Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!asuvax!mcdphx!tester.UUCP!brookb
From: brookb@tester.UUCP (Brook Burson)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: INDOOR:  Cockatoo questions
Message-ID: <14457@mcdphx.phx.mcd.mot.com>
Date: 24 Jan 91 00:25:08 GMT
References: <21499@netcom.UUCP> <279B4037.6211@intercon.com>
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Reply-To: brookb@tester.UUCP (Brook Burson)
Organization: Motorola Microcomputer Division, Tempe, Az.
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I have a medium sulfer crested cockatoo, and though that some of you might
be able to enlighten me on your knowledge and experience.  His name is
Bonzo, and he's a 5 year old, hand raised male.  

1) Most of the time, Bonzo is a very sweet 
bird.  However, there are times when he gets mad due to too little attention.
(These are rare occasions when I'm working a lot or out of town)
There are also times when he is out for a while and gets very excited and
rambunctious.  At these times, he is likely to bite - and bite hard.  To
say that these bites hurt is inadequate.  Fingers, ears, and ankles can become
a bloody mess.  In the past, punishment was the answer.  I'd spray him hard
in the face with a water bottle.  He hates it.  I actually hit him once
(It didn't hurt him - just scared him.  It was after an extremely bad bite - 
I was too mad to stop myself) and he was 
much worse for a long time after that.  Anyway, I've learned that hitting
isn't good, and any punishment isn't good unless it occurs within a couple
of seconds of the time he does what you don't want him to do.  Obvious solutions
are to always give him all the attention he wants, and to learn when he
is getting rambunctious so that I can be cautious.  I try these, but there
are still times when I'm away for a while and when he gets in a wierd mood
that I don't detect.  Finally, the question:  is there anything that you
can do to keep the bird from biting?  What is the best method of punishment
if he does?  Any other comments?

2) I know Cockatoos aren't good talkers, but it seems like Bonzo could
learn a few more words.  All he ever says is 'hello'.  I've tried to
teach him 'pretty bird' for 3 years now.  No Luck.  Any ideas?

3) Cockatoos are also good screamers.  Do you know any way to get them to
scream less.  I don't want to cover his cage every time he decides to go
into a screaming frenzy.

4) Dust.  Bonzo is really dusty.  Do you know of any way to keep dust from 
getting on everything that's anywhere near the cage?


Thanks in advance!

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< Brook Burson (brookb@tester.phx.mcd.mot.com)                             >
< (602)224-9400                                                            >
<                                                                          >
<        "Listen and think of ALL of the possibilities before you judge."  >
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