Resist the temptation to handle your bird constantly as a baby, as this is not sustainable in the long term, and pet your cockatoo only on his or her head, and not their bodies, as they become sexually mature. If you are considering a pet cockatoo, it is vital to set boundaries early when they are babies, says Rosengarten. Because a bird’s owner is the one providing the bird with food, attention and social interaction, some birds can develop an abnormally close bond with their owners, seeing them as their mates, which can lead to the development of separation anxiety, territorial aggression and sexual frustration manifested by problem behaviors such as feather picking, self-mutilation, biting and screaming. Illnesses can often contribute to development of feather picking, she says, as well as inappropriate husbandry or improper socialization. “Feather plucking is a complicated subject, and there are no hard and fast rules for prevention and treatment,” Dr. It’s common to hear stories of cockatoos plucking their feathers-often completely off, down to bare skin, and sometimes even mutilating the skin. McLaughlin also said that she sees far more behavioral issues in cockatoos than in any other parrot species group. In general, cockatoos do not make good pets for a first-time bird owner because of their constant need for attention, need for large amounts of time outside of their cages and tendency to squawk and scream. “It is very difficult to meet the husbandry and socialization requirements of most cockatoos,” Dr. In general, however, cockatoos are known for their ability to bond with their people, and while this trait may be wonderful in a pet, it often leads to the development of separation anxiety in these birds. Behavioral Issues in CockatoosĮach cockatoo has its own personality, and while some can be affectionate, even “cuddle-able,” especially as babies, Rosengarten said, others can be very aggressive and prone to biting once they become sexually mature after about five to seven years of age. McLaughlin, with a larger focus on fresh vegetables, fruits and cooked grains and legumes. Seeds should make up no more than 10 percent of a cockatoo’s diet, said Dr. An exclusive, seed-only diet is not recommended, she added, as seed is deficient in nearly all vital nutrients. Hess, cockatoos need a varied diet, including greens, vegetables and fruits, with around two thirds of a typical diet coming from nutritionally-balanced, formulated pellets. Laurie Hess, DVM, board-certified bird specialist and owner of the Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics in Bedford Hills, NY. Unfortunately, these birds do not typically live as long in captivity – usually only into their 30s and 40s – since they often do not get proper nutrition, exposure to sunlight, or fresh air, said Dr. Alicia McLaughlin, DVM, associate veterinarian at the Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine in Bothell, WA. Cockatoos have long lifespans of more than 60 years for some of the larger species in the wild, said Dr. Some species of cockatoo, however, such as the Moluccan, are salmon-colored, while the rare black palm cockatoo is a brilliant black and red. Pet owners are generally more familiar, however, with the 20-inch long sulfur-crested cockatoo, with its crest of narrow, golden, forward-curving feathers on its head, according to Encyclopedia Brittanica.ĭepending on the type of cockatoo, these birds are often white and are originally native to northern and eastern Australia, New Guinea and Tasmania. The most widespread and numerous cockatoo species found in the wild is the 14-inch galah, which shows off its pink and gray wings throughout the skies of Australia. Cockatoos are highly social and in the wild will forage in flocks as large as 100 birds. There are over 20 species of cockatoos, each with their own behaviors and personalities, said Jody Rosengarten, a dog trainer, behavior therapist and parrot enthusiast. Here, find out what you need to know before you bring a cockatoo home.
While all birds have distinct personalities, there are some common threads that run through the history, behavior, temperament and care requirements of cockatoos. Considering adding a new avian member to your family? You might be thinking about a cockatoo, as they are one of the most popular types of pet birds.
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