Free Flight Birds

Happiness of the birds that we are given there freedom to fly.

African Lovebirds Training Exercise

This is how I train my African Lovebirds.



Outdoor exercise

(if your bird know the indoor training you can do this every feeding in the morning)

How to Train African Lovebirds for free flight

1. Hand feeding.

: You must to know how to hand feed your bird, if the bird knows how to feed by you, that is the time to start the step by step training.



2. Walking Recall

:If your bird know how to walk, now its the time to start walking recall.

:First recall is 1-2 feet away from you, use your handfeeding syringe to call, and do it every meal. (if the bird master the short recall you can do the long distance recall. 5-10 feet)



3. Step Up

: Train your bird to step up on your hand, that is the practice on how your bird know to fly on your hand. (do it every meal)



4. Jump Recall

: If your bird know how to fly it is the time to train him jump recall, 2-3 inch away the 1st fly of your bird, its like your bird jump on you hand. continue to the step by trying to distance on your bird, it is the way that your bird practicing how to fly.



5. Descending and Ascending 

: Descending - Put your bird on higher perch and try to call him on the ground, (purpose of doing that is if your bird fly and go to the tree your bird know how to go down on you)

: Ascending - Put your bird on the ground and try to call him.



6. Blind Recall

: Put your bird on perch and go hide to him and call him.

: Blind recall is very important training of your bird because if your bird lost and cant see you, the bird will find you, and through your voice and whistle the bird will recognize you and fined you.



7. Whistle Calling

: Calling through whistle is important to know your bird, because if your bird fly so high whistle is the way to call him, he will find the sound of whistle.



8. Out Door Recall

: This is the final step of training, put all the step in indoor training, you can throw your bird, you can put your bird on perch and call him.

Most important of training is the bonding,, every after meal, you must bond to your bird, play him, cuddle him, put your bird on your shoulder and your chest,  so that the bird merge on you.

Cocktiel Training for Free Flight

1. When feeding your cockatiel, always call his name so that he can familiarize your voice and the words you spoke to him.

2. When your cockatiel follow you always if you have his food, its time to call him in distance, 1meter away from you..

3. When your cockatiel knows the short recall,, its the time to challenge your cockatiel in long distance recall..

4. When your cockatiel know how to fly, its the time to pertch in your hand, call him to jump to step up on your hand.

5. The outdoor recall or to free flight outside your house or an a open field in your area.

(make sure that your cockatiel is 100% good on indoor recall or he perfect the step by step training) 

(tips)

always bond your cockatiels every free time of your day, play him, cuddle him, kiss him, and love him like your brother or sister.

Major Mitchells

The Major Mitchell's cockatoo is a strikingly beautiful species. Sometimes called the Leadbeater's cockatoo or the pink cockatoo, their crest feathers are striped with yellow and salmon. Wings and back are white, and most of the chest, underwings and undertail are pink.

For all their beauty, these birds don't make the best pets because they tend to be aloof – and they often bite. They are also noisy; they rarely speak, but they are loud screamers. If you have your heart set on one, though, choose a female; she'll be more docile, although not as common in the market as males. 

These birds, whose formal name is Cacatua leadbeateri, are inquisitive and love to chew objects, so they should always be provided with toys, blocks of wood or branches. Don't permit them unsupervised run of the house. They can be very destructive if allowed to perch on furniture.

Cost

While Major Mitchell's are uncommon and expensive in the U.S. market commanding $4,000 to $10,000 for a young bird. They are found in central Australia, especially in the south central areas around Adelaide, inhabiting eucalyptus forests along rivers. They are frequently found co-existing with rose-breasted cockatoos on savannahs and grasslands, where they feed on seeds, herbs and crops of wheat and corn. They also eat native figs, pinecones and eucalyptus seeds, wild bitter melons, insect larvae, nuts and flowers. They are most active in early morning and late afternoon. Aggressively territorial, they are usually found in pairs or small groups.

Like other cockatoo species, Major Mitchell's can be very long lived. A few individuals in zoos have lived up to 60 years. Precise data on the life span of the average bird is poorly documented; however, most of them don't live as long as they might, often succumbing to disease or injury.

