Can we trade just beaks? Our umbrella makes those bites look like love pinches. They still hurt like hell though, I’m sure:). Thank you for being honest. I grew up with parrots, hand feeding and handling babies to help “tame” them. Probably why I didn’t get a too of my own until I was 38. She’s a rescue (16yo F), and it was a full year of hell. Granted, when we come home to the happiest bird ever just because we walked in the door, it’s worth it. Sort of :)
Thanks for adding all of the bad behavior clips. For people on UA-cam or social media who only see the cute side of these winged demons, they think it's no work at all!
Everything you said in this video is exactly what I’ve been concerned about. Is there any chance you can set up a stationary camera and film him for 10 or 20 minutes or so of just him just living his daily life so that we can have a virtual galah, like one of those fireplace/aquarium videos on loop. That way we can feel like we have one 😊 Bogie ASMR 😍
but apart from the biting the scratching the screaming the agro the molting the destroying the shiting the flying all over the house the escaping to the top of trees , the rats/mice that inevitably come asniffen the noise the MESS , they are great pets and I wouldn't have any other
There was a family here in Australia that had passed their White Cockatoo (Sulphur Crested White Cockatoo) down through three generations of family. The grandparents owned it for 50 years, the next two generations for over 25 years each. It lived to 102 years old, though no one could remember exactly how old it was. That was a rare case, but they often outlive their first owners.
I live in Australia and we are well aware of how messy and noisy Cockatoos can be! We don't generally keep them as pets but when I was living with my parents and every day there would several Cockatoos perched on the railing of our balcony wanting seed which Mum put out for them. Hope you and Bogie are keeping safe and well!!!
You forgot to mention every cockatoo has their own Personality. Mine is independent loner. Basically never needs me. He's very quiet too, sometimes he even goes without a flock call at a days. I have to go bug him and get his attention because I get lonely (and I'm the one considered his favorite person).
Thank you for making this video! I couldn't agree more with everything you said. I own three galahs so everything you said I could relate to. I got mine as rescues. They were lost birds who's owners never showed up for them. I had been wanting to get a galah around the time I came across this galah who needed a home so I started forstering him and pretty soon, two more came into my care. They now have a forever-home here where I watch your videos and Jamie and Dave at birdtricks to get help with their issues, because they have a lot. They already had issues when I got them. One has the shortest fuse and can get really agressive, another one you couldn't touch without constant biting, another was a baby, but still bites and needs lots of work. I love them so much and am gald I have them, but I would NEVER recommend a galah or any cockatoo as a pet. Again, thank you for being honest about them, they are certainly not a cuddly dog. You do such a great job caring for Bogie, he is lucky to have you as his owner! I love watching you and him and try to do the same for my flock, Gary, Grace and Gerald
Aw this message is so sweet! It is even nice for me to hear that Bogie is a normal Galah because sometimes I feel like I'm messing him up! haha we all just have to be there together and help each other out. They are definitely wild animals when it comes down to it.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting this video!!!!! You have described perfectly what it is like to live with a large bird (i used to have an Amazon.) People need to know these things about companion birds, it seems that so many people have some rather romantic ideas about what having a bird would be like, which turns into hard reality once they get one. One other thing I would mention is that it is absolutely crucial to bring a bird to an AVIAN vet, NOT one for dogs and cats. I drive 2.5 hours one way to go to my veterinarian--that's just the way it is. I have parrotlets and lovebirds, btw, not a cockatoo, but they are no less aggressive! It's very useful that I need to wear glasses, I never worry about getting bitten in the eyes.
The nail polish incident rang a bell. I have a Senegal (for almost 23 years) rather than a cockatoo, and I have given up dark nail polish colors for her. It is only pastels if I don't want to freak her out. Tiny dinosaurs make interesting pets. ☺
I have a Galah (Digby) and I've found that putting his bowl on the ground in the middle of his cage is the best option to meet his needs and keep things a little tidier. I had an Alexandrine that I didn't do this for, his bowls were kept upwards because his species spends most of their time in trees. Digby - being a galah - likes to spend a lot of time foraging on the ground like his wild counterparts, so by having a large ceramic dish at the bottom of his cage, he can jump in and forage around like he would outside. Having a treetop bird and a ground bird was so interesting, trying to match cages and toys and layouts that suited each one individually.
Thank you so much for your sincere explanation. I fell in love with a particular Galah who was the sweetest, cutest guy which made me contemplate buying one in the future. But after seeing this video I realized what comes with owning one, and I am forever cured. It would be a shame if someone would not know this and get a Galah only to realize they cannot handle it.. So again thank you!
These are all valid points. On top of that, they are also very social birds so if you just have the one it would be seeking a lot of attention from you. They also spend a lot of their time grooming themselves and other members of the flock in the wild. So you would have to fill the role of “other birds in the flock” and groom them. That could be one of the reasons this bird is attacking her and her partner, they aren’t grooming him enough, and/or he’s bored. You have to remember that parrots are very intelligent, they have the learning capacity of a 1-2 year old child, so they can get bored very easily and then they can get destructive. Just think about what happens when people leave their 2 year olds kids to do what they want, they can get into some mischief also. So having a cockatoo could be like having a toddler for 30-60 years, just imagine that 😅
SUPER HELPFUL! You have probably just saved my sanity and my marriage! I’ve been eyeing a baby Galah who is still being hand fed. Was planning on purchasing her once fully weaned. Think I’ll go for a budgie 😂
I own a Gallah and they are not all like she says. Mine does not attacked my face. Mine holler once or twice a day because she wants me to come get them. But if you wanna burn go for a cockatiel I have one of those as well and he is an absolute sweetheart
Thank you for making this video. I wish I had seen it before I got a parrotlet a year ago. It’s a long story but it didn’t work out and I returned the bird to the breeder. I could not handle being bit constantly (and I paid a lot of money for a good training program, the best high value treats, free-flying training,etc.) I cried for days after our separation. It was an emotional nightmare. There is no way that our homes can match the enrichment that nature provides and for that reason, I do not think houses are for parrots. They need to fly for miles every day and enjoy the outdoors every day. They are most certainly not dogs because dogs care about what we think and birds absolutely do not. My bird bonded to me and displayed tons of affection but it did not care about what I thought or felt. That is not good or bad it just is. Thank you again for trying to help people keep from getting attached to a lifestyle they don’t know that they don’t want.
This is great info to put out there. I wish everyone contemplating getting a pet bird could see this! As a former parrot owner, you are spot on!!! I would add, that no matter how much research you do, and think you understand, nothing truly prepares you for what it’s really like…and that’s even if your bird is a “sweetheart”.
A big thing is the amount of attention they need. Birds are like toddler; they're cute and its amazing when they do things like fly or make noises, just like a toddler learning to walk and talk. But just like toddlers, they make messes and need you to be there for them. You cant keep a toddler in its crib all day, just like you can't keep your bird in its cage all day.
I have a galah and everything you have said is dead true! We live on a boat so it makes it even more difficult but we wouldn’t be without him, he’s so intelligent, funny and has a huge personality. He is really messy, I vacuum 4 times a day on our boat but one great thing is he wears a nappy so he doesn’t poop everywhere but can still fly.
They are basically little monkeys that are more noisy & live longer than monkeys. 😮 Both capuchin monkeys and galah cockatoos are non-domestic exotic pets so there are places that may ban them. Capuchin monkeys are highly social and intelligent primates that can form strong bonds with their owners, while galah cockatoos are known for being highly social and affectionate birds. Both animals require specialized care, diet, and housing. Capuchin monkeys require a lot of attention and stimulation, including social interaction, playtime, and training. Both should ideally be free roamed. They both need a varied and nutritious diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Capuchin monkeys can live up to 40 years or more in captivity, while galah cockatoos can live up to 60 years or more. Galah cockatoos are known for their loud calls and vocalizations. Capuchin monkeys can also be noisy, but not to the same extent as galah cockatoos.
I am getting a rose breasted cockatoo in a week and I wanted to thank you for making these videos! I have watched this and done years of research as well, and I think he is going to be an amazing bird for me.
Thank you for everything... I am Australian and rescue baby GALAHS, I have one right now... he's beautiful and Everything you describe. He's gorgeous 😍
My Galah, Malibu was doing her flying around screeching as I watched this 😂😂😂. Sooo true. We post the highlights! Good getting the bad behavior out there!
Perfect video. Anybody who likes my green cheek conure and say they want to get one too. I always state everything you said!! I am really sad for all the parrots who are rehomed so many times or abused/neglected :( I will be sending your video from now on
You have to remove all sorts of bird toxins from your household and you will never be able to wear fragrance, light incense or use candles again. You will never be able to use non stick cookware. You will have to commit a lot of time and effort to daily training.
A colleague of mine is wanting me to adopt her rescue Galah. I'm ready for the commitment but intimated after watching these videos. I feel bad this bird has been rehomed multiple times.
You're smart for being intimidated as they are a total handful. (and hey there are some exceptions!) and amazing of you for rescuing. If you are willing to have "bird care" be a lifestyle and hobby, then I would say go for it! I went into owning Bogie with NO knowledge.
