rescues...

[galah!]

Hi guys
I am planning on getting a Galah in a year or 2. i was planning on getting a hand reared baby, but feel that adopting a rescue is the right thing to do. This is my first cockatoo however and i don't want to make a poor birds life even more miserable.
Should i or shouldn't i???
thanks,Pia

 

[birdashes]

Go for a rescue!
RB2s, like other parrots their size live a very long life ( 40 seems to be average from research but can live long or shorter dependent on diet) , you really won't miss much by getting one that's a few years old. Actually getting one around 4 or older means you avoid puberty ( not hormones- those still happen no matter what... But puberty is bad). A young hand-fed baby will go through many changes. A older rescue/rehome is more or less 'what you see, what you get'.

Also at the end of the day, when you look at your bird, you get to think, 'wow, I gave this bird a stable life when he/she needed one.' and that's something else

My RB2 was/is a baby but he was rehomed very young by the person who bought him. I love the goof, but I often wish he was older when I got him. I am admittedly terrified for puberty.

 

[galah!]

i don't have a local bird shelter but my aunt saved a galah off the side of the road, she can talk well and was obviously a pet, her eyes have rings so she is quite old... she is very sweet but bites for attention and has anxiety. has bitten me on the face (never bad, but could be in future) and got really angry when i was trying to get her off and bit me all over the neck. her owners haven't came for her and my aunt asked if i would like her. is she a keeper?

 

[JLcribber]

This is my first cockatoo

This is your first bird period. You have this fixation and vision of Galahs and there isn't going to be anything stopping you from getting one. (Bookmark this thread for the future so I don't have to say "I told you so")

i don't have a local bird shelter but my aunt saved a galah off the side of the road, she can talk well and was obviously a pet, her eyes have rings so she is quite old... she is very sweet but bites for attention and has anxiety. has bitten me on the face (never bad, but could be in future) and got really angry when i was trying to get her off and bit me all over the neck. her owners haven't came for her and my aunt asked if i would like her. is she a keeper?

They're ALL keepers. She is a cockatoo. No matter which specific bird you choose you're going to be running into all the same problems and scenarios. You don't have "any" experience so it's going to be a real struggle for quite a while (years). She's as good a candidate as any. None of this is about the bird. It's all about you.

 

[birdashes]

I can't help but agree with @JLcribber in someways..

Cockatoos are HARD. Even if RB2s are supposedly the easiest toos, they are still very difficult. Mine is a baby and is still very difficult. I have a good bird experience and him, as a juvenile is already very difficult.

RB2s are my favorite species, I understand wanting your favorite bird/the species that appeals to you. I was dead set on finding a rehome RB2 last year. Nothing could have changed my mind for finding one. I found him and I don't regret him- but he is a HUGE step from my other birds. A step that a lot of people probably wouldn't have recommended, but I took it anyway as a leap of faith. I have yet to even see what he will be like for the rest of his, and most of my life. I could and might regret this in a few years, and I fear for that a lot, but he is with me for life no matter what comes. I made that promise for him. He is mine forever, barring death, basically. Can you promise your bird that?

I do think people can pull off a cockatoo for their first bird.. but that is a very big thing, and you need a lot to do that. Please research more about cockatoos in general. Read the 'bad' and really think about if you can do it... Plucking. screaming, aggression. Illness- RB2s are very very prone to fatty liver disease and obesity. This can dramatically cut their lives in half. You have to be VERY careful about their diets. No seed at all ( expect possibly for treats) . Limit fats. Fresh food and pellets.

I wish you the best with whatever bird you choose! But I can't help but think you might want to aim for a smaller bird first. On another topic I saw you mention conures. They are wonderful birds with personalities the size of a macaw, just not as difficult

Or if you can't do that, are there any rescues you can volunteer at? You said none that were local, but my rescue is a hour and and a half away. It is worth it. I have learned so much there. Experiences I wouldn't trade for the world

RB2s are everywhere in Australia... You won't miss out on your RB2 buddy by waiting until you are ready. No one is trying to be mean, I can see how this might seem very overwhelming, but this is a big thing to do. A VERY big thing. And sometimes we get so preoccupied with what we want we put blinders up over everything else.

