How To Train An Aggressive Cockatoo

Many people are afraid of an aggressive cockatoo. The fact their bites can cause serious damage deter many people from attempting to work with an upset bird. But aggressive cockatoos are full of untapped potential. They have the ability to love, but have never had the chance to truly show off their skills of affection. Many factors can cause an aggression in a cockatoo. Verbal or physical abuse (even something not directly injuring the bird- like shaking the cage or yelling at them) can cause them to become aggressive. This is a natural reaction for any animal. They see humans as a threat that makes them scared. So naturally they try to protect themselves by coming off as 'mean'. Other reasons for aggression include boredom (a lack of emotional, physical, or mental stimulation), loneliness (not enough contact with another cockatoo or human), or a lack of human interaction (they fear humans because they have not dealt with them before). But with a lot of patience, and a lot of love even the angriest cockatoo can become the most affectionate companion.

Photo credit to the California Parrot Rescue.

Click their name to learn more about this great rescue!

Be patient: When attempting to hand tame an aggressive cockatoo, you need to realize that time truly does heal all wounds. And patience is key in turning their behavior around. Let your bird find love at it's own pace. Do not get frustrated or give up. All your cockatoo really needs is lots of love, positive attention, and time to realize you are the place it's all coming from.

Stay calm: When approaching an upset cockatoo, it's natural to be jumpy. When they hiss or attempt to bite, our instinct is to flinch away. But those sudden movements only make your bird more nervous. So before even approaching your bird, take a minute and calm down. Breathe deep, close your eyes a little, relax your shoulders. When you approach the bird calmly, they will subconsciously become calmer as well. Although they will still be anxious, your calm demeanor will be contagious. So really work to calm yourself before approaching an aggressive cockatoo.

Talk softly: In the past many aggressive and 'noisy' birds were most likely yelled at. A common remark made to loud and angry birds is "Shut up" and many owners mistake yelling at a bird for scolding them- when in all reality it merely makes them want to sqwuak louder. Separate yourself from their negative past human interaction by keeping a very soft voice. Make clicking sounds, whisper, talk lightly, or raise the tone of your voice slightly are all good ways of positively verbally interacting with your bird.

Move slowly: Once again, past owners probably made the mistake of making quick, sudden, and sometimes aggressive movements towards their cockatoo. This would obviously make any cockatoo very frightened of sudden jerks or body movements. So it's important to be aware of the movement you make around an aggressive cockatoo. Always move very slowly. Even a sneeze or a quick scratch of an itch could scare your bird. So be conscious of your every movement and always attempt to move very slowly. This will give your bird time to react to you without feeling the need to protect themselves.

Sit next to the cage: Take a few hours each day to simply sit next to the cage. Talk to your bird in a calm voice. Let them get used to your smell, your voice, and your natural movements. The more aware they are of you and your habits, the less likely they are to be startled or scared by you. After a while try to press your hand against the cage bars. Allow them to come over and sniff, lightly bite, and check out your hand. It will get them accustomed to being close to and interacting with you. But they'll feel safe on the inside of the cage bars.

Set your hand near the door with a treat: Once your bird doesn't seem so standoffish as you sit beside them, open the cage door just a little and set your hand inside with a treat in it. Leave it there. Be still and talk quietly. Your bird may not come to you the first time- that's fine. Just be patient. Continue to do this day after day, so your bird begins to learn that your hand will always have a reward associated with it (a snack).

Let the bird approach you: As your bird gets more accustomed to the presence of your hand in their cage, they may try to approach it. Be still and make no sudden movements. As the bird takes the treat, release it from your hand, and let it walk away. Slowly remove your hand from the cage and grab another treat- and repeat the process again.

