Advice for someone looking to rescue a U2?

[Nissili]

To preface: I'd been doing lots of research, and found that U2s seemed to be a pretty good click with me. Lots of energy, lots to say and do and they wanna do it LOUD... exploratory, social, incredibly involved, essentially a perpetual 2 year old plus the damage capability and hormones of a 13 year old (which I can handle I believe) and the cuddly doesn't hurt either.
I convinced my mom to drive me out to a bird specific shop out in the city, and when I walked in, I noted one U2 sitting by the door in his cage, quiet, head kind of hung, and missing patches of feathers. He's 17 years old, and according to the employees I talked to, was given up and then rehomed again.. and given up almost immediately after. Potentially multiple times.

Every other bird there was chatty, energetic, all over the place "love me talk to me pay attention to me" (a scarlet macaw, a hyacinth macaw, several amazons, some weaning cockatiels, budgies, electus, etc) except for him. After peeking around at the food and toys they had for sale, I went back to visit the U2, who after a minute of coaxing, slowly walked over and put his neck to the bars so I could pet a bald patch that had lots of itchy dust. After a minute of that, I went to ask an employee if I could meet him outside the cage. They warned me he usually doesn't like new people, that he bit a hole through an employee's ear, and to be extremely careful. I agreed and said that if I got bit, it was my own fault, and they allowed me to hold him.

The poor baby was missing more feathers than I thought, his beak was dirty, his feet were dirty, he wasn't preening or grooming and wasn't playing either. But when i took him out, it only took a kiss and letting him feel my hand to end up with a bird half on my chest, head tucked in my neck, mumbling little half words and letting me groom him and shortly after, he began preening himself as well. I was coated in bird dust, but it was honestly more endearing than agitating. He let me hold his wings and gently open them out to look at them, he let me ruffle his head crest, he pretty much let me do anything. He almost went to attack my mom, but with minimal redirection completely ignored her and went back to murmuring and nuzzling his head on my shoulder. He even got super excited at one point, head crest (or what was left of it) flared, whipping his head around and then right back to clinging to me. Got all kinds of anxious when I went to shift my arm and he thought I was about to let go of him.

Mom took photos, but I don't have them yet. Might share a couple, if only for the sake of how adorable it looked, haha.

On to the actual question now that the context has been given: I want to make sure I know what I'm trying to get myself into.
I read through the avenue's posts on cockatoos, i've watched plenty of tantrum videos on youtube for an idea of what the noise is and the behavior, I've seen the bites they can cause and the damage they can do - what am I missing?
Lots of toys - LOTS and lots. Lots of interaction with the family for socialization, proper entertainment, mental stimulation, work on training and learning words, gonna get a harness so he could spend lots of time outside with me for the extra space and sights and sounds and be allowed to scream his little heart out, looking into others in my area with U2s that might be interested in setting up playdates for good avian socialization, that kind of thing. Planning on his life being a caged at night, and when I'm at work until my family's comfortable taking him out (I work part time so most of my shifts are only a few hours), and out the rest of the time - bringing him in to work on my time off so he can socialize and pick out toys (I work at a pet store so you're completely allowed to bring your pets in, and boy howdy would he come in a lot, better chances at finding another U2 owner, I know I've seen one come through), and a proper diet. I was thinking roudybush (it's sold at my work and I get a discount, and from what I've seen, it's very similar to harrison's and is a good brand), nutriberries, fruits and veggies, sharing bird safe home-made meals for good fresh food and bonding time, potentially as a treat some organic sugar-free low in zinc baby food with some powderized pellets mixed in, maybe even if I get the chance, some home grown treats, and lots of home made birdie treats so I know exactly what's going into it and how much.

One other thing I remember - a beak full of toys is a beak not screaming. Usually.

Sorry the post is long and a little disjointed, I'm a little all over the place today. I have a lot on my mind, a lot of planning I'm trying to work out, and a lot of budgeting to see how much I can get initially. I have a steady income that can support food/toys, it's just the initial cost of a cage and everything at once, plus the bird himself that I'm trying to sort out.

