Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone! First off, i'd like to introduce myself as I am new to the bird section of kingsnake. My name is Chris, i am 18, and live in an apartment with my girlfriend, roomate, and our wonderfull dog (pitbull mix) more like pitibull as her "aggresive behavior" tends to lean torwards rolling over and peeing on herself and my carpet! ANYWAY! on to the point.

I just recently moved out of my parents house and got my new place (about 6 months ago). When i was 6, my mother bought a Blue Quaker for a pet, and I pretty much grew up with him for the last 12 years of my life. Now that I am out on my own, I have found i desperately miss my avian companion.. Well, HER avian companion heh. On that note, I am looking in to buying a bird for myself.

I am looking for a bird that realy likes to be sociable, preferably even cuddly. Talking and mimicing isn't really a big deal to me either way. I would prefer a medium to larger bird. I'm not overly concerned about noise levels, as after talking to my apartment's leasing office, they have no policies against birds, save for that they must be kept in a cage when the owner is not in the apartment.

I am really interested in getting some sort of cockatoo as I have heard that they are extremely companionable birds who love to socialize and cuddle, and was leaning torwards a U2. I work at night (5pm to 10-11pm) so I have most the day, and a good portion of the late night (till about 2am, i'm a night owl) for the bird. I don't plan on having kids, so that really isn't an issue.

Anyway, I know that this rant was rather unorganized, and a little bit on the side of ranting, so i apologize. Any information, or advice anyone can give would be most appritiated.

First I would suggest doing lots of research. Purchase a few books on cockatoos. If possible visit a breeder or owner of cockatoos, just to see their personality and noise level. I realize that you said there are no regulations against birds but with the level of noise that a U2 can produce you may start getting a lot of complaints!! Research their diet carefully because although a bird can "survive" if you just feed it seeds it really needs a good pellet as a basis with "lots" of fresh or cooked foods, vegetables, fruit, pasta, grains etc. Make sure you have plenty of room. Most cages sold for a U2 aren't really big enough for them. You need the largest Kings cage or a very large stainless steel variety. Depending on your apartment size this will take up a great deal of space. U2's can be a very sweet cuddly bird but they can also turn into devils when they hit breeding age and go through their 'terrible" stage. They can bite hard and cause severe damage. They are extremely destructive and most learn early on to be escape artists. Many escape out of their cages and "redecorate" their home when left alone for any time. I do agree that your schedule should work well for a bird as long as you don't plan on sleeping during the day. It will want your attention during the day. It will need time out of the cage and on a good day schedule or will very likely become aggressive or a screamer. I would really suggest that if you haven't had any birds of you own especially not one of this size that you really think hard before getting one. If you have a bird rescue near you see if you can volunteer to help out so you can be around these birds for longer periods of time and possibly they can help you find one that fits you when you are ready. Good luck!