ALAN - 2010-01-10 A study of the too in a common household.
I'm not a professional trainer or a breeder. I've just had lots of experience with too's owning one and being involved with them in other families, pet stores, vets, etc. Being in a small town, I get the phone calls to come assist with large birds because their owners are afraid of them or even the vet is a bit afraid. The most important thing is don't let your too rule you - and they will if you think of them as an object or a conversation piece. They are almost human! LOL! Little feathered boogers.
I have a 12 year old too named Ziggy. He is definitely the boss and the joy of the house hold. World's best doorbell and burglar alarm. LOL! He notices things outside even before the dog does.
Too's are wonderful birds and wonderful pets if you have the courage and the patient nature it will take you'll be a good "daddy" or "mommy". They are the most affectionate of all the birds and that's what draws people to them. They can play so coy and sweet. But, be prepared as your mighty too will be a perpetual 2 year old for his/her entire life. They are very curious and get bored easily if not interacted with all the time. Hence the antique furniture and everything else getting chewed up if you are not watching them like a 2 year old.
Extremely intelligent and can have a very large vocabulary if you work with them. Ziggy can carry on a full conversation with you and it makes sense. He can argue, reason and barter with you. Loves people. Laughs like a human. You just really need to know what you are getting yourself into before you decide to get one of these mighty birds. They can be very sneaky and they have great precision with their beaks. They can peel wallpaper right off of the wall and also remove the label off a CD without damaging the plastic. They also act out if they are mad or during a full moon.
They want to be a part of your world and they are almost human. They want to do what you do and go where you go. Indoor or outdoor. Ziggy will follow you right out the back door and into the back yard. They are the world's best snugglers and will just love all over you. They are EXTREMELY LOUD!!! I mean, hear them 5 blocks away loud! Ear piercing shreiking scream! You just can't have a too if you are in an apartment. No way. And there's no way to quiet them either. With work they won't scream as much but that is still part of their nature and a game. If Ziggy gets on a screaming binge I go scream with him. He loves it! It's a game and he'll calm down very quickly if I play with him and scream.
For example, when we first got Ziggy it was in the fall and warm enough to have the windows open. He wasn't secure in his surroundings yet so he did do a lot of screaming. Neighbors showed up and were ready to call the police. They wanted to know what autistic child we were beating! That's not a joke! That really happened! They lived 3 blocks away.
They aren't usually, however they will bite if threatened or scared. A loud sound like a truck backfire may cause the bird to nip you simply because it depends on you to protect it. That's your cue to get rid of the scary thing. If they are mad they will bite. If they are on you and feel like you aren't paying enough attention they will bite. "If bird is displeased - bird will let you know!" Converse with the bird. They love to talk back and its so interesting to watch them shape that tongue and beak trying so hard to form words and talk back. They are so sincere in their response. They want to communicate with you.
They are very social and love people. You usually don't have to worry about them being a one person bird. However, most guests you have are a little leary so you need to be with them while they are interacting with the bird. They don't understand the behaviors like you do and they can misinterpret behaviors and possibly get bit. The bird will show off and jump and down and giggle, and whistle and yell while the bird is on their shoulder. That scares people and they will jerk back and the bird will bite to hang on. Warn your guests of this. Just stay calm and don't jerk around.
Everybody wants to see the pretty birdie! Especially children and too's don't particularly like jerky, small, fast moving children. Not a good idea to let the bird get on children unless the bird is already used to children being in the house. Also have guests remove earrings, glasses and necklaces before handling them because birdie will go straight for them. Not that birdie will pull them out but the guest will jerk away and rip their earrings out that way. Its an automatic reaction to them, whereas to you, you can just say, "Quit it" and the bird will stop. Guests don't realize that and it is a natural reflex to jerk away.
Ziggy has a strict rule, "No hats on in the house." He will take your hat off your head and throw it on the ground and laugh. They can be trained to do tricks. Play dead or even ride a skateboard if you are willing to work with them. His laugh is what gets everybody going. A hearty robust laugh that is appropriate. He knows what's funny. He can watch TV and laugh at the appropriate moments. Loves music and loves to dance and show off. Usually Ziggy is very quiet and calm when it's just us but when company is around he stays animated and won't calm down until everybody has played with him for a minute. Then you are excused. LOL!
Talking? Watch what you say! Of all the wonderful cute little phrases you teach your birdie, you can rest assure that it has learned EVERYTHING else you've said or that they've heard on TV! Just let the preacher come over for a visit and the birdie will shoot off a string of cuss words knowing EXACTLY what he's doing! LOL!
They are very loveable but I tell people up front when they think of getting a too that the name of the bird should be "destruct-a-birdie." They love wood and they can splinter it in a heartbeat. I always keep a supply of 2x4 pieces for Ziggy to chew up. Works better than any $40 colored wooden thing you can buy in the stores and its cheaper too! He doesn't like toys and will ignore them. He only wants wood to chew on.
Highly intellengent and great problem solvers. When I first got Ziggy he was peeling the wallpaper off the wall so I was going to be smart and put plexiglass around the top of the cage so he wouldn't chew. (The walls are painted now. LOL!) I got the plexiglass and drilled holes it in to mount to the cage with "U" bolts. I threaded the nuts down on the U bolts finger tightened. I went to the kitchen to get a pair of plyers to tighten the bolts down good. When I got back to the cage, Ziggy had one of the U bolts in his beak and handed it to me and giggled. THAT'S how fast they are and that's how smart they are. You just shake your head and laugh.