 

[Sylvi_]

I have no experience with cockatoo's but it sounds to me like he for sure has chosen you.

I'm sure some other members will offer tons of advice, I hope things work out and you can give this boy a forever home! I can't wait to see pics.

 

[JLcribber]

You did not say if or how much (large) bird experience you have? If you don't have any you are trying to jump in on a level that even very experienced bird owners would find to be a huge challenge. You really don't have any idea what you're getting into. There is no more of a challenging situation in the parrot world than what you are about to do.

As soon as you mentioned the word "mom" that told me you are a minor who is living in their parents home. You are not independent. You do not provide for yourself. You have no control over your own life. Therefore you will not have any control this bird. These are all red flags waving in front of me.

I tell this to all young people. Please take it to heart.

Your very well spoken for such young person. Your no doubt very intelligent but one thing you do not have and can not have at your age is life experience. You can't possibly know how bumpy and twisted that road is until you've travelled on it for quite a while and that's once "you" are driving and not just along for the ride.

You have many, many years ahead of you to fulfill all kinds of dreams. You are but a child that is thinking of getting another child. Imagine if you were to get pregnant now or get a girl pregnant now (sorry I don't know if you are a boy or girl?) and had to become a parent at your age. It would be overwhelming and something you will need to deal with for the rest of your life. On top of that the "child" you are thinking of getting is never going to grow past the age of 3 and is "never" going to move out. This child is going to need as much space, time and enrichment as you do. Not just a cage.

Live some of your life first and get those all important experiences under your belt. Become independent, stable and have a much more defined path before you make this life time commitment. You are going to want to meet and share your life with a special person also. This bird will be a factor in that even happening. There is no rush to do this because you are so young.

You just don't know what you don't know until you know. A lot of us old farts do know because we've been there, done that.

You sound like a very committed person but there is no rush.

 

[Nissili]

As soon as you mentioned the word "mom" that told me you are a minor who is living in their parents home. You are not independent. You do not provide for yourself. You have no control over your own life. Therefore you will not have any control this bird. These are all red flags waving in front of me.

I am actually not a minor.. I'm 19, and employed. I live with my parents so we can all make bills and I can be there to babysit my autistic brother who cannot be at home alone, and both my parents have jobs. This leaves neither of them there to watch my brother at many points, and as such I fill in for his safety. I had to ask her to drive me because I do not have a license yet, seeing as my job is within walking distance, and have not purchased a car, seeing as the family has 2 already. I am the sole provider for both of my current birds and take care of myself, as well as contribute to rent.

You did not say if or how much (large) bird experience you have?

I've visited large birds on many occasions to at least get a feel for their behavior and personality, as well as the damage they can do. I have running on 10 years of experience with my own bird, and while I recognize this does not equate to large bird experience seeing as she is a budgie, she is no less of a bird. Just a smaller, quieter, less potential for destruction one than a cockatoo. I also work with birds at my place of employment, and people bring in their birds and I get to meet them in what would be considered a moderately stressful environment and help ease them to being social and comfortable.

I understand I'm not a full fledged adult, but I am also not a young child, either. I understand it's going to be a challenge beyond words that I will only be able to comprehend if I get into it. And I want to face that challenge. I want to provide a good life for this bird where he will be loved, cared for, kept in good health - mental physical and emotional - and my family is prepared to be part of his flock. Even if I were to live on my own, he would not have a proper flock in that event, which would be a severely bad thing for his mental health. One person isn't enough for these birds' social needs.

I don't know everything. Hence why I wanted to ask for advice, to see what I might (and most likely am) missing. If I never ask and never try, I'll never know.
I understand your concern, and am glad you voiced it - but please, I want to learn what else I need to know. I frequently deal with children, and my autistic brother, who is essentially a 4 year old with a lot more muscle and threat when he chooses to throw a tantrum, and birds of various attitudes - and I know that isn't enough to say I could do this easily. I don't expect it to be easy - I know it's going to be difficult beyond what I can describe. And that's okay with me.

