upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

Hey guys, i'm going to be working at a bird store and would like if you guys could share some personal info about your toos and buyer bewares, what food you think is best, cage sizing, etc. Mainly personal stories, cause as some books give you the basic info, they lack the personal stuff. I really want to help people make an informed desicion and my experience is mainly with smaller birds. also I am not going to sell birds just to sell them, I'm going to help people make informed decisions about birds in their lives. I don't want to sell a too to someone who just wants a cuddly bird, as I know this is a too stereotype. Any info helps. thanx guys

Cockatoos are probably the most rehomed birds and rescues seem to be full of them. Both of mine were rehomed birds. Most people are not equipped to deal with a cockatoo - the noise and the mess. Some become aggressive at maturity.

From my personal experience...

Cockatoos need the largest cage the person can afford. (Then again, I believe all birds deserve large cages.) Mine were given cages with the dimensions 29" D x 46" W x 72" H. They need LOTS of toys to chew. My Rose Breasted is my biggest chewer. Cockatoos need to learn to play in their cages and be able to entertain themselves, not just be a cuddlebug. A cockatoo that has lots to do is a quieter cockatoo. Notice, I said quieter and not quiet? Cockatoos should not be stroked on their backs or under their wings like many people do. That is inappropriate petting and can sexually stimulate the bird. The petting should be kept to the head and neck areas.

I think it's great that you want to give good info on Toos. I help out at a friends bird store and it's hard as I come from a "rescuer's" prospective. I strongly suggest that anyone wanting to get a Too do their research. Charley Bird, MSC2 turned 16 years old in June. I rescued him when he was 7 years old. I've been through a lot with him and I'm not his favorite person. He is a great bird and even when I could cheerfully "pluck him & put him in a pot" I still love him. Many people only know about the "cuddly" side of Toos, it's when they stop being cuddly or start screaming or plucking that they end up being rehomed, abused or neglected.