Cockatoos are not especially suited to inexperienced birdkeepers. Their cute appearance and naturally affectionate nature can belie other characteristics if they are not well looked after. They are very long-lived so anyone considering a cockatoo as a pet is making a substantial commitment. That said, they will bond with their owner, learn tricks and can be capable talkers.
Cockatoo Behavior and Training
Cockatoos are naturally playful though they can be noisy. Their inquisitive characteristics can be harnessed by teaching them tricks and spending time with them. However, it is necessary to strike the right balance and avoid over-indulging a young cockatoo as they can become attention-seeking and louder as a result. They should be left strong toys to chew on and play with when left. The toys should ideally be made of strong wood, which will eventually be destroyed and need replacing.
Other factors to be aware of with cockatoos are that:
- Some can become a little aggressive as they mature and have become less wary of people.
- Cockatoos produce much more dander than similar birds. It is commonly in the form of a substantial type of down as well as dead scales and feathers. As well as being a nuisance to allergy sufferers, dander will also come to rest on furniture indoors.
- Cockatoo cages should be quite strong and the larger the better. Some types of cockatoo, including some of the popular pets, are best suited to aviary conditions where they can fly.
It is worth researching the characteristics of different types of cockatoo before making a purchase, as some types tend to have specific behaviors and care needs, so may be better-suited to the prospective owner's requirements.
It is good practice to try and vary a cockatoo's diet when it is young, especially regarding types of fruit and vegetable-based food as older cockatoos can become reluctant to change diet to anything unfamiliar. If breeding is being considered, then it is best to find a proven compatible pair. It is not always easy to pair individuals. Some can be very aggressive if they take a dislike to each other. This area is also worth research, as some types are noted as being difficult to breed in captivity.
Some Types of Cockatoo
Umbrella cockatoos are one of the most common pet species. They are white with a large crest that they will raise and lower and fan out as a matter of routine. They are seen at their best in a large aviary. They are generally less aggressive and easy to tame relative to some other species, and generally quiet and gentle-natured. They are not usually good talkers and eat seeds and fruit. The Ducorps cockatoo is similar to the umbrella cockatoo but much smaller, with a smaller crest and blue skin around its eyes.
The Moluccan cockatoo is one of the largest cockatoos at up to 20 inches long. It can have a slightly off-white, salmon or pink body always with a pink crest. Variants are known as salmon-crested or rose-crested cockatoos. It has a yellow splash under its tail. These cockatoos can form a strong bond with their owner and are good mimics. Popular as pets, they can become very loud if agitated. It needs space, strong mesh on its cage and eats fruit, seeds, greens and insects.
The Rose-Breasted cockatoo, also known as the galah cockatoo or roseate cockatoo, is one of the best types as a pet. It is gentle, playful and a good talker. It has a pink body with grey wings. It will eat greens and insects but should not be overfed with oily seeds, as these have been associated with tumours in this species. Pairs of galah cockatoos are very protective of each other.
The Great Palm Cockatoo is dark grey, almost black in color, with a red patch on its face near the eyes. It has a strong beak that it will use to break its preferred diet of seeds and nuts. It is normally gentle but can become aggressive during the breeding season.
The Lesser Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo is another popular pet type, with a white body, black legs and beak and a distinctive yellow-orange crest. This type is lively, friendly and likes doing tricks but some individuals can be difficult when kept indoors. It eats corn, seed, fruit with a partiality for berries and will also eat greens. There is a citron sub-species which has a more orange coloring.
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