 

[SpecialistElbru]

<snip> my aunt saved a galah off the side of the road, she can talk well and was obviously a pet, her eyes have rings so she is quite old <snip>

All that being the case, you are defiantly dealing with a pet. If the bird allowed your aunt to get it off the side of the road, without being restrained, then we are talking about a bird that will probably not have the skills to survive in the wild.

How long ago did your aunt find the bird? 911parrotalert.com is a service for owners to locate lost birds. If the bird escaped accidentally then the owners would very much like to be reunited. Who is taking care of the bird how is that person with birds?

The bird will have to live with someone, are you asking if you should take the bird? That all depends on what the options for the bird are. Are there other people that could take the bird? How well is the bird getting along at it's current location?

 

[JLcribber]

i don't have a local bird shelter but my aunt saved a galah off the side of the road, she can talk well and was obviously a pet, her eyes have rings so she is quite old... she is very sweet but bites for attention and has anxiety. has bitten me on the face (never bad, but could be in future) and got really angry when i was trying to get her off and bit me all over the neck. her owners haven't came for her and my aunt asked if i would like her. is she a keeper?

Now we understand where the obsession and questions come from.

 

[galah!]

All that being the case, you are defiantly dealing with a pet. If the bird allowed your aunt to get it off the side of the road, without being restrained, then we are talking about a bird that will probably not have the skills to survive in the wild.

How long ago did your aunt find the bird? 911parrotalert.com is a service for owners to locate lost birds. If the bird escaped accidentally then the owners would very much like to be reunited. Who is taking care of the bird how is that person with birds?

The bird will have to live with someone, are you asking if you should take the bird? That all depends on what the options for the bird are. Are there other people that could take the bird? How well is the bird getting along at it's current location?

She owns a farm in the swan valley,Western Australia. she has had 'Juliet' for over a year, talked to RSPCA and put adverts in the newspaper no one has came for her. She has also plucked her chest while lost but her feathers are starting to grow back in.

 

[galah!]

I can't help but agree with @JLcribber in someways..

Cockatoos are HARD. Even if RB2s are supposedly the easiest toos, they are still very difficult. Mine is a baby and is still very difficult. I have a good bird experience and him, as a juvenile is already very difficult.

RB2s are my favorite species, I understand wanting your favorite bird/the species that appeals to you. I was dead set on finding a rehome RB2 last year. Nothing could have changed my mind for finding one. I found him and I don't regret him- but he is a HUGE step from my other birds. A step that a lot of people probably wouldn't have recommended, but I took it anyway as a leap of faith. I have yet to even see what he will be like for the rest of his, and most of my life. I could and might regret this in a few years, and I fear for that a lot, but he is with me for life no matter what comes. I made that promise for him. He is mine forever, barring death, basically. Can you promise your bird that?

I do think people can pull off a cockatoo for their first bird.. but that is a very big thing, and you need a lot to do that. Please research more about cockatoos in general. Read the 'bad' and really think about if you can do it... Plucking. screaming, aggression. Illness- RB2s are very very prone to fatty liver disease and obesity. This can dramatically cut their lives in half. You have to be VERY careful about their diets. No seed at all ( expect possibly for treats) . Limit fats. Fresh food and pellets.

