Capturing and handling your cockatiel
If you have to bring a cockatoo home, or even move it to another location, here are some tips on how to catch and handle it safely.
If you want to catch a cockatoo in a cage, the easiest way to do this is to place one hand on the bird’s back, using your thumb and little finger to hold the wings. Hold the cockatoo’s head gently between your thumb and forefinger and be careful not to squeeze too hard or you could squeeze the windpipe and suffocate the cockatoo.
Once the cockatoo is restrained in this way, it will usually stop fighting, but be careful, it could still bite its fingers, so you may want to wear a pair of gloves to protect yourself.
Catching a particular cockatoo on an avairy is much more challenging, as they fly fast and change position a lot. Some prefer to use a net to catch individual birds, but make sure it is well padded around the edge, or you could stun or kill the cockatoo. Suitable trapping nets are available from pet stores or specialized pet suppliers.
If you want to catch a cockatoo in an aviary, first remove all perches so they don’t obstruct its movement. The birds will then fly over the mesh and hold on with their claws and it will be easier to catch them this way. The nets are usually deep, so you can support the bird by holding the material just below the edge for a few seconds. Rest the edge of the net from the floor of the aviary, and then you can use both hands to transfer the cockatoo. First hold your head as described above and then use your free hand to unhook the claws from the net.
When a cockatoo is caught, it always presses its legs on whatever surface is available to grab them, so be gentle when opening them.
It is a good idea for any bird owner to invest in a wooden travel box. You can buy it from your pet store or build one for yourself. A travel box is normally shallow, which prevents the cockatoo from flying up and injuring itself. Some people use cardboard boxes to transport cockatoos, but be careful, they are not leak proof. Cockatoos could forcefully fly towards the fins and escape, or simply poke a hole in the box with their sharp beaks. It supports the bottom of the box or it could pop open under the weight of the cockatoo.
If you are traveling in a car with your cockatiel, be sure to never leave it in a hot car or trunk, as this could prove fatal. Cockatoos are very sensitive to carbon monoxide fumes, so the boot is not the place for it. If you are going to be traveling for a long time, be sure to provide your cockatoo with food and water for the trip.