Ah! The painted toe nails! I paint usually only nails on my hands and for a while I was puzzled by switches in my cockatiels from "love you mom!" to "DON'T YOU EVER COME NEAR ME", when I finally figured each time it was when I painted my nails a different color! I suspect they perceive whole hands or feet with new nail polish color as a stranger's feet/hands. Interestingly never noticed much reaction to me putting various makeup on my face. Also the eye peck :D having cockatiels, which are smaller, I still perceive it as cute. Also thank you for the video overall. I clicked on it just because I wanted to see how it is owning a galah, and so many points are similar to my cockatiels (except for size)... And the experiences are so similar! One day I think I am managing well, the next day my male cockatiel gets hormonal cause change in light day or something and boom! Protect! The! Pillow! Fort! Attack! Parrot! Activated! I have also two females, and with them so far I've never experienced this nesting behavior though, so I wonder if female galahs are also somewhat tamer with regards to the nesting behavior.
It's so alien to me how much these birds cost as pets overseas when I see 20 to 50 of them every day along with Sulfur Crested Cockatoos & Corellas just naturally in the wild flying over my house or stopping for a rest in the trees in my yard & paddock here in rural NSW Australia. They are so common. But still gorgeous & cheeky. I love them.
This is a great vid. It explains everything a too mama goes thru. Yeah I thought I had my bird skills down, but a cockatoo will make you question that once or twice... at least. Galahs maybe more. Lol. Granted I have a very calm and cooperative female. But is a huge part of your day, and like ours get music and dance lessons and such. But cockatoos will make you wonder at times, if you have what it takes as a bird mom, lol. So good job explaining that. All good stuff to consider before... research, research, RESEARCH! That’s what I always say. I spent a decade learning before I adopted mine, but also had been learning my whole life really cuz wanted one as a kid. But I wanted to do it right. And even then you’re still not prepared when it comes to toos... cuz you’ve just adopted a human toddler basically. I remember for 10 years I heard a lot in the bird community when I’d inquire about a too (I wanted to take my time and wait for the right one, & that totally worked, I knew her when I saw her. And that’s clearly obvious with you 2 as well). But experts would often say “most people aren’t cockatoo people. Only a certain few bird moms.” So I kept learning, but also kept thinking I was probably one of them and it would happen one day. Cuz it takes a special type of bird mom. Turns out I was one of those peeps where cockatoo and I just go well together... and now it’s my life (but I love it!), & I’m even doing a study on cockatoo behavior in captivity,.. in a normal home life with cockatoos. To develop a better guide for their emotional and psychological needs. I’ve cone to the conclusion they need a totally integrated family life as if they were a toddler. All of the learning, all of the enrichment, etc. Youre clearly one of us too, lol. Cuz now you all of these things too and it’s great you take him to bible study and such. it’s beautiful tbh. Passing down all you’ve learned. Well done on this vid. Did we remember to get as one last reason: Cockatoos have a way of seeing into your soul, and psyching you out that leaves you feeling rattled and unnerved, like they just powered into your soul and made notes for later... it’s creepy when it happens. Cuz that one is a good one, and how you handle that moment when it occurs might determine the rest of your relationship with that bird. cuz they’re that smart! They do this look that conveys both that they just saw into your soul AND that they then might use what they saw against you later, at the same time, and it can be unnerving when you first experience it... I’m sure you’ve dealt with that by now. That look where they just mentally documented something they saw in you that you didn’t see yourself... and are gonna save that for later. Lol. 😂 I remember going to friends when that first happened, crying “omg I didn’t think she could get to me like that! Like I let her get into my head... Holy crap!” 😂😂😂😂😂🙈 “and now Idk what she might be planning!” Thank goodness other cockatoo moms quickly told me, “you’re ok, you got this, you finally got the Soul Stare & now you’re feeling really inadequate as a bird mom. We’ve all been there.” Like they knew cuz they’d been thru it too. Lol. So having a cockatoo friends support system when you first adopt is also a good idea. So I’m adding that. You’ll have questions. Now I know what do in those situations, and it rarely occurs cuz she’s given up trying. I just do it right back & then she gets unnerved, lol... she did it twice in the 1st year... had me questioning all my skills as a bird mom. 😂😂😂🙈 My girl also loves Dance Moms & I give her dance lessons... she has goals in life. I’m like “at least she has that psych-out stare down, cuz every dance kid learns that for competition and this little too is a master at it!” And then she realized when JoJo Siwa did the exact same psych-out stare on DWTS this week and cheered. 😂🤷🏼♀️ All of Abby’s kids learn that for competition. I just hate when she does it to me. Lol. So we do a lot of toddler type enrichment. Right now the birds are happily raising their own interactive cyber pet (toy) & learning ABC’s & the arts. We get kids toys for them along with their birdie chew toys. They’re learning to play a tiny piano and everything. The more we do like that the more I watch their personalities grow and things go smoothly with momsplaing why we have certain rules and stuff.
I love your honesty and knowledge on these birds. They are beautiful and I would just admire them from afar in the wild. Where I believe they belong. I admire you for putting such a tremendous effort into caring for these little birds. I’ll stick to my two dogs and three cats they are so loving and rewarding to me. But I understand everyone is different and to each their own and their tastes.
Aw thanks for your positive feedback and for watching our video! We really appreciate it and I really really try to paint an accurate depiction of what parrot ownership is like.
My macaw loves going after feet. Everything you've said applies to my macaw and my grey. Every day is a battle of wits, where two dinosaurs solve all the difficulties that humans have put in front of them. Our macaw has learned how to open cupboards and some doors, and take down curtains. Our grey seems to know which wires to cut to not be watched by the aviary camera. They'll cooperate to raid treats in the kitchen. Hear a noise in the kitchen? Maybe it's my wife, maybe it's my grey answering in my wife's voice... can't just yell, have to go look and see. I prepared for all that by volunteering at a parrot rescue for 6 months prior to taking in my birds, but even then. Oh, and all that cockatoo stuff applies to a grey, with the added bonus of greys (and amazons) being able to do voices, so as I said, if I ask a question of my wife in another room, I often have to assess "was it Squidette, or Poulet du Cul Rouge?" With a parrot you have to be prepared for creepy sounds and voices in the night. Ever walked into a dark room and hear a whisper "whatca doin?"... I assure you, no matter how awesome you are, your heart will skip a beat the first time you get one of those. (that one is a macaw trick btw... previous owner must have taught her that).
galahs have been my favorite for sooo long! (still is) i have been thinking of getting a grey, but galahs match my personality more, im more of a loud, messy, fun person, not so much as a chill sit and give one pet on the head. i like dancing and being crazy, and i would love to have a galah doing that with me (i have 6 birds) and i have lots of experience. i think a galah would be perfect for me.
I would encourage you to adopt if your heart is set on a galah! Also, I have learned recently that all the dancing and hyping up can lead to lots of aggression. Cockatoo energy can escalate very quickly! i wish someone would have told me that much sooner than when i found out the hard way! 😫😅
Flock Life yes I already know that. I have an amazon leaned that the hard way to. But dancing with your galah can also help you bond. Playing and talking to it also. It can lead to different things. It depends on the bird.
Yes.....you have described my galah Arlo accurately. I love her dearly but I discourage anyone from owning one. I also have a beak shaped mark on my face because I accidentally shut a drawer that she had hopped into. Lol
When he is being agressive towards others never ever do what you did! Do not laugh, they are always checking your behavior! Remember, if you give it a wrong behavior reading, it takes weeks upon weeks to rewrite that. Anyway, thank you so much for not incentiving people to get a parrot. Also, your parrot seems too wild, was he from a breeder?
OMG!, thank you so much for your video, I was planning on getting a Galah this week, but yup, I’m a neat freak, I think I’ll stay with just my dogs and watch funny videos of birds instead. I don’t think I have the patience!,
I honestly consider my birds to be little people, not pets. And not like children either, like little dramatic humans that have their own intricate culture you don't understand, that speak a language you don't understand, that's extended family. They're not cute or docile, they're highly intelligent and complex beings and need to be treated as such. Personally, I struggle hard with reading people, but consider parrots easy to read, so I fit well with them. Like I said, they're like my best friends that also happen to be rather demanding roommates. But if you're not someone who enjoys their complexity and doesn't mind aggressive behaviors, then you shouldn't get a pet parrot. I got my birds because I wanted a best friend, but I also enjoy working with challenging, aggressive animals, so it was a challenge I knew I was getting into. I should also mention that I've grown up with parrots, I've got a lot of experience with 'problem' animals like aggressive dogs, cats, horses, and birds, and am currently in school to be an animal behaviorist, so I feel like I have enough experience to care for parrots. But seriously, if you want a pet that's loving and snugglable and also has feathers, I'd suggest getting a pet pigeon or chicken instead. People scoff at me when I recommend those birds, but they're fully domesticated and are quite loving pets, whereas all parrot species are still wild animals
I don’t have a cockatoo, but I do have a caique and mine absolutely LOVES to attack my prescription glasses so that’s another expense to take into account. Once he latches on, I have to hope I can take the glasses off my face before I lose a finger or my eye in the process. He’s chipped my lenses so many times and he’s only a few months old. I do love birds, but I agree that parrots in general are NOT pets to buy on a whim. The smallest things can set them off!