 

[JLcribber]

Well you've said all the right things. I'm always willing to help and if I didn't scare you, that is a good thing. I applaud you for wanting to do this. Remember that "this" time it is going to be a lifetime contract. That bird will live as long as you do so you're in for life. This bird does not need anymore quitters.

You can "visit" a bird as many times as you want. The environment it is in now will determine most of its behaviour. Visiting one and living with one these birds 24/7/365 is a whole new ball game. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

I can tell you this about a fully mature adult male cockatoo that has been rehomed many times (for legitimate reasons). It is a formidable creature the likes you have never been responsible for. It will be relatively well behaved at first. Over time the more this bird heals and becomes the bird it truly is, the more demanding it's going to become. It is going to try and manipulate its world to its liking and become a force to be reckoned with. I wish you luck.

(I have underwear older than you my child )

 

[iamwhoiam]

Thank you for being interested in helping the 'too out and taking him into your home. I hope that things work out because it would be great if you could provide the U2 with a forever home. Since you are living at home, even though you are 19, it is important to make sure your family is on board with this and that they will support your decision and even help you with the 'too when necessary.

 

[Nissili]

Well you've said all the right things. I'm always willing to help and if I didn't scare you, that is a good thing. I applaud you for wanting to do this. Remember that "this" time it is going to be a lifetime contract. That bird will live as long as you do so you're in for life. This bird does not need anymore quitters.

Haha, I wasn't exactly scared, just a little anxious because I didn't want to seem argumentative in a rude way in my response. (autism makes it difficult to see when I am and am not being "socially appropriate" and whether or not I'm coming across the way I mean to, and seeing that I could tell you were serious and with good reason, I wanted to be careful)
If I could puff out my chest enthusiastically via text, I would, accompanied by the statement that I ain't about to be a quitter. If there's one thing I'm good at, it's being too stubborn for my own good and refusing to give up, no matter the headaches, scars, destruction, or tantrums. If anything, most discouragement makes me want to try harder, haha.

I can tell you this about a fully mature adult male cockatoo that has been rehomed many times (for legitimate reasons). It is a formidable creature the likes you have never been responsible for. It will be relatively well behaved at first. Over time the more this bird heals and becomes the bird it truly is, the more demanding it's going to become. It is going to try and manipulate its world to its liking and become a force to be reckoned with. I wish you luck.

Hehe, sounds a lot like my brother. "I want it my way and there's going to be a lot of screaming and throwing things and potentially some bloodshed if it doesn't go my way no matter how carefully you handle it - but if you're careful it might end a little sooner." I have hope that Isaac might even grow to like the bird - he's just nervous around my nippy little ones, but he does really like them and takes an interest in giving them attention and talking with them, so I am optimistic that he will be just as willing as my parents are to be part of the bird's family. Here's hoping the little 'too realizes my mom is just as friendly as I am - considering he was a little protective of me and tried to get at her. (not as bad as the hyacinth that ran at her and scared her half to death though with the loud clang of beak on bars right next to her head - she liked the cockatoo as much as I did and he might just need to warm up to her a little.)

Thank you for being interested in helping the 'too out and taking him into your home. I hope that things work out because it would be great if you could provide the U2 with a forever home. Since you are living at home, even though you are 19, it is important to make sure your family is on board with this and that they will support your decision and even help you with the 'too when necessary.

Of course, of course. My family is 100% aware of the situation, my dad seems alright with it, mom was fond of him, and with some coaxing, I bet I can get my brother to ease up and want to be his buddy as well. I also plan to socialize him with the neighbors for a more extended friend group, and my co-workers whenever I bring him in to pick out some toys.

 

[rocky'smom]

ok, I have one question; you have a autistic brother, is he effected by loud noises? Cockatoos are not quiet by a long shot. My friend, avian angel "G" has cockatoos and you can be blocks away from her house and hear her 4 toos, mostly Missy. she is ultra loud and mimics things like burglar alarms, car alarms, alarm clocks etc etc at full blast. she can blow you out of the room in a New York heartbeat with the noise.

