Since meeting Kurtis and Druh, as well as their good friends that own cockatoos, I know they are not right for me.

As much as my heart is breaking (can you hear it?),  I learned from first hand experience and 'too owners knowledge. A cockatoo is not a good pet for me. When I was chatting with Kurtis and Druh's friends that own four cockatoos, I heard of the heart break, and trying times they have had with these birds. They also said if they could do it all over again, they would get a smaller, more suitable bird. They said that they would never give up up their birds, but really wish they knew what they know now, before diving in. 

I heard stories of how their male M2 refused to come out of his cage for three months. It was almost impossible to even feed him. He has bitten her face on more then one occasion with absolutely NO forewarning at all. I was also shown how they get over excited within a few minutes to the point where they are biting, and have to put in their cage. These people knew what they were talking about. They never once discouraged me, and told me exactly what I had to hear, because I asked. They love their little flock, but wish they had chosen a better bird.

I know cockatoos sell themselves because they are so darned charming. I mean really, they way they laugh, dance, and display, how could someone not fall in love? They really know how to win someone's heart over. I was also told that they behave so well around strangers, but you don't see their true colors until you live with them. This poor lady told me she has been bitten so many times, and when 'toos bite, they intend to draw blood. Perhaps this may not be true for all cockatoos, but it is enough for me to know this is not a good thing.

This site is very thought provoking, but to look into the eyes of a cockatoo owner, and hear the stories sealed my decision. It makes me very sad, since they are such charismatic creatures, but I have only really seen the fun side of them. I know nothing is ever perfectly good, but a cockatoo is very deceiving to to people. It is heart breaking for me, it really is, since this has been a life long dream. I can look on the bright side and know I can go visit them at Druh's place anytime I want. I would rather have the heart break of knowing they are not for me, rather then have the heart break of failure, and being miserable for the rest of my life. If any animal comes into my home, it is to stay here until the day it dies, or I die. Chances are, my bird would be fine to a certain point. I have always been able to defy to odds stacked against me. However, as a first time bird owner, I know I would be over my head.

Last night, was not a total bummer though. I had befriended a beautiful female Eclectus named Tasha. She and I get along great, and when I have finished researching how to best care for them, buy a big cage, and a ton of toys, she will be coming home with me. I never knew such beautiful birds existed, and she is such a incandescent red and royal blue, she does not even look real. She is easy going, gentle, and quiet. I guess she talks, but I have not heard that yet. It does not matter if she ever talks for me, I just enjoy her gentle and quiet manner.

They also have a little male rainbow lori named JJ, that I have fallen in love with. I would love to have him as well. He is such a feisty and fun little guy. His personality is just as bright and cheery as his fabulous colors. Perhaps some day if he is still there, I will bring him home too.

I still want to participate on these forums, even though I do not have a cockatoo, but I feel that I can contribute anyways. At least I have learned before it is too late, that a cockatoo is not all it presents itself to be. It really is such a shame, isn't it?