You totally nailed it. I have two galahs that free-range my house, and I agree with everything you said, loud, messy, and destructive, but you can't help loving the little demons anyway
I have owned parrots for over 30 years and have been bit a total of 3 times. Each bite was because the bird was new and frightened. I have learned to read body language of the bird which is important. Cockatoos can go from 0 to 100 in 1 second with aggression and is second to the amazon for biting. I can say there is one species of parrot that is incredibly reluctant to bite and is actually endangered in the wild because they don't bite when caught. That bird is the Patagonian Conure. They are noisy but they are sweet and a very good first bird.
Sooooo true 😆 it’s so nice to know I’m not alone in dealing with my parrots lmao. Another reason- you’ll never be able to shower or go to the bathroom alone ever again because once they bond to you they want to know what you’re doing at all times. They also poop CONSTANTLY and will chew everything sparkly that you own. Goodbye pretty jewelry....
There are days will your bird will act like they hate you this is when birds get rehomed because people think the bird doesn’t love them. Guys it just takes time
I have a galah that was found in the bush, with a clipped wing. He couldn't fly and was in the middle of nowhere so he'd been dumped. That's the sad part about having these long lived birds as pets: you have to have a solid plan for them for after you've gone and in some cases that plan doesn't work out - particularly where a bird has behavior 'problems'. Often they are just released into the wild with people hoping they just assimilate into the nearest flock. He was starving when I found him (or maybe he found me) and I took him home It took a while to settle him into a routine and I've put together a large set of stainless steel shelves as a playhouse. It's outfitted with branches, chains, toys, treats and foraging toys. He's an excellent cuddler (purrs like a cat), blames me for anything that goes wrong (falls over own feet, sees a magpie) or if the morning routine is out of order and he's likely to get cross and nip. I've had him for a few years now and wouldn't give him up but I'd never deliberately go out and purchase one.
Wow thanks for sharing. That is so sad that people just release pet birds expecting them to live. Especially when clipped 😔😤. You're amazing to have saved the little guy and give him a good loving home.
If you want a more docile pet bird, maybe you should get a dove. My dove lived with me for seventeen years, and apart from his crowing whenever I watched a movie, he was the perfect pet bird. (Seventeen years is a very long life for a dove.)
I was strongly considering to get a Galah... this video has totally put me off. I appreciate your honesty. Just thought they were the best birds for families. Oh well.
I just watched your video on "The Truth Behind Owning A Cockatoo". I have a wonderful Galah named Mortimer and he is my baby. I would just like to add that I am now 58 years old and have had him for 6 years. Yes I bought him on a whim. My kids have grown and they were all having babies of their own so crazy me wanted a baby too and so I bought Mortimer. He is the love of my life and does everything with me. However when other people come around I do have to put him back in his cage. I would like to add a reason to not buying a Galah to your video. I feel this is one that may not be thought of and I certainly didn't think of. Who will look after your bird when you die? None of my kids want him and at this stage I don't know and I do think about what will happen to him when I'm gone. I had Galah's when I was little and when I left home my mum gave them to a small zoo. From there I heard that they got out and got killed on the road. What do I do?
Absolutely agree and this is totally something one should consider before buying a cockatoo. THANK YOU for your honesty. It is needed in the bird community so that others can learn!
totally agree with you, thanks for sharing honest facts about owning a parrot, we don't own cockatoo (thank God for that) but I have 3 budgies, they can be cute for 1 sec and the next moment, they turn into evil scream their heart out and bite everything they can grab. Given that cockatoo is larger and live longer, the problems multiply
It's so freaking funny that all the behaviours your Galah is showing in this video, my conures do - exactly like that! But they are much much smaller (60 grams) :D
This is a very good video. Thank you so much for making it. I need to share this video sometime soon so more people can see it. It's funny how you said "You might be a cockatoo", haha. I made this same comparison about myself today... I said that I'm challenging to be around, so maybe that's why I like cockatoos so much. :P
a cockatoo is the best "pet-friend" you can have in my opinion. my galah is 7 years go. i "got" him, since he was still in the egg. you just need to have a lot of patience and time. they are like teenagers. they learn from you and still have their on head. so prepare to get bit here and there and be prepare that they will mess with you here and there. you will suffer pain and bleed for sure :D ... and yea. watch your eyes. dont trust them too much in the first years xD anyway. they are realy lovly. cute, fluffly, follows you everywhere (they mostly walk because they are too lazy to fly xD). and they are like clowns. they love to make nonsense things, weird talking, destryojng everything (yes, even walls if you let them get on a higher postion close to a wall) - and throw everything (!) they can lift on the ground and just have fun :) and remember... they dont live like 15 years like a cat or dog... they get up to 40 years and older. so its a life-time (!)friend(!) not just a pet. think about that before you want to get one -> not just because you saw some "cute and nice" videos. :)
They are by Mother Sierra! love them so much I will get you the link www.mothersierra.com/collections/the-living/products/bogie-the-galah?ghref=4085%3A50859
We have a goffin cockatoo, he’s now 8. Years old , he’s so cuddly, He does have a streak in him and at times wants to remove my eyeglasses and flips them off so fast without a warning. But he’s mostly a good bird. He talks, and sometimes really loud when he wants your attention. He’s potty trained, and whenever he’s outside he’s cadge, we put newspaper on the floor by him. And I’ll have him on my fingers and tell him to plop, and he does.
This is soooo true, even for the smaller cockatiels - the only things that make cockatiels easier are that they live 30 years, rather than 60, and they are not so expensive. Still, they are loud, aggressive and messy - and we were left with ours after our son left home. It was his bird. Sigh.
...you are sooo right...I had a blue fronted amazon...same thing, made the same experiences... and later I felt sooo sorry for him not to be able to live in a flock in a forest...thats where they belong and where they are happy!
We have owned both a yellow crested Cockatoo & a Galah. First 3 months with them can be a battle, then they learn who’s boss & become great loving birds.
Are they your first birds? Do you recommend buying one? I just can't decide. Almost everyone says how bad they are, but others like you say that they are just fine. Also, how old were they when you bought them?
hahaha! when bogie got your ear ring 🤣🤣 I quit wearing earrings when I got my Galah Binky lol everything you said is so true! But nun the less we love them ❤🦜 I couldn't imagine not having him now.
We rescued a 19 year old lesser sulphur crested male cockatoo. We DID our research. They are BY FAR THE HARDEST BREED OF BIRD TO READ. By reading I mean BODY LANGUAGE. Within the first week he bit me on the lip/hand causing me to bleed. These majestic birds NEED 24/7 care as well as attention and healthy ways of entertaining themselves. If you don't pay adequate attention and give the something to do THEY CHEW ON EVERYTHING. You also have to realize they require adequate health care as well including good foods/visits to the vet too.
Hey, I live in Western Australia and yes Galah's can be pretty noisy. We have a wild flock that we feed that number around 90, and man can it get noisy in our backyard. It is however mainly the males, as you have there. Most females are normally a lot more quiet than the males. Maybe a female Galah would have been a better option lol. We have a pet male Major Mitchell, and they are also very loud. As you said though, they will be with you a long time, and they are a flock bird, so they love attention. I love how you let the bird have a lot of time out the cage. I hate seeing how some people lock them up with no natural branches or things to chew. It is easier if you live in Aus. as you can just grab gumtree branches from the backyard our park for them, so I understand it would be a little harder in other countries. Thanks for the content.
Love hearing about the wild galahs. One day I’ll go visit them 🥰. Thanks for your comment and support! I do my very best in providing a good happy life for bogie boy. Trying to inspire others to do the same so we have less neglect and abuse situations!!!
I must have lucked out. My sulfur crested cockatoo has never been aggressive with me. He has bit me, but it's more of a play bite more than anything. He's never broke my skin or drew blood. I got him when he was eight weeks old and handfed him till he was weaned. He is now 20 years old. I have kept him on the same schedule for the past 20 years. I feed him the same time of the day. He gets out of his cage the same time of the day. I have always given him the same amount of attention. Which I believe is what causes a lot of problems with cockatoos. People get them and lowed them with attention, but as time goes by they stop. That causes behavioral problems with cockatoos in my opinion. And ever since I've had tweetie, if he ever misbehaves I give him no attention at all till he stops. If he thinks for a second if I scream I will come running, he will only continue to do so over and over. Cockatoos are smart and know how to get their way. I did my research when I got tweetie and what I read was sulfur crested cockatoos don't need to be attached to their owners 24 hours a day like an umbrella or moluccan cockatoo does. I also read the book Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot before I got tweetie. Some disagree with what that author says, but I have had my cockatoo for 20 years now, and the advice she gives is why I have have a well behaved cockatoo. But reasons for not getting a cockatoo is their noisy. Tweetie screams a few times a day. Again to keep him from being a screamer I give him no attention till he stops. But the worst reason is it's really hard to have one when you go on vacation. I take tweetie to a kennel when I do but I have to take his cage with him. Hauling a large heavy wrought iron cage to the kennel sucks.