Grooming

Routine bathing or showering is vital to maintaining good plumage and skin condition. Birds can be misted and allowed to dry in a warm room or in the sun, or gently dried with a blow dryer. Care should be taken not to clip the wing feathers excessively as cockatoos often fall and injure themselves. Clip only the primary flight feathers and only enough so the bird will glide to the floor. Major Mitchell's are better flyers than Moluccans and umbrellas and a few more feathers should be removed.

Feeding

High protein pelleted diet is an excellent staple diet for cockatoos. It should be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables daily to add variety. Feed approximately 1/4 cup of formulated diet and 1/4 cup of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. If the bird consumes all of his food, add small amounts as desired. Note, though, that overfeeding leads to pickiness, wastage and throwing food. Treats such as seeds, nuts and table foods may be given in small amounts especially as rewards for good behavior.

Major Mitchell's cockatoos are efficient calorie utilizers. When young, cockatoos in general are notoriously picky eaters and don't seem to need much food to maintain themselves. As they age, however, they have a tendency to put on weight. Try to ensure that the food your bird eats is nutritious and avoid large amounts of high-fat sunflower and safflower seeds. Vitamin supplements are not needed for birds eating a pelleted diet.

Housing

Major Mitchell's cockatoos are very active and should be provided the largest cage that space and budget allows – at the very least, the cage must allow room for the bird to spread his wings fully. These birds are moderately strong chewers and can break welds on poorly constructed cages. Many are also adept at opening cage latches, so locks or escape proof latches may be necessary. Ideally, the bird will have an outdoor cage as well to allow playtime in the fresh-air and sunlight.

Breeding

Male cockatoos, especially Major Mitchell's, frequently become aggressive toward their mates. Fatal attacks may occur, in which the male bird severely bites the face, wings, and legs of the female. Clipping a male's wings prior to the breeding season will help the female to escape in case the male becomes aggressive. While aggressive behavior may occur in compatible breeding pairs, they should be the same age and paired when they are young. Older males should not be paired with young females.

Breeding age can be as young as three years. Breeding life span is not precisely known, but is possibly up to 25-plus years.

Major Mitchell's cockatoos breed well in captivity but are not as prolific or bred as commonly as Moluccan and umbrella cockatoos. In North America, Major Mitchell's cockatoos breed predominantly in the winter and spring. Clutch size is typically 2 to 3 eggs.

Breeding cages should be large enough to allow flight between perches to help prevent obesity. One inch by one inch 12-gauge welded wire is a good choice for cage construction. A suggested size is 5 feet wide by 5 feet tall by 10 feet long suspended 4 feet above the ground or floor or a large flight cage.

Double-entrance nest boxes are often used to reduce the chance of the male trapping the female in the box. Large wooden boxes can be used. Size should be approximately 18 inches by 18 inches by 24 inches. Metal barrels, plastic pickle barrels and garbage cans can be used.

Incubation period is approximately 24 to 26 days. Chicks usually fledge at approximately 10 to 12 weeks of age. Major Mitchell's cockatoos are relatively easy to hand-rear. Most hand-rearing formulas can be used successfully.

When breeding cockatoos, noise and proximity to neighbors must be considered. If housed outdoors, cockatoos often call at night – especially during a full moon. In southern states outdoor caging must be protected from opossums to prevent exposure to the parasite Sarcocystis falcatula which can result in a fatal lung infection.

Slender Billed Cockatoo

Slender-billed cockatoos – also known as long-billed corellas – are largely underrated as pets. Relatively homely birds, they are often passed over in favor of the more beautiful Moluccans or umbrellas, but the slender-bills have exceptional personalities. They are gentle, playful and affectionate, as well as intelligent and inquisitive. Better mimics than most cockatoos, they are neither as loud nor as demanding as their more popular cousins.

Appearance

The birds are large white cockatoos, known for their slim elongated upper beak. They have short white recumbent crests, and blue eye rings that extend below the eye revealing a blue bulge. There is a small pink patch between the eyes and nares. The subspecies found in eastern Australia has a pink band across the upper breast just below the neck, but the western subspecies (considered a full species, C pastinator by many authors) is distinguished by the lack of the breast band. 

