It has been said a million times before and yet, will probably be said a million times again. However, I
am seriously considering adopting a 'too into my home as a full-time, long-term companion. Here are some facts about my life, lifestyle, interests, etc. I think I'm rather suited to owning a cockatoo, but please tell me what you think, and if there are any problems.
Basics
I have a pet goose, who I hatched and raised. Her name is Moody, and due to her, I have had to make drastic changes to my life; ones, however, that I will never regret. Moody is very important to me; like a child. She wears a diaper harness and needs to be changed every 3-6 hours on average. She gets a bath a day, her dishes, bed, harness & pen cleaned, and fresh meals consisting of well-researched, organic fruits, vegetables, grains and tender greens. She has been through a rather serious bout of vent gleet and coccidiosis, but after a few hundred dollars later, she was good as new. Due to her, I work primarily from home, but I am away for about 3 hours a day on average. After the first hour or so away, I do come home for a lunch break to make Moody's meal, for about an hour, but then leave for another 2 hours. About 1/2 hour to 1 hour before I return, there is someone home, so Moody and potentially a cockatoo would not have to be alone for too long.
Living Situation
→Rather urban area
→3 story house; one neighbor nearby
Neighbor;
→does not mind the screeching Moody sometimes does,
→understands and accepts my love for birds
→has kids of his own that often make a lot of noise during the day
Cleaning
Moody sheds little feathers daily, and so the feathers and dust associated with cockatoos would not be a big concern. I'm very skilled with a vacuum cleaner.
I often enjoy scrubbing dishes and a cage to perfect cleanliness. Thanks to Moody, I have a
lot of experience in cleaning. Geese are probably the messiest pets you can have, scattering food everywhere, shaking poop everywhere when they don't have their diapers on, throwing things, chewing up wood, biting on chords, playing in their water, etc... They're pretty destructive, but that's fine. Moody just needs a lot of things to chew, and lots of mental and emotional stimulus. Therefore, the destructive need to chew in cockatoos would not be a problem. Pellet flinging is okay, too... I can deal with poop, also, of all sizes, smells, textures... Uh, well, let's not get into too much detail.
Food
Moody gets fresh meals every day and quality goose pellets, so I would accept no less demand for a good diet from a cockatoo. I treat Moody like I'd treat a young child, and so I would with a cockatoo. Moody is my child, in all ways that make sense. And therefore so would a cockatoo.
Fresh veggies, fruits, pastas, quality pellets and anything else the 'too needs would be readily available, every day, the majority of them certified organic. If I eat organics, why shouldn't my "kids"?
Money
Money will always be put aside from potential emergencies and/or vet visits, toys and groceries. I have spent thousands of dollars on Moody as it is, yet regret none of it. My favourite thing to do with money is buy for my birds. (Should mention now that I also have two handraised pigeons and 2 handraised doves).
So... I don't know if I've covered everything, but that's about all I'll say for now. Would appreciate any advice from anyone.
Also, which species would you recommend?
And if you don't think I should get a cockatoo, then what?
Just so you know, my name is Hilary and I have my eye on a career in ornithology or avian medicine... Possibly both of the two. I live in Regina, Saskatchewan Canada and I'm a proclaimed goose mom.
Cheers,
Hilary
Considering a Cockatoo
You sound like the perfect candidate for a Too in my eyes! If you do choose not to go down the Cockatoo route i'd suggest an African Grey but I personally love Cockies! Maybe i'm biased because i'm Australian but they really are fantastic! Good luck!
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