Make no sudden movements: Stay very still as your bird begins to take treats from you. Continue to let your bird to take the treats. As your bird gets used to this, approach your bird with the treat (again making no sharp or fast movements). If they run away, retreat and try again later. But if they accept, let them take the treat and then move your hand away. Continue this process until your bird is familiar with your hand coming close. Once you do that, as your bird gets used to you coming close you can begin to try and pet them while they eat. Earning their trust will take a lot of time and patience, but is worth it in the end.

Reward positive interactions with praise and snacks: If your bird allows you to approach them, pet them or comes to you willingly- reward them. Give them a treat for positive interactions and ignore then when they act inappropriately. If they bite or hiss then simply leave them alone. Do not try to bribe them with a snack- that will just show them their bad behavior is rewarded. Only reward good behavior.

Work to train a new trick every week: As your bird's aggression begins to subside, start working on training your bird new tricks. There are a variety of tricks you can work to train your bird. By keeping their mind challenged and entertained you give them a good outlet for their energy- which will prevent anger and aggression.

Deter improper behavior by verbal-training the bird: As your bird begins to learn the meaning of different commands, begin to work on training them "No". When they act inappropriately tell them 'No'. Give them a few seconds to see if they repeat the behavior. If they stop- reward them with a treat. If they continue, ignore them and leave them alone. By teaching your bird the meaning of 'No' you can create an easy way for both you and your bird to understand what is inappropriate and when that act needs to end (aka- as soon as you tell them 'No').

How To Tame A Timid Cockatoo

Each cockatoo has its own personality. Some are outgoing, while others are very shy. Many times shy cockatoos have developed their timid behavior because of negative contact with humans. They are afraid, saddened, and nervous about people. Usually these cockatoos came from pet stores or unfit homes where they were mistreated, teased, or even physically and verbally abused. It's important to remember when working with a shy cockatoo that their past experiences with humans may not have been positive. Be very patient, as time can truly heal all wounds. Getting frustrated and giving up easily is not going to help your bird or you. Go into the training with a calm and 'take all the time you need' attitude. With that kind of mindset, you'll have a happy loving affectionate cockatoo sooner than you expected.

Photo credit to the California Parrot Rescue.

Click their name to learn more about this great rescue!

Stay Calm: When approaching a shy cockatoo stay very calm. Cockatoos can pick up on anxiousness, and your nervousness will make the cockatoo negatively excited as well. So prior to approaching your feathered child, take a deep breath, relax your muscles, and calm yourself.

Talk Softly: Many shy cockatoos react very timidly to peoples voices. If they came from a busy pet store, loud voices may intimidate them. Prior owners may have yelled at them or raised their voice at the bird. To separate yourself from other 'not-so-nice' people, lower your voice to slightly above a whisper. This calm, soft tone will help soothe the bird and make them more open to contact with you.

Move Slowly: We cannot stress enough how important it is to move slowly when approaching a timid cockatoo. Make no sudden movements. Even something as insignificant as a sneeze can startle a bird. Be aware of everything you do. The cockatoo may have been hit, had it's cage shaken, or had things thrown at it in the past. So sudden movements could cause them understandable terror. That's why it's very important to walk slow, raise your hands nonchalantly, and be cautious of your movements.

Rest hand on cage bars: When beginning to work with a timid cockatoo, start by simply sitting beside the cage. Do not attempt to reach your hand into the cage, and certainly do not stick your hand right up to the bird. Instead, give your cockatoo time to get to know you. Let them get accustomed to your company, your scent, and your voice. Rest your hand on the cage bars next to a perch and let them approach you. Stay still and do not move your hand towards them. After a few minutes withdraw your hand and just sit for a while. Then place your hand against the bars again and let them visit again- if they want to. The cage bars will offer a sense of security, because the cockatoo will realize that you cannot reach them.