 

[zoo mom]

That is my biggest concern also. Some autistic people are bothered by noise and others are not.

 

[Nissili]

ok, I have one question; you have a autistic brother, is he effected by loud noises? Cockatoos are not quiet by a long shot. My friend, avian angel "G" has cockatoos and you can be blocks away from her house and hear her 4 toos, mostly Missy. she is ultra loud and mimics things like burglar alarms, car alarms, alarm clocks etc etc at full blast. she can blow you out of the room in a New York heartbeat with the noise.

That is my biggest concern also. Some autistic people are bothered by noise and others are not.

It depends on the noise. He's alright with the bird noises, it's dog noise he can't do. Heck, he plays such loud noises on his computer it surprises me his speakers haven't blown out yet. Him and I do well with specific loud noises. He does not have any issue with bird ones thankfully And he seems eager to teach the 'too to say "I love you" (he wishes the cats could mimic voices and say it, and when I told him that this bird has shown interest in mimicking speech and could learn it, boy was he excited)

 

[JLcribber]

Something you need to be aware of right away. A new "better" environment. A better diet. New people (potential mates). All these things are going to cause this bird to have urges and instincts (hormones) that have been repressed or never experienced at all.

He's going to choose someone as a favourite fairly quickly. This is going to be to the detriment of everyone else.

Please read this and be prepared.

Site Name - Articles - Behavioral - Sex And The Psittacine

 

[Tiel Feathers]

I hope this works out for you and the bird. He sounds like he needs a good stable home and a lot of love. I like that he seemed to pick you, and that you have a connection right off the bat. Just make sure you are ready for all of the the challenges a Too can bring. Also consider if you will still be able to care for him many, many years from now. Also, make sure you have thought about what will happen if the bird picks you (or one of your family members) as his special person and bites other family members and won't spend time with them. Sometimes this can greatly complicate things.

 

[janicedyh]

The noise level is a concern for most people with autism. Large birds can be really vocal..louder than a dog or video game could ever be. Maybe you could try playing some videos of U2s on youtube (I know that sounds funny) and make sure you bump up the sound, see how your brother reacts to it. I'm also aware that just because someone with autism doesn't "mind" loud noises, when they are in the throws of a "melt down" loud noises can be horrific for them. I know that autism is never the same with any two people...as they say, "if you have met someone with autism, you have only met one person with autism". You live with your brother so you know where he is on the spectrum and how he reacts. After saying all of this, the poor birdie certainly deserves a home and to be loved and cared for. If you are ready for that commitment to him....its much better than being on display in a store and not having anything but the most basic care. Oh, you had mentioned you would be taking him to work with you and you walk? Thats another issue to think about. I wish you well, I can tell you have an amazing heart.

 

[Lodah]

I wish you well, I can tell you have an amazing heart.

 

[Nissili]

Okay, so I'm on mobile and can't figure out how to highlight and quote for the life of me - and autocorrect runs rampant, so my apologies.

I will read the article tomorrow morning - I have an appointment to get to and then work right after and won't be home with time to read until almost ten tonight, or I'd do it today. Thank you for the resource, john I appreciate it. I've dealt with hen hormones and cuddly male conjure hormones firsthand, and I know that isn't a male cockatoo by a long shot.

My brother and I both have autism, and I did a bit of studying on the spectrum - so I'm pretty familiar with it, haha. Isaac can handle a full stereo setup that shakes the walls, even in a meltdown. Plus, he figured out he can go somewhere else to dull the noise a little, and makes good use of earplugs and earmuffs. I've been prepping him as well for the noise and behaviour.

To clarify: I wouldn't subject a bird to an hour of walking with no escape, goodness no. I meant I'd bring him to work on my time off,getting a ride from mom or dad since by car its minutes away. I would take him out harnessed for shorter walks in good weather with my backpack stuffed with supplies (water in a bottle, a dish for it, good snacks, emergency styptic powder, a couple favorite toys, that sort of thing). Where I live, sudden pouring rain or hail is not unheard of, so I would never be more than a couple minutes from home, prepped to have something to keep him sheltered from the weather.

