Umbrella Cockatoo

Question
QUESTION: Hi Dianna, We are getting a 14 week old Cockatoo in a few weeks time, it's hand reared. We have researched a lot so we are prepared eg: the right size cage, apple branches for perches, the correct position in the room etc. We also have a Cocker spaniel age 5 and wondered if you could give me any tips on the best way to introduce them without creating any jealousy. Really I would like any tips on the first few weeks when we get the bird. I am going everyday until she finally comes home so she knows at least one of us. I would be grateful for any advice. Regards Jacqueline

ANSWER: Hello Jacqueline and thank you for posting.
I am glad that you are concerned with your Cocker Spaniel's reaction.  This shows that you love the dog and that you will be a good bird owner.  Kudos to you!!!!
You will want to have your bird in a seperate room for the first few days or so, so you can do a gradule introduction during this time.  
Let the Cocker Spaniel into the room for a few minutes a day, and after the first day, several times for a few minutes a day (you might want to wait until the second day before letting the dog in).  Your dog will be curious about the bird, and like wise, just don't let the dog get too close as (s)he might get a nasty bite through the bars of the cage.  Also, Cocker Spaniels do tend to get nippy, so you'll have to watch for that.  Within a couple of weeks, you should be able to trust your dog in the same room as the bird.  Be sure to give equal amounts of arrention to them both.  By the way, for the first couple of days, it's ok to pamper your dog a bit.  This should help to make the adjustment easier for them both.

Please keep me updated on this situation, and please feel free to email me if there are any problems that I can help with.

Good luck and God Bless.
Dianna

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Dianna, Thanks for a quick reply. The other question is to clip or not to clip the wings. I have read so much about this with different opinions. It makes them easier to train! What is your thought on this. Regards Jacqueline

ANSWER: Hello again Jacqueline.
Clipping a bird's wings does make it easier for taming and training, but it really depends on the owner.  
When I get a new bird in, the first thing that I do is clip its wings.  Please keep in mind, however, that the birds that I get in have been abused and/or neglacted, and some of them are very mean and untamed/untrained, so this is a necessity for me.  By the time their feathers grow back out, I usually have them tamed down to where they will not fly away from me, so I'll let the feathers grow back out.
I do know people that do keep their birds' wings clipped, and the birds are no worse off.
I don't want to confuse you, but the choice is really up to you, but at least at first I would have your new bird's wings clipped.  At least until (s)he gets used to its new home, then take in from there.  Remember, though, just because a bird's wings are clipped doesn't mean that the bird can't fly, the bird just can't get the altitude or fly as far as it normally could.

God Bless.
Dianna  


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Dianna good advice. If I got her wings clipped how would you reccommend it's done, I have been told various ways eg: only clipping 1 wing, clipping them over 3 days. I wouldn't do it myself, but would like to know how to do it so I didn't have to upset her taking her to some-one strange. Regards Jacqueline

Answer
Hello again Jacqueline.
Do NOT, under any circumstances, clip only one wing.  If the bird does try to take flight, it could become injured from being unbalanced.
Here is a link that will explain everything for wing clipping, including when, how to, and why.  For me to type an answer here would be very long, and it would take a lot of space and time (and I'm sure that you would want the information to read through as soon as possible).

www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww19eii.htm

God Bless.
Dianna