Feed snacks through cage bars: After your cockatoo begins to show contentment with your company you can begin to feed snacks from your hand. You will know your bird is ready for this step by many key signals. If your cockatoo prunes itself (cleans its feathers with its beak), sleeps, makes happy sounds (cheerful sqwuaking, singing, kissing noises), or plays with its toys while you are beside the cage- it shows that it's comfortable with you. Also, if your cockatoo willingly approaches your hand when you place it on the bars, then it shows it trusts you. Now you can offer snacks through the cage bars. Millet and small fruit bits work well for fitting between cage bars. Let your bird come to you. Hold very still and release the treat as they take it from your hand.

Rest hand in cage: As your cockatoo begins to willingly approach you for treats, you can move onto the next step. Now this step is a very big one, and must be done so with caution. You can now, at this point, begin to rest your hand in your cockatoo's cage. Keep in mind that the cage is your bird's territory- not yours. You need to work around your bird and ensure they are not uncomfortable. We recommend, if possible, using a small door (like an opening used for food dishes. Take your hand, and very slowly move it into the cage. Your cockatoo may run away or hiss. When they hiss, stop moving your hand and stay still until they subside. Once your hand is fully inside the cage, rest it on the side. To begin your cockatoo will most likely not approach you. That is okay. Just be patient, keep your hand still, and let them get used to the idea of being near your hand. When they come to it, do not move it. Let them inspect it. If they try to bite, slowly move your hand away. All other times, let them poke, prod, and get used to your hand.

Rest hand on perch: Once your bird begins to show signs of comfort with your hand in the cage (pruning, happy sqwuaking, etc) you may move your hand a bit further into the cage. This should happen, at minimum, a week after you first placed your hand in the cage. It may take longer with some birds, and that is perfectly fine. Now, when you enter your hand into the cage, you can slowly move it to a perch. Do not place it on a perch near your bird. Rather, place it as far away from your bird as possible- so they still have space to get away if they feel the need to do so. Leave your hand gripping the perch and let your bird approach and go away as they please. Your goal is not to touch the bird, but rather to let them know your hand is not a threat. Keep your hand still and let your cockatoo get used to the close proximity.

Handfeed a snack: When your bird begins to approach your hand without hesitation while in the cage, you can start luring them over with a snack. At this point your bird should not be running away any time you enter your hand into the cage. Instead they should simply be patiently waiting for your hand to take a seat on a perch. Now you can hold a snack in your hand. Millet is always a huge hit. Once again, pick a perch that is distanced from your cockatoo. Hold the snack upright into the air and let them approach you. As they eat the millet you can hold onto the stem. If you are feeding a small piece of fruit or vegetable you can let go as they grip it to take it away.

Bring the snack to your bird: Soon your bird will begin to come to your hand each time you enter the cage, simply to see if there is a snack. They may even show excitement and pace back and forth in anticipation for you to come over. At this point, you can begin to approach your cockatoo instead of waiting for them to come to you. When you bring a snack into the cage, slowly move your hand towards your bird. If they run away, leave your hand in place for them to approach you. But if they approach you cautiously, extend your hand and offer them a treat. After a while, they will no longer fear your hand approaching, but rather come to you as you come to them.

Pet your bird: The last step to hand taming your cockatoo is to actually have physical interaction with your bird. This step often takes the longest, but is well worth the patience. When your bird comes to take the snack, give them the snack and then slowly move your hand to their head, back, or chest and pet them very softly for 5 to 10 seconds. At first your bird will most likely run away. This is okay. Let them run, keep your hand still, and then bring another treat and try again. Move your hand slowly, and when your bird runs or hisses, stop movement entirely. Let your bird calm down, get another treat, and then slowly attempt to pet your bird again. At first, only pet your cockatoo for short periods of time. As they get more comfortable you can pet them for more extended periods of time. And over a few weeks, your cockatoo will get more and more accustomed to contact with you. Keep showing them love and affection, and over time they will begin to return the favor.

