Hello

I have just bought an 11 year old Triton Cockatoo.    He has been with the same owner for 11 years and was very silly tame with him and with myself and my son when we first saw him.

On the first day when we brought him home he was naturally upset and squawked/shrieked.   I appreciated that and we didn't let him out of his cage in order to let him settle.

On the following day my son let him out of his cage for a while and he was fine apart from catching his neck with his beak but my son thought it was just that he had lost balance and grabbed hold.

When I came home later that day we let him out and he threw a pen around on the table and then nipped my hand - I told him off and he shortly went on my shoulder - he tried to get my earring and I moved my head away quickly - told him 'no' and he then bit my neck.  We put him back into his cage and then let him out the following night at which point I decided to take my earrings out because I know it is a source of attraction to cockatoos.    As I was doing that he flew straight at me and bit my ear and my neck.   It was deliberate and he fully intended to attack me.

He has his wings clipped but had enough power to fly at me.   I then decided to leave him in his cage for a few days just speaking to him and feeding etc..   We were warned that he would bite if in his cage by his previous owner.

After a few days I decided to let him out but wearing a coat with a hood and with gloves on.   He bit through the coat on my arm and the gloves and I kept one hand in front of my face so he couldn't get the only bit of flesh available!

I talked to him and stroked him and put him back in his cage which was fine but when I tried that the next night I must have dropped my hand and he jumped from my arm and bit my nose - luckily on the boney part and not the fleshy end.

I am sorry that this is such a long message but I don't know what to do with this bird.   I have had cockatoos and parrots previously and I am aware that they can take a dislike to one person but I don't want to give up on him as I am sure it is just aclimatising him to his new surroundings and people but would be very grateful for any suggestions.

I hope to hear from anybody who can help.

Diane

No words of wisdom I'm afraid but someone will be along soon to help you I'm sure. So hang in there Diane......and so sorry to hear of your problems!

Hello

Thanks for your replies.

He does seem to want to attack my son - not as much as me but also because he has seen how he attacks me he is now scared of him.

The previous owner said he is emigrating to the USA which was the reason for selling him.

I will try letting him out of his cage and I do appreciate that he may be scared of gloves and coat/hood but after him attacking me twice without protective clothing I do not want to risk handling him without some form of protection.

Diane

Hi Paul

Thank you for your message. The thing is that he was sitting quietly on my arm when he launched himself to attack and damage my nose so the towel suggestion is useful but it is the face, head and ears that he goes for.

Thanks again

Diane

Diane

Do you think he is as Ann suggested male bonded, we have a Ammie who was the same with my wife but little by little he has come round and now let's her touch him, he still has his moments with her but she can now tell how his is feeling, he's has always been totally fine with me.

You mentioned he was clipped, but could still fly up, wont pretend to be an expert on clipping ( ours are either semi disabled or fully flighted) but sure someone will have an idea if a Birdline type clip would help, someone on here recently had a similar problem to you and it worked for her.

Good luck

Paul

Hi folks

Thanks for your help

I am located near Birmingham

I do think that he is resenting being moved from his previous owner and also that he is 'male' orientated.

Could you explain what the 'birdline clip' is please.

We are currently sitting with him whilst he is in his cage talking to him and gradually being able to get a 'kinder' reaction from him.

We dare not let him out as my son hasn't got the confidence to deal with him and I must admit I am not willing to have any further (or more) injuries from his beak

Any further suggestions would be very welcome

Thanks again

Diane

 Hi Dianne, I am near Birmingham so if you wish to drop me an email (via the contacts) and Ill have a read through, see if this is something we can help you with 

Hi Mandy

I would be very grateful if you could help.   Basically the problem is as I originally posted so would be grateful for your help if you can assist.

Regards

Diane

Hello Paul

I did try to pm Mandy but the system wouldn't let me so I will have to stick to the forum.

Thanks for your help.

Diane

Hi

I have problems with the e.mails too.  What I do is to select/copy then past onto my own email .   Other than that I use the pm bit that is on the left hand side of the comments bit in forum.  good luck

 Have pm'd you my details Dianne. Hope to hear from you soon. 

Hi

Thanks for all your suggestions and help

I will persevere with Bobby but it is just going to take some time.

Diane