"My bird chewed up all the doors, baseboards and door frames! We had to get rid of him!" Yep! That's why all mine are wrapped in tin and that's why you keep a fresh supply of wood for the bird to chew on.
Food? Ziggy is a bottomless pit. LOL! He loves anything you love. He gets his own plate at the table and climbs the chair himself and hops on the table and eats with me. This causes problems because during dinner parties he expects to be part of the dinner. LOL! Most guests do not want a big bird at the table even on his perch. Yes there is seed for him to eat in the cage but too's love anything. Fruits and starches and even meats. They need other foods besides the seed. You also have to watch house plants. You will find you have your own personal gardener. LOL! Some plants can be deadly to birds so watch the plants you have.
Also they love things with bright colors. Cleaning chemicals, etc. come in brightly colored plastic jugs. Need I say more? Remember - 2 year old child. Just use common sense and you and your too will be very happy together. Not to scare you off but just use good common sense. If a child can get hurt doing it, so can a too.
We didn't know anything when we got him. He was handed over to us and he was very unsocialized. Look at the pretty birdie! In that first few months I don't know how he survived because we didn't know what to watch out for. He ate a battery. He ate a gallon jug of bubble bath. Each time I thought, "Well, that's the end of THAT bird!" Be proactive and remember you have a 2 year old in the house.
Sharp beak? Sharp claws? Use a dremel. You can get battery powered dremels for dog nails. You'll be surprised at what a game you can make to get your too used to it. Ziggy lets me do his nails and his beak without any fluff of the feathers. He feels very pretty after they are all done. They have that much trust in you. I wouldn't use a dremel bit on a drill. Too forceful. The battery operated one is much safer. Even clipping the wings he'll just sit there and let me do it but you have to work with them. He used to grab the scissors with those big pink feet and throw them across the room. If you have ceiling fans then you must keep those wings clipped because birdie is gonna fly at some point. Either scared by a noise or just looking for you.
Messy? Oh yeah! They are mess cats. If you can't handle bird seed flung all around the cage and poop - go no further. "Doo Dissolve" is a wonderful product and smells wintergreenish to get rid of the poop. Putting a towel down on the floor around the cage will help. We have lots of "birdie towels." And they love to start pooping and throwing seeds right after you've cleaned up. LOL! They'll show YOU!
They have to interact and they can't just be locked up in their cage. They'll start plucking from neglect. Ziggy runs free in the house when I'm home and sleeps in his cage while I'm at work. I come home at lunch and play with him every day. And then of course when I get home he's usually on my shoulder, running around the house or on his perch waiting for me to finish cooking dinner.
Vacations are a problem too. You can't leave the bird for a week or two. You must get somebody to come at least take care of the bird or board it. Fortunately, we have a vet in town that boards large birds and Ziggy is allowed to run around the shop and they feed him their lunch. He gets to play all day and the customers love him.
Is all this worth it? YOU BET IT IS! That is my baby! I wouldn't let Ziggy go for a million bucks! And you'll be the same way. At least you will have some insight and be prepared for the little feathered monster. LOL! Just don't be scared of the bird. You have to be in charge and the bird will respect you. If you are timid and cower away from the bird, he will take charge of YOU. And that means doing it with finese. NEVER hit your bird! You may be frustrated but NEVER EVER hit your bird! Both of you take a time out and work on the behavior problem that was unacceptable. They will learn and they will stop certainly behaviors if you do it right and not lose your cool.
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Michael Miley - 2011-03-27 Alan; I stumbled upon your article and just want to say it is the most accurate and exacting truthful explanation of a cockatoo keeper relationship I have witnessed! I have been a keeper for many years and always shied away from Cockatoos mostly due to their loudness. What a mistake on my part! I adopted Mickey a 13 yr old male Too just over a year ago. What a pleasure and challenge, most rewarding experience of my keepers career including Amazons, Greys, Macaws and smaller birds.