Yeah that is amazing. Ironically , TODAY bogie bit me SO hard. almost drew blood. And yeah... that is exactly what causes behavioral problems with birds. People load them with attention, and then the bird thinks that normal and will expect it. I am actually trying to make more videos about that!
I've been keeping citrons for near 25 years , I've never found them to be this aggressive. Perhaps the galah. Is generally more aggressive as a pet? Or maybe just because he's young.
I’m perfectly happy with budgies and cockatiels. Even cockatiels can be challenging! Female tiel we have is amazing, first male we had was amazing, second male was a nightmare. Completely stubborn and would bite. Couldn’t keep him. If I couldn’t properly handle a cockatiel, there is no way in hell I’m ever considering a cockatoo! I will admire and watch from the internet :)
Galahs are flock birds, they habitate in large feeding groups. This bird may benefit from having another Galah living with it. If you hand raise them from chicks they should be fine. It depends on each individual bird's temperament. But in the wild they aren't anywhere near as aggressive as Sulfur-crested cockies or Corellas.
I had absolutely no idea about the amount of time and commitment you have to give to a bird..and this is the first time I have seen a galah cockatoo..coz you don't see these in india..im terrified of birds...and BTW bogie is really pretty...thanks for sharing this
I have a cockatoo that I have had for 26 years and another (my avatar) for 10 years. I've never been bitten on the face by either of them and in fact the GSC2 has never bitten me or anyone. I would say that you are doing some things wrong. You don't want your bird going for your earrings then don't wear them (at least when the bird can get to them). You should be calmer and project that calm by not waving your arms around so much when you talk. Get a bigger cage.
I agree I work with birds for a living all kinds of breeds and I really do think if the birds aggressive it's coming from the owner/person they work with.. I won't put up with their crap I don't give them an inch or think it's "funny" I correct it instantly and they KNOW I won't put up with it and I've never had issues with any of them. I just love how people blame the animal 😂
With all due respect you and others that do cute bird videos are part of the problem people see these cute videos online they don't do their research and get a parrot or a cockatoo I have three Indian ringnecks the price of Indian ringnecks has gone through the roof because of all these cute videos I also have an African gray I don't use them as social media money makers because I don't want to contribute to people buying birds and not knowing what they're doing that's why they wind up and rescues its a big commitment to have one in the end all this social media stuff is a huge disservice to to the birds it's kind of like when a movie that has a special kind of dog that's hard to care for comes out like the dalmatian movies everybody got Dalmatians and they wound up in the pound because they didn't realize what hard to care for dogs they are and difficult to train it's kind of the same thing with these parrots people see it it's cute and they just want one or their kids beg them to get one unfortunately it's all around bad for them but people want to make money
I am actually going to make a video in response to this since it is such an important topic! thank you so much for engaging in this channel and bringing up these tough topics.
Greetings from Brasil! A piece of advice for everyone who wants to have their first bird: cockatiel. They're smaller than cockatoos, their lifespan is about 15 or 20 years and are very good for apartments. If you want a very lovely and REALLY NEEDY one, get a female but if you are amazed by a "talkative bird" that speaks, sings and whistles, than male for sure.
Omg all of this in this video is so true except I have a Cockatiel and he’s not really as aggressive and doesn’t really hurt me as much because I’ve trained him since he was really small and we’ve worked on it a lot and I make sure that he doesn’t by anybody and when he does I put them back in his cage that I trained my bird to not be aggressive but most of this like the messy part and flying around the 🏡 House that is almost all true
It also depends on how they where raised, who raised them and the environment all factor in there behaviour. So when they say they are quiet it means they where raised different to your and others.
My first sulphur crested cockatoo was an angel. I looked after it all wrong.. it was the old days. He was parent reared. He lived in a small round brass cage and I clipped his wings. He ate seed and vegetables only all his life. He only had a metal bell as a toy. But he was super healthy, perfect feathers, no behavioural problems, friendly with everyone and quiet (for a cockatoo). He died of age related problems. I got another one and did everything right, a hand reared one, very expensive. Lived in a massive cage and could fly around the room. It screamed all the time, pulled out its chest feathers, attacked everyone and my dog, bit me hard to make my bleed, destroyed everything. After 4 years I had enough and re homed it. I miss my old one so much, but will never get another one now.
Great video. It's all true. Hopefully this will prevent impulse purchases and more birds in rescues. Birds, especially cockatoos are a HARD and DEMANDING animal to keep. I have grown up with family cokcatoos/parrots. I have a 14 yr old Galah I've owned since I was 16 yrs old. We found her in the wild injured before she even had all her feathers (I live in Australia - her injury was debilitating enough she can't go back). From about 1 to 3 years old she was very difficult. Probably the hormones. Aggressive randomly. More so towards some people irrationally. Moody. Bitey. Destructive. Noisy and messy. As she has got older she has mellowed a lot, and generally behaves. But she can still be randomly moody and bitey sometimes, and she's still messy. And I still make sure to spend several hours a day with her out and about pooping up the house to keep her mentally well. And this will go until she dies: potentially this will be the same age I do. She's an amazing pet, I don't regret it. But I warn anyone I know to not get a galah/cockatoo unless they have kept other shorter term birds for a long time like budgies and cockatiels. Or even lorikeets. And then they need an "inheritance" plan in case they can't keep the bird. Apparently males are even noisier and more aggressive! But good luck it will get better over time if you keep the boundaries up well!
Thank you for the thoughtful response! I do feel a responsibility to warn people because of how much work birds are! and people really do compare every pet to a dog.
targettman we have a three year old male. Hand reared and he has named himself 'Gorgeous Goodboy". He's highly intelligent, speaks clearly and uses words in context, is aggressive, cuddly, very noisy, very affectionate, swoops and attacks at random, always wants to be scratched, craps everywhere, is adorable and has destroyed a our 3 keyboards and a laptop. None of that is a contradiction, it's a galah. Love him to bits. Oh and all three cats are terrified of him.
As an update : first time in 14 year she has discovered the laminate on the kitchen cupboards and the grout in the tiles. It used to be the skirting boards a few years ago. We are in a rental. This is a problem. Cokcatoos are the gift that keeps on never maturing.
Keepin it real! 💕
Trying 😂
Hey it’s called a galah not being rude…
Can we trade just beaks? Our umbrella makes those bites look like love pinches. They still hurt like hell though, I’m sure:). Thank you for being honest. I grew up with parrots, hand feeding and handling babies to help “tame” them. Probably why I didn’t get a too of my own until I was 38. She’s a rescue (16yo F), and it was a full year of hell. Granted, when we come home to the happiest bird ever just because we walked in the door, it’s worth it. Sort of :)
@@Cloxxyy Galahs are a species of cockatoo
Let’s go BirdTricks!
Thanks for adding all of the bad behavior clips. For people on UA-cam or social media who only see the cute side of these winged demons, they think it's no work at all!
It is literally why i created a youtube channel haha because IG does NOT do it justice :)
Everything you said in this video is exactly what I’ve been concerned about. Is there any chance you can set up a stationary camera and film him for 10 or 20 minutes or so of just him just living his daily life so that we can have a virtual galah, like one of those fireplace/aquarium videos on loop. That way we can feel like we have one 😊 Bogie ASMR 😍
HAHA! The problem is that he wouldn't stay in one place long enough to make that video work 😂😂😂
Put a Go Pro on the bird!
but apart from the biting the scratching the screaming the agro the molting the destroying the shiting the flying all over the house the escaping to the top of trees , the rats/mice that inevitably come asniffen the noise the MESS , they are great pets and I wouldn't have any other
As a fellow Galah owner this is all accurate. Gizmo is pure evil, and I love him
There was a family here in Australia that had passed their White Cockatoo (Sulphur Crested White Cockatoo) down through three generations of family. The grandparents owned it for 50 years, the next two generations for over 25 years each. It lived to 102 years old, though no one could remember exactly how old it was. That was a rare case, but they often outlive their first owners.
God that bird lived longer than the Queen
I live in Australia and we are well aware of how messy and noisy Cockatoos can be! We don't generally keep them as pets but when I was living with my parents and every day there would several Cockatoos perched on the railing of our balcony wanting seed which Mum put out for them. Hope you and Bogie are keeping safe and well!!!
i feel yo pain mate my dad has over 200 bird in his yard everyday
Yeah same. We get about 5 species of cockatoos around here, and they are noisy!
This sounds SO awesome to me 😂😂 we have peacocks here where I live and the poops are like small dog poops and they scratch everyones cars.
As an Australian, you should be disapproving of these animals being kept in captivity half a world away
@@jamesward6243 mate eas up, the cockatoo is very much loved
You forgot to mention every cockatoo has their own Personality. Mine is independent loner. Basically never needs me. He's very quiet too, sometimes he even goes without a flock call at a days. I have to go bug him and get his attention because I get lonely (and I'm the one considered his favorite person).