I wish you the best with whatever bird you choose! But I can't help but think you might want to aim for a smaller bird first. On another topic I saw you mention conures. They are wonderful birds with personalities the size of a macaw, just not as difficult

Or if you can't do that, are there any rescues you can volunteer at? You said none that were local, but my rescue is a hour and and a half away. It is worth it. I have learned so much there. Experiences I wouldn't trade for the world

RB2s are everywhere in Australia... You won't miss out on your RB2 buddy by waiting until you are ready. No one is trying to be mean, I can see how this might seem very overwhelming, but this is a big thing to do. A VERY big thing. And sometimes we get so preoccupied with what we want we put blinders up over everything else.

thanks Ash,
i have had budgies before and have been reading lots of books on pet birds, i would love a conure but only sun conures are allowed in Western Australia and they are too loud, these are all the birds possible in WA:
Alexandrines, Red Tail Black Cockatoos (incl. Naso), Indian Ringnecks Macaws, Twenty Eights, Sun Conures, Love Birds, Budgies,
Corellas (Short Bill/ Western Long Bill),
Cockatiels, Pink & Grey Galahs, Princess Parrots , Galah x Corella ,WA Smokers, Kakarikis, Eastern King Parrots, Neophemas Superb Parrots,
Plum Heads, Lorikeets, Mustache Parrots, Eclectus Parrots, Major Mitchell Cockatoos, White Tail Black Cockatoos, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos
Thanks for being honest with me
Pia

 

[birdashes]

thanks Ash,
i have had budgies before and have been reading lots of books on pet birds, i would love a conure but only sun conures are allowed in Western Australia and they are too loud, these are all the birds possible in WA:
Alexandrines, Red Tail Black Cockatoos (incl. Naso), Indian Ringnecks Macaws, Twenty Eights, Sun Conures, Love Birds, Budgies,
Corellas (Short Bill/ Western Long Bill),
Cockatiels, Pink & Grey Galahs, Princess Parrots , Galah x Corella ,WA Smokers, Kakarikis, Eastern King Parrots, Neophemas Superb Parrots,
Plum Heads, Lorikeets, Mustache Parrots, Eclectus Parrots, Major Mitchell Cockatoos, White Tail Black Cockatoos, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos
Thanks for being honest with me
Pia

That is unfortunate about conures. Green cheeks are awesome little guys. ( I say that, even after I walk out of the bird room with three bites that look like somebody got me with a hole puncher from my girl )

I would highly recommend looking into Alexandrines, mustache parakeets and ringnecks!! I don't own one ( one day! ) but I work with a bunch at my rescue. Awesome birds. If I could, I would probably take the whole flock home! But I don't think they'd be happy with me

Can I ask what about the RB2s you like? Because that might be another good way of trying to find a good fit for you

Don't give up on wanting a RB2! Eventually it will work out, when you can take one on. You'll find a perfect match one day. I researched them for 3 years before I got Valentine.

 

[SpecialistElbru]

My family are totally onboard and my mum plans to be the second mum of him/her in case i travel (she works from home). I have been reading many bird books for the last year and understand all the hormone issues and how important socialising is etc. I understand my life is not yet set in stone (of course) and i don't know what could happen.<snip> Pia

She owns a farm in the swan valley,Western Australia. she has had 'Juliet' for over a year, talked to RSPCA and put adverts in the newspaper no one has came for her. She has also plucked her chest while lost but her feathers are starting to grow back in.

In my humble opinion if Juliet and your aunt are getting along, then for now, I would leave Juliet with your aunt. I don't know how far apart you and your aunt live, but it would defiantly help your understanding of birds if you got hands on experience with Juliet at your aunts place. Juliet will have her moods, but any cockatoo will. Understanding Juliet will defiantly help you with understanding any bird you get.

Unless there is a problem with your aunt keeping Juliet, I would wait until you have your own place. Perhaps then you can get Juliet, it may also be easier for Juliet if she were familiar with you. I would also recommend that you and your aunt agree that if you get over your head with Juliet she can take her back.

 

[birdashes]

In my humble opinion if Juliet and your aunt are getting along, then for now, I would leave Juliet with your aunt. I don't know how far apart you and your aunt live, but it would defiantly help your understanding of birds if you got hands on experience with Juliet at your aunts place. Juliet will have her moods, but any cockatoo will. Understanding Juliet will defiantly help you with understanding any bird you get.

Unless there is a problem with your aunt keeping Juliet, I would wait until you have your own place. Perhaps then you can get Juliet, it may also be easier for Juliet if she were familiar with you. I would also recommend that you and your aunt agree that if you get over your head with Juliet she can take her back.

