Feathered Friends & Family
Sunshine is ten years old. He came from a background that was virtually unknown. I know that he has had at least two homes prior to mine. His former owner loved him very much but he and his wife traveled and desperately wanted to find a good permanent home for Sunshine. I gladly accepted him. He had a screaming problem. It was constant. He was very insecure and co-dependant. He didn't really seem to know how to entertain himself and screamed constantly when left alone even for a minute.He had also developed some neurotic behaviors (repetitive head shaking, biting his bars, and swinging upside down quickly like a tantrum when he didn't get his way). I was told he was hand tame but I was repeatedly bitten. Sunshine was probably only striking out in mourning for his former owner.
I am thrilled to say after him being with me for about a year he is now hand tame, happy, and well adjusted. His energy level is so high he needs flapping exercises about every 2 hours through out the day. He also requires a lot of personal interaction to feel safe and secure. He plays daily with Kendall and has formed a close bond with him.
Kendall Bird: Adopted December 2000 at the age of 15 years
Kendall is 16 years old. His past too is a bit of a mystery. All I really know about him is he was purchased (supposedly as a baby) by a woman who loved him very much. As happens, sadly with lots of parrots Kendall and his owner's boyfriend didn't get along. I have concluded that he was in fact abused; emotionally, physically, and mentally. This bird is really lucky to be alive. His previous owners (before me) loved him very much also and took wonderful care of him. He was switched from only seed to nutriberries by them. He had been in the same cage his entire life (we supposed as it was well worn and broken in spots). He hadn't been bathed for over a year (he was terrified of water...I believe he was sprayed with a stream of water to curb his screaming). His cage could not be covered. He was deathly afraid of towels, blankets, hands, bathing, men, hats, toys, and new foods. He was nowhere near hand tame. He was also allowed to come and go from his cage as he pleased. He really had no concept of boundries.
It took lots of patience to gain his trust.He is now one very happy cockatoo. He is now hand tame (though his flight response is highly developed). My husband and I can both work with him. He is now on a pelleted diet, with dried & fresh fruit, nuts and seeds for treats. He showers at least every other day. He spends alot of time hanging out on the tree stand with sunshine, preening him. He just loves to be petted and cuddled close. He is stubborn as all get out but he's a lover not a fighter. He is learning to love his new toys and was simply thrilled about his new spacious cage. He is quite a character and a wonderful addition to the family.
