Cockatoos, lively and affectionate birds, quickly become their owner’s best friend and can mimic words if you spend enough time with them. The world hosts 21 cockatoo species, with the most common in captivity being the Moluccan, Goffin’s, umbrella, sulfur-crested (greater and lesser), and bare-eyed cockatoos.
A crest of feathers that can be raised or lowered identifies all cockatoos on the top of their heads. The cockatoo family divides primarily into two subfamilies: the white cockatoos (Cacatua species) and the dark cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus species). A few species, like the cockatiel—the smallest member of the cockatoo family—do not fit into these categories.
Discover everything about cockatoos, including their history, temperament, needs, and more.
Origin and History
Cockatoos are native to Australia and the islands around Oceania, including Malaysia, the Philippines, the eastern Indonesian islands of Wallacea to New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. They inhabit a variety of habitats ranging from subalpine forest regions to mangroves. Species like the galah and cockatiel are more common in open-country landscapes where grass seeds are abundant.
Commonly kept cockatoos include:
- Umbrella cockatoo
- Rose-breasted cockatoo
- Sulphur-crested cockatoo
- Citron-crested cockatoo
- Moluccan cockatoo
Temperament
Cockatoos are affectionate, lively birds, often referred to as “Velcro birds” due to their tendency to bond closely and cuddle with their owners. Their sociable nature and need for affection require owners to devote considerable time to them.
Without enough attention, cockatoos may become depressed, display neurotic behaviors, or engage in self-mutilation. They are intelligent, playful, mischievous, and can be exceptionally loud, similar to having a small child.
WARNING
Cockatoos are excitable and may not be suitable for families with young children. Their powerful beaks can pose a risk to small, curious hands, so caution is advised when introducing a cockatoo to homes with young children.
Speech and Vocalizations
Cockatoos may not be as talkative as some other parrots, but they still possess decent speech capabilities. They can mimic almost any sound, including words, and the extent of their vocabulary largely depends on the training they receive. Species like the Galah, sulfur-crested, and long-billed cockatoos are among the best talkers in the family.
Be aware that cockatoos might scream the words they learn, which can be irritating and cause issues with neighbors and visitors. Additionally, these birds may hiss when frightened or alarmed.
Because cockatoos are quite needy, they may vocalize, including screaming, to seek attention. It’s important to provide them with ways to stay engaged and content, such as toys and perches, especially when you’re not available to interact with them.
Cockatoo Colors and Markings
Cockatoos typically have black, gray, or white plumage, with smaller patches of yellow, pink, and red on their crest or tail. Some species, like the galah and Major Mitchell’s cockatoo, exhibit pink tones.
Many species feature vividly-colored rings around their bare eyes, such as the palm cockatoo with its large red patch of bare skin encircling the eye and covering part of the face. Others, like the bare-eyed (little corella) and blue-eyed cockatoo, also have eye rings.
Most cockatoo species show similar plumage in males and females, although some, like the gang-gang, red-tailed, and glossy-black cockatoos, display sexual dimorphism. Additionally, female cockatiels retain barring or stippling on their tail and wing feathers, while males develop solid-colored feathers after one year, though some variations in eye color may occur.
Caring for the Cockatoo
Cockatoos require sturdy cages made of wrought iron or stainless steel to withstand their strong beaks, with horizontal bar wires to facilitate climbing.
Smaller cockatoos, such as Goffin’s, galahs, and lesser sulphur-crested cockatoos, need a minimum cage size of 24 by 36 by 48 inches with a bar spacing of 3/4 inch to 1 inch.
Larger species like umbrellas, Moluccans, and palm cockatoos require cages at least 24 by 48 by 48 inches with a bar spacing of 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches.
As diurnal birds, cockatoos need 12 to 14 hours of uninterrupted sleep at night and typically become active midmorning in the wild. Regular bathing and air filtration help manage the fine feather dust produced by cockatoos’ powder-down feathers, which can affect those with allergies.
Common Health Problems
Cockatoos, like other pets, can experience various health issues, so partnering with an avian veterinarian is essential for their well-being. Common ailments in cockatoos include:
- Neurotic behaviors: Feather picking and self-mutilation can occur if they lack the necessary affection and attention.
- Reproductive problems: Inappropriate cuddling or stimulation can lead to difficulties in egg laying, organ prolapse, or cancerous changes in their reproductive system.
- Psittacine beak and feather disease: A viral infection that compromises the immune system, resulting in feather loss, abnormal beak development, and other symptoms.
- Bumblefoot: Painful lesions on the bird’s feet caused by infections, nutritional deficiencies, or inappropriate perches.
- Obesity: Due to a high-fat diet and lack of physical activity, obesity is a concern. Consult a vet for dietary recommendations and provide daily enrichment for exercise.
Diet and Nutrition
In the wild, cockatoos primarily eat nuts and seeds. In captivity, they require a balanced diet consisting of avian pellets (75%), supplemented with fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains (25%). Seeds should only be offered as occasional treats due to their high fat content, with nuts serving as another occasional treat.
Each bird’s food needs vary, so monitor their eating habits and adjust accordingly. Cockatoos enjoy playing with and tossing their food, so offer more initially and adjust based on consumption. Weekly weighing and observing their general health help ensure they’re on the right diet track. Most pet birds thrive on a feeding schedule similar to their wild counterparts, foraging in the morning and evening.
Exercise
Cockatoos have a natural inclination to chew and destroy objects, so providing them with chewable toys is essential. Softwood toys, tree branches, vegetable-tanned leather, rope toys (supervised use), bells, and cardboard are all suitable options. Cockatoos particularly enjoy hanging toys and toys they can pick up with their feet, as these simulate preening.
WARNING Ensure all toys are bird-safe and securely fastened to prevent them from becoming strangulation hazards.
Give your cockatoo three to four hours of playtime outside the cage and at least three to five hours of interaction with you daily. Larger birds require more human or avian interaction. Large bird play gyms with perches outside the enclosure are ideal for meeting their exercise needs.
Pros of Cockatoos
- Social and friendly
- Can be taught to mimic human speech
- Long-lived Cons of Cockatoos
- May scream when bored, irritated, or excited
- Requires three to five hours of exercise and interaction daily
- Tendency to chew and destroy objects
Where to Adopt or Buy a Cockatoo
Cockatoos are readily available in the United States through rescue organizations like Rescue the Birds or adoption websites such as Petfinder. Prices range from $500 to $4,000, with variation based on the species. Scarce species like the black palm cockatoo may cost up to $25,000 from breeders.
If purchasing from a breeder, ensure their reputation by inquiring about their experience with the species and inspecting their facility for cleanliness and proper care practices. Look for signs of a healthy bird, such as bright eyes, clean feathers, and an alert and active demeanor.
Conclusion
cockatoos are captivating and affectionate pets that require careful attention and dedication from their owners. From providing proper care, nutrition, and enrichment to understanding their social and exercise needs, caring for a cockatoo is a rewarding but demanding responsibility. Despite their potential challenges, the joy and companionship they bring make them cherished members of many households. Whether adopting or purchasing, ensuring the well-being of these intelligent and charismatic birds should always be the top priority.
