Continued from page 3The Three Sexes
Moluccans come in male, female and SuperMale. Those of you who have had experiences with a SuperMale Moluccan cockatoo (SMMC) know of what I speak.
In a very general sense, it can be said that there is some sex-related sliding scale of Moluccan behavior. Females tend to be a bit more tractable and males a bit more gregarious. The SMMC is about four steps up from the female and three up from the "normal" male. They can be very demonstrative, gregarious, stubborn, quite large, loud and aggressive. Nice combo, huh? These birds can frequently be identified at a fairly young age by their amazing degree of curiosity and extroversion. Unless you exemplify the necessary traits of Moluccan ownership, the SMMC will get the better of you and will not be a suitable companion animal. He will bite, scream, and destroy everything in his path. He will put on the most amazing displays and his single goal in life will be to absolutely dominate you. Generally, he succeeds.
There are three solutions for this: 1) Be that perfect Moluccan owner or don't get a Moluccan. 2) If you think you can cut it, make absolutely certain that you buy your bird from the handful of breeders in this county that really know Moluccans. If you violate rules 1 and 2 and have a SMMC, 3) RUN FOR COVER!
The final word on SMMCs is that, if brilliantly socialized and you do everything you should for a Moluccan (times 2), there is still more than a small chance that he will not make a suitable companion animal. Some of the aggression/biting may be controlled, but he will be very loud and demonstrative, frequently too much so for most urban households. It is not that an non-SuperMale or female Moluccan requires any less discipline, rules or the like, it is only that with the SMMC you will pay a much higher price if you don't.
The Future
Okay, so what now? Well, we can start by making certain that wild Moluccans have a future by donating to organizations like the World Parrot Trust and other research and habitat preservation groups. Educate yourself as to the source of the wood and other raw materials used in the products that you buy and do not patronize companies that have a bad environmental record and exploit threatened habitats.
Next we can support research into avian diseases such as the excellent and productive work of Dr. Branson Ritchie. This can be done directly or by participating in raffles or seminars that donate a percentage of their proceedings to such causes.
Do not acquire a Moluccan cockatoo on impulse. Stop, think, learn and look to see if your are the right person for the job. If you guess wrong, you and especially the guiltless, unsuspecting bird will pay an immense price for your impetuousness.
If you feel that you are up to the task, patronize only good, caring breeders. Question any breeder about their socialization techniques, weaning practices and dietary concerns. Ask to visit their facility and see for yourself the sanitary conditions and the size of the flights. If they say they don't want their birds disturbed tell them you'll keep your distance and use binoculars. If they do have particularly sensitive birds or just don't have the facilities to sanitarily accept visitors, I would ask for photographs and references. Check out the references and, if possible, visit the people and their birds. Do not object if the breeder asks you for references. Wouldn't it be nice to buy a bird from someone who wouldn't sell to just anybody? Finally, find out if the breeder is holding back any babies for breeding or makes arrangements with other breeders to facilitate the breeding of domestic birds.
Raise your bird with love, guidance and rules. Use only a qualified avian vet and do all the things one should do for an exotic bird (lots of toys, good diet, roomy cage, etc.). Pay close attention to your bird and learn what he is saying and doing. Keep abreast of current developments in behavior/care, keep informed, read, read, read and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Moluccan cockatoos are a lot of work. Even if you are willing to do the work, you must still have a moderately regular schedule, a calm demeanor, the wisdom of Solomon, the patience of a saint and Sherlock Holmes' deductive powers. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but not by much.
Is it worth it? Well, if you have to ask then you haven't spent much time with a good Moluccan cockatoo. Hitchcock is 13 years old now and we have an amazing relationship. There is a level of empathy and understanding that I experience with few humans, let alone animals. There is clear give and take, even when he is being a pain in the butt. He loves me and no anti-anthropomorphisist is gonna tell me otherwise.
But, so that we don't lose sight of the message of this article, for every Hitchcock there are 500 Moluccans who have been abused, miserably bred or are just owned by people who have no business with a goldfish. So, if you are the right person, find the right breeder and do all the right things. If you aren't, don't. There are lots of other, wonderful birds out there for you.
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