iVibe - 2010-10-14 I recently acquired a (12 year old?) male Moluccan Cockatoo. He began to sneeze this evening. I have had him three days. His previous owner was very afraid of him. Supposedly a woman had owned him. I am a single, older woman myself. When I went to pick up the bird, he stepped right onto my arm with a "death grip" and has sat upon a (small) cage for the past three days, entering the cage at night. I realized he is as afraid of me as I began to become somewhat intimidated by him but offered no "feedback" and remained calm. He is settling into what I would consider a regular schedule. He is near a North-facing window and loves to watch the birds outside. He has had two, short-minute screeching sessions but nothing I would consider abnormal. I was outside the window yesterday and he was knocking on the window, I suppose, at me. I have been observing him from a distance yet interaction by offering food and water by hand. He moves very slow, almost sloth-like unless I accidentally startled him (when I was intimidated) and he flapped his wings onto the back of my head from atop his cage. Now I enter the area by announcing his name and giving a laugh which he imitates on occasion. A few times he began to make noise - almost alien sounding - but the laugh is the only recognizable noise I have heard thus far. I do care greatly for birds and would not want to get him used to constant attention but want to be able to handle him. I sit in the same room hours on end, on the computer. Today he flew to the floor and wandered about, trying to get into a silk tree at the other end of the room. When I entered and up-righted the tree, he walked calmly back to climb back to his cage. I was very surprised that he recognizes this as "his" area. I can't say enough about the intelligence of any creatures we share this earth with. I don't agree that nature should be domesticated but have a cockatiel that I indulge greatly. It took the cockatiel 4 months to warm to me but now expects a head scratch upon my approach. I offer a cup of water to the Cockatoo to which he drinks with gratefulness (very easy to see), and does have two clean water's to his avail. I provide seed and fresh fruit. The sneezing is concerning me though and yet not the only reason I write. If anyone can provide me with some other suggestions, all are welcome. His tail is only slightly frayed and he has not lost any other feathers. His previous owner (of 6 months) was a man without time and who was "very" afraid of this bird, ducking at the bird's every move. When I walked the bird to my car on my arm, the man stayed 6' behind me and the cockatoo hissed the entire way. He has not hissed once since being here the past three days. Well, wish me luck? I'd like to see all caged birds in a giant aviary. My other concern is the safety of my cockatiel who is deathly fearful of the cockatoo so I have her in another room but she will fly into a wall or window if she sees the cockatoo! I have to have day surgery and my pea-brain is trying to come up with a solution to being away for the day and the birds being safe together (I live in a small, three room trailer). Thanks again
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Christine Bell - 2010-12-09 iVibe, congratulations to you for taking on this wonderful bird. Mollucans aren't the easiest birds to handle. It sounds like he really did not like his former owner (the hissing ) and he is bonding to you. I have two female mollucans and had a male before them that I dearly loved. I would be sure your bird is kept warm and out of drafts if he is sneezing. He may have a cold. Warmth is the very best thing for a bird who is sick. But you may have to take him to an avian vet if he doesn't improve. I keep my birds flighted as I feel it keeps them way healthier. But I realize that this is very difficult in a small space as cockatoos can get into everything and must be watched at all times if free flying! I keep mine in a large heated aviary. They are so much fun to watch flying around. I do think the exercise is so healthy for them and keeps them happy. My first Mollucan did not know how to fly. He had been clipped from early on. It took me a year to get him to fly (once his flight feathers grew in). He started by hopping to my arm and then I would stand further and further away from him. Gradually he gained strength and then he could fly quite well.
Anonymous - 2011-11-09 Hi I read your post and thought I might offer an little insite from my own experience. I have a 31 year old female M2 named wackoo. I had not had her very long when I realized she was sneezing every once in a while I went to the friend of mine who had given her to me to care for. He said she mimics sneezing every time someone around her has a cold. And low and behold I had just gotten over the flu. About a week after I stopped sneezing, so did she, though she still does it every once and a while then she laughs at me. If you're really worried take your little one to the vet. But I thought I would let you know sometimes it can just be something they are doing to get you attention or to entertain themselves. Good luck!
Angelique Marie Delgado - 2012-03-24 If you did not want to give him constant attention then you should never have gotten a cockatoo. I have a cockatoo and he requires alot of attention, if they do not get the loving attention they need regularly, they will start pulling out feathers and biting. There is no reason to be intimidated by him. If you pay attention to him by holding, talking, cuddling (which cockatoos love will be very friendly with you and will start talking clearly. It is like the old saying goes, you get as good as you give. As for your cockateil you have got to have his wings clipped for his own safety. As with anyother animal on the planet they have to get accustomed to eachother and that does not happen over night. Suggestion have someone you trust completely to spend the day/night at your home to take care of the birds, as you can't leave them cooped up so long.
krystal - 2011-11-05 My grandprents have Admiral, hes a mollucan cockatoo.Hes been in the family for awile.Admiral only likes my grandfather ,howeve he does seek attention from everyone.No one wants to take the chance to get him out of his cage becuase he runs a muck,chaseing people ,andif you dont run or avoid him he will bite. I make him toys to help entertain him and share penutbutter with him by his cage.Unsurprisenly he bit me recently while tryeno give him a toy. how can i get this bird to like me and what can i do to e him out . he does not get out that much becuase he likes to eat the furniture ect. is there like a bird play yard ? could he be train to siton a perch ,so he could be included in the family. ps when i sAid he dont get out much i ment heonly gets out once a day for like a hour with my pops.
Neil - 2010-09-14 I was wondering what the comfort temp is for a Mollucan Cockatoo? I've just became a proud owner of a beautiful mollucan cockatoo named Miestro. My family and I are just in love with him and I think the feelings are the same back.
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jim - 2011-10-15 i also just got one i was told 70 degrees
brian - 2011-04-11 I got a 12 yr old male moluccan cockatoo. He's a super sweet bird but lately I noticed he'll go to a corner of his cage and start shaking and sounds almost like he's hissing. Does anyone know why he's doing this? Please tell me. Thanks.
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Charlie Roche - 2011-04-11 Shaking - like his body is shaking as if trembling? Feather crest up or down and body feathers out or flat? Cage looks out a window? Cockatoos will do a sort of shakey thing where there body seems to treble and a low almost growl vs hiss. I can't say for sure but breeding season is one thing. Is something out the window? Is this just a short 30 - 60 second trembling than my guess is breeding thing. Feather crest up and wings out and flapping and head bobbing with big noise - well you probably know that is normal for attention. I found that mine only did it in the spring and I was told something like the scent in the air and hormones. Mine was a female though and she started it about 9 years old.
