How to Train an Umbrella Cockatoo
Umbrella cockatoos can easily live 65 years or more. Their intelligence has been compared with that of a five-year-old child. The birds learn very quickly and they bond fiercely with their owners. Umbrella cockatoos adore being petted, held, interacted with and cuddled. Their high intelligence can make them very manipulative if the owner is not careful. They require rules and limits just like a child. Cockatoos need to be trained so they know never to bite and what is acceptable so they can co-exist peacefully with their owners. Raising and living with an umbrella cockatoo is similar to living with a small child.
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Instructions
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Teach an umbrella cockatoo what it truly means to be a bird. Many people make the mistake of hand-raising an umbrella cockatoo to be dependent. The cockatoo lacks an identity of its own and craves being with its human non-stop. This can quickly cause the bird to become destructive or begin to scream. When a cockatoo is quite young it needs to learn to be independent and entertain itself. Do not hold the bird non-stop. Give the cockatoo toys to enjoy by itself. Allow the cockatoo to learn to fly in the house with the windows and mirrors covered to avoid accidents.
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Train the cockatoo to climb onto your hand by placing it by the bird's feet as the bird sits on a perch. Gently nudge its feet and chest with your hand while saying, "Up." The bird will quickly learn to climb on your hand in order to leave the cage. When it is time to return the bird to its cage place the bird inside the cage on your hand by its perch and simply say, "Down." The bird will quickly know exactly what you want.
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Potty train the umbrella cockatoo early. Cockatoos quickly learn to go potty only in their cage or a designated area. Watch the bird closely and when it begins to twitch its tail from side to side say, "No." Promptly take the bird to the spot you wish it to potty and say, "OK." When the bird eliminates in its cage or a designated area praise it for a job well done. A cockatoo can easily be potty trained within a week or two with persistence.
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Play with your cockatoo. Use toys such as a large bird rope. Place the umbrella cockatoo at the end of a 3-foot bird rope and say, "Climb." The cockatoo will quickly learn to climb up and down the rope on command. Use bird chew-toys to teach the umbrella cockatoo to play fetch. The cockatoo will quickly learn to retrieve a toy just like a dog. Give the bird a treat, such as bite of dried fruit, as a reward.
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Speak to your cockatoo often. Umbrella cockatoos have the ability to talk and can have large vocabulary. It is not as clear as an African grey parrot in speech but the bird can easily learn to talk. The best way to teach the cockatoo to talk is to speak with it constantly in a soft voice. Always greet your bird on entrance and say goodbye on exit. It might take a few years for a young bird to begin to talk but eventually the cockatoo will say many words. They learn to speak much like a human child learns.
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Gently roll your umbrella cockatoo on its back and play with its feet and stomach. Many birds become afraid in this position but with a little work the bird will end up enjoying this game. It is important to teach your bird to roll over to make it easier to clip its toenails or to be examined by a veterinarian.
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Teach the bird to allow you to touch all parts of its body by being gentle. Stroke the bird lovingly. Umbrella cockatoos quickly learn to adore being handled and petted by their owners. It is important that the bird learns to let you touch all parts of its body. Spread its wings gently and fondle them. This can come in handy during a veterinarian exam or when clipping the bird's wings.
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Shower with your umbrella cockatoo. Most cockatoos and parrots enjoy a warm shower. Take your umbrella cockatoo into the shower with you. This will help train your bird to be clean and help to keep its feather dust down. There are many manufacturers who make parrot perches that adhere to the side of the shower for your cockatoo to safely sit upon. Be sure to wrap the umbrella cockatoo in a towel to thoroughly dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Never play too rough with an umbrella cockatoo. If the bird should clamp down on your finger too hard quickly scold the bird and cease playing. Umbrella cockatoos are powerful birds that can easily inflict a bite that will leave a lifetime scar so biting should always be discouraged promptly.
Never hit or hurt the umbrella cockatoo.
Never purchase an umbrella cockatoo for a child. An adult must undertake the training of one of these large birds.
Never let a cockatoo sit on your shoulder. Large parrots who sit on your shoulder develop a sense of being in charge, which can be dangerous if it should bite your face.
