Jack the Cockatoo is displaying some strange behaviour - he pulled out all his feathers, and now he is suffering from boredom, and has started screeching as a result. How can his owner help improve the situation?

Question

Glynne, I have a 4 year old cockatoo,called Jack, I am the 5th owner and I have never had a bird before. I sort of inherited him. Initially when I met him him took to me, cuddled, even slept under my clothing on my chest when he felt like it. For various reasons he then moved in. It was a spur of the moment decision and he pulled all his feathers out. They’ve grown back and slowly I am definately regaining his trust. I have 2 questions: firstly he hasn’t been taught to play. Anything I put in his cage is seen as something that want to attack him. I have put parrot hangy things outside his cage, but he doesn’t pay too much attention to them. How do I overcome his boredom? I work full time and do my utmost to give him attention on either side of my day. I even have him sleeping in my bedroom (I move his cage around) so he can get the maximum interaction time. He’s not yet so brave as to get back onto my shoulder, but I really beleive this will happen in the not too distant future.
Second question: he’s started screeching! Oh boy does the sound go through me! I’ve started covering his cage with a black cloth when he does it, but I feel bad as all he wants is (incessant) attention.
Someone said I should get him a mate? Will this help him not be so bored?

Hi Niki
In order to regain his trust you will have to start wooing him over right from scratch. Baby steps, one at a time and lots and lots of love, understanding and patience. Do not force him to do anything he doesn’t want to do and that includes perching on your shoulder. Begin by getting him to hop on a stick, then your hand, then your arm … get it?

Screeching is a sign of his unhappiness. What can you do to improve the following categories?
Food: Favourites, varied, raw food etc. must be changed every day.
Position of cage: Out of draughts, where there is a view, where he is not intimidated by cats, dogs, kids, employers, hawks etc. Bright and light but not full sun
Cage: Comfortable, clean, friendly perches, warm, hygienic and a bath of fresh water for him to dip in
Toys: Not commercial stuff - natural objects like little sticks he can break up, pumice stone for his beak, cuttlefish, pebbles and stones different textures and interest - this will help when he is bored.
Company: Birds must have company. Think about getting him a compatible mate preferably the opposite sex.
Good luck and let us know how things go
Glynne