[lannen]

We have been sailing with our Cockatoo, Abby, for 8 years now. We keep her wings clipped. She has her very own boat routine which has developed over the years.

Sun-up and she wants to walk the boom. One of her favorite morning hangouts is hanging out on the downhaul. She gives us a piercing scream when she sees a predatory bird in the area and makes best speed below decks.

Abby, like all Cockatoos, likes to 'call the flock' at sundown. She knows better, but sometimes just can't contain herself. We get her off the boom (her sundown spot) after the first scream, and then it's bed time for her. With the barking dogs in the marina, nobody has ever complained about Abby's occasional scream.

I have had the police called on me before. We stopped at a dock and went into dinner. Some folks saw us leave and then shortly afterwards could hear a baby crying down below. It was just the baby boat chicken making noises...

Chewing can be a problem, so we give her lots of interesting things to chew. I never throw old line away. I wrap it around stanchion hand holds and tie it tight. She loves to chew the line off. Years of working with her has rewarded us with a bird that know what she is allowed to chew, and what is off limits. (she still tries every now and then though)

She really hates bird sanctuaries. We got on the hook once in a sanctuary. There were a thousand seagulls screaming MINE MINE MINE continuously during daylight hours. Abby refused to come out of her cage. (very unusual)

She likes heavy weather sailing better than my wife and I. It doesn't seem to affect her at all.

All in all, she's a great sailing companion, fun at the marina, and a good guard bird alarm system. She is quite messy, as any Cockatoo owner will attest to.