The cockatoos are popular pets because of their friendly demeanor and beautiful feathers.A lot of attention needs to be given to forming a relationship with the owners.You can bond with a bird by talking, singing, and reading to it, or by giving it a bite of your food.You can teach it tricks by perching on your hand.
Step 1: Allow the bird to get used to it's surroundings.
When the cockatoo enters your home, do not overwhelm it.Under your supervision, let it explore its new surroundings.It has time to get used to its home if it is handled to a minimum.Give the bird time to get used to its cage.Before you bring it home, make sure its cage is set up.Put toys, perches, food, and water in its cage so it can explore.
Step 2: Establish a routine with a bird.
You should say "Good morning" or "Hello beautiful" to the bird every morning.Take the bird out of its cage and feed it at the same time every day.If you are going to be out for the day, leave the bird in its cage with toys.As cockatoos like hearing voices and music, you can leave the radio or television on.Don't rush to see the bird when you get home.Take a moment to get settled and then greet the bird.When you get home, the cockatoo will be calm and relaxed.
Step 3: You can chat with an animal.
The cockatoos like to hear their owner's voice.It's a good idea to chat with the bird.When you chat, use a high voice.It could try to chat back.You can say, "Hello there, how are you?" to the bird.It learns your name if you say the cockatoo's name.You could say, "I'm nice to meet you."Rub or scratch the back of the bird's head as you talk to it, if it is tame enough to be touched.
Step 4: Sing to a bird.
The cockatoos respond well to their owner singing.You can find a song that the bird likes to sing every morning or at night before bed.You can play music for an animal and see which song it responds to.You can sing the song to the bird and bond with it.
Step 5: It's a good idea to read to the bird.
It is possible to bond with your voice by reading it aloud.You can read from a magazine or newspaper.The bird will listen to your voice if you do this once a day.If the bird has been riled up by a recent play session, reading to it can calm it down.
Step 6: It is a good idea to gently groom your bird.
If your bird isn't shy or aggressive to be touched, try grooming it a little while you play or interact.If you want to pet the areas over its ears or under its beak, rub or scratch the back of its head.Your bird may interpret this kind of touch as a sign of courting, so don't touch under the wings or near the base of the tail.
Step 7: Share your food with your pet.
If you are eating bird-healthy snacks, such as leafy greens, fresh fruit, or non-sugary breakfast cereals, give some to your bird.The cockatoos enjoy sharing food.You can give your bird healthy treats to cuddle or play with.Don't give your bird anything salty or sweet.Don't give your pet alcohol, chocolate, or avocados.
Step 8: Get two wooden sticks.
You can get wooden sticks at your local craft store.Similar to the ones used for a bird's perch, look for smooth, thin wooden sticks.
Step 9: The bird should step on one stick.
Stand up and hold the stick in your hand.The stick should be in front of the bird.The bird will notice the stick if you lightly tap it with your hand.A treat in front of the stick is enough to get the bird to step onto it.
Step 10: The bird might bite you if you use the other stick.
If the bird tries to bite you, hold the other stick out in front of it and tell it to stay on the stick.The bird will not bite you while it is perched.
Step 11: The bird should be on the stick for a while.
Get the bird on the stick once a day for a few minutes.When a bird sits on a stick, it's a good idea to say good boy or girl.The cue to step up should be heard by the bird over time.As it gets used to the perch, it should stop biting you.
Step 12: The bird needs to perch on your finger.
If you've practiced perching with the sticks for a while, try to give the bird your finger to perch on.If the bird is willing to step onto your finger, you should have built up enough trust.The bird bonds with you if you do this once a day.You should praise the bird after it steps up onto your finger.
Step 13: Play with an animal.
The cockatoos love chasing their owner.The cockatoo can be taken out of its cage and placed on the ground in an open area.Run slowly around the room.The bird should try to catch you.You can run after the bird and try to catch it.Playing chase can make a bird very excited.You can get the bird to calm down by putting it back in its cage with a treat or having it do a trick, like "shake" or "roll the ball."
Step 14: The bird should roll a ball.
A small ball made for birds can be used.When the bird is in its cage, show it the ball.Roll it towards the bird.The cockatoo should roll the ball back to you.You can give it a treat or compliment it with a good word.This can be done on a flat surface.The ball should be rolled back and forth with the bird.
Step 15: The bird needs to be taught how to catch.
If the cockatoo is comfortable rolling the ball back and forth with you, you can give it back to him.Throw the ball towards the bird.The bird should catch the ball and roll it back to you.If the cockatoo throws the ball back to you, say good job or great going and be careful not to hit it.It is easy to throw the ball back if you stand close to the cockatoo.
Step 16: The cockatoo should be taught to shake.
Before you try to teach your bird how to perch on your hand, make sure it is comfortable.Give your hand to the bird and it will step on it.Put your fingers on its foot and shake it.Give the bird a treat and take your hand away.Say "Good job" or "great going" and remove your hand from its foot so it knows it is doing a shake.It's time for your bird to learn that "shake" means letting you grip its foot and then letting it go.
Step 17: Give the bird a treat after every trick.
Give the bird a treat to reinforce the trick.Bird treats or fresh fruit can be used.The bird should get 1 treat per trick.There should be no need for treats over time.