AboutRev. Dr. S.August Abbott Expertise Certified Avian Specialist; Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council member; Own animal rescue org; National Wildlife habitat #66378; bird care, nutrition & behavior consultant; International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants Associate; National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club member; published bird care, info and behavior articles and guides.
Ongoing education in exotic bird behavior and nutrition
I can answer behavioral, nutritional, environmental, characteristic/personality questions as well as general health and health care.
No animal emergency can ever be addressed on the internet. We cannot see your animal, perform an examination, provide necessary care or medication.
Please value your companion for the priceless, living creature they are; not for what you might have paid for them.
Experience Certified Avian Specialist.
For more than 30 years I've worked with veterinarians, protective facilities, nature centers, preserves and on my own in providing care and education with regard to multiple animal species, including raptors (hawks, kestrals, owls, etc) and marsupials. In recent years I've focused on parrots, usually rescued from abusive or less than ideal situations and helping educate owners as to proper care. Expert in behavior studies and modification of problem behavior.
Organizations 4AnimalCare is the organization I run as an animal ministry; World Wildlife Association, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club and more
Publications Bird Talk Magazine articles about rescued and problem macaws.
Education/Credentials Doctorate, Ordained Minister
Question My rose breasted cockatoo seems to be forcing air out of her nostrils. No discharge. Normal droppings. Normal appetite and water intake. No personality or activity changes. She did just start talking all of a sudden. She came out with four phrases out of the blue. I have noticed that she does this when she is practicing her words or when I am petting her. She does not seem agitated or anything else. It doesn't appear that anything is wrong with her but I wanted to know if this is a normal cockatoo behavior. Any answers to this question would be greatly appreciated. There isn't much information on these birds out there.
Answer You've done a very good job at describing what's going on with this gorgeous bird.
Trying to outline "normal" behavior in any of these psittacines, whether a little cockatiel or a majestic macaw is as impossible as deciding what's normal behavior for humans. Everyone is an individual and we all have our personal quirks.
I wish I had a better idea of what you're hearing or seeing with the air from her nares. However, without any other symptoms and you seeming to be able to associate it with her talking, it doesn't sound like anything to be concerned over.
I will, however, consult with my Cockatoo foster caregiver to find out if she's seen anything like this in her 'toos.
Check back with me and let me know what your girl is eating and whether or not she's had regular vet check ups at all - whatever else you can tell me will be helpful.
And for a good overall parrot info site, copy and paste this into your address bar: www.4AnimalCare.org/birds
