.e. the new owner gets a baby and doesn't realize the baby is hungry).
They are very sensitive creatures and in my opinion the vast majority of people really are not qualitifed to own them. This is why I stopped raising them. Too many end up in rescues.

Sorry for the novel.

Sally
Idaho

I appreciate the 'novel'--I sort of had a feeling it would be a little too much for me at this point.

lilla wrote:I ... have always had a soft spot for cockatoos. However, I currently don't have any as pets. They are simply too demanding for me ... They are very sensitive creatures and in my opinion the vast majority of people really are not qualified to own them... Too many end up in rescues...

On these points I'm in total agreement with you, Sally, and I'm relieved you seem convinced, Martin. There is nothing sweeter than a 'too baby, and that's very much to their detriment in this world. I love seeing one in a friend's home or the exceedingly rare visits I make to bird stores. But I know they grow up and become birds who belong in the wild, flying through the whole sky with joyous cries that would rattle my brain inside my home

Paca

Sally and Paca make some great points...and you are very together to be able to say...this is too much for me right now....keep reading...if you want a too later on down the road then you will be prepared...spend time with different ones.. I got a moluccan years ago..that was just a baby..one one feeding a day...as Sally said...within a week she had regressed to 3 feedings a day...Fortunately, I had help....As my dear friend Tina says...there is no such thing as a free bird..

Everyone here has your best interests and the birds best interests in mind. I have a Goffin, the smallest of the 'Too's but, believe me when I tell you, her voice is plenty loud and the damage she has done (and will do in the future!) is anything but small! I love her will all my heart and as long as I'm alive she is in her forever home..........And that's another thing you must think about. The larger 'Too's live quite a long time. Annie will probably outlive me even though she's a small 'Too. We paid only $200 for her but the vet bills cost hundreds more...........over $2,000. She was so very sick when we bought her. I thought "What a deal!! Only $200 for a Cockatoo!!" She was one sick little cockie. If I was younger I couldn't have afforded to take her to the vet as much as she needed to go the first year of her life.
Keep your head on your shoulders, Martin. You sound like a smart person. Wait until your ready.
Gloria