If you have to bring a cockatoo home, or even move it somewhere else, here are some tips on how to catch and handle it without causing it any harm.
If you want to cage a cockatoo, the easiest way to do this is to place one hand on the back of the bird, 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 struggling, but be careful, it could still bite your fingers, so you may want to wear a pair of gloves to protect yourself.
Catching a particular cockatoo in 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. Appropriate catch nets are available from pet stores or specialty pet dealers.
If you want to trap a cockatoo in an aviary, remove all perches first so they don’t obstruct your movement. The birds will then fly over the mesh, hold onto it with their talons, and it will be easier to catch them this way. The nets are usually deep, so you can secure the bird by holding the material just below the rim for a few seconds. Rest the edge of the net on the floor of the aviary, and then you can use both hands to transfer the cockatoo. First grab his head as described above, and then use your free hand to disengage the claws from the web.
When a cockatoo is caught, it will always press its feet down on whatever surface is available to grab onto, so be careful when you release them.
It is a good idea for any bird owner to invest in a wooden travel crate. You can buy it at your pet store or build one for yourself. A travel box is usually shallow, which prevents the cockatoo from flying up and injuring itself. Some people use cardboard boxes to transport cockatiels, but be careful as they are not leak proof. The cockatoos could forcefully fly to the flippers and escape, or simply chew a hole in the box with their sharp beaks. Support the bottom of the box, or it could open with the weight of the cockatoo.
If you are traveling in a car with your cockatoo, make sure you never leave it in a hot car or trunk as this could prove fatal. Cockatoos are very sensitive to carbon monoxide fumes, so the trunk is not the place for them. If you are going to be traveling for a long time, be sure to provide your cockatoo with food and water for the trip.