Carla L - 2009-12-29 I am the owner of a beatiful 12 year old Moluccan Cockatoo named Bacardi. I have had her since she was a baby and she is very bonded to me. She is very loveable and friendly to most. This past year she started mutilating her chest. I have been treating her for the past 4 months or so and it is getting very expensive. I see this appears to be a common problem in their teenage years. I am new to this site so I'm learing how to communicate with those of you that have posted comments about this horrible mutilation problem. I'm in the process of getting some result back from a specialist to confirm anything going on healthwise. I'm getting very frustrated and worried I won't have the necessary money needed to continue such treatment. Anyone out there that can give me some hope?
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annmarie and boo - 2010-02-20 Hi, Do you bath your bird? Getting them use to the shower or bath tub is a good idea. Try soaking her feathers every couple of days and misting her everyday. Warm mist humidifer at night near where she sleeps might help too. Our climate is too dry for our birds. Just use plain or brita filtered water. good luck.
syndi - 2010-04-10 My bird started that too in the teen years as well. I spent a lot of money as well and saw3-4 different vets. Finally when I was in zoo by the bird area, I spoke with one of the care takers. She told me to put on a denim sweater. I made her one and she couldn't chew her chest. It worked great. Although she looked funny! I took it off only to spay her down with water and put on meds. Back on it went. She work it for a long time too. But her feather miraculously grew back although not 100 percent.
melanie67 - 2010-05-10 Hi not to worry this is very common in these birds usually they do this when they get depressed or frustrated. Try some new toys and try giving more attention and you can use Vaseline to the area and it won't hurt him at all.
kathy - 2011-03-15 Hi Carla, I have a 20 year old Molluccan Cockatoo since she was 4 months old from a great breeder, I am all she knows. I am having A LOT of problems with her 'vibrating' behavior in the last 4 months and need ANY advice. She is my life and I have paid for my funeral arrangements over the past 5 years so she will be well taken care of when I'm gone, I have no kids or relatives. This behavior is getting worse and I don't know if it is 'brooding' or something else, please educate me if you can or know someone who can let me know what to do. She is a great girl and 'time-out' doesn't work, please help us. Kathy @ Ksutton1962@yah00.ca or 604-607-0607 Thank-you for you time.
Jeahnette - 2011-03-24 My moluccan is 13, I put a vest on him. Corrected the self plucking. He likes some vest better than others, he lets me know. Also if you can move her cage outdoors when possible......wind currents, sounds etc. keeps them busy.
Neil - 2010-09-13 Hi I'm a new owner of a 18 year old mollucan cockatoo named Miestro. I was wondering what temp is to cold for him? And what is a comfort temp for him. He is such an awesome addition to our family. I wish we would of got one sooner! He is awesome with all the kids and loves to greet everyone who visits.
glenna - 2010-08-16 I am owned by 2 mollucan cockatoos who are feather pluckers with one that mutilates. I rescued these birds from abusive homes. I am also owned by a sulphur crested, goffin, bare-eyed cockatoo and a African Grey. All these birds came to me with issues and I have healed all birds of their issues with feather plucking and mutilating expect for the 2 mollucans. All birds in my care are vetted by a very great avian vet.
Why I am writing to you is to ask if you have any suggestions that may help with my guys? I would like to tell you that they have toys, eats fruits, veggies, seeds, they are on vitamins daily, iodine weekly as per vet suggestion.
Gaby - 2010-03-01 I recently got a mollucan bird and it layed a egg with no nesting box in the bottom of the cage. She will not let me near her or the cage. I also have a citron bird in the cage, I think he's male. Should I seperate the 2 or leave them together? I need some friendly help and advice. If anybody has any, feel free to comment or email me. Thanks
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Wm Zinn - 2010-07-20 You have a Citron in a cage with a Moluccan that you recently "got"? Do you know anything about the disposition of these 'Toos that you have? You are flirting with disaster. Either of these birds are capable of inflicting severe injury on the other, but the Moluccan is far more capable of killing the Citron. The egg laying isn't really an issue unless there are other factors involved.
Nathan - 2010-08-03 Hi is the egg fertilized was there a pair that mated, sometimes female birds lay hollow eggs and if they are hollow the mother will sit on the egg not knowing that it is hollow and if the egg is hollow you should take it out of the cage she may no allow you too. Give it a few days and try if still no satisfaction remove bird from cage and then take the egg out. If the egg is fertilized then you need to buy a nesting box it looks like a little bird house but to be on the safe side I would contact a vet and tell your parrot has laid an egg because they parrot will hatch and it needs to be fed the vet will ask you if you are gone to feed it or do you want them to feed it for you for a price. Baby chicks are hard to raise sometimes that's why parrots are so expensive good luck.
del - 2009-04-11 If anyone's bird is mutilating or plucking itself and you are about to give up, I can help you! My bird had a hole in his chest and no feathers. He now has no hole and almost all of his feathers back in one mouth! I used the vest and more. The vest I GOT at judy1104@petparrot.com and I did more! I will help in any way I can, please email me, THANK YOU
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Jide Abisoye - 2010-02-24 Hello,
I have not acquired a too yet. But this is my question. There is a 6year old male Mollucan that I am looking at. I was told he was just put in a basement with not much interaction, so he is kinda shy, most of all he does not like to come out of his cage. He does not bite but he would rather be left alone.
Would you buy this 6year old Male Mollucan for $600? Need I say that he is in perfect feather condition.
