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 I have adopted a cockatoo taht was in hanging out in my trees for about three weeks. he would come down to get fed and hang around. he came everyday getting closer and closer until one day he flew in my house jumped on my leg and started eating my breakfast with me. weird. i thoufht it was cool that he could be wild and yet come to me when he was hungry, untill he costed me and some neighbors alot of money chewing our electric lines. i spent my whole tax check on him and got a huge cage that i could get in and tons of toys. i have been on the internet endlessly day and night to learn how to care the best for this loving bird. we are doing ok comparing the things i have read and what we do. i am just scared of spoiling him. I assume he is a young male just by reading thousands of websites. i just want to know what some things mean. he really loves me and wants to be onme. he chatters his beak and comes toward me and cuddles but it freaks me out when he chatters his beak but i have read that is a sign of affection is it. also when he speads his wings when i pet him it seems like he loves it. does he. what do some things mean can you give me some things they do and what is good and waht to be aware of. thank you soo much for having this site
Answer Yes, it sounds like this cockatoo has bonded with you and is trying to show it with his own birdy language like the beak chattering.
You're doing a very good job and I respect that you want to be sure you're doing all the right things.
Don't worry about spoiling him - I tend to think that in exchange for taking them out of the sky, we should indulge them for the rest of their lives.
Copy and paste this into your address bar to find out even more (there's not enough room to post it all here and besides, I'm sure you'll like the photos) www.4AnimalCare.org/birds
