Bringing home a new cockatoo is very nerve wracking for both you and your bird. The transition from one home to another is often very stressful for our feathered friends and we need to take extra precautions to assure they are safe not only one the ride home- but as they get adjusted to their new home as well.
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Have Habitat Set Up: Prior to bringing a cockatoo into your home, you need to have a proper cage set up. This cage should be of appropriate size, have perches and toys inside, have a full food and water dish, and be placed away from direct sunlight, windows, and drafty areas.
Research A Good Seller: Before buying a cockatoo, look for a reputable source. Unfortunately most pet stores do not have adequate enclosures or health standards for larger birds. Because of this we recommend that you look for a smaller family-owned pet store or you look directly for a breeder. We suggest a breeder. Do your research ahead of time and contact the breeder directly. Ask appropriate questions such as 'When will the chicks be ready to adopt?' and 'How long have you been in business and do you have references I may contact?'. These questions are appropriate and if a breeder chooses not to give you the information, it may be a sign that you should look for a different breeder. Do your research. Look online and contact multiple breeders in your area. By doing this you will help eliminate people who are improperly caring for their animals or doing so out of greed rather than love.
Bring Travel Cage: When you go to pick up your cockatoo, be sure to bring a travel cage. A travel care is a small cage for your cockatoo to stay in safely while you travel. By keeping it in a small cage you will prevent your cockatoo from getting startled and possibly hurting themselves by flying or falling off of their perch.
Pick Out Your Bird: Most pet stores will only have one or two cockatoos available for sale at once. Breeders, on the other hand, will have a collection of chicks ready to be adopted. Most breeders will happily let you select from the batch. Look for a bird that is attentive, awake, and looks healthy (no ruffed feathers, clear eyes, alert). Take your time in selecting your pet. Although each bird will develop more of a personality as they grow- they can still express themselves at a young age. Find one you feel would fit nicely into your home.
Keep In Safe Part of Car: When bringing your cockatoo home, keep it in a safe part of your car. What does this mean? First of all keep it away from heaters or air conditioners. Try to keep your car at a comfortable temperature (not too hot or cold), but do not let the air blow directly on your bird. Keep them away from sunlight, and if possible seat belt them onto a seat. If your cage does not have a seat belt holder, Put them in an enclosed place on the floor where the cage cannot tip over. On the way home try to keep your car as quiet and stress-free as possible. Light music is acceptable, but don't have the radio blasting. Drive slowly around curves and keep your cockatoo in mind as you're driving.
Put Travel Cage Next To Habitat: When you get home, bring your cockatoo inside and directly to their cage. To move your cockatoo from their travel cage to their habitat, open the door to your habitat and if you can- place the travel cage inside (if not hold it with the door facing the inside of the habitat). Then open the door to the travel cage and let your bird come out on their own. Do not force your bird to come out, rather let them take their time. Birds, by nature, are very shy. So be patient and let your little one wander out when they feel safe enough to do so.
Keep Habitat In Quiet Part of the Home: Keep your bird cage in a secluded area where there isn't a large amount of commotion or noise for the first two days your bird is in your home. A bedroom, corner of a living room, or office is a good place. This will help your bird adjust to their new setting without the added stress of odd noises, constant movement of people, and encounters with nerve-wracking things (like a television or someone knocking on the door). It's basically giving your bird a few days to relax and realize it's new home is okay to be comfortable in.
Move to More Active Part of the Home: After two days, you can now move your bird to a more active part of the home. It's gotten to know you and has experienced some one-on-one with you. It's nerves of the change of scenery have gone down. And it's feeling much more content. It's the perfect time to introduce it to an active fun part of the house. Bring the cage into it's permanent spot in a more lively part of the home. A living room, family room, or game room all work very well. They give your cockatoo the perfect place to be an active member of the family.
Start Working With Your Bird: Now that your bird is fully adjusted to life in your home, you can begin to work with your pet. It's the perfect time to cuddle, play, and train! Basically just love your little feathered child and get to know them like a good adoptive parent would.