Thanks
Gerda Schultz - 2010-04-14 I have the same problem with a 25 yer old. I just took over his care a month ago. He is still mutilating himself. He was seen by an aviary vet who said that the chest wound would heal with medication. But since he won't leave the wound alone, it is not getting a lot better. It seems be be less deep. The vest sound like a really good idea. Please let me know what else you did, as that may help me too.
The Moluccan Cockatoo has an orangish pink accent in its crest, and a lightly tint on the body!
A study of the too in a common household.
I'm not a professional trainer or a breeder. I've just had lots of experience with too's owning one and being involved with them in other families, pet stores, vets, etc. Being in a small town, I get the phone calls to come assist with large birds because their owners are afraid of them or even the vet is a bit afraid. The most important thing is don't let your too rule you - and they will if you think of them as an object or a conversation piece. They are almost human! LOL! Little feathered boogers.
I have a 12 year old too named Ziggy. He is definitely the boss and the joy of the house hold. World's best doorbell and burglar alarm. LOL! He notices things outside even before the dog does.
Too's are wonderful birds and wonderful pets if you have the courage and the patient nature it will take you'll be a good "daddy" or "mommy". They are the most affectionate of all the birds and that's what draws people to them. They can play so coy and sweet. But, be prepared as your mighty too will be a perpetual 2 year old for his/her entire life. They are very curious and get bored easily if not interacted with all the time. Hence the antique furniture and everything else getting chewed up if you are not watching them like a 2 year old.
Extremely intelligent and can have a very large vocabulary if you work with them. Ziggy can carry on a full conversation with you and it makes sense. He can argue, reason and barter with you. Loves people. Laughs like a human. You just really need to know what you are getting yourself into before you decide to get one of these mighty birds. They can be very sneaky and they have great precision with their beaks. They can peel wallpaper right off of the wall and also remove the label off a CD without damaging the plastic. They also act out if they are mad or during a full moon.
They want to be a part of your world and they are almost human. They want to do what you do and go where you go. Indoor or outdoor. Ziggy will follow you right out the back door and into the back yard. They are the world's best snugglers and will just love all over you. They are EXTREMELY LOUD!!! I mean, hear them 5 blocks away loud! Ear piercing shreiking scream! You just can't have a too if you are in an apartment. No way. And there's no way to quiet them either. With work they won't scream as much but that is still part of their nature and a game. If Ziggy gets on a screaming binge I go scream with him. He loves it! It's a game and he'll calm down very quickly if I play with him and scream.
For example, when we first got Ziggy it was in the fall and warm enough to have the windows open. He wasn't secure in his surroundings yet so he did do a lot of screaming. Neighbors showed up and were ready to call the police. They wanted to know what autistic child we were beating! That's not a joke! That really happened! They lived 3 blocks away.
They aren't usually, however they will bite if threatened or scared. A loud sound like a truck backfire may cause the bird to nip you simply because it depends on you to protect it. That's your cue to get rid of the scary thing. If they are mad they will bite. If they are on you and feel like you aren't paying enough attention they will bite. "If bird is displeased - bird will let you know!" Converse with the bird. They love to talk back and its so interesting to watch them shape that tongue and beak trying so hard to form words and talk back. They are so sincere in their response. They want to communicate with you.
They are very social and love people. You usually don't have to worry about them being a one person bird. However, most guests you have are a little leary so you need to be with them while they are interacting with the bird. They don't understand the behaviors like you do and they can misinterpret behaviors and possibly get bit. The bird will show off and jump and down and giggle, and whistle and yell while the bird is on their shoulder. That scares people and they will jerk back and the bird will bite to hang on. Warn your guests of this. Just stay calm and don't jerk around.
Everybody wants to see the pretty birdie! Especially children and too's don't particularly like jerky, small, fast moving children. Not a good idea to let the bird get on children unless the bird is already used to children being in the house. Also have guests remove earrings, glasses and necklaces before handling them because birdie will go straight for them. Not that birdie will pull them out but the guest will jerk away and rip their earrings out that way. Its an automatic reaction to them, whereas to you, you can just say, "Quit it" and the bird will stop. Guests don't realize that and it is a natural reflex to jerk away.
Ziggy has a strict rule, "No hats on in the house." He will take your hat off your head and throw it on the ground and laugh. They can be trained to do tricks. Play dead or even ride a skateboard if you are willing to work with them. His laugh is what gets everybody going. A hearty robust laugh that is appropriate. He knows what's funny. He can watch TV and laugh at the appropriate moments. Loves music and loves to dance and show off. Usually Ziggy is very quiet and calm when it's just us but when company is around he stays animated and won't calm down until everybody has played with him for a minute. Then you are excused. LOL!
Talking? Watch what you say! Of all the wonderful cute little phrases you teach your birdie, you can rest assure that it has learned EVERYTHING else you've said or that they've heard on TV! Just let the preacher come over for a visit and the birdie will shoot off a string of cuss words knowing EXACTLY what he's doing! LOL!
They are very loveable but I tell people up front when they think of getting a too that the name of the bird should be "destruct-a-birdie." They love wood and they can splinter it in a heartbeat. I always keep a supply of 2x4 pieces for Ziggy to chew up. Works better than any $40 colored wooden thing you can buy in the stores and its cheaper too! He doesn't like toys and will ignore them. He only wants wood to chew on.