Slender-billed cockatoos are common and found in large flocks throughout much of northern and central Australia, inhabiting woodlands and eucalyptus forests near grasslands and agricultural areas. They also invade cultivated areas and damage crops. In the non-breeding season they may gather in large flocks of 2,000 or more birds and range widely through grasslands in search for food. They feed in trees and on the ground, and use their elongated bills as a plough, digging in the soil for roots, bulbs and insects. They also feed on seeds, crops, fruits, berries, buds, flowers and nuts and insect larvae. They are most active in early morning and late afternoon.

Life Span

Slender-billed cockatoos can live up to 50 years. Precise data on the life span of these birds is poorly documented because many die of disease or injury before living out their natural lives. Breeding age can be as young as 3 years but is more typically 4 to 5 years. Breeding life span is not precisely known. 

These birds love to chew and are very destructive. They should always be provided with toys, blocks of wood or branches and they need space for exercise. While they are relatively common in their native Australia, they are not easily found in U.S markets.

Feeding

Cockatoos should be fed a formulated (pelleted or extruded) diet. The pink eye-ring subspecies should be fed a restricted diet to prevent obesity. The diet should be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Feed approximately 1/3 cup of formulated diet and 1/3 cup of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Overfeeding leads to pickiness, selective feeding and wasteful throwing of food. Slender-billed cockatoos are predisposed to obesity.

Adult and juvenile birds are picky eaters. Try to ensure that the food that they eat is nutritious and avoid feeding large quantities of high-fat seeds such as sunflower and safflower. Vitamin supplements are not needed for birds on a formulated diet.

Housing

Slender-billed cockatoos are very active and should be provided the largest cage that space and budget allows. Ideally, the cage should provide room for flight. Durable cage construction is not as critical as it is for other large cockatoos as these birds are not strong chewers. Many are adept at opening cage latches, however, so locks or escape-proof latches may be necessary. The cage should be as large as possible and must allow at least enough room for the bird to fully spread his wings. Ideally the bird will have an outdoor cage as well to allow playtime in the fresh-air and sunlight.

Grooming

Routine bathing or showering is vital to maintaining good plumage and skin condition. Birds can be misted and allowed to dry in a warm room or in the sun, or gently dried with a blow drier. Care should be taken not to clip the wing feathers excessively as cockatoos often fall and injure themselves. Clip only the primary flight feathers and only enough so the bird will glide to the floor.

Breeding

Slender-billed cockatoos can be difficult to breed in captivity. In North America, they breed mostly in the winter and spring, and clutch size is typically two to three eggs. A suggested size is 4 feet wide by 4 feet tall by 6 feet long suspended 4 feet above the ground or floor.

Double entrance nest boxes are often used to reduce the chance of the male trapping the female in the box (males frequently become aggressive toward their mates; clipping a male's wings prior to the breeding season will help the female to escape). Wooden boxes can be used and size should be approximately 12 inches by 12 inches by 24 inches or 12 inches by 12 inches by 36 inches or deeper.

Incubation period is approximately 24 to 26 days. Chicks usually fledge at approximately 10 to 12 weeks of age. Slender-billed cockatoos are relatively easy to hand-rear. Most hand rearing formulas can be used successfully. 

Slender-billed cockatoos are not as noisy as the larger cockatoos. However, when breeding them, noise and proximity to neighbors must be considered. If housed outdoors cockatoos often call at night especially during a full moon. In southern states, outdoor caging must be protected from opossums to prevent exposure to the parasite Sarcocystis falcatula, which can result in a fatal lung infection.

Red Vented Cockatoo

The rare Philippine Cockatoo, also known as the red-vented cockatoo, or “Kalangay” in Tagalog, is native to the Philippine archipelago.  Years ago, the Philippine cockatoo was a common bird in the Philippines and was considered a pest, because it was so adaptable, it would forage on crops, especially corn and unripe rice, which is critical to the Filipino economy.

