Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
Nipping Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
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One of the most common complaints from
Sulphur Crested cockatoo owners is screaming and screeching. It’s true,
Sulphur Crested Cockatoos are noisy birds but that doesn’t mean
screaming during all hours of the day. Other common behavior concerns are biting and feather plucking. Let’s take a look at them individually to discuss causes and possible tools to eliminate the behavior. Screaming. Yep, we might as well dive right into the most common complaint. Sulphur Crested Cockatoos are screamers. Generally, you’ll find that our bird is noisiest in the morning and in the evening. This is a natural behavior. |
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In the wild Sulphur Crested Cockatoos live in
flocks and this early morning and late evening chatter comes from basic social
communication.
Often, this screeching and screaming can carry over into the day. This type of
screaming isn’t acceptable and can be eliminated depending on the cause. There
are several causes for screeching in cockatoos.
As you probably already know, the Sulphur Crested
Cockatoo is a very affectionate, and sometimes needy, bird. They NEED you to
spend time with them every day. They form strong bonds and if they feel they’re
being neglected, screaming can be one way to get your attention.
Jealousy is another cause of Sulphur Crested Cockatoo screaming. They form
strong bonds with their owners and even something as simple as a delivery person
coming to your home can strike a chord of jealousy in them. You’re paying
attention to someone else!
They’re smart and boredom is another cause of screaming. Before you go about
trying to determine your Sulphur Crested’s emotional state, take a look at their
environment. Are they getting enough sleep? Is their cage in a safe and optimal
location?
Are they getting a proper diet with plenty fruits
and vegetables? Is your Sulphur Crested Cockatoo getting enough time out of
their cage? Are they properly socialized to not fear you and other family
members?
One of the tools that is all encompassing as a solution to screaming and other
behavior problems, provided your Sulphur Crested Cockatoo is getting great care,
is trick training. Trick training provides them a structure, it stimulates their
mind, it helps to strengthen the bond between your cockatoo and anyone that
trains them, and it helps to establish the rules of the home.
Biting. Another behavior problem owners of Sulphur Crested Cockatoos may deal
with is biting. This behavior often creeps up as the bird is approaching sexual
maturity and feeling a bit crankier than usual. One minute your cockatoo is fine
and the next minute they’re taking a chunk out of your finger.
Before you hit your bird, throw them, drop them,
or place them in isolation, please don’t do any of those or you’ll make the
behavior worse, remember that the biting behavior is your bird’s way of telling
you they’re unhappy.
Your job, as the loving and patient owner, is to teach your bird a different way
of communicating. Again, take a look at their environment and determine what
causes your bird to bite. Remedy what you can to make their environment optimal
and then spend time training them.
Training will teach your bird other methods of
communication and it will reduce or eliminate many of the things that cause your
bird to bite you in the first place. It is also important to note that every
time you have a strong reaction to any bad behavior it only serves to encourage
the behavior. Yelling, pulling back, and throwing water are considered strong
reactions.
Feather Plucking. Is the last biggie behavior problem that you’re likely to deal
with as a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo owner. If your cockatoo is pulling their
feathers out, take them to an avian veterinarian.
There are often medical reasons behind the
behavior and it is critical to the health and survival of your bird that these
issues are addressed first. If the underlying cause of your cockatoos feather
plucking is behavioral then as you would with any bad behavior, determine the
cause and spend time training your bird.
Take the time to provide your Sulphur Crested Cockatoo plenty of stimulation
during the day by giving them toys. Make sure they get plenty of good sleep and
quality nutrition and that their environment is calm and secure.
Play with them every day, make them a part of
your family, and include
trick training in your routine. If you follow these steps, bad behaviors
will vanish. It may take some time and patience on your part - it’ll be worth
it.