Highly intellengent and great problem solvers. When I first got Ziggy he was peeling the wallpaper off the wall so I was going to be smart and put plexiglass around the top of the cage so he wouldn't chew. (The walls are painted now. LOL!) I got the plexiglass and drilled holes it in to mount to the cage with "U" bolts. I threaded the nuts down on the U bolts finger tightened. I went to the kitchen to get a pair of plyers to tighten the bolts down good. When I got back to the cage, Ziggy had one of the U bolts in his beak and handed it to me and giggled. THAT'S how fast they are and that's how smart they are. You just shake your head and laugh.
"My bird chewed up all the doors, baseboards and door frames! We had to get rid of him!" Yep! That's why all mine are wrapped in tin and that's why you keep a fresh supply of wood for the bird to chew on.
Food? Ziggy is a bottomless pit. LOL! He loves anything you love. He gets his own plate at the table and climbs the chair himself and hops on the table and eats with me. This causes problems because during dinner parties he expects to be part of the dinner. LOL! Most guests do not want a big bird at the table even on his perch. Yes there is seed for him to eat in the cage but too's love anything. Fruits and starches and even meats. They need other foods besides the seed. You also have to watch house plants. You will find you have your own personal gardener. LOL! Some plants can be deadly to birds so watch the plants you have.
Also they love things with bright colors. Cleaning chemicals, etc. come in brightly colored plastic jugs. Need I say more? Remember - 2 year old child. Just use common sense and you and your too will be very happy together. Not to scare you off but just use good common sense. If a child can get hurt doing it, so can a too.
We didn't know anything when we got him. He was handed over to us and he was very unsocialized. Look at the pretty birdie! In that first few months I don't know how he survived because we didn't know what to watch out for. He ate a battery. He ate a gallon jug of bubble bath. Each time I thought, "Well, that's the end of THAT bird!" Be proactive and remember you have a 2 year old in the house.
Sharp beak? Sharp claws? Use a dremel. You can get battery powered dremels for dog nails. You'll be surprised at what a game you can make to get your too used to it. Ziggy lets me do his nails and his beak without any fluff of the feathers. He feels very pretty after they are all done. They have that much trust in you. I wouldn't use a dremel bit on a drill. Too forceful. The battery operated one is much safer. Even clipping the wings he'll just sit there and let me do it but you have to work with them. He used to grab the scissors with those big pink feet and throw them across the room. If you have ceiling fans then you must keep those wings clipped because birdie is gonna fly at some point. Either scared by a noise or just looking for you.
Messy? Oh yeah! They are mess cats. If you can't handle bird seed flung all around the cage and poop - go no further. "Doo Dissolve" is a wonderful product and smells wintergreenish to get rid of the poop. Putting a towel down on the floor around the cage will help. We have lots of "birdie towels." And they love to start pooping and throwing seeds right after you've cleaned up. LOL! They'll show YOU!
They have to interact and they can't just be locked up in their cage. They'll start plucking from neglect. Ziggy runs free in the house when I'm home and sleeps in his cage while I'm at work. I come home at lunch and play with him every day. And then of course when I get home he's usually on my shoulder, running around the house or on his perch waiting for me to finish cooking dinner.
Vacations are a problem too. You can't leave the bird for a week or two. You must get somebody to come at least take care of the bird or board it. Fortunately, we have a vet in town that boards large birds and Ziggy is allowed to run around the shop and they feed him their lunch. He gets to play all day and the customers love him.
Is all this worth it? YOU BET IT IS! That is my baby! I wouldn't let Ziggy go for a million bucks! And you'll be the same way. At least you will have some insight and be prepared for the little feathered monster. LOL! Just don't be scared of the bird. You have to be in charge and the bird will respect you. If you are timid and cower away from the bird, he will take charge of YOU. And that means doing it with finese. NEVER hit your bird! You may be frustrated but NEVER EVER hit your bird! Both of you take a time out and work on the behavior problem that was unacceptable. They will learn and they will stop certainly behaviors if you do it right and not lose your cool.
Alan; I stumbled upon your article and just want to say it is the most accurate and exacting truthful explanation of a cockatoo keeper relationship I have witnessed! I have been a keeper for many years and always shied away from Cockatoos mostly due to their loudness. What a mistake on my part! I adopted Mickey a 13 yr old male Too just over a year ago. What a pleasure and challenge, most rewarding experience of my keepers career including Amazons, Greys, Macaws and smaller birds.
Thank you ........smile.
