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OT- anyone own an Umbrella Cockatoo? The story of how I am now the owner of a Cockatoo bird!

zerostepdrama's picture

So DH brought home an Umbrella Cockatoo. Dirol

It was found outside at his work. It had been outside for at least 2 days (took DH that long to catch it). Once it was caught someone DH works with had a cage, so it was then caged and in the office waiting to see if anyone claimed it. Ads posted. Nothing.

So DH finds someone who is selling a cockatoo cage and toys and all the goodies and DH buys it and brings home the cockatoo.

Being the responsible pet owner I am I did lots of research and realized this pet is very high maintenance. So I have a talk with DH that he has to take care of this bird. I am already taking care of the house, cooking, cleaning, BS full time, 3 (special needs) cats and a fish. I dont know another thing to take care of let alone a freakin bird. I am kind of afraid of birds. Of course DH says he is going to take care of the bird, blah blah blah.

Well of course the bird has been here 3 days and its been me cleaning up after it and feeding it and reading everything I can about how to take care of this bird. We will be making an appointment on Monday to get it into the vet for a check up.

I'm annoyed that DH hasn't shown any real interest (IMO) on what to feed it, or how to train it, what is harmful to it. He just wants the bird to be here and look cool. I'm pretty annoyed and disgusted with him about this. I take owning a pet very seriously and the responsibility that comes with it to ensure that the animal is happy and healthy.

Of course the bird poops on the floor. You can "train" it when its out of its cage but of course its a bird so there is going to be poop. Okay I'm not a bird person so this is something I am having trouble with. Plus I am a CLEAN FREAK. So ya... as you can imagine. DH acts like it's no big deal. REALLY? You are okay with a bird pooping on the floor and cleaning it up when you get to it? WTF

I am actually enjoying taking care of it and feeding it and reading on how to care for it. I am wanting to bond with it to make sure he is happy but at the same time, I am like I did not sign up for this.

I told DH I am giving him 1 month and if I find myself taking care of this bird more then he is, then I am putting it on Craigslist! LOL Not sure if I really mean it as I am really like the bird.

On a side note I am mad at DH. Another "burden" he is bringing into the home and in my mind is taking half ass care of.

So has anyone had one of these birds, or similar and have any words of advice about taking care of it?

Thanks!

Comments

PetStr's picture

I have an African Grey Parrot. Its like having another kid around the house, although he's smarter than the skids! I leave a tv or radio on in the room he's in do he doesn't get bored. You can have his wings trimmed, that way he can't fly and will stay close To his cage/perch. I put newspaper down on the floor for quick poop pickup. Mine talks up a storm and is a lot of fun to have around.

not2sureimsaneanymore's picture

Very high maintenance and long lived birds. My parents have two cockatoos (one umbrella and one salmon crested) that I grew up with. The salmon crested, Elvis (he has this funny curl to his crest that partially covers one eye and makes him looks sultry--and he LOVES women: will wolf whistle and put on the most flirtatious display if he's near a chick you'll ever see a bird do), was about 60 when my parents adopted him from a breeder who realized he loved humans more than he loved his own kind, so he's close to 80 now. Still healthy as a horse.

The umbrella, Snow Pea, is 18 (born in 86) my parents "rescued" from a pet shot that had her in a lead painted cage, which she swallowed and caused some heavy brain damage. She had to be hand fed with a syringe for the first five years of her life with us because she didn't have the coordination to pick up food on her own. Loveliest little girl, snuggles in our shirts or under our blankets with us.

They are very intelligent and very social, although their beaks are very formidable with the amount of pure pressure it can inflict. They can be temperamental, and often latch onto a single person. They can get very jealous as well. They don't do well with young children if the kids don't know how to handle birds.

I'd look into giving it to a rescue if you don't think your family can care for it and give it the amount of socialization it needs to not become self-mutilating. That's a very sad thing for a bird to go through,

zerostepdrama's picture

Thank you everyone. I am going to message PurpleDaisies and see if she has any advice.

I definetly plan on taking care of the bird the right way. If I am going to take on the responsibilty of the bird, I am going to do it the right way. I am just irritated that DH basically made that choice for me.

zerostepdrama's picture

Agreed SA. The thing with DH is he thinks as long as he provides food, water and shelter his job is done. This also applies to the skids. Dirol

zerostepdrama's picture

I did find an animal rescue and sanctuary on line that I really liked. So if I find that we can't properly care for the bird, I will be reaching out to them. I feel better knowing there is a place that will take him if need be and they actually care about the animals.

I want to give it a go though as my BS really likes the bird and has been helping to take care of him.