My wife has a cockatoo that is very bonded to her and hates me She is going away for 5 months any advise?

Question

My wife has a cockatoo that is very bonded to her and hates me She is going away for 5 months any advise?

Answer 1

I would say that if you have some time before she leaves then you should start doing all of the basics of caring for the cockatoo before she leaves.  Cockatoos are VERY dominant the most important thing is NEVER act afraid of them. They are going to to test you at every turn. At some point did you act afraid or unsure of it?  If so it will continue to act aggressively until it learns that you are the boss.  I had an umbrella that when we got it the lady said that he hated men but once he met my husband he had no trouble. A lot has to do with the way you interact with them.  Hope this helps!

Answer 2

give it to your neighbors for a bit then take it back when your wife gets home

Answer 3

If you have time try to spend time with her and the bird, depending on its age try to hand feed it. Even if it is weaned bonding can take place when a bird is hand fed. If it is way to old for that try having your wife give the bird to you and then you give the bird a treat. Positive reinforcement is best when handling birds. Otherwise, if all else fails try to keep the birds schedule consistant with feedings and give it treats while she is gone. Make a tape of her talking to the bird and play it during the day so the bird will have less stress from the seperation. If your wife has a female friend that the bird is okay with, you may want to consider having it stay with her as a backup plan. Birds can start to show stress really fast and begin very bad behavior, self injury etc. So it is best to have many options available in case that happens. Your vet can prescribe a sedative that can be used to help to calm your bird if any of the bad behaviors start up. Good Luck!! Your wife is lucky to have a husband that care so deeply for her bird.

Answer 4

ok- cockatoos are known as "velcro"birds.  The will usually take attention from anyone that will give it.  He only "hates" you when your wife is around because you are compitition for her attention.  

Once your wife isn't around the bird will probably come around and decide you are better than no attention at all.  

Just try not to show any fear - they pick up on   it instantly.

Watch for any signs of trouble such as not eating,plucking or screaming and deal with those right away.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Make a tape of your wife talking and or signing while she is working around the house that way when she is gone you can play the tape back for the bird.

Answer 6

let your wife figure out what to do ,its her bird, shes responsible for its well being,i know your trying to help, but shes the one in tune with this bird ,its her call really, if she just leaves it there with you,you can try getting a female come over to feed and water the bird, if it has a preference for females,sopmeone with the same look ,haircolor, length as your wife would be best...maybe a friend or relative who already knows the bird....good luck

Answer 7

try finding a way she can take it where ever shes going.  you can send them in airplanes and such i dont really know how thats the only thiong i can think of

Answer 8

Well that would be tough.  I had a bird die when I left it for awhile and he was being well taken care of.  I would just keep paying attention to it, even if it is just talking to it every day.  Feed and water of course and fruit or veggie treats too.

Answer 9

Normally i know nothing about birds. However my good friend just had this experience and just shared it with me a few weeks ago. She had to call the house, and have her on speaker phone, to help her husband do whats needed. She also made a recording over herself, however that didn't go over as well as the phone calls. This way she can hear the bird, and the bird can hear her. She said with this method there were no problems.  A few practice runs wouldn't hurt. Have your wife leave around feeding time for the bird and call the house. If this doesn't work, it's time to find a bird sitter that your bird is comfertable with. Some one maybe you guys know that can come in and feed  the bird and other sorts.

I definitly think htough that since she'l be gone for such a long time, that phone calls to the bird should be done anyways, so that the bird doesn't lose training that it's had with her. Maybe too, this will give you a good time to bond with the bird!

Good Luck!!!!!