Cockatoo Has Exactly Zero Interest in Bonding With Her New Parrot Sister
Every parent knows that adding a new baby to the household isn't without its challenges. Whether it's a human baby or an animal, there are always adjustments to navigate-and not every "big sibling" is thrilled about the change.
Sweet Pea, the Cockatoo, is pretty used to being top dog in her house. She already has a few pet siblings, including other Parrots and even a Labrador, but when Mom-aka "The Parrot Lady"-brought home a new bird, Sweet Pea didn't waste a second making her feelings very clear.
@theparrotlady I brought a new bird home and my cockatoo was not pleased… #cockatoo#reaction#adoptdontshop
original sound - Wendy Albright
At first, Sweet Pea is perched on the counter, happily receiving gentle pets from Mom, who's holding Ruby, an Eclectus Parrot, in her other hand. While the initial introduction seems to go smoothly, the next scene in Wendy Albright's TikTok shows a slightly different interaction.
As the second part of the clip begins, Dad is holding Ruby on one outstretched hand while Sweet Pea sits on his shoulder... literally towering over her new little sister. The poor Cockatoo is clearly worked up and a bit stressed about the new addition, even fanning out her feathers extra wide to show Ruby she means business.
Related: Parrot Takes Over Guard Dog Duty, Leaving Labrador With Nothing To Do
Meanwhile, Mom is in the background reassuring Ruby, saying, "It's gonna be OK, Ruby. She won't hate you forever!" And one follower joked in the comments: "‘She won't hate you forever'-Sweet Pea: challenge accepted!"
What Does the Cockatoo's Body Language Mean?
Sweet Pea displayed a wide range of body language, some of which clearly indicated how she felt about the new family member. According to Chewy, when a bird fans out their tail feathers, their often trying to make their body appear larger and less vulnerable.
Apparently, when a Parrot raises the crest or crown of feathers on their head, it can indicate excitement-positive or negative-or signal that they're on high alert and taking everything in.
Chewy also explains that most of these behaviors are normal for birds, but if anything seems concerning, it's best to consult your veterinarian.
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This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 8:45 PM.