I recently acquired a (12 year old?) male Moluccan Cockatoo. He began to sneeze this evening. I have had him three days. His previous owner was very afraid of him. Supposedly a woman had owned him. I am a single, older woman myself. When I went to pick up the bird, he stepped right onto my arm with a "death grip" and has sat upon a (small) cage for the past three days, entering the cage at night. I realized he is as afraid of me as I began to become somewhat intimidated by him but offered no "feedback" and remained calm. He is settling into what I would consider a regular schedule. He is near a North-facing window and loves to watch the birds outside. He has had two, short-minute screeching sessions but nothing I would consider abnormal. I was outside the window yesterday and he was knocking on the window, I suppose, at me. I have been observing him from a distance yet interaction by offering food and water by hand. He moves very slow, almost sloth-like unless I accidentally startled him (when I was intimidated) and he flapped his wings onto the back of my head from atop his cage. Now I enter the area by announcing his name and giving a laugh which he imitates on occasion. A few times he began to make noise - almost alien sounding - but the laugh is the only recognizable noise I have heard thus far. I do care greatly for birds and would not want to get him used to constant attention but want to be able to handle him. I sit in the same room hours on end, on the computer. Today he flew to the floor and wandered about, trying to get into a silk tree at the other end of the room. When I entered and up-righted the tree, he walked calmly back to climb back to his cage. I was very surprised that he recognizes this as "his" area. I can't say enough about the intelligence of any creatures we share this earth with. I don't agree that nature should be domesticated but have a cockatiel that I indulge greatly. It took the cockatiel 4 months to warm to me but now expects a head scratch upon my approach. I offer a cup of water to the Cockatoo to which he drinks with gratefulness (very easy to see), and does have two clean water's to his avail. I provide seed and fresh fruit. The sneezing is concerning me though and yet not the only reason I write. If anyone can provide me with some other suggestions, all are welcome. His tail is only slightly frayed and he has not lost any other feathers. His previous owner (of 6 months) was a man without time and who was "very" afraid of this bird, ducking at the bird's every move. When I walked the bird to my car on my arm, the man stayed 6' behind me and the cockatoo hissed the entire way. He has not hissed once since being here the past three days. Well, wish me luck? I'd like to see all caged birds in a giant aviary. My other concern is the safety of my cockatiel who is deathly fearful of the cockatoo so I have her in another room but she will fly into a wall or window if she sees the cockatoo! I have to have day surgery and my pea-brain is trying to come up with a solution to being away for the day and the birds being safe together (I live in a small, three room trailer). Thanks again
iVibe, congratulations to you for taking on this wonderful bird. Mollucans aren't the easiest birds to handle. It sounds like he really did not like his former owner (the hissing ) and he is bonding to you. I have two female mollucans and had a male before them that I dearly loved. I would be sure your bird is kept warm and out of drafts if he is sneezing. He may have a cold. Warmth is the very best thing for a bird who is sick. But you may have to take him to an avian vet if he doesn't improve.
I keep my birds flighted as I feel it keeps them way healthier. But I realize that this is very difficult in a small space as cockatoos can get into everything and must be watched at all times if free flying! I keep mine in a large heated aviary. They are so much fun to watch flying around. I do think the exercise is so healthy for them and keeps them happy.
My first Mollucan did not know how to fly. He had been clipped from early on. It took me a year to get him to fly (once his flight feathers grew in). He started by hopping to my arm and then I would stand further and further away from him. Gradually he gained strength and then he could fly quite well.
Hi I read your post and thought I might offer an little insite from my own experience. I have a 31 year old female M2 named wackoo. I had not had her very long when I realized she was sneezing every once in a while I went to the friend of mine who had given her to me to care for. He said she mimics sneezing every time someone around her has a cold. And low and behold I had just gotten over the flu. About a week after I stopped sneezing, so did she, though she still does it every once and a while then she laughs at me. If you're really worried take your little one to the vet. But I thought I would let you know sometimes it can just be something they are doing to get you attention or to entertain themselves. Good luck!
If you did not want to give him constant attention then you should never have gotten a cockatoo. I have a cockatoo and he requires alot of attention, if they do not get the loving attention they need regularly, they will start pulling out feathers and biting. There is no reason to be intimidated by him. If you pay attention to him by holding, talking, cuddling (which cockatoos love will be very friendly with you and will start talking clearly. It is like the old saying goes, you get as good as you give. As for your cockateil you have got to have his wings clipped for his own safety. As with anyother animal on the planet they have to get accustomed to eachother and that does not happen over night. Suggestion have someone you trust completely to spend the day/night at your home to take care of the birds, as you can't leave them cooped up so long.
My grandprents have Admiral, hes a mollucan cockatoo.Hes been in the family for awile.Admiral only likes my grandfather ,howeve he does seek attention from everyone.No one wants to take the chance to get him out of his cage becuase he runs a muck,chaseing people ,andif you dont run or avoid him he will bite. I make him toys to help entertain him and share penutbutter with him by his cage.Unsurprisenly he bit me recently while tryeno give him a toy. how can i get this bird to like me and what can i do to e him out . he does not get out that much becuase he likes to eat the furniture ect. is there like a bird play yard ? could he be train to siton a perch ,so he could be included in the family. ps when i sAid he dont get out much i ment heonly gets out once a day for like a hour with my pops.
I was wondering what the comfort temp is for a Mollucan Cockatoo? I've just became a proud owner of a beautiful mollucan cockatoo named Miestro. My
family and I are just in love with him and I think the feelings are the same back.
i also just got one i was told 70 degrees
I got a 12 yr old male moluccan cockatoo. He's a super sweet bird but lately I noticed he'll go to a corner of his cage and start shaking and sounds almost like he's hissing. Does anyone know why he's doing this? Please tell me. Thanks.
Shaking - like his body is shaking as if trembling? Feather crest up or down and body feathers out or flat? Cage looks out a window? Cockatoos will do a sort of shakey thing where there body seems to treble and a low almost growl vs hiss. I can't say for sure but breeding season is one thing. Is something out the window? Is this just a short 30 - 60 second trembling than my guess is breeding thing. Feather crest up and wings out and flapping and head bobbing with big noise - well you probably know that is normal for attention. I found that mine only did it in the spring and I was told something like the scent in the air and hormones. Mine was a female though and she started it about 9 years old.
