Jen,
Thank you for your reply, This is the kind of interaction I was hoping for. The Too I found that absolutly stole our hearts is a 16 year old adobtion bird. The previous owner passed away leaving her family with the bird, they chose to take it to a local rescue. The previous owner took her to schools and places like that for show and tell, she is very well mannered and knows tons of tricks. The first time I held her she stared at me and just rattled on like we have been friends for years. I guess thats what drew me to her. My wife and I have raised three boys. So the idea of constant cleaning, endless trips to the grocery store and so on isn't really and issue.
She has been at the rescue place of nearly a year, the owners of the place said she is a wonderful bird that like to take things apart. From what they have told me she is independant and does not mind staying in her cage, but I can tell you from first hand knowledge she isn't very excited about going back in it. I am a very handy with woodworking tools and rope so I don't forsee any issues with being able to build toys for her to destroy. Honestly with what the typical pet store charges for bird toys there's no way on earth I am going to buy them when I can build them for a fraction of the cost. We have a 42"W x 30"D x 60"H cage that I found at a shop that needed some work I have since rebuilt it and dedicated our extra room to whatever bird we get.
I realize that this particular species of bird is probably the most demanding bird there is, thats what brings me here to see how other people who work handle their birds.
You are definitely in the right place, unfortunately, some people like to run right to a conclusion before finding out any facts!
I say research, research, research, and then do some more research and see where you stand!
I think it's absolutely fantastic that you're looking at an older bird. That's half the battle right there. With an older bird, you get to know that bird's personality and that personality is probably pretty steady and not likely to change a whole lot, where a baby can change a great deal once it hits maturity. So, there's one thing you have going in your favor. The other thing you have going in your favor is that this bird is past her initial hormonal stage and is settled in and knows how to handle her hormones. Right now, I have a nearly five year old Rose Breasted Cockatoo who is surging in hormones that he doesn't know what to do with and he's a nightmare sometimes and my best buddy at other times. He's just as confused as I am!
You shouldn't have to deal with this type of confusion from this bird, she's had plenty of time to figure it out...this doesn't mean that she might not get hormonal and crazy from time to time but at least it's not new to her!
So, here are some questions I have for you:
1. Would the rescue be willing to let you foster her for a while and see how it goes? Many rescues do do this and most of the time or at least some of the time, the birds end up permanent members where they are being fostered. This takes a bit of pressure off you and off the rescue so you know that if it doesn't work out that she can go back to the rescue. It also gives you a place to go back to and ask all sorts of questions, not that you couldn't do this if you flat out adopted her, but it's always nice to have someone to turn to.
2. Are you absolutely sure that this bird is a female? Have they done DNA testing on her or has she laid an egg? It's always nice to know the sex because then you can be aware of sexual issues that may come up such as egg laying and egg binding that can be problematic or even dangerous if you don't know what you are looking for. Another great reason to know is that, generally speaking, female 'toos tend be much more easy going than male 'toos...not always though!
3. Making toys is great but there's a whole different type of research you have to do there, so get ready to learn. You have to make sure that what you are using is safe and with 'toos, you want a variety of toys, so some you're just going to want to break down and pay some money for them. We have a ton of great online vendors that are AA members and two that I would recommend right off the bat for a 'too owner would be Mother Pluckin' for their refillable SS skewers and Avian Stainless for their SS toys. Both will last you a lifetime. But you also want to get creative and know that you are dealing with a very smart bird who will need to be challenged, so you have to find creative ways to keep her occupied like stuffing things within things and then within things to make her work for her food. This is all stuff that you can learn but the biggest question is do you have the excitement and desire to do so? If you do, then you're on the right track!
4. Bites! Sooner or later you'll probably get bitten and most likely, you won't understand why. Do you have a personality that can deal with this?
It's just part of bird ownership...all birds bite, most bird bites hurt. Cockatoo bites can do some serious damage, but as you go, you learn how to read their body language and you learn to avoid the bite. There will be a time in the beginning where there is a learning curve though. Can you make it through this learning curve without holding a grudge?
5. Birds are MESSY! Are you a neat freak? Can you handle a bird who wants to constantly throw food on the floor and poops everywhere? Do you have a problem with forever cleaning? If these things don't bother you so much, then it's not so much of an issue.
6. How are your finances?
Birds can be incredibly expensive! Vet care is probably the most expensive and one of the first things you are going to want to do is take her to a vet to get a relationship started and get a baseline blood panel on her. These kinds of visits are about $300 to $400 depending on where you live and what you have done. It's always a great idea to establish a good relationship with a vet who sees birds though, just in case you really need for an emergency. Also remember that these guys can put themselves in all sorts of really strange places and can get into all sorts of trouble, so you very well may need a vet in the future and it could cost some serious money. Many people suggest starting a vet account so you can save money every month in case of an emergency...just some things to think about.
7. How much do you like your hearing?
These guys can scream and like to scream and if they are happy, you want them to scream! You may want to invest in a set of ear plugs for when she is being loud and she will be loud!
8. Can you get over the cuddle factor? The hardest thing in the world with these birds, at least I think, is knowing how to foster independent play. They are love sponges and would like nothing better than to be attached to your hip 24/7/365. This does not do them or you any good. Are you going to be able to resist the temptation of wanting to cuddle her and put her in her cage from time to time when you are home and teach her that playing by herself even when you are right there is something she is good at and likes to do? This is so important and so hard but so necessary!
These are just a few of the things that I'm thinking about right off the top of my head. I honestly do not think that a U2 is something you cannot handle, especially an older female who needs a home. You are older and don't have young kids at home and those are pluses too. Are you living in a house currently or do you live in something with shared walls such as an apartment or a condo or a townhouse? A house would be ideal just because of the noise. Are you ready to have another 3 to 5 year old living with you who is actually at the maturity level of a 2 year old? They can be demanding but you have to be the one who puts down the rules! I think the biggest and best piece of advice that I can give you about any bird but especially about a U2 is that you will change your life to suit her, not the other way around! If you truly feel that you can do that, then you might be able to make this work!
