Beverlye Bierlein's Guide to Staying Sane with a Cockatoo

If you're thinking about getting a pet cockatoo, be prepared for a wild ride. These birds are hilarious, affectionate, and incredibly loud. But what do you do when your feathered friend starts driving you crazy? Here are some tips from a seasoned cockatoo owner, Beverlye Bierlein.

1. Know Your Bird's Personality

Every cockatoo is different, so it's important to get to know your bird's unique personality. This will help you understand why they're acting the way they are and how to best deal with them. For example, Beverlye's cockatoo, Ollie, is a very curious and active bird. She loves to explore and play, and she's always getting into trouble. Beverlye knows that she needs to provide Ollie with plenty of toys and activities to keep her entertained.

2. Set Boundaries

Cockatoos are very intelligent birds, and they need to know what the rules are. Set clear boundaries for your bird and be consistent with them. For example, don't let your bird bite you, and don't let them sleep in your bed. Beverlye has taught Ollie that she is the boss and that she will not tolerate any bad behavior.

3. Be Patient

Cockatoos can be a lot of work, but they're also incredibly rewarding pets. Be patient with your bird and don't give up on them. Beverlye has had Ollie for over 20 years and she still loves her dearly.

4. Have a Sense of Humor

Cockatoos are funny birds, and they're bound to do something silly that will make you laugh. Beverlye has learned to appreciate Ollie's quirks and she wouldn't have it any other way.

5. Seek Professional Help if Needed

If you're struggling to cope with your cockatoo's behavior, don't hesitate to seek professional help from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.

Here are some more tips from Beverlye Bierlein:
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Don't overfeed your bird. Cockatoos are prone to obesity, so it's important to feed them a healthy diet. Beverlye feeds Ollie a diet of pellets, fruits, and vegetables.
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Make sure your bird gets enough exercise. Cockatoos need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Beverlye lets Ollie out of her cage for several hours each day to play and explore.
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Provide your bird with plenty of toys. Cockatoos love to play, so it's important to provide them with a variety of toys to keep them entertained. Beverlye gives Ollie a variety of toys, including balls, blocks, and mirrors.
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Be prepared for noise. Cockatoos are very loud birds, so it's important to be prepared for the noise. Beverlye lives in a house with a large yard, so she can let Ollie make as much noise as she wants.
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Be patient and understanding. Cockatoos can be a lot of work, but they're also incredibly rewarding pets. Beverlye has had Ollie for over 20 years and she still loves her dearly.