I am the owner of a beatiful 12 year old Moluccan Cockatoo named Bacardi. I have had her since she was a baby and she is very bonded to me. She is very loveable and friendly to most. This past year she started mutilating her chest. I have been treating her for the past 4 months or so and it is getting very expensive. I see this appears to be a common problem in their teenage years. I am new to this site so I'm learing how to communicate with those of you that have posted comments about this horrible mutilation problem. I'm in the process of getting some result back from a specialist to confirm anything going on healthwise. I'm getting very frustrated and worried I won't have the necessary money needed to continue such treatment. Anyone out there that can give me some hope?
Hi,
Do you bath your bird? Getting them use to the shower or bath tub is a good idea. Try soaking her feathers every couple of days and misting her everyday. Warm mist humidifer at night near where she sleeps might help too. Our climate is too dry for our birds. Just use plain or brita filtered water. good luck.
My bird started that too in the teen years as well. I spent a lot of money as well and saw3-4 different vets. Finally when I was in zoo by the bird area, I spoke with one of the care takers. She told me to put on a denim sweater. I made her one and she couldn't chew her chest. It worked great. Although she looked funny! I took it off only to spay her down with water and put on meds. Back on it went. She work it for a long time too. But her feather miraculously grew back although not 100 percent.
Hi not to worry this is very common in these birds usually they do this when they get depressed or frustrated. Try some new toys and try giving more attention and you can use Vaseline to the area and it won't hurt him at all.
Hi Carla, I have a 20 year old Molluccan Cockatoo since she was 4 months old from a great breeder, I am all she knows. I am having A LOT of problems with her 'vibrating' behavior in the last 4 months and need ANY advice. She is my life and I have paid for my funeral arrangements over the past 5 years so she will be well taken care of when I'm gone, I have no kids or relatives. This behavior is getting worse and I don't know if it is 'brooding' or something else, please educate me if you can or know someone who can let me know what to do. She is a great girl and 'time-out' doesn't work, please help us. Kathy @ Ksutton1962@yah00.ca or 604-607-0607 Thank-you for you time.
My moluccan is 13, I put a vest on him. Corrected the self plucking. He likes some vest better than others, he lets me know. Also if you can move her cage outdoors when possible......wind currents, sounds etc. keeps them busy.
Hi I'm a new owner of a 18 year old mollucan cockatoo named Miestro. I was wondering what temp is to cold for him? And what is a comfort temp for him. He is such an awesome addition to our family. I wish we would of got one sooner! He is awesome with all the kids and loves to greet everyone who visits.
I am owned by 2 mollucan cockatoos who are feather pluckers with one that mutilates. I rescued these birds from abusive homes. I am also owned by a sulphur crested, goffin, bare-eyed cockatoo and a African Grey. All these birds came to me with issues and I have healed all birds of their issues with feather plucking and mutilating expect for the 2 mollucans. All birds in my care are vetted by a very great avian vet.
Why I am writing to you is to ask if you have any suggestions that may help with my guys? I would like to tell you that they have toys, eats fruits, veggies, seeds, they are on vitamins daily, iodine weekly as per vet suggestion.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Awaiting your reply
I recently got a mollucan bird and it layed a egg with no nesting box in the bottom of the cage. She will not let me near her or the cage. I also have a citron bird in the cage, I think he's male. Should I seperate the 2 or leave them together? I need some friendly help and advice. If anybody has any, feel free to comment or email me. Thanks
You have a Citron in a cage with a Moluccan that you recently "got"? Do you know anything about the disposition of these 'Toos that you have? You are flirting with disaster. Either of these birds are capable of inflicting severe injury on the other, but the Moluccan is far more capable of killing the Citron. The egg laying isn't really an issue unless there are other factors involved.
Hi is the egg fertilized was there a pair that mated, sometimes female birds lay hollow eggs and if they are hollow the mother will sit on the egg not knowing that it is hollow and if the egg is hollow you should take it out of the cage she may no allow you too. Give it a few days and try if still no satisfaction remove bird from cage and then take the egg out. If the egg is fertilized then you need to buy a nesting box it looks like a little bird house but to be on the safe side I would contact a vet and tell your parrot has laid an egg because they parrot will hatch and it needs to be fed the vet will ask you if you are gone to feed it or do you want them to feed it for you for a price. Baby chicks are hard to raise sometimes that's why parrots are so expensive good luck.
If anyone's bird is mutilating or plucking itself and you are about to give up, I can help you! My bird had a hole in his chest and no feathers. He now has no hole and almost all of his feathers back in one mouth! I used the vest and more. The vest I GOT at judy1104@petparrot.com and I did more! I will help in any way I can, please email me, THANK YOU
Hello,
I have not acquired a too yet.
But this is my question. There is a 6year old male Mollucan that I am looking at.
I was told he was just put in a basement with not much interaction, so he is kinda shy, most of all he does not like to come out of his cage. He does not bite but he would rather be left alone.
Would you buy this 6year old Male Mollucan for $600?
Need I say that he is in perfect feather condition.
Thanks
I have the same problem with a 25 yer old. I just took over his care a month ago. He is still mutilating himself. He was seen by an aviary vet who said that the chest wound would heal with medication. But since he won't leave the wound alone, it is not getting a lot better. It seems be be less deep. The vest sound like a really good idea. Please let me know what else you did, as that may help me too.