How does the Philippine Cockatoo impact the local ecology and Filipino people?  How much does the bird’s love for crops affect the agriculture, economy, and people?  Is its removal of tree grubs compare with crop raiding?  In other words, is it more helpful or harmful?  Will its extermination make a difference?  If the Philippine cockatoo is the only species of cockatoo in the Philippines, why get rid of it?

Could there be a way to use the Philippine cockatoo for ecological purposes?  Today, less than four thousand cockatoos remain, only 10% of their population only a few decades ago.  Today because of their adaptability, intelligent human voice mimicking, and scarcity, the critically endangered birds have been illegally sold and traded as pets. In illegal markets, they are worth over 500 US Dollars. Despite their small numbers, people continue these activities virtually unchecked by the local government.  Why do we disregard these birds?  Can we find a way to keep them away from crops?  We could train these intelligent birds to stay away from crops, looks for food and maybe in the future, provide help to mute people.

The purpose of this project is to research the biology, ecology, and intellect of the Philippine cockatoo through study of cockatoo reservations in Palawan, interviews of the people who care for them, and literary recordings from when the birds were common.  This information can help experimentation of the bird, in which usefulness can be found.

I hope that through the Philippine cockatoo’s positive output, we can turn a pesky, critically endangered bird into a common and useful one that can help the Filipino people through understanding of its possible potential.

table of contents...

Biology

Common Names and Synonyms

Cacatua haematuropygia is also called the Red-vented Cockatoo. (“Kalangay” in its native Tagalog) The common name for it is the Philippine Cockatoo, since it is found only in the Philippine islands. 

Classification

Kingdom:  Animalia

Phylum:    Chordata

Class:       Aves  (bird)

Order:      Psittaciformes  (cockatoos and true parrots)

Family:     Cacatuidae  (old sister)

Genus:     Cacatua  (old sister)

Species:   C. haematuropygia  [red blood (tailed) cockatoo]

Morphology and Physical Description

The Philippine Cockatoo is a small white cockatoo with red and yellow beneath tail. It is 12.2 inches long and has an 8.6 inches wingspan. It is completely white with an exception of feathers suffused with the sulfur-yellow at the bases, often tinged with reddish or pinkish at the undertail feathers. The crest is relatively short and more or less washed with bright red broadly edged with white. The eyes of the Philippine Cockatoo are blood-red to brown in females and dark brown to black in males. In juvenile cockatoos, they initially have greyer irises, which later become brownish as they reach adulthood. The bill of the Philippine cockatoo is leaden at base and white at the tip and its legs are white. They have a massive scimitar-like beak for cracking nuts, digging up roots, or prying grubs from wood. They also have a long life span, some living more than 50 years.

The voice of the Philippine cockatoo is often a loud, harsh, and rasping call. Despite how loud its call is, its voice is actually softer than other cockatoo species. Filipino locals and pet owners describe their screeches as varying from "awwwk-awwwk", eeeek, owwwwk, or rouuuk. It makes a characteristic bleating call, as well as screeching or whistling noises that are common to most cockatoos. One unique characteristic of the Philippine cockatoo is its ability to mimick the human voice, which appeals to many cockatoo owners.  Their calls are almost deafening when several birds are calling together, especially in flight.

Getting Food

Cockatoos are not usually picky eaters. They are herbivores, feeding on seeds, and, to a lesser extent, on fruits, flowers, buds and soft bark. The species is very adaptable and even forages on crops, particularly rice in a half-ripe stage and corn. Therefore the cockatoo was formerly regarded as a pest. However, as pets, they can eat meats, dairy products, and veggies.

Reproduction

Philippine cockatoos wander in small flocks outside of the breeding season, and visits forest edges and nearby plantations for food. Mating season for the Philippine cockatoo starts in October. The birds travel pairwise and groom each other at the roosting site, which is often in trees 90-120 feet tall. Many choose coconut plantations as their nesting site. Nest holes are selected starting from end of December and the laying of eggs is recorded from the late February decade to early April, but usually peaks between the end of February and the beginning of March. The female cockatoo normally lays two eggs, which hatch after about 24 days.

