Introduction:

Buddy is a 23 year old Umbrella Cockatoo, hatched 08/06/2002. He is an awesome, chatty and hilarious bird with a lot of love to give. He just needs someone with lots of time and patience.

History/Background:

Buddy came into the charity through absolutely no fault of his own. One of his owners from his hatch day, fell ill and so they very reluctantly had to place him in the charity. He didn’t seem to settle well initially, but after many safehouses, he settled and found a happy place, where he has remained for over 18 months.

Current Presentation:

Buddy is a very confident cockatoo who makes us smile daily, in his time in safehouse, he has come along in leaps and bounds and is a pleasure to be around. Each morning he greets you with ‘Hello Darling, are you ok?’. He loves to dance, and for you to dance along with him. He will ask you ‘Are you dancin?’ 

There is never a dull moment around Buddy! He likes to go to bed at 8pm and will say ‘Night, night’ to you and goes in the cage himself. He loves to ask for a cup of tea, so I fill his bowl with warm water and he sups away, thinking its tea, saying ”nice!’.

Buddy’s cage is open all day, although he does like to stay in there with all his toys and hides in is little dog den chewing up cardboard and wood! He quite often thinks he is a dog, and regularly barks, he is hilarious!

He currently lives in a bird room with two African Greys. He stays out of their way and isn’t particularly bothered about them.

Buddy is a typical Cockatoo, and can be quite noisy! Especially when he wants attention! Buddy loves to have a wander outside the bird room, he likes to climb the stairs and absolutely loves human company. He is particularly fond of our 14 year old son and loves sitting with him asking for tickles!

If he bonds with you, he is a very loving and affectionate bird. Buddy hasn’t been a big fan of his main female carer as he prefers her husband, but is very slowly coming round. He will let me tickle his feet and give him pistachios, which are his favourite treat. He doesn’t mind me being around him but would definitely bite if given the opportunity! He just needs a lot of patience, even talking to him makes him more comfortable with you. Just watch your fingers near that beak!! Buddy is fully feathered, and as you can see by the pictures, he is absolutely stunning. Buddy deserves the best home, one with lot of love and time to give. 

Training:

Buddy doesn’t really need much training. He just needs someone to spend lots of time with him, talking to him and giving him lots of attention. We have trained him to catch a pair of socks on the count of 3 and he gets so excited when he catches them! He is a very bright bird and I am sure he could be taught a lot, it will just take lots of time and patience to gain his trust.

Enrichment:

Buddy loves wood, cardboard and lots of foot toys. He loves plastic toys too like stacking cups. He also loves balls! He thinks he is very clever when he throws them! He likes lots of human interaction when playing, like I mentioned earlier with the socks!

Diet:

Buddy is on Johnston & Jeff low sunflower chunky mix. He loves pistachios as a treat. Since he has been here he hasn’t touched any fruit, veg or chop. He just isn’t interested, and as much as we try, he will not touch the stuff.

Summary:

Buddy is a really lovely 23 year old boy who deserves the happiest life. He will just need time and patience to let him settle into his new home. He does love attention and will certainly let you know when he wants some! We have absolutely loved having him, he’s funny, cute and a real character! It’s hard to say his preference to a person as he loves the kids and the husband in his current safehouse. I think Buddy just knows when he loves someone, he will show it and make it known! Buddy would make an awesome companion for someone, he really makes you smile! He will be truly missed by his safehouse.