cockatoo nesting behavior

Question
I have a 12 year old sulfer-crested cockatoo who has created a nest of sorts with a small rubber ball in the corner of the kitchen.  Except with me, she is territorial about this spot, even when I remove the ball and heads there directly whenever released from the cage, does not eat while she is there, but does a lot of feather plucking.  I've given her sticks to shred to offset the plucking, and she uses them, but this has gone on now for weeks and I am concerned.  Her eyes are bright, she says hello to me, eats and drinks water in her cage, which she shares with my goffin, and skreeches continuously to be let out when I am home.  Any suggestions or ideas as to why she has gone from being a buddy to this?

Answer
Hi,

Unfortunately it is not uncommon for cockatoos (and other parrots) to become sexual and hard to deal with as companions in our home. However, here are some articles and links to websites that should help you with your 'too:

http://www.companionparrot.com/Sexual%20Behavior.htm

http://www.amazingmacawsandparrots.com/maturity.html

http://www.forthebirdsdvm.com/breedingbehavior.htm

I hope this helps. Good Luck with her. Also- I would strongly suggest talking with your avian vet or a professional parrot behavioralists if the issue does not go away after following the above suggestions and/or spring time.

-Maggie