Now that's different!
Thank you for making this video! I couldn't agree more with everything you said. I own three galahs so everything you said I could relate to. I got mine as rescues. They were lost birds who's owners never showed up for them. I had been wanting to get a galah around the time I came across this galah who needed a home so I started forstering him and pretty soon, two more came into my care. They now have a forever-home here where I watch your videos and Jamie and Dave at birdtricks to get help with their issues, because they have a lot. They already had issues when I got them. One has the shortest fuse and can get really agressive, another one you couldn't touch without constant biting, another was a baby, but still bites and needs lots of work.
I love them so much and am gald I have them, but I would NEVER recommend a galah or any cockatoo as a pet. Again, thank you for being honest about them, they are certainly not a cuddly dog.
You do such a great job caring for Bogie, he is lucky to have you as his owner!
I love watching you and him and try to do the same for my flock, Gary, Grace and Gerald
Aw this message is so sweet! It is even nice for me to hear that Bogie is a normal Galah because sometimes I feel like I'm messing him up! haha we all just have to be there together and help each other out. They are definitely wild animals when it comes down to it.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting this video!!!!! You have described perfectly what it is like to live with a large bird (i used to have an Amazon.) People need to know these things about companion birds, it seems that so many people have some rather romantic ideas about what having a bird would be like, which turns into hard reality once they get one. One other thing I would mention is that it is absolutely crucial to bring a bird to an AVIAN vet, NOT one for dogs and cats. I drive 2.5 hours one way to go to my veterinarian--that's just the way it is. I have parrotlets and lovebirds, btw, not a cockatoo, but they are no less aggressive! It's very useful that I need to wear glasses, I never worry about getting bitten in the eyes.
The nail polish incident rang a bell. I have a Senegal (for almost 23 years) rather than a cockatoo, and I have given up dark nail polish colors for her. It is only pastels if I don't want to freak her out.
Tiny dinosaurs make interesting pets. ☺
I have a Galah (Digby) and I've found that putting his bowl on the ground in the middle of his cage is the best option to meet his needs and keep things a little tidier. I had an Alexandrine that I didn't do this for, his bowls were kept upwards because his species spends most of their time in trees. Digby - being a galah - likes to spend a lot of time foraging on the ground like his wild counterparts, so by having a large ceramic dish at the bottom of his cage, he can jump in and forage around like he would outside. Having a treetop bird and a ground bird was so interesting, trying to match cages and toys and layouts that suited each one individually.
Thanks😊
Thank you so much for your sincere explanation. I fell in love with a particular Galah who was the sweetest, cutest guy which made me contemplate buying one in the future. But after seeing this video I realized what comes with owning one, and I am forever cured. It would be a shame if someone would not know this and get a Galah only to realize they cannot handle it.. So again thank you!
These are all valid points.
On top of that, they are also very social birds so if you just have the one it would be seeking a lot of attention from you. They also spend a lot of their time grooming themselves and other members of the flock in the wild. So you would have to fill the role of “other birds in the flock” and groom them. That could be one of the reasons this bird is attacking her and her partner, they aren’t grooming him enough, and/or he’s bored.
You have to remember that parrots are very intelligent, they have the learning capacity of a 1-2 year old child, so they can get bored very easily and then they can get destructive. Just think about what happens when people leave their 2 year olds kids to do what they want, they can get into some mischief also. So having a cockatoo could be like having a toddler for 30-60 years, just imagine that 😅
The eye poking is terrifying! Lickily I've got glass-protectors that double as eye-sight fixers!
SUPER HELPFUL! You have probably just saved my sanity and my marriage! I’ve been eyeing a baby Galah who is still being hand fed. Was planning on purchasing her once fully weaned. Think I’ll go for a budgie 😂
So glad this video helped!! Bogie is a handful!!
Budies are awesome pet birds in their own right. 💛
I own a Gallah and they are not all like she says. Mine does not attacked my face. Mine holler once or twice a day because she wants me to come get them. But if you wanna burn go for a cockatiel I have one of those as well and he is an absolute sweetheart
@@luanahaigood278 where did you go to school?
@@luanahaigood278 thanks for sharing
We had one for almost twenty years. Everything you said is spot on. We miss him so much. Alive and well at a Agricultural High School bird aviary.
Thank you for making this video. I wish I had seen it before I got a parrotlet a year ago. It’s a long story but it didn’t work out and I returned the bird to the breeder. I could not handle being bit constantly (and I paid a lot of money for a good training program, the best high value treats, free-flying training,etc.) I cried for days after our separation. It was an emotional nightmare. There is no way that our homes can match the enrichment that nature provides and for that reason, I do not think houses are for parrots. They need to fly for miles every day and enjoy the outdoors every day. They are most certainly not dogs because dogs care about what we think and birds absolutely do not. My bird bonded to me and displayed tons of affection but it did not care about what I thought or felt. That is not good or bad it just is. Thank you again for trying to help people keep from getting attached to a lifestyle they don’t know that they don’t want.
This is great info to put out there. I wish everyone contemplating getting a pet bird could see this! As a former parrot owner, you are spot on!!! I would add, that no matter how much research you do, and think you understand, nothing truly prepares you for what it’s really like…and that’s even if your bird is a “sweetheart”.
I agree!!!!
Yes never get these horrid animals, that are nothing but pain, heartache, and destructive. Awful creatures.
PS. I love mine 😁
Thank you Ma'am. Those shorts on YT make them look so fun to own. They are romanticizing the owning of one, that's for sure.
I am so glad you commented on the amount for dust that comes off a Galah! It is insane! I had to get a rainbow vacuum to control the dust!
My little sister almost got a bird on a whim! I told her about your videos!
Depends on the type of bird. Budgies, Cockatiels, and Pigeons are much more docile thank cockatoos. Cockatoos and parrots are the most troublesome.
@@daemonzap1481 true but they still take a lot of time and money
@@daemonzap1481 I foster pigeons and they are definitely better for most people than parrots but they still require work!
A big thing is the amount of attention they need. Birds are like toddler; they're cute and its amazing when they do things like fly or make noises, just like a toddler learning to walk and talk. But just like toddlers, they make messes and need you to be there for them. You cant keep a toddler in its crib all day, just like you can't keep your bird in its cage all day.
I have a galah and everything you have said is dead true! We live on a boat so it makes it even more difficult but we wouldn’t be without him, he’s so intelligent, funny and has a huge personality. He is really messy, I vacuum 4 times a day on our boat but one great thing is he wears a nappy so he doesn’t poop everywhere but can still fly.
They are basically little monkeys that are more noisy & live longer than monkeys. 😮 Both capuchin monkeys and galah cockatoos are non-domestic exotic pets so there are places that may ban them. Capuchin monkeys are highly social and intelligent primates that can form strong bonds with their owners, while galah cockatoos are known for being highly social and affectionate birds.
Both animals require specialized care, diet, and housing. Capuchin monkeys require a lot of attention and stimulation, including social interaction, playtime, and training. Both should ideally be free roamed. They both need a varied and nutritious diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Capuchin monkeys can live up to 40 years or more in captivity, while galah cockatoos can live up to 60 years or more.
Galah cockatoos are known for their loud calls and vocalizations. Capuchin monkeys can also be noisy, but not to the same extent as galah cockatoos.
I am getting a rose breasted cockatoo in a week and I wanted to thank you for making these videos! I have watched this and done years of research as well, and I think he is going to be an amazing bird for me.
Good luck!
Flock Life Thank you!
Thank you for everything... I am Australian and rescue baby GALAHS, I have one right now... he's beautiful and Everything you describe.
He's gorgeous 😍
My Galah, Malibu was doing her flying around screeching as I watched this 😂😂😂. Sooo true. We post the highlights! Good getting the bad behavior out there!
Perfect video. Anybody who likes my green cheek conure and say they want to get one too. I always state everything you said!! I am really sad for all the parrots who are rehomed so many times or abused/neglected :(
I will be sending your video from now on
You have to remove all sorts of bird toxins from your household and you will never be able to wear fragrance, light incense or use candles again. You will never be able to use non stick cookware. You will have to commit a lot of time and effort to daily training.
Would love to see information on how you keep them entertained toys wise
We are currently trying to figure how to keep it running
I use BirdTricks foraging boxes! I posted a video about them! You can use my code: BOGIETHEGALAH to get 10% off as well :)
A colleague of mine is wanting me to adopt her rescue Galah. I'm ready for the commitment but intimated after watching these videos. I feel bad this bird has been rehomed multiple times.
You're smart for being intimidated as they are a total handful. (and hey there are some exceptions!) and amazing of you for rescuing. If you are willing to have "bird care" be a lifestyle and hobby, then I would say go for it! I went into owning Bogie with NO knowledge.