Tomorrow is when mom and I share our final thoughts. I know mine, for sure. I want to give this sweetheart a forever home and commit to a companion for life.

Here's hoping Friday's paycheck is a good one to top off my savings and get a little extra off the bat extra extra toys are better than just extra toys.

 

[janicedyh]

Sounds good to me. Just because you have autism in no way means you are not able. As I said "you know one person who has autism only means you know one person with autism". I know extremely intelligent people who have Phds that fall into the spectrum and others who are so distraught by sounds outside of their home they never go out. Keep us updated after you have your "final thoughts" with your mom.

 

[Bokkapooh]

Sounds like you may make a pretty decent cockatoo person if you are up for the challenge. But what about your mom? I take it you still live at home? That may be the biggest issue if your parents/siblings are not up for the challenge. And it'll be a commitment too. Not just a "well I gave it my best shot" challenge. When you live at home, it an entire family commitment. You may be up for it but everyone else?

 

[Jenphilly]

I have a bare eye too, she has a houseful of toys... she lives in a double cage, one side is literally filled with toys, multiple toy buckets, there are 3 table top type playstands with toys and 2 very large java trees. Ivory is full flighted and can go and play anywhere she likes... Don't believe for a second that just because you give them toys that they won't scream. As much as I love Ivory and she is incredibly social, wonderful, beautiful, very friendly, cute as all get out, cuddly - literally all the positives you could hope for in a cockatoo, but even with the very spoiled lifestyle of birds in my home, she still will fly from one end of the house to the other at times for absolutely no reason that is apparent to humans screaming her flock calls (who knows maybe I'm supposed to follow behind flying and calling back). But, I in all honestly, can say if I could turn back the clock and know then what I know today, there is at absolute best a 50/50 chance I'd still bring her home.

I am also the Adoption Coordinator for a parrot shelter, no bird is rehomed more then a the cockatoo... and there is a reason for that. You can do everything 'right', give them everything that you believe they could possibly want or need, and it can still go terribly wrong. U2s can be very one person bonded and it sounds like this bird may have chosen you as their person. If that is true and does follow suit of what many U2s will do, it means that you may be the only person who can safely handle the bird, especially during hormone season. A hormonal cockatoo is quite dangerous, they have a 3 part mandible which means devastating injury and damage. We just had a long time shelter friend who adopted a U2 from us and had Bear for years, but one day for no reason anyone can really pinpoint, he bite her on the face and she needed plastic surgery... John (one of the shelter owners) just had 2 stitches Saturday at the walk in critical care clinic because a U2 decided to take a chunk out of his finger.

Umbrellas CAN be very cuddly, but with that cuddly behavior comes overbonding and their belief that you are their mate, which may eventually lead to frustration and anger in the bird.

I can get blasted for this, but with my experience in the rescue world, umbrellas and moluccans should never have been introduced to the pet industry, they are birds that are near impossible to keep happy and well adjusted living in a home. And out of all the birds I'll foster and work with to deal with behavior issues, there are two birds that I absolutely will not have in my home - a U2 or M2.... and we have an awesome U2 at the shelter that is a bird that we take to shows and is one of our most popular educational birds. But, she is exceptionally hormonal all the time. She has to have time outs from being handled because she easily gets too excited and thankfully she does not get aggressive, but she starts masturbating on anyone and everything.

I'm not saying don't get a cockatoo... just know you are taking on one of the biggest challenges in the bird world...

I do wish you the best of luck!! And if you do bring home this baby, an excellent resource is Lara Joseph, you can find her online with group seminars and she will do one on one consultations also. She is a wonderful caring person!

 

[janicedyh]

Jenphilly, I don't disagree with you at all. However, it seems this poor baby is un-cared for and already rehomed several times. Taking in a large bird like a U2 is a daunting task I'm sure and I can only advise she read read and read some more about their care.

 

[Bokkapooh]

Sounds like she has read a lot and its good to read as much as possible. But the family needs to be included in this thought process as she lives at home. They should read the same materials.