Hi, I am owned by a 6 year old umbrella cockatoo.  We have had her for 4 1/2 years.  She is the love of our lives. Full of cuddles and pranks. She especially loves to bounce up and down and do what we call "full puff" where alll the feathers stand up and she dances back and forth.  Her name is Sunny.

Such a love/hate relationship.  But darn it the love part is so sweet.  In order to have a relationship with our cockatoos that is so dear that nothing can compare it must transend unconditional love and we cannot expect the same in return.  We love our puppies and know for certain that whatever mistakes we might make with them we will have unlimited forgiveness from them.  Not so with our toos.  And the very emotion or "thing" that causes a precious, funny, loving reaction from them one day may be the same that causes a territorial, vicious reaction the next.  Our only solution--be prepared and watchful.  My Mtoo, Reba, is just such a contridiction in makeup.  I introduced her to my tin can of  sewing buttons.  "Oh boy, what fun"  For several days she experimented with opening the can, bringing me particularly pretty ones heh heh heh all through the play period.  About the fifth day she would open the can, spill out the contents and circle the mess saying"No, No, No," and marking it as her territory and DARING anyone to try and interfere.  She has covered my entire face with a hundred kisses and at another time bitten completely through my bottom lip to the point I had to hold a finger over the wound when I drank to prevent leaking.  Sounds like a situation where she shouldn't be a part of my life.  Not on yours!!!  I am a REAL Too lover.  Call me crazy.  I wouldn't take anything for all the times I hear "Mama, I love you."  Or "get Reba" or "Jimmy crack corn."  She's cute and funny and adoreable.  Everyone who meets her thinks so.  She will entertain a crowd and take a bow.  She loves Animal Planet and  when the bad guys come chasing across the screen she comes running up my chest saying mama, and wanting me to protect her.  But the rest of my family. all of whom once really liked her, now only tolerate her.  She is very messy, expensive, loud, vicious demanding.  She must have a godmother or godfather because chances are she will outlive you.  All who volenteer usually back out after awhile.  She loves to go outside but now there is West Nile and other deadly diseases so that is out of the question.  Your significant other has a wonderful romantic evening planned but she let's you know it's her cuddle time.  Guess who you must choose...Which brings in the ground rules for the significant other.  Better have a really loving, understanding one or you won't have one at all/  THIS IS NOT A JOKE.  Think hard and long and then get a puppy.

HI Again, I have two cockatiels along with our umbrella.  I am especially fond of cockatoos.  They are more demanding and needy than some of the other parrots, but I think the payoff is well worth it.  Cockatoos do tend to really want to interact with their "human flock" .  Ours seems to get a huge kick our of making us laugh with her antics.  She will do something absolutely adorable and we will laugh and then she will laugh.  They are soooo smart!  Our umbrella has not plucked yet, but I know it can be common.  Do you mist her or take her in the shower regularly. That is supposed to help.  If she has anything that she may be licking or chewing that has zinc or other metals in it, that can cause some feather pulling. You may want to check with your vet if it persists.  It may just be a temporary "phase" or hormonal thing too.  Is your Citron friendly with strangers and all members of your household?  Our too is sometimes unsure of strangers, especially if they are uncomfortable around large birds.  But usually she is very sweet and will go to anybody (especially men, she is a big flirt!).  I have three birds also and am always looking out for another, but I don't want to take time away from the ones we have.  Also, I'm always keeping an eye out for birds who may need "rescuing" from a bad home or pet shop.  Birds are definitely addictive!!