How To Deter Your Cockatoo From Squawking / Screaming

Cockatoos squawk- it's a well known fact. They squawk for fun, they squawk out of boredom, they squawk because they love the sound of their loud little voices. A certain amount of squawking is tolerable. A good bird owner will come to love, appreciate, and perhaps even promote squawking. But even the most patient of people have their days where they just wish for a bit less loud vocalizations. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help your bird tone down it's voice for a bit. Here are a few different ways to deter your bird from screaming its little heart out.

Picture Credit Given To UK Cockatoo Sanctuary & Rescue

Inspire other vocalizations: Work with your cockatoo regularly to inspire other kinds of vocalizations. Whistling, making clicking sounds, making other animal sounds (meow, bark, ect), and talking can all inspire your bird to mimic back. So when your bird's squawking begins to get out of hand, try making other sounds and inspiring your bird to copy them. Most likely- if they're feeling extra vocal- they'll happily tune along with you.

Offer a variety of toys: A common reason cockatoo's squawk is because they are bored. By offering a variety of toys and changing toys in and out of their cage regularly, you give your bird new and exciting things to play with. Give your bird lots of things to distract them from squawking. Although this won't always shush them, it will give them lots of fun stuff to do while they are quietly sitting around.

Promote foraging: Toys that you can hide snacks within are sure to keep your bird quiet and entertained for hours on end. Try shoving some millet into a wiffle-ball or creating a kabob of apple slices and dried fruit and then hang it from the cage. Intertwine some vegetables or leaves through the cage bars. There are a variety of ways to inspire your bird to forage for food. And foraging is a great way to keep your little feathered child quiet.

Have free flying time daily: Cockatoos need to stretch their wings, so make sure your little bird gets a chance to do so every single day. Free flying time alleviates stress, promotes good health, and helps your bird get the mental and physical stimulation they need in order to be happy. And the happier your cockatoo is, the quieter they will be. So let them stretch those wings! It will pay off with some much appreciated hushed time later.

Interact affectionately with your bird: Birds pick up on their family member's emotions. If you are upset, stressed, or angry your bird will also become stressed, upset, or angry. Cockatoos deal with negative emotions by letting of steam- and one way they let off steam is to scream (they also love to bang their toys around- that always helps too). But to avoid a hissy fit, simply always make sure to treat your cockatoo with respect. Interact affectionately with them, and even when you have a bad day- make sure they know they're loved.

Get them a feathered friend: Sometimes cockatoos get lonely. Loneliness would cause anyone to become vocal. If you feel you aren't offering your bird enough stimulation, it may be time to get your bird a friend. By getting your cockatoo a companion you give them someone to love, interact with, and receive emotional and mental stimulation from. All of these things will significantly decrease your bird's screaming. But, it will double the squawking when it does occur- because of course, it will be coming from two lovely voices rather than one.

How To Teach Your Cockatoo To Whistle

Whistling is one of the easiest vocal commands to teach a bird. Almost all species of birds from small birds like budgies and cockatiels to larger birds like parrots and macaws can learn to whistle. This vocalization comes naturally to birds and most adult birds can learn to whistle in a month or two (some will learn to whistle in as little as a week or even a day!).

Photo credit to the A Wing and A Prayer Bird Rescue.

Click their name to learn more about this great rescue!

To start do use a short whistle (like a woot woot): Cockatoos are capable of learning long whistling tunes, but to start it’s ideal to use a very short whistle. This allows your bird to grasp the concept of copying your whistle in an easy manner. Choose a very short whistle (woot woot – used to catcall women is a perfect example).

Repeat the whistle throughout the day: Once you have chosen the short whistle you’d like to teach your cockatoo, begin using that whistle frequently throughout the day. Try to use the whistle at least 5 to 6 times a day in the presence of your bird. Or whistle each time you pass their cage or play stand. The more frequently your cockatoo hears the whistle, the more likely they are to try and whistle themselves.

