Common Problems
#1 Chronic Screaming/ Problem Screaming
Probably the number one reason cockatoos and people have problems is chronic screaming. This is a constant unrelenting screaming, not the typical 15 minute windup now and then. This is usually a sign, for one reason or another, that we aren't happy. Unfortunately, most owners don't seek help until they're at wits end and ready to get rid of us.
Possible reasons:
*A spoiled-rotten out all the time bird suddenly finds itself it it's cage more of the time and isn't pleased.
*Something in the bird's environment has it scared or upset. This is usually sudden and different in sound. May be accompanied by frantic thrashing about the cage.
*Someone in the bird's family is stressed, which can stress a bird who isn't sure what's up. This can be accompanied by biting.
*A person/ animal the bird sees as a rival is present. This is usually only when the person/animal is present
*A bird is somewhere out of sight of the family and is nervous.
*The bird is ignored and feels abandoned. This can be accompanied by biting.
*Illness
*Boredom/ lack of stimulation
For chronic screamers, especially if they have just started and/or you're not sure why it screams you should have your feathered friend checked by an AVIAN vet. If nothing can be found, a bird behavior specialist may need to be consulted. It may also take a bit of detective work on your part. Explore your bird's world. Is there something scaring it? Is it getting enough attention? Is it getting enough exercise to burn off excess energy? Does it have toys that it can play with to entertain itself? The worst thing you can do is shut the bird up in a back room somewhere to muffle the sound. Isolation will only make your 'too scream all the more.
#2 Biting
With our strong beaks, biting is a serious problem. It can send a person to the hospital for stitches. Biting generally stems from manipulation or lack of trust.
Biting is often a form of manipulation. Usually at some point the cockatoo learned that biting can get a desired result. The cockatoo is on it's perch, and someone comes to put it in it's cage. The cockatoo knows what's coming, and out of irritation bites at the person. The person then does not pick it up... Bingo! No going to the cage! After that, when someone tries to put it in it's cage, it bites. (Like I've said, we're not stupid. We'll happily run the roost if you let us!) Such gangsters through gentle behavior modification must be taught that there are better ways to get your message across, and that biting is not acceptable. Sometimes the cockatoo is too big for it's feathers and must be taught through body language and height manipulation on the owners part that 'they're' top bird. (Do note. This does not involve in any way physically punishing the cockatoo. That WILL give the 'too a good reason to bite!! This is all through training and changing the cockatoo's perception of it's rank. 100% all natural and cockatoo approved!)
Biting out of distrust or fear generally comes from a previously frightened or mistreated bird. So being, the poor 'too now bites out of fear. The only cure for this is to regain the cockatoo's trust with slow, gentle, understanding to rebuild the trust.
In both cases, consulting a bird behaviorist may be a good idea. No cockatoo should have to go through life as a biter. Not when cuddling gets you so much more...
#3 Feather Picking
No two words known to man or bird are as frustrating as these two words. It's cause can be physical, such as malnutrition or mites, or mental, following a traumatic experience. The bird could be lonely, over preening, or simply bored. Could be stress, such as one chews their finger nails. Even internal problems or pain can bring it on. And even once the initial problem, if it's deduced, is remedied, the bird could pick out of habit, plucking all but it's head bald in bad cases. Worse still, in extreme cases it can even lead to self mutilation! Ouch!
Your best bet, first have the cockatoo checked out by an AVIAN vet to rule out a physical problem. Go over your 'too's diet, make sure your feathered friend is eating properly. Supply your 'too with chewable, wreakable toys, and alternate them to keep things interesting to avoid boredom. Also, make sure your cockatoo likes them and is playing with them. What one cockatoo likes the next one may not. And I know, I know, buying all mylar and heavy plastic non-destructable toys to save money is tempting... But, HELLO!!! Half the fun's chewing them up!!! Some cases have been traced back to when people switched their cockatoos to only these toys. So don't even think about it!!! A few is fine, these toys can be intriguing and engaging, but nothing replaces ripping something to shreds.
In the end, not every bird's problem can be solved. Some always pluck their feathers once they start. (Some habits are just too hard to break). Just do your best, and if you must, love them the way they are, feathered or not.
#4 Phobias
Stemming from misdirected wild instincts, even a cockatoo in a loving home can become phobic. Never having been taught exactly what is and isn't a predator, one bad incident can cause a once loving 'too to fear for it's life from the family it loved. This is most common in young birds. The bird plops itself down from it's perch to the floor. The next thing it sees is it's human standing over it, coming right at it! AHH! The cockatoo runs, but it's human gives chase, and the human unknowing imprints themself as a predator.
A way to avoid this- never chase you cockatoo. Most will usually, once they recognize you, will turn and raise a foot for a pick me up. (I always throw in a cute "Hey Boofy!") Just remember, you're big and high. We cockatoos have a built-in instinct to fear for attacks from above.
Also, if your bird buddy has to have a painful or frightening procedure done, leave it to the vet. Don't even be in the room. I know you want to be there for support, but you don't want your 'too thinking you had any part in it! (We're very sensitive, and we may never forgive you!)
A cockatoo may develop a phobia if a family leaves a young bird for an extended period of time, such as going on vacation. It becomes highly insecure and thinks it has been abandoned. This can cause psychological problems and lead to feather plucking.