Might be lucky might be a chill bird. I type this as my quaker is giving me face piercings. She's allot smaller then a cockatu
Ah! The painted toe nails! I paint usually only nails on my hands and for a while I was puzzled by switches in my cockatiels from "love you mom!" to "DON'T YOU EVER COME NEAR ME", when I finally figured each time it was when I painted my nails a different color! I suspect they perceive whole hands or feet with new nail polish color as a stranger's feet/hands. Interestingly never noticed much reaction to me putting various makeup on my face.
Also the eye peck :D having cockatiels, which are smaller, I still perceive it as cute.
Also thank you for the video overall. I clicked on it just because I wanted to see how it is owning a galah, and so many points are similar to my cockatiels (except for size)... And the experiences are so similar! One day I think I am managing well, the next day my male cockatiel gets hormonal cause change in light day or something and boom! Protect! The! Pillow! Fort! Attack! Parrot! Activated! I have also two females, and with them so far I've never experienced this nesting behavior though, so I wonder if female galahs are also somewhat tamer with regards to the nesting behavior.
It's so alien to me how much these birds cost as pets overseas when I see 20 to 50 of them every day along with Sulfur Crested Cockatoos & Corellas just naturally in the wild flying over my house or stopping for a rest in the trees in my yard & paddock here in rural NSW Australia. They are so common. But still gorgeous & cheeky. I love them.
Awesome! “You might be a cockatoo” 🤣🤣 loving the vacuum cleaner demos
haha that would be a funny video
Thanks for being so honest about these birds, thanks
Ha ha! "You might be a cockatoo"
Thank you so much for making this video! I was researching galahs, planning to buy one... now I probably won't. Thanks again, for keeping it real.
This is a great vid. It explains everything a too mama goes thru. Yeah I thought I had my bird skills down, but a cockatoo will make you question that once or twice... at least. Galahs maybe more. Lol.
Granted I have a very calm and cooperative female. But is a huge part of your day, and like ours get music and dance lessons and such. But cockatoos will make you wonder at times, if you have what it takes as a bird mom, lol. So good job explaining that. All good stuff to consider before... research, research, RESEARCH! That’s what I always say. I spent a decade learning before I adopted mine, but also had been learning my whole life really cuz wanted one as a kid. But I wanted to do it right. And even then you’re still not prepared when it comes to toos... cuz you’ve just adopted a human toddler basically.
I remember for 10 years I heard a lot in the bird community when I’d inquire about a too (I wanted to take my time and wait for the right one, & that totally worked, I knew her when I saw her. And that’s clearly obvious with you 2 as well).
But experts would often say “most people aren’t cockatoo people. Only a certain few bird moms.” So I kept learning, but also kept thinking I was probably one of them and it would happen one day.
Cuz it takes a special type of bird mom. Turns out I was one of those peeps where cockatoo and I just go well together... and now it’s my life (but I love it!), & I’m even doing a study on cockatoo behavior in captivity,.. in a normal home life with cockatoos. To develop a better guide for their emotional and psychological needs.
I’ve cone to the conclusion they need a totally integrated family life as if they were a toddler. All of the learning, all of the enrichment, etc. Youre clearly one of us too, lol. Cuz now you all of these things too and it’s great you take him to bible study and such. it’s beautiful tbh. Passing down all you’ve learned. Well done on this vid.
Did we remember to get as one last reason:
Cockatoos have a way of seeing into your soul, and psyching you out that leaves you feeling rattled and unnerved, like they just powered into your soul and made notes for later... it’s creepy when it happens. Cuz that one is a good one, and how you handle that moment when it occurs might determine the rest of your relationship with that bird. cuz they’re that smart!
They do this look that conveys both that they just saw into your soul AND that they then might use what they saw against you later, at the same time, and it can be unnerving when you first experience it... I’m sure you’ve dealt with that by now. That look where they just mentally documented something they saw in you that you didn’t see yourself... and are gonna save that for later. Lol. 😂
I remember going to friends when that first happened, crying “omg I didn’t think she could get to me like that! Like I let her get into my head... Holy crap!” 😂😂😂😂😂🙈 “and now Idk what she might be planning!” Thank goodness other cockatoo moms quickly told me, “you’re ok, you got this, you finally got the Soul Stare & now you’re feeling really inadequate as a bird mom. We’ve all been there.” Like they knew cuz they’d been thru it too. Lol. So having a cockatoo friends support system when you first adopt is also a good idea. So I’m adding that. You’ll have questions.
Now I know what do in those situations, and it rarely occurs cuz she’s given up trying. I just do it right back & then she gets unnerved, lol... she did it twice in the 1st year... had me questioning all my skills as a bird mom. 😂😂😂🙈
My girl also loves Dance Moms & I give her dance lessons... she has goals in life. I’m like “at least she has that psych-out stare down, cuz every dance kid learns that for competition and this little too is a master at it!” And then she realized when JoJo Siwa did the exact same psych-out stare on DWTS this week and cheered. 😂🤷🏼♀️ All of Abby’s kids learn that for competition. I just hate when she does it to me. Lol.
So we do a lot of toddler type enrichment. Right now the birds are happily raising their own interactive cyber pet (toy) & learning ABC’s & the arts. We get kids toys for them along with their birdie chew toys. They’re learning to play a tiny piano and everything. The more we do like that the more I watch their personalities grow and things go smoothly with momsplaing why we have certain rules and stuff.
I love your honesty and knowledge on these birds. They are beautiful and I would just admire them from afar in the wild. Where I believe they belong. I admire you for putting such a tremendous effort into caring for these little birds. I’ll stick to my two dogs and three cats they are so loving and rewarding to me. But I understand everyone is different and to each their own and their tastes.
Aw thanks for your positive feedback and for watching our video! We really appreciate it and I really really try to paint an accurate depiction of what parrot ownership is like.
My macaw loves going after feet. Everything you've said applies to my macaw and my grey. Every day is a battle of wits, where two dinosaurs solve all the difficulties that humans have put in front of them. Our macaw has learned how to open cupboards and some doors, and take down curtains. Our grey seems to know which wires to cut to not be watched by the aviary camera. They'll cooperate to raid treats in the kitchen. Hear a noise in the kitchen? Maybe it's my wife, maybe it's my grey answering in my wife's voice... can't just yell, have to go look and see.
I prepared for all that by volunteering at a parrot rescue for 6 months prior to taking in my birds, but even then.
Oh, and all that cockatoo stuff applies to a grey, with the added bonus of greys (and amazons) being able to do voices, so as I said, if I ask a question of my wife in another room, I often have to assess "was it Squidette, or Poulet du Cul Rouge?" With a parrot you have to be prepared for creepy sounds and voices in the night. Ever walked into a dark room and hear a whisper "whatca doin?"... I assure you, no matter how awesome you are, your heart will skip a beat the first time you get one of those. (that one is a macaw trick btw... previous owner must have taught her that).
galahs have been my favorite for sooo long! (still is) i have been thinking of getting a grey, but galahs match my personality more,
im more of a loud, messy, fun person, not so much as a chill sit and give one pet on the head. i like dancing and being crazy, and i would love to have a galah doing that with me (i have 6 birds) and i have
lots of experience. i think a galah would be perfect for me.
I would encourage you to adopt if your heart is set on a galah! Also, I have learned recently that all the dancing and hyping up can lead to lots of aggression. Cockatoo energy can escalate very quickly! i wish someone would have told me that much sooner than when i found out the hard way! 😫😅
Flock Life yes I already know that. I have an amazon leaned that the hard way to. But dancing with your galah can also help you bond. Playing and talking to it also. It can lead to different things. It depends on the bird.
I have a n African Grey and a galah and if I had to choose between them the galah wins hands down for personality and even intelligence
Yes.....you have described my galah Arlo accurately. I love her dearly but I discourage anyone from owning one. I also have a beak shaped mark on my face because I accidentally shut a drawer that she had hopped into. Lol
I've had my beloved Roxy all of her whole life and half of mine, 30 years now.
We just rescued a Goffins that is 25 years old. Now we have two.
When he is being agressive towards others never ever do what you did! Do not laugh, they are always checking your behavior! Remember, if you give it a wrong behavior reading, it takes weeks upon weeks to rewrite that. Anyway, thank you so much for not incentiving people to get a parrot. Also, your parrot seems too wild, was he from a breeder?
OMG!, thank you so much for your video, I was planning on getting a Galah this week, but yup, I’m a neat freak, I think I’ll stay with just my dogs and watch funny videos of birds instead. I don’t think I have the patience!,
I honestly consider my birds to be little people, not pets. And not like children either, like little dramatic humans that have their own intricate culture you don't understand, that speak a language you don't understand, that's extended family. They're not cute or docile, they're highly intelligent and complex beings and need to be treated as such.
Personally, I struggle hard with reading people, but consider parrots easy to read, so I fit well with them. Like I said, they're like my best friends that also happen to be rather demanding roommates. But if you're not someone who enjoys their complexity and doesn't mind aggressive behaviors, then you shouldn't get a pet parrot. I got my birds because I wanted a best friend, but I also enjoy working with challenging, aggressive animals, so it was a challenge I knew I was getting into.
