Resuced Members

Ricky the Umbrella Cockatoo

I am not a rescued bird but others in my flock are.  I am six years old and have been living with my owner for 1-1/2 years.  I get excited and scream, screech and/or sing usually two times a day (early afternoon and in the evening when I am tired).  I need my daily human interaction, out of the cage playtime; plenty of chew toys and things to keep me from boredom.  There are two sides to my personality. 

Ricky the lover:  I am very friendly and love being held, snuggled and scratched.  I have attended and been shown at Expos and nursing homes with the Bird Rescue.  I love to sing and have learned portions of; “I love those Chicken Liver Lips” and “I love you a bushel and a peck”.  I also sing Opera. I love food and am willing to try anything once (um!).  My feathering, lovable nature and friendly antics make me a hit wherever I go. 

Ricky when hormonal:  I can be as fickle as the weather, playing one minute and screaming and nipping the next.   I am coming into sexual maturity and springtime is difficult for me as I become very excitable and aggressive.  I remain in this state for several months.  During this time, it takes a knowledgeable person to handle me.  When exited, I can and do bite.  When I am hormonal, I become headstrong and at times difficult.   Some days I prefer to be left alone to shred paper in my cage.  My owner knows my body language and when I look stoic and make the “ugly birdie noise”, I mean business.  We take life one day at a time during mating season. 

An Umbrella is a long-term commitment.  They have dander and scream loudly for attention. They have a powerful need to chew and can be quite destructive. An Umbrella owner should have experience with parrots before taking on this feathered handful.  It is not a good first bird or a good child’s pet.  It is charming and affectionate but is not for everyone.  They require a large amount of time with their human family.  If you do not have a lot of time to spend, this is NOT the bird for you.