Cockatoo as a first bird... I know, I know.

[GabeCast]

I've always been intrigued by cockatoos. Ever since I way maybe, 7 years old when my mom's friend had an umbrella cockatoo named Hiawatha. I was told not to touch Hiawatha because he was an abused rescue who was very aggressive. But something about him made me want my own cockatoo, I couldn't explain it at the time. Fast forward 7 more years, and I'm still interested as ever on these beautiful birds. I've Never owned a bird (besides a couple doves when I was a toddler) and I think I might be ready to adopt one. I have heard they are messy, loud, and aggressive, but also they are some of the most cuddly, playful birds of them all. People will say get a cockatiel or conure at first, but others say to not get a "starter bird" that I don't REALLY love. So that's really what it comes down to... get a "starter bird" first, or go straight to a cockatoo. Also, if I do get a cockatoo it will be past sexual maturity, so I won't have to deal with all those hormones, except for seasonal of course.

 

[GabeCast]

I also forgot to mention that i'm home schooled, so i'll be with the bird all the time except maybe 1-2 hours a day.

 

[AvianCrew]

There is no starter bird. A cockatoo may be perfect for you. I recommend reading the good,bad, and ugly about smaller/larger 'toos.

 

[GabeCast]

I see you are in California, I'm moving to LA in 2 months, not sure if you live near there, but do you have any recommendations for places to get a bird/supplies?

 

[AvianCrew]

I live about an hour or two away, Omar's Exotic Birds, and Exotic Birds by Fran is good. Those are in Orange County though... Maybe try googling some up? The Lily Sanctuary is a great rescue, though also in Orange County, but requires bird experience for the larger birds, like 'toos.

 

[Pipsqueak]

How old are you and what is your budget ? Do your parents want a cockatoo ?

 

[AvianCrew]

Forgot to mention, you also have to be 25 to adopt, so ask your mother

 

[GabeCast]

Minor, but as I said i'm and antisocial introvert who is homeschooled, so i'll have time for it. budget is $1000. My mom thinks they are cute, and my dad really couldn't care less. I've told them about how loud they can be, and i'll clean up it's messes.

 

[GabeCast]

25 to adopt where? I'm not getting a rescue by the way.

 

[AvianCrew]

Meet Griffin, a Petfinder adoptable Cockatoo Parrot | Los Angeles, CA
Meet Alex, a Petfinder adoptable Cockatoo Parrot | Los Angeles, CA
Meet Freeway, a Petfinder adoptable Cockatoo Parrot | Pasadena, CA

 

[AvianCrew]

25 to adopt where? I'm not getting a rescue by the way.

At The Lily Sanctuary. I recommend getting a rescue. Unless, you want a bird from a breeder, which is completely your choice.

 

[GabeCast]

I understand why it is important to rescue, I just don't want it to be scared and hate people.

 

[GabeCast]

About how much money would it cost for a cage, and the bird.

 

[Clueless]

There are no starter birds.

I understand why it is important to rescue, I just don't want it to be scared and hate people.

That's a thread on here, I'll go find it. You may want to read it.

 

[Clueless]

Good reading
I didn't want a Rescue. | Avian Avenue Parrot Forum

 

[GabeCast]

That was a great story. But I just couldn't imagine doing that when I haven't even owned a bird... ever. Is it a bad idea to rescue in my circumstance? But I now see how rewarding it could be.

 

[AvianCrew]

That was a great story. But I just couldn't imagine doing that when I haven't even owned a bird... ever. Is it a bad idea to rescue in my circumstance? But I now see how rewarding it could be.

Let the bird choose you. It is not a bad idea to rescue.

 

[Animallover03]

@Hankmacaw may be able to help. Also @Cockatoo-Dust

There is no starter birds. And imo you should get a rescue. Why contribute to the already way too high number of birds in rescues?
And as a fellow minor, I am not going to recommend a 'too. What happens when you go on trips, or go to college? Also what happens when you can't afford vet or toy bills because you are a minor?
Also, one last thing. Cockatoos are loud. The one cockatoo at the Iowa Parrot rescue can outscream all of the 25 macaws, in pitch and decibels. All of your family members need to be on board otherwise you will probably end up giving the poor bird up to a rescue.
Just the harsh truth. However if you can do all of this, then I wish you luck.

 

[Begone]

Is it a bad idea to rescue in my circumstance?

No! In fact the most rescues are so happy to finally have a home with good food and a lot of love so they are just thankful.
At the moment we have three macaws that we could read about here on AA that have been rescued and none of them are aggressive or have bad behavior.

 

[AvianCrew]

About how much money would it cost for a cage, and the bird.

Amazon.com : Prevue Pet Products Silverado Macaw Dometop Cage 3155S Silverado 46-Inch by 36-Inch by 78-1/4-Inch : Macaw Bird Cage : Pet Supplies
http://tinyurl.com/m7qwq2c
Cockatoo prices | Cockatoo-info.com