Adopting Your New Bundle of Feathered Joy
Once you're sure that an umbrella cockatoo is the perfect addition to your family, the next step is locating one. Even though I came from a pet store, I suggest you find a reputable breeder. They have often invested much more into the upbringing of their cockatoos, and you should be able to adopt a socially sound, well adjusted parrot. Where ever you do choose to purchase from, arrange to spend some time with their bird(s) to get to know each other before making any commitments. Look the prospective bird over carefully. Does it look active and healthy, eager to meet your acquaintance? Or does it sit quietly, it's feathers ruffled. Does it's eyes, nose, and feet look clean and healthy? Are it's feathers a complete coat, or does it have patches of missing or thin feathers. Is it's food, water, and cage acceptably clean? A respectable establishment will not sell a sick bird, so if anything appears to be wrong with the cockatoo, please don't support them by buying the bird. You may think you're helping the poor 'too, but they will only do it again in the future to another poor creature. The only way they will change their tune is if people will not purchase ill cared for animals.
Also, unless you have prior experience, never purchase an unweaned baby. Please read this story Taylor's Gone Too many things can go wrong, resulting in a premature end to what was supposed to be a lifelong friendship. Also, be leery of people wanting to sell a cockatoo cheap. It could mean something is wrong with the cockatoo. It could be an illegal import. It could even be someone's missing best friend!!
A reputable seller will have the cockatoo's best interest at heart, not the money. A good place to purchase from is one that asks you questions to make sure you know how to take good care of their baby once you take it home.
Also, find a reputable AVIAN vet in your area to take your bird to. A normal vet may not know enough about cockatoos, so make sure they're an avian vet. It may also be a good idea to locate a boarding facility and behavior consultant in case they are needed in the future.
Once you are ready to take your new bundle of feathered joy home, see that everything is ready for their homecoming. Cage, toys, and food should be readied ahead of time. The big day will be very exciting, and it can be easy to forget even something as important as food. Don't be surprised if the new arrival seems nervous at first, a bit shy, quiet, or even a bit down in the dumps. We're a very emotional sort. I know even I was a bit quiet for the first week.
Now I know you're going to want to smother your new cockatoo with affection and attention, but please, right from the beginning, give your cockatoo no more attention than it can expect years down the road. Avoid the honeymoon syndrome! The new bird's been getting all this great attention, but as life returns to normal, poof, the honeymoons over, leaving a very hurt and confused cockatoo who doesn't understand the sudden abandonment. For many, they get resentful and start screaming for attention or worse, biting out of anger and rejection. (Hey, how'd you like it when you were dumped by someone who said they loved you?)