Dear Parrots magazine,
What a reputation
I read Tony Silva's article on Cockatoos in a recent edition of Parrots magazine and it gave me the impression that all Cockatoos are aggressive. I have two Umbrellas and a Triton that could not be more affectionate, although I have read instances when male Cockatoos have killed the females. I accept that out of all the parrot species, Cockatoos can attract a reputation of being very outgoing and in need of owners who fully understand their personalities and characters. I have to say that my Triton, at one time, did become somewhat of a handful, but with understanding, and reading some very helpful articles, I have overcome all the issues.
Read more: What a reputation
Dear Parrots magazine,
Two faces of Rupert
Thank you for your article on Cockatoo aggression. I feel like it has been written about my much loved Galah Cockatoo, Rupert. One moment he is rolling onto his side wanting me to kiss him, and the next minute he is flying to attack me. For some reason when I turn my back to him this is when he attacks me.
Read more: Two faces of Rupert
Dear Parrots magazine,
My Cockatoo's fine
I read the article about Aggression in Cockatoos. My Moluccan Cockatoo named Max will be 25 years old this summer. I have never seen him act aggressively, and he doesn’t have an assaultive bone in his body. Max is a clown and he constantly does things which he thinks are funny. That picture of the Moluccan, in the article, with his feathers puffed and his wings outstretched, is a prime example. I ask Max “are you a tough guy?” and he assumes that pose and hisses and bounces up and down. He then starts laughing and he puts his face next to my mouth to get a kiss. He then does it all over again.
Read more: My Cockatoo's fine
Dear Parrots magazine,
Gory Pictures
I read with great interest the veterinary articles by Neil Forbes and his fellow colleagues and, without doubt, they are excellent and provide a lot of very accurate and indepth knowledge.
Read more: Gory Pictures
Dear Parrots magazine,
Non-stick issues
I have been using non-stick pots and pans for many years and have two Cockatiels. Reading much about this coating has increased my concern whether or not I should throw away all my non-stick pans, as I understand that when the non-stick surface becomes overheated, which it can easily do in busy kitchens, it will kill my birds. I have always been a bit puzzled as I use a lot of non-stick pans and have never experienced any problems, although I am quite careful in my kitchen and am not aware that I have unduly overheated them.
Read more: Non-stick issues
Dear Parrots magazine,
Recommending a light dimmer
The article in December issue about parrot sleep struck an important chord with me, as I have always been concerned about how we ‘tuck up’ our birds when we turn in for the night. The article mentions the activities and noise that take place in many homes. In the wild, of course, birds will roost as the light diminishes naturally, but when in captivity, it can be a completely different situation.
Read more: Recommending a light dimmer