Whistle during times when they are squawking: A great way to inspire any bird to try and whistle is to whistle while they are squawking. Birds love being vocal- and if your cockatoo is in a loud mood (aka they are squawking) they are more likely to try and make a different noise as well. Each time your bird begins to squawk, whistle to them. Most likely they will stop to listen to the whistle, and at some point they will begin to try and mimic the whistle themselves. Do this as consistently as possible. Not only will it teach your cockatoo to whistle, it will also discourage them from squawking by teaching them to whistle instead.

Reward them for attempts at trying: Each time you hear your cockatoo attempt to mimic your whistle, reward them. Give them a small treat or special attention. This shows them that the whistle is a positive activity and they will receive rewards for doing it.

When they try to copy, repeat the whistle very deliberately: Each time your cockatoo tries to copy your whistle, whistle again- as clearly as possible. This will allow your cockatoo to clearly hear the whistle and then try to mimic the sound accurately.

When they finally whistle the tune, whistle it back: When your bird does begin to whistle the tune you are trying to teach them, always whistle it back to them. This shows your bird that whistling is a way that they can communicate with you, and allows them to practice and perfect their whistling tune.

Move onto longer whistling tunes: As your cockatoo masters their first whistle you can begin to teach them other whistles. Most domestic birds are capable of learning multiple different tunes- and some can even learn entire whistling songs. Simply follow the same steps above to teach your bird a new whistle and you will have a very vocally diverse bird in no time!

How To Train Your Cockatoo To Talk

Everyone wants a cockatoo who talks! Many people originally purchase large birds (parrots, cockatoos, and macaws) simply because they are so vocal. It’s important to realize that not every large bird will develop the ability to talk. And teaching a bird to talk does take patience and often times months (if not years) of training. Although not all large birds may learn to talk, they can still mimic many other sounds- such as whistles, animal noises, and certain tones of your voice. But- you’ve come to this page in the hopes of teaching your feathered child a word or two! So how exactly can you teach your cockatoo to talk?

Photo credit to the A Wing and A Prayer Bird Rescue.

Click their name to learn more about this great rescue!

Pick a short word to begin:  The very first word you attempt to teach your cockatoo should be short. Do not pick a phrase- stick to a single word. Try to keep the word under two syllables. Some good beginner training words are “Hi” “Hello” or “Bye Bye”. Choose only one specific word that you would like to teach your bird and focus on that particular word.

Repeat the word to your bird every day: Once you have chosen the word you’d like to teach your bird, begin by saying that word to your bird every day. Every time you greet your bird you could say “Hello” – or every time you leave the room you could say “Bye Bye”. Make sure to do this consistently and frequently- allowing your bird to hear the word as often as possible.

Show them the meaning when you say it: Cockatoos are intelligent creatures and can understand the meaning of certain words. If you say “Hello” each time you see your bird, they will associate that verbal phrase as a greeting. To the contrary if you say “Bye Bye” each time you leave the room, they’ll, overtime, realize that that word means you are going away.

Reward attempts at copying: Most birds develop speech in the same way a human baby does. They may not get the entire word correct the first time. But, if you begin to hear your bird attempt to mimic the word- reward them. Praise them by giving them a treat or attention.

When they copy, repeat the word very deliberately: When your bird does begin to mimic the phrase (or attempt to mimic the phrase), repeat the word very clearly. Enunciate all of the sounds so your bird can clearly hear the word and try to repeat it. This will allow them to ‘practice’ their vocals with you.

When they say the word, copy them: When your bird does fully say the word, always copy them. If you hear them saying “Hello”, always respond with “Hello”. This will reward your bird for learning the new word by showing them that they can communicate with you with it. Each time they say the word, you, their flock mate, will return the same sound. This is a great way to discourage squawking as it gives your bird an alternative form of communication.

Move on to short phrases: Once your bird has mastered their first word, you can begin to teach them other short phrases. Common “easy-to-train” phrases include: “Pretty Bird” “Yes” “No” “Treat Please” and “Thank You”.