I should also mention that I've grown up with parrots, I've got a lot of experience with 'problem' animals like aggressive dogs, cats, horses, and birds, and am currently in school to be an animal behaviorist, so I feel like I have enough experience to care for parrots. But seriously, if you want a pet that's loving and snugglable and also has feathers, I'd suggest getting a pet pigeon or chicken instead. People scoff at me when I recommend those birds, but they're fully domesticated and are quite loving pets, whereas all parrot species are still wild animals
I don’t have a cockatoo, but I do have a caique and mine absolutely LOVES to attack my prescription glasses so that’s another expense to take into account. Once he latches on, I have to hope I can take the glasses off my face before I lose a finger or my eye in the process. He’s chipped my lenses so many times and he’s only a few months old. I do love birds, but I agree that parrots in general are NOT pets to buy on a whim. The smallest things can set them off!
OH JEEZ! That is so crazy! Yeah just got a bite today because Bogie wanted to chew my computer and I wouldn't let him!
You totally nailed it. I have two galahs that free-range my house, and I agree with everything you said, loud, messy, and destructive, but you can't help loving the little demons anyway
I have owned parrots for over 30 years and have been bit a total of 3 times. Each bite was because the bird was new and frightened. I have learned to read body language of the bird which is important. Cockatoos can go from 0 to 100 in 1 second with aggression and is second to the amazon for biting. I can say there is one species of parrot that is incredibly reluctant to bite and is actually endangered in the wild because they don't bite when caught. That bird is the Patagonian Conure. They are noisy but they are sweet and a very good first bird.
Sooooo true 😆 it’s so nice to know I’m not alone in dealing with my parrots lmao. Another reason- you’ll never be able to shower or go to the bathroom alone ever again because once they bond to you they want to know what you’re doing at all times. They also poop CONSTANTLY and will chew everything sparkly that you own. Goodbye pretty jewelry....
haha this is great! love it and can relate to what you're saying!
This video was informative and gave me the real- Sticking with fish. LOLOLOL.
There are days will your bird will act like they hate you this is when birds get rehomed because people think the bird doesn’t love them. Guys it just takes time
Totally!
@@flocklife omg thanks
Sooo many people need to see this !! 😫
I have a galah that was found in the bush, with a clipped wing. He couldn't fly and was in the middle of nowhere so he'd been dumped. That's the sad part about having these long lived birds as pets: you have to have a solid plan for them for after you've gone and in some cases that plan doesn't work out - particularly where a bird has behavior 'problems'. Often they are just released into the wild with people hoping they just assimilate into the nearest flock. He was starving when I found him (or maybe he found me) and I took him home
It took a while to settle him into a routine and I've put together a large set of stainless steel shelves as a playhouse. It's outfitted with branches, chains, toys, treats and foraging toys.
He's an excellent cuddler (purrs like a cat), blames me for anything that goes wrong (falls over own feet, sees a magpie) or if the morning routine is out of order and he's likely to get cross and nip.
I've had him for a few years now and wouldn't give him up but I'd never deliberately go out and purchase one.
Wow thanks for sharing. That is so sad that people just release pet birds expecting them to live. Especially when clipped 😔😤. You're amazing to have saved the little guy and give him a good loving home.
If you want a more docile pet bird, maybe you should get a dove. My dove lived with me for seventeen years, and apart from his crowing whenever I watched a movie, he was the perfect pet bird. (Seventeen years is a very long life for a dove.)
That’s so sweet 🩷
I was strongly considering to get a Galah... this video has totally put me off. I appreciate your honesty. Just thought they were the best birds for families. Oh well.
Glad I could shed some light on galah ownership. Thanks for stopping by i really appreciate it :)
I just watched your video on "The Truth Behind Owning A Cockatoo". I have a wonderful Galah named Mortimer and he is my baby. I would just like to add that I am now 58 years old and have had him for 6 years. Yes I bought him on a whim. My kids have grown and they were all having babies of their own so crazy me wanted a baby too and so I bought Mortimer. He is the love of my life and does everything with me. However when other people come around I do have to put him back in his cage. I would like to add a reason to not buying a Galah to your video. I feel this is one that may not be thought of and I certainly didn't think of. Who will look after your bird when you die? None of my kids want him and at this stage I don't know and I do think about what will happen to him when I'm gone. I had Galah's when I was little and when I left home my mum gave them to a small zoo. From there I heard that they got out and got killed on the road. What do I do?
Absolutely agree and this is totally something one should consider before buying a cockatoo. THANK YOU for your honesty. It is needed in the bird community so that others can learn!
Thank youuu! especially for the raw footages that show daily life :) really useful
totally agree with you, thanks for sharing honest facts about owning a parrot, we don't own cockatoo (thank God for that) but I have 3 budgies, they can be cute for 1 sec and the next moment, they turn into evil scream their heart out and bite everything they can grab. Given that cockatoo is larger and live longer, the problems multiply
Yup SO true! hahhaha love the "Thank God". I am glad you are responsible and can see the pros and cons of owning a bird:) good job!
I have a rose breasted cockatoo she runs at my foot all the time and bites but still she is my bird
Great explanation. People ask me, "Do your parrots bite?" My response is...."Hell, I bite!"
It's so freaking funny that all the behaviours your Galah is showing in this video, my conures do - exactly like that! But they are much much smaller (60 grams) :D
"Fly attacks your face" lmfao!!!
This is a very good video. Thank you so much for making it. I need to share this video sometime soon so more people can see it. It's funny how you said "You might be a cockatoo", haha. I made this same comparison about myself today... I said that I'm challenging to be around, so maybe that's why I like cockatoos so much. :P
You're so sweet!
a cockatoo is the best "pet-friend" you can have in my opinion. my galah is 7 years go. i "got" him, since he was still in the egg.
you just need to have a lot of patience and time. they are like teenagers. they learn from you and still have their on head. so prepare to get bit here and there and be prepare that they will mess with you here and there. you will suffer pain and bleed for sure :D ... and yea. watch your eyes. dont trust them too much in the first years xD
anyway. they are realy lovly. cute, fluffly, follows you everywhere (they mostly walk because they are too lazy to fly xD). and they are like clowns. they love to make nonsense things, weird talking, destryojng everything (yes, even walls if you let them get on a higher postion close to a wall) - and throw everything (!) they can lift on the ground and just have fun :)
and remember... they dont live like 15 years like a cat or dog... they get up to 40 years and older. so its a life-time (!)friend(!) not just a pet. think about that before you want to get one -> not just because you saw some "cute and nice" videos. :)
I don't need a parrot cus I have kids to do everything he does.
Should I try a budgie instead?
I love your earrings! Where did you get them?
They are by Mother Sierra! love them so much I will get you the link
www.mothersierra.com/collections/the-living/products/bogie-the-galah?ghref=4085%3A50859
So helpful, love your videos!
We have a goffin cockatoo, he’s now 8. Years old , he’s so cuddly, He does have a streak in him and at times wants to remove my eyeglasses and flips them off so fast without a warning. But he’s mostly a good bird. He talks, and sometimes really loud when he wants your attention. He’s potty trained, and whenever he’s outside he’s cadge, we put newspaper on the floor by him. And I’ll have him on my fingers and tell him to plop, and he does.
This is soooo true, even for the smaller cockatiels - the only things that make cockatiels easier are that they live 30 years, rather than 60, and they are not so expensive. Still, they are loud, aggressive and messy - and we were left with ours after our son left home. It was his bird. Sigh.
...you are sooo right...I had a blue fronted amazon...same thing, made the same experiences... and later I felt sooo sorry for him not to be able to live in a flock in a forest...thats where they belong and where they are happy!
Thanks for this. I won't be getting one
This vídeo is a lifesaver!
We have owned both a yellow crested Cockatoo & a Galah. First 3 months with them can be a battle, then they learn who’s boss & become great loving birds.
Are they your first birds? Do you recommend buying one? I just can't decide. Almost everyone says how bad they are, but others like you say that they are just fine. Also, how old were they when you bought them?
hahaha! when bogie got your ear ring 🤣🤣 I quit wearing earrings when I got my Galah Binky lol everything you said is so true! But nun the less we love them ❤🦜 I couldn't imagine not having him now.
I know I can't paint my finger nails anymore because he FREAKS out LOL
We rescued a 19 year old lesser sulphur crested male cockatoo. We DID our research. They are BY FAR THE HARDEST BREED OF BIRD TO READ. By reading I mean BODY LANGUAGE. Within the first week he bit me on the lip/hand causing me to bleed. These majestic birds NEED 24/7 care as well as attention and healthy ways of entertaining themselves. If you don't pay adequate attention and give the something to do THEY CHEW ON EVERYTHING. You also have to realize they require adequate health care as well including good foods/visits to the vet too.
YES
Hey, I live in Western Australia and yes Galah's can be pretty noisy. We have a wild flock that we feed that number around 90, and man can it get noisy in our backyard. It is however mainly the males, as you have there. Most females are normally a lot more quiet than the males. Maybe a female Galah would have been a better option lol. We have a pet male Major Mitchell, and they are also very loud.