I second all of this!! Getting hands on experience with Juliet would be fantastic!

 

[galah!]

My aunt owns the Swan Valley Cuddly animal farm, most of its animals are rescues. i help out and stay there at least 5 times a year and normally stay 3-8 nights with my Aunt, their are 2 large aviaries which have pigeons, loris, Princess parrots, indian ringnecks, weiros etc they also have a major Mitchell (charlie), 5 galahs (including Juliet), a small and long billled corella (Rocky and Nigel), 2 Eclectus (monkey and Mia) and lots of budgies. The reason she asked if i wanted her is because she doesn't have the time to look after Juliet.

 

[AvianCrew]

There are other conures, besides the typical sun, jenday, and gcc. Don't forget about the big ones. They could also be a good companion.

 

[galah!]

There are other conures, besides the typical sun, jenday, and gcc. Don't forget about the big ones. They could also be a good companion.

I would love a conure of any type but they aren't allowed in Western Australia

 

[Nami]

I would love a conure of any type but they aren't allowed in Western Australia

I'm from WA, I have seen both sun conures and jendays here from both pet stores and breeders.

 

[galah!]

I'm from WA, I have seen both sun conures and jendays here from both pet stores and breeders.

oops! sorry, i meant all conures except them. Do you know birds n all???

 

[Nami]

Do you know birds n all???

I've heard of the store but never been because I live south of the river, I might have to make the trek to check it out. Is it any good?

i would love a conure but only sun conures are allowed in Western Australia

I also missed the part where you said this, oops

 

[galah!]

yes they're pretty good, haven't got a single bad review either. their website has some good info including some adorable pics and what they hand rear

 

[SpecialistElbru]

I'm not telling how to post on a public forum (ok, i am making suggestions). I am a little confused that you did not put some of the following in your intro.

My aunt owns the Swan Valley Cuddly animal farm, most of its animals are rescues. i help out and stay there at least 5 times a year and normally stay 3-8 nights with my Aunt, their are 2 large aviaries which have pigeons, loris, Princess parrots, indian ringnecks, weiros etc they also have a major Mitchell (charlie), 5 galahs (including Juliet), a small and long billled corella (Rocky and Nigel), 2 Eclectus (monkey and Mia) and lots of budgies. The reason she asked if i wanted her is because she doesn't have the time to look after Juliet.

When we here on Avian Avenue will often search a users backlog because answering question often requires more context than a single post can provide. The fact that you have access to your aunt's facility is a goldmine that I wish other would-be bird owners could have.

Your Aunt and the birds at her facility offer you an opportunity to get much hands on experience with parrots. Especially adult parrots Once you get to know a number of parrots from the same and different species you will see that the birds are individuals. There are broad bush strokes that hold true (Most Moluccan cockatoo will cuddle more than most galahs will), but that will not tell you what each individual is like.

When it comes to parrot keeping there is theory and there is hands on experience two important and distinct things. There is no amount of book learning that can replace the hands on experience. You can also gain experience in with dealing with adult cockatoos. One day you will look back and understand that that sort of parrot experience is you most valuable mental possessions.

In the 90s in the US (I can't speak of things in Australia) there was the idea being championed that, if you raised a young cockatoo 'right' it would grow up to be a problem free adult. That narrative is complete crap. Even if you start with a baby, you must be prepared to deal with a difficult adult bird.

My suggestion is that you work with the birds at your aunts place and describe your achievements and problems when dealing with the birds. I would also suggest you learn to stick train a cockatoo. SEARCH AVIANAVENUE. JLcribber is a great advocate of it.

I must also warn you that training a bird at a facility and having a bird in your home adds a whole new dimension to things. I don't have birds at my home, I only work with them at the facility I visit. Not having to deal with an uncooperative bird when I am having a bad day, is a luxury that I don't take for granted. There are a few users on AA that found out the hard way that, handling large parrots for a zoo is different than dealing with the same species living in your house.