Baubo Does Play Sometimes

Baubo the cockatoo was bred in the US to be a companion bird. And she is, to my wife and me. Mean as hell to everyone else. But for all of her faults she is meant to be a companion and she does a pretty good job of that. Demanding yes, but we knew that going in. Baubo requires the same attention that any bred cockatoo would. She also rewards us with unconditional love and lavishes attention on us, if we wish it or not.

After all of these years she is still fascinating to watch. I love birds, especially cockatoos, and especially Baubo. She keeps me company when I shower. Yes indeed she hangs out in the shower with us as well as the bath tub. She is fun to watch as she eats or drinks. Her beak has mechanical crushing power of many feet per inch of pressure. Enough to crack open an almond. Her leathery black tongue is used to manipulate food in her mouth as well as liquids. She holds objects with her talons somewhat as people do with their hands. All of this is fascinating to watch. I can, and have, been mesmerized by her for hours at a time.  

One never knows it until living with an exotic but birds have expressions. They do not have the facial expressions of many animals but of stance and actions. I can tell when she is hungry, scared, playful, and nervous. She has playful periods during the day and can be very loud during these times. It’s my understanding that she needs this to release anxiety, that the loud playfulness is just part of her makeup as a cockatoo.

So taking the good with the bad, all part of loving an animal. In the long run, for her companionship, it’s worth it.