You've probably heard of protective dogs, but what about cockatoos? One woman has given an insight into what it's like being the third wheel with her husband and bird.
Ellie Jade Jackson, 28, has shared a video of her cockatoo, Charlie, patrolling the hallway and making sure she doesn't set foot near her husband, also named Charlie, 27. The June 22 clip has since gone viral on TikTok with 1.4 million views.
"It isn't the best situation," she told Newsweek, "but I don't care, as it means he is no longer in a cold garage throughout winter and he is finally safe, warm, and loved in his new home.
"Although I'm very jealous I'm not the favorite human, I absolutely love to see the bond my bird and husband have—it's all I've ever dreamed of."
Jackson, from Middlesbrough, England, rescued 25-year-old Charlie six months ago and was warned about his feelings towards women.
The advert stated he favored men and had bitten the previous female owner's face, causing her to lose trust and fear having him in their house.
Jackson told Newsweek: "The lady had described in her ad he'd taken a liking to her son but a disliking to her and had become very protective of the son.
"It was worrying and made me think twice, but I'm a big believer in 'you never know until you try,' so it didn't put me off. I wanted him so badly. I was willing to make it work."
Finding out about his aggressive behavior meant Jackson had to learn about his body language and always approach with caution.
She told Newsweek: "My husband didn't really have to do much because he loved him instantly. However, I've had to make the effort to get up early before work each day, sit with him, talk to him, and show him I can be trusted.
"I love him very much, and with this he's slowly become more relaxed around me. I am now able to read his body language to know when he's not happy."
The bird has become an internet sensation on TikTok (@charliejuniorcockatoo) with over 171,000 followers, regularly going viral.
The internet is obsessed with his bond with Jackson's husband.
"Their relationship blossoms every day. Charlie adores him so much he's not content until he's with his dad, cuddling into him.
"Seeing his little face light up when Dad walks into the room is so wholesome. They have such a special bond simply by being so comfortable and happy around each other."
She said: "He does this walk when anyone dares to go near his favorite human, which is his dad. He will patrol up and down and watch for any sudden movements which may involve someone touching his favorite human."
It turns out she is not alone. Another cockatoo owner shared: "I feel you, my boyfriend's cockatoo HATES me whenever I'm with my boyfriend. He screams and doesn't stop [until] he can't see me anymore."
Another user said: "He kills me how he storms up to you."
"The way he sidled up to you," said one user, and Jackson responded: "[I] was fearing for my life behind that camera."
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