Angel,
The Umbrella Cockatoo
=========================================================
Here is the section where I voice my opinion on birds, ownership, and what I think...Any comments please email us.
=========================================================
Voicing my Opinions, Freedom of Speech
Hello, my name is Nina and I am 18 years old and own an Umbrella Cockatoo. His name is Angel and we live in New York City. Usually when I tell people I am 18 and own a Cockatoo I get alot of flame. Which I hate. People (Passionate Bird Owners) automatically think since I'm so young I am unfit to care for such a species of Parrots such as the Cockatoo. But the truth is, don't make a judgement before you get all the information. What is usually I get told, "At your age and you have a Cockatoo! Are you ready to handle such a commitment. Are you ready to handle a 5 year old for the rest of your life?" Honestly I am. I personally, think I am very mature for my age. Mature meaning in comparison to other kids my age. I've been through enough to make me mature enough. I love Angel, and I love taking care of him. I never complain about my chores I have to do for him. I don't say, "Oh stupid bird! Wish I never got him!" Because I'm stressed out. Never have I said that. And never will. When I am dedicated to something (or someone) I am truly dedicated and stay with it to the best of my abilites!
I think owning a Cockatoo makes me different than other people. I mean, my personaility. It just goes to show how patient I am, and understanding. Unfortunately, not alot of people are like me. These people go out and by Parrots not having the patience or understanding and abuse these beautiful creatures. They become neglected, mistreated, and abused in so many ways it's sad. I think before you get a cockatoo you should be given a personally test. Take the test and if you past then you can own one, with a proper license. But this could never happen. If I had the power I would make this happen. Not everyone is fit to have a Parrot. I feel if you cannot love yourself, than you could never love anything else. Some people think animals don't have any feelings and treat them as objects, or properties. I don't treat animals this way. I know they have feelings, and get hurt alot because of insensitive or ignorant people.
Do not keep your
bird in the cage all the time. Would you keep your 3 year
old child in the cage all the time. If so, than you are an
unfit parent. Birds have to have time out of their cages,
to play, excersice, and interaction. Cages are made only to
keep your bird Safe to protect them, keep them out of harms way
when something is going on. Not to be used as a permanent
housing station! These birds are VERY HIGHLY intelligent
creatures. VERY SOCIAL creatures. They need mental
stimulants like we do or if not like us, their mind goes numb
sometimes resulting in insanity or self mutilation.
They need social
interaction with everyone. In the wild Cockatoos live in
flocks and are always with their friends. These birds mate
for life. They need to be exposed to different things, and
different people. Serves as a social stimulant as well as a
mental stimulant. (if you have a nice enough bond with your
bird and he trusts you and you trusts him the bird can be near
your face without worry. Some birds cannot be let near your
face as they might lash out and attack you. I share kisses
with Angel all the time. Also depends on their age.
Once they reach sexual maturity their hormones are in control, so
it is best not to let them near your face. Angel is only a
year and half in the photo.)
They
need to play to get excercise. Make sure they are not
always playing with the same toy. They tend to get bored
easily. Seeing as how they are so smart, be careful what
you do in front of them. They will learn how to do
it. When I am making a knot or something, if Angel sees how
I am doing he will untie the exact same way I tied it. If
he doesn't see and I tie it a different way he does not know how
to do (as easily) as he should.
I feel Parrots in general, should not be kept as pets. The breeding, selling, importing of these animals should stop! Alot of birds are killed everyday and it's just not fare! They didn't ask to become pets and place in a cage for the rest of their lives. They were forced to. So you have to remember this if your bird might seem depressed or angry for no reason. How would you feel if this were you? I'd be angry as hell as well! Even if you feel your bird is domesticated, it isn't. Would you keep a lion as a pet even if it was hand raised? I don't think so.
Angel is a pure joy to have. Sometimes he can be difficult and sometimes he can be as sweet as an Angel. But I don't hold it against him. Angel represents alot to me, and means alot to me. One day I am going to build him the biggest nicest aviary he could have and make him truly happy. I hope maybe in the future to be a part of a rescue organization, and inform people of these birds and what should be done and what should not be done.
In conclusion, Parrots are not really pets. Just a wild animal being forced to feel domesticated. Not everyone should keep a parrot. Do not get one on an impulse buy. If you plan on getting one don't just buy it, do research on it first. And DO NOT give one as gift to someone that has never had a bird before!! Please take heed, and be careful. Our feathered friends need the good people of the world to watch out for them.
