02/07/2024
Do you have an Umbrella cockatoo? Do you want an Umbrella cockatoo? We have lovely, smart, and funny U2s. Here is what you probably have learned the hard way or haven't learned yet. They are very smart. They are the engineers of the bird world.
U2s are very affectionate when they are young. This is one of the main reasons why people get them. People want to cuddle and have a bird need them. But no person can hold a candle to a flock animal such as the U2s for wanting to be with you 24/7 for 80 +/- years. You do them a great disservice when handling them all the time, running to them when they call, coming home and getting them out on a schedule, leaving them out because they scream and you just don't have it in you to listen to it or make them unhappy. We get it. Many birds come into the rescue very similarly imprinted. This is probably why you have a bird room. More on the bird rooms later. As they get older, they will want to be with you, touching you. If you go to the bathroom and don't take them with you, you will get screaming or higher-pitched vocalizations. Your biggest job is to teach them how to play on their own. Even when they are older, work on teaching them how to play. This WILL create more work for cleaning up. However, your U2 will be much more "grounded". The next biggest job is to not have them on a schedule. Change things up, don't get them out immediately when you get home from work so they are field stripping you of your buttons and jewelry (I used to make this mistake myself). If your bird begins the call of his or her people, make the call back but continue changing your clothes, etc. Teach them a flock call you can live with or say "hello" 50 million times. This will lessen as they learn what to expect after waiting. They have nothing to do but learn you, your patterns, your voice, your schedule, etc. Ensure you are not feeding them high-energy foods. The responsibility is truly great and unfortunately underestimated by many. This is why cockatoos are such a common species in rescues. We currently have 18 U2 smart beauties. Adopt, don't buy, one only if you truly understand the commitment.