Male Cockatoo Screaming

Question
I took Peaches from a Nurse that had rescued so many birds she had too many. I also took a Double Yellow Headed Amazon named Cookie. At first I let them both out of there cages to have some freedom. I thought and was told that Peaches was a female. I should have done some research to better prepare myself. I thought since I had raised my Mexican Red Head that I would be OK. I had him for 25 years and loved him dearly. I had all of them at one time in the same room. I have put down tile in my front living room and that is where the birds live. They all have a large cage but Peaches after some research is a Maturing Male. I think the reason why he wasn't wanted because his Bill has the under bite. He very sweet but he demands my attention. When I got him he was almost naked and chewed his wings. He is screaming more now and when I try to pet him he starts shaking in an unusual fashion. I am sure he thinks I am is mate. His feathers will come back and it as if he gets mad and starts pulling them out again. I am very frustrated and do not want to give him away because of his past but I don't know what else to do. He is driving my family nuts with the screaming. Someone told me when he gets to loud for long periods of time to squirt him with water. I doesn't work anymore. I have to keep him in his cage and not give his freedom because he will get on Cookie's cage and will not leave her alone. He screamed rather he was in the cage or out of the cage. I read a previous note about moving his cage to a different place in the room and to change his toys. As far as I know he doesn't play with any toys and he has them.

Frustrated,
Sandy

Answer
Let's stop everything and take a deep breath.  There is probably very little of Peaches behavior that's actually associated with his being a male, what I'm seeing is a very scared and frustrated bird who doesn't know how to speak your language (nor you, his).

So starting right now, we'll start fresh, as if he just arrived ok?

The first thing you and your family need to do is forgive him for being so scared.  His whole world was turned upside down when he was taken away from the home he had grown accustomed to and a routine he could count on.  No matter how much of an improvement your home might be, he was comfortable with what he knew.
  
Perhaps the most difficult part of modifying Peaches' behavior is to modify yours and the family's.  No more reacting to his bad behavior or screaming, you need to act like you don't hear it (I told you this was going to be hard).  Then, when he stops, even for a moment, acknowledge him, praise him, offer him a reward (a bit of unsalted cracker, a crust of bread or piece of low/no sugar cereal, etc..
 When he starts to scream again, stop everything, turn your back on him and once again, pretend he is not there.  This is an effective and natural sort of discipline (birds hate to feel alone or isolated from the rest of the flock, especially when they can see you) and it's not as tricky as the water squirts.

When it comes to that, people have to be very careful to only use it as a last resort and on rare occassion, otherwise they could be terrifying their bird of WATER.  This isn't going to work very well when it's time for a shower or misting.  The water-warning should be a stream of water aimed at their feet or tail, never at their head and again, rarely used.  Once the bird has the idea, they'll often react to just the sight of the water bottle or even a stern word and pointing your finger at them.  This is fine too, but don't try to use that same water bottle for the 'misting' they may need and you want them to learn to enjoy.  

Also, rather than force Peaches in or out of his cage, learn to cooperate with what HE wants and what he's comfortable with.  If you'd like him out, approach his cage and ask him.  If he seems interested and comes closer to the door, slowly open it, keep your voice encouraging and gentle and as you offer your hand, repeat the 'step up' order.  This is very important!  Always use the 'step up' command.  The reason being that if/when your bird ever gets out of control, is in a dangerous situation or must be handled by someone else, hearing that 'step up' order will override their fear or aggression in many cases and become an ingrained response.

 If he's not interested in coming out, visit his cage regularly, talk nice, keep your voices pleasant and invite him out every time.

When it comes to the toys, it might be the type that's not interesting to him.  Some birds prefer things they can shred easily, others want a challenge.  Make sure to provide both soft woods and shredding type toys.

 Take a look at my bird page to get more details at behavior modification and to see pics of what I'm talking about

 www.4AnimalCare.org  (click on the bird tab)