Everything You NEVER Wanted To Know About Cockatoos

This post is taken from the "mytoos.com" website

"That which does not kill us makes us pull our feathers out......."

Are you thinking of getting a Cockatoo?? Do you REALLY know what you are getting into?

Most people not familiar with large parrots fail to see the "Big Picture"

Beautiful and Cuddly:

These are the words normally used to describe one of natures most unusual parrots, the Moluccan Cockatoo. It's unusual in that it's one of the few "lap birds , and acts more like a dog than a bird sometimes. As babies, Moluccans so easily touch your heart that it's hard to walk away from them without taking one home. Their liquid eyes look like black pools of inquisitiveness as they carefully study your facial expressions, and you seem to be able to look right into their very souls. Both Moluccans and Umbrella cockatoos possess a sweetness that few parrots can match, for awhile. As all good things must come to an end however, so goes the sweetness as these babies mature. This is not to say that there will be a complete change, but the odds are great that the 'Too you'll wind up with years later is not the sweetness and light you brought home. Do all birds change? No. Will most change to some degree? You'd better believe it! And it's these changes that sometimes drives owners to rescues.

One of the most mentally and emotionally complicated parrots to deal with, the Moluccan is more than a handful for all but the most dedicated parrot lover.

Few people can provide for the many needs of these special birds. Proof of this is the fact that most parrot rescues are full of Molluccan and Umbrella cockatoos, and the newspaper classifieds across the nation are full of "for sale" ads for these birds.

The strangest circumstances can cause these parrots to become self mutilators or complete terrors to their owners. Lack of interaction, wrong foods, bad placement, improper cages and many other factors can contribute to a "problem" cockatoo.

Volumes have been printed in many languages attempting to resolve these "problems", and many are helpful. But a lot of psychobabble has been printed also. So as we continue to read and study everything we can get our hands on, many Moluccans and Umbrellas (along with some other 'Too species) continue to self destruct. "Nature" however, doesn't read books.

The bottom line is that there is much more than meets the eye when considering a parrot such as these. Many pet stores and breeders only want to sell birds, and if forced to tell the truth, wouldn't be able to sell nearly as many as they do now.

As the popularity of these 'Toos increase, the truth is much harder to find. This is why I recommend talking to long term cockatoo owners. (A short term owner hasn't had the time to see the end result). Find as many owners as possible and do your research from places that have no vested interest in the selling of parrots or parrot products. Also talk to the many parrot rescues. They will normally give you the real low-down on this species and you may possibly want to adopt instead of purchase. Do the research you'll really need in making your decision to purchase one of these wonderful but taxing creatures..

BECAUSE....

Like a childless couple that THINK they know what having children would be like, (but don't really have a clue until they've arrived), many parrot owners find out the hard way also. Oh sure..... they're wonderful and smart and entertaining. But depending on the species, a parrot can take up more time, cause more aggravation, and completely drive you nuts in a matter of weeks! That's why there are so many parrot rescues out there. Is it the birds fault? Absolutely not! It's the owners fault for buying something that he or she hasn't researched thoroughly.
(and both WILL suffer the consequences )

Right up front.. I don't think large cockatoos should be kept for 90 years in a cage. These majestic creatures deserve to be free as God intended. Now, that not withstanding, I know its just not gonna happen. Also note that I do not accept advertising. Most Dot Com Parrot sites are paid for by parrot products companies. This means that the site must be pro parrot, but more importantly "pro ownership" which in turn means that you don't always get the entire picture about parrots and parrot ownership. They cant afford to tell all the negative aspects because they'd lose their advertisers. Heck, I'M pro parrot, but I'm NOT pro ownership for every Tom , Dick and Mary that has a few bucks, or who are just bored and are looking for something to do for a couple of hours a day. There are a few good "sponsored" websites out there, but you new people don't have a clue as to which is really telling you the truth. That's why I built this site. Start here and use the info I provide to help you weed out the bad breeders - pet stores - web sites - and the many other aspects of the cockatoo business. (You're going to need all the help you can get. ) So with that in mind....... Please read the rest of this information and many articles and letters at www.mytoos.com

You will be glad you did!