As you said though, they will be with you a long time, and they are a flock bird, so they love attention. I love how you let the bird have a lot of time out the cage. I hate seeing how some people lock them up with no natural branches or things to chew. It is easier if you live in Aus. as you can just grab gumtree branches from the backyard our park for them, so I understand it would be a little harder in other countries. Thanks for the content.
Love hearing about the wild galahs. One day I’ll go visit them 🥰. Thanks for your comment and support! I do my very best in providing a good happy life for bogie boy. Trying to inspire others to do the same so we have less neglect and abuse situations!!!
I own a galah as well, this whole video is so relatable and true
I must have lucked out. My sulfur crested cockatoo has never been aggressive with me. He has bit me, but it's more of a play bite more than anything. He's never broke my skin or drew blood. I got him when he was eight weeks old and handfed him till he was weaned. He is now 20 years old. I have kept him on the same schedule for the past 20 years. I feed him the same time of the day. He gets out of his cage the same time of the day. I have always given him the same amount of attention. Which I believe is what causes a lot of problems with cockatoos. People get them and lowed them with attention, but as time goes by they stop. That causes behavioral problems with cockatoos in my opinion. And ever since I've had tweetie, if he ever misbehaves I give him no attention at all till he stops. If he thinks for a second if I scream I will come running, he will only continue to do so over and over. Cockatoos are smart and know how to get their way. I did my research when I got tweetie and what I read was sulfur crested cockatoos don't need to be attached to their owners 24 hours a day like an umbrella or moluccan cockatoo does. I also read the book Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot before I got tweetie. Some disagree with what that author says, but I have had my cockatoo for 20 years now, and the advice she gives is why I have have a well behaved cockatoo. But reasons for not getting a cockatoo is their noisy. Tweetie screams a few times a day. Again to keep him from being a screamer I give him no attention till he stops. But the worst reason is it's really hard to have one when you go on vacation. I take tweetie to a kennel when I do but I have to take his cage with him. Hauling a large heavy wrought iron cage to the kennel sucks.
Yeah that is amazing. Ironically , TODAY bogie bit me SO hard. almost drew blood. And yeah... that is exactly what causes behavioral problems with birds. People load them with attention, and then the bird thinks that normal and will expect it. I am actually trying to make more videos about that!
We handfed our Umbrella Cockatoo and she is as tame as a kitten. She talks and gives us kisses. I cannot imagine life without her.
I haven't finished the video but I thought that they were super affectionate and comforting :(
not at all!
I've been keeping citrons for near 25 years , I've never found them to be this aggressive. Perhaps the galah. Is generally more aggressive as a pet? Or maybe just because he's young.
Honestly I think it’s cause I didn’t understand his body language very well along with the fact that he was clipped for the first 8 months of his life
I’m perfectly happy with budgies and cockatiels. Even cockatiels can be challenging! Female tiel we have is amazing, first male we had was amazing, second male was a nightmare. Completely stubborn and would bite. Couldn’t keep him. If I couldn’t properly handle a cockatiel, there is no way in hell I’m ever considering a cockatoo! I will admire and watch from the internet :)
What about the powders from their feathers? Is the powder problem only for sulphate crested cockatoo only?
Galahs are flock birds, they habitate in large feeding groups. This bird may benefit from having another Galah living with it. If you hand raise them from chicks they should be fine. It depends on each individual bird's temperament. But in the wild they aren't anywhere near as aggressive as Sulfur-crested cockies or Corellas.
I had absolutely no idea about the amount of time and commitment you have to give to a bird..and this is the first time I have seen a galah cockatoo..coz you don't see these in india..im terrified of birds...and BTW bogie is really pretty...thanks for sharing this
It’s a bloody galah, the prankster of the Aussie parrots.
I have a cockatoo that I have had for 26 years and another (my avatar) for 10 years. I've never been bitten on the face by either of them and in fact the GSC2 has never bitten me or anyone. I would say that you are doing some things wrong. You don't want your bird going for your earrings then don't wear them (at least when the bird can get to them). You should be calmer and project that calm by not waving your arms around so much when you talk. Get a bigger cage.
I agree I work with birds for a living all kinds of breeds and I really do think if the birds aggressive it's coming from the owner/person they work with.. I won't put up with their crap I don't give them an inch or think it's "funny" I correct it instantly and they KNOW I won't put up with it and I've never had issues with any of them. I just love how people blame the animal 😂
With all due respect you and others that do cute bird videos are part of the problem people see these cute videos online they don't do their research and get a parrot or a cockatoo I have three Indian ringnecks the price of Indian ringnecks has gone through the roof because of all these cute videos I also have an African gray I don't use them as social media money makers because I don't want to contribute to people buying birds and not knowing what they're doing that's why they wind up and rescues its a big commitment to have one in the end all this social media stuff is a huge disservice to to the birds it's kind of like when a movie that has a special kind of dog that's hard to care for comes out like the dalmatian movies everybody got Dalmatians and they wound up in the pound because they didn't realize what hard to care for dogs they are and difficult to train it's kind of the same thing with these parrots people see it it's cute and they just want one or their kids beg them to get one unfortunately it's all around bad for them but people want to make money
I am actually going to make a video in response to this since it is such an important topic! thank you so much for engaging in this channel and bringing up these tough topics.
Greetings from Brasil! A piece of advice for everyone who wants to have their first bird: cockatiel.
They're smaller than cockatoos, their lifespan is about 15 or 20 years and are very good for apartments.
If you want a very lovely and REALLY NEEDY one, get a female but if you are amazed by a "talkative bird" that speaks, sings and whistles, than male for sure.
Omg all of this in this video is so true except I have a Cockatiel and he’s not really as aggressive and doesn’t really hurt me as much because I’ve trained him since he was really small and we’ve worked on it a lot and I make sure that he doesn’t by anybody and when he does I put them back in his cage that I trained my bird to not be aggressive but most of this like the messy part and flying around the 🏡 House that is almost all true
Wow! Thank you so much for your honesty.
It also depends on how they where raised, who raised them and the environment all factor in there behaviour. So when they say they are quiet it means they where raised different to your and others.
All birds need their morning screms.
haha like coffee
My first sulphur crested cockatoo was an angel. I looked after it all wrong.. it was the old days. He was parent reared. He lived in a small round brass cage and I clipped his wings. He ate seed and vegetables only all his life. He only had a metal bell as a toy. But he was super healthy, perfect feathers, no behavioural problems, friendly with everyone and quiet (for a cockatoo). He died of age related problems. I got another one and did everything right, a hand reared one, very expensive. Lived in a massive cage and could fly around the room. It screamed all the time, pulled out its chest feathers, attacked everyone and my dog, bit me hard to make my bleed, destroyed everything. After 4 years I had enough and re homed it. I miss my old one so much, but will never get another one now.
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing. I think it really does depend on the individual personality of each bird.
This is seriously my life with my Goffin Arrow, not to mention my three little ones along with him. We even have a shop vac just for them
easy way to train them to stop biting smack them with a news paper NOT rolled up not hard just enough to scare them .. works like a treat ....
Great video. It's all true. Hopefully this will prevent impulse purchases and more birds in rescues. Birds, especially cockatoos are a HARD and DEMANDING animal to keep.
I have grown up with family cokcatoos/parrots. I have a 14 yr old Galah I've owned since I was 16 yrs old. We found her in the wild injured before she even had all her feathers (I live in Australia - her injury was debilitating enough she can't go back). From about 1 to 3 years old she was very difficult. Probably the hormones. Aggressive randomly. More so towards some people irrationally. Moody. Bitey. Destructive. Noisy and messy.
As she has got older she has mellowed a lot, and generally behaves. But she can still be randomly moody and bitey sometimes, and she's still messy. And I still make sure to spend several hours a day with her out and about pooping up the house to keep her mentally well. And this will go until she dies: potentially this will be the same age I do.
She's an amazing pet, I don't regret it. But I warn anyone I know to not get a galah/cockatoo unless they have kept other shorter term birds for a long time like budgies and cockatiels. Or even lorikeets. And then they need an "inheritance" plan in case they can't keep the bird.
Apparently males are even noisier and more aggressive! But good luck it will get better over time if you keep the boundaries up well!
Thank you for the thoughtful response! I do feel a responsibility to warn people because of how much work birds are! and people really do compare every pet to a dog.
targettman we have a three year old male. Hand reared and he has named himself 'Gorgeous Goodboy".
He's highly intelligent, speaks clearly and uses words in context, is aggressive, cuddly, very noisy, very affectionate, swoops and attacks at random, always wants to be scratched, craps everywhere, is adorable and has destroyed a our 3 keyboards and a laptop.
None of that is a contradiction, it's a galah.
Love him to bits.
Oh and all three cats are terrified of him.
@@richardphillips718 Oh my gosh this is awesome 😂😂😂. almost poetic
As an update : first time in 14 year she has discovered the laminate on the kitchen cupboards and the grout in the tiles. It used to be the skirting boards a few years ago. We are in a rental. This is a problem. Cokcatoos are the gift that keeps on never maturing.
Great job on this video!