Environmental Factors

The Philippine cockatoo seems restricted to lowland primary and/or secondary forest, in or neighboring to rivers or coastal areas with mangroves. Outside the breeding season (March-June, and occasionally February-August), it frequents both corn and rice fields scavenging the crops. The species solely depends on seasonally fluctuating food resources and is partially nomadic. They fly from the mainland to offshore islands to roost and breed. Forests serve as their habitats, though they wander in small flocks when it is not breeding season.

Origin and Distribution

The Philippine cockatoo is from, as well as only found in the Philippines, mostly found on the islands of Palawan, Mindanao, Sulu, Rasa Island, and Awitawi. Its climates are lowlands, rivers, and mangrove forests, but some live at the forest edge, open fields, and high in the mountains. They can be seen singly or in flocks of up to 30 or more. The species is widely distributed throughout the Philippines where it is widespread.

Importance to People

So far, no ecologically-positive factors have been discovered for the Philippine cockatoo aside from the fact that it is a part of the food web of the Philippines. Years ago, it was a very common bird in the Philippines, and was considered a pest. Because it was so adaptable to just about any environment in the Philippine archipelago, it would forage on crops, especially corn and unripe rice, which is critical to the Filipino economy. However, because of their intelligent human voice mimicking skills and adaptability to urban life, they have been illegally captured and sold as pets for a high price. Farmers especially dislike the cockatoos for the sake of their crops. However, there can be a use for these birds. Their diet of insects can be useful in keeping the ecological balance, as well as their intelligence. Perhaps one day, once they are common once more, they can be used for food or maybe even aid to the mute.

Survivability and Endangered Status

In 1994, the estimated population was 1,000 to 4,000 individuals (70-75% of which is believed to reside in Palawan). Isla Rasa holds the highest population density with 50-70 recorded individuals. There are probably only 800 to 300 birds left in Palawan and the species has had 60 to 90 percent decline in population in the late 10 to 15 years. The major cause of the rapid decline of its population is the unregulated collection illegal trade of this species which is very much in demand as a house pet and zoo animal. Habitat loss is also a major factor for this decline.

Potential Solutions

Possibility 1

Personal Pets/ Breeding

Is the Philippine cockatoo only a nuisance, or can there be a good use for them? Because of its scarcity, the Philippine cockatoo does not seem to have been tested for use. However, there can be uses for cockatoos in particular. Judging by the high risks of poachers who illegally capture and sell these birds as pets for a high price (varying from $160-$500), Philippine cockatoos make excellent pets. The great adaptability of the Philippine cockatoo has made it a popular pet.

Even though not much is known about the Philippine Cockatoo as a pet, the species is said to be no different from any other cockatoo. Some information distinguishes it from other breeds, including the fact it is often quieter and has better human voice mimicking skills than other cockatoos. The Philippine cockatoo is quite intelligent, making it a great bird show species. If the poaching can stop, as well as the illegal selling, these birds could become a common and cheaper household pet.

Advantages:

Philippine cockatoos are known for their easy going nature. They are quite "cuddly" and bond very closely with their owners and are known as being “the feathered teddy bear” of the parrot family.

Their intelligence, affection, adaptability, and lively playfulness make them excellent family pets.

Disadvantages:

Despite being a house pet, their screams can be piercing loud and carry a long distance, often annoying neighbors in nearby apartments. Cockatoos can be destructive chewers, unpredictable in temperament, easily get their feelings hurt, and get aggressive. Cockatoos require much personal attention and bore easily. Keeping them requires a lot of time. Cockatoos will never, ever be molded to your will. Cockatoos are not obedient. "No" to a Cockatoo means "try again later”. This attitude can be annoying to owners.

A healthy Cockatoo's skin has a white talcum powder that is said to be primarily calcium so it sticks to clothes and carpet. The dust can also irritate people with allergies. They can become very “stuck-up.” If it doesn’t get the attention it wants, it will scream to attract everyone’s attention.

Until the very small numbers of the Philippine cockatoo population rises, keeping a Philippine cockatoo will still be illegal (Many people who do own or sell these birds either bribe officials or just remain unchecked by the government).