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| Traits: |
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| The lure of cockatoos is partially based on their desire for physical attention. They require hugging, petting and must be played with daily by their owners. The cockatoo is a very affectionate bird and can be quite noisy when wanting attention. Daily social time with them is necessary to form a bond so that they will learn to speak. If properly cared for cockatoos can live fifty years or more. |
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| There are 17 species of cockatoos, ranging in color from black to pink to white. The black species of cockatoos are rarely kept as pets, but several species of the white cockatoos are kept as companion pets. The most common white ones are: |
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Umbrella Cockatoo (Cacatua alba) - crest feathers are white, form a semi-circle when erect; body is 18" in length.
Moluccan (C. moluccensis) - peach colored body with deep rosy crest; very large body, reaching 21" in length.
Goffin (C. goffini) - white crest, pink feathers in front of eyes; small size for a cockatoo, body is 12-13" long.
Citron Crested (C. sulphurea citrinocristata) - crest feathers are orangish colored; body is 13" long.
Lesser Sulfur Crested (C. sulphurea sulphurea) - bright yellow crest feathers; body size reaches 13" in length.
Medium Sulfur Crested (C. galerita eleonora) - bright yellow, narrow crest feathers; body is 16" long.
Greater Sulfur Crested (C. galerita galerita) - bright yellow, narrow crest feathers; large body is 20" long.
Triton (C. galerita triton) - bright yellow wide crest, similar to the greater sulfur crested but body is only 18" long.
Bare-eyed (C. sanguinea) - short white crest, blue ring of bare skin around eyes; 16" body length. |
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| Feeding: |
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| Cockatoos should be fed a staple diet of a fresh pelleted formula or a fortified parrot seed diet. Pelleted diets are recommended since each pellet contains balanced nutrition. Besides a pelleted or a seed mix diet, each day offer chopped dark green and yellow vegetables, and a small amount of fresh fruits. Whole grain bread, cooked rice, and cooked pasta can also be offered. Protein supplements can include mature legumes, chopped hard cooked egg, or tofu. Avoid the following foods: iceberg lettuce and cabbage (these can cause diarrhea), caffeine, chocolate, avocado, and sugary or salty snacks (these can be harmful). Remove fresh fruits and vegetables within 4 hours of offering to prevent spoilage. If the bird gets too much liquid from the fresh fruits and vegetables, the droppings could become runny and discolored. Stop the fresh fruits and vegetables for a day if this occurs to determine if this is the reason. Birds require fresh water each day. Wash and rinse their water dish thoroughly prior to adding fresh water. Powdered vitamins can be lightly sprinkled on the fresh food, or added into the drinking water. Always have a cuttlebone or mineral block available to supply calcium and prevent beak overgrowth. |
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| Housing: |
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| Cockatoos must be able to stretch their wings and still have room for a variety of toys without hitting them, therefore, the larger the cage the better. Ideally, the cage for a cockatoo should measure a minimum of 36" length by 48" high and 36" wide. The cage should be your cockatoo's secure area where it feels safe, but it should be allowed out of the cage when supervised for socialization. Perches are an essential part of the cages and should be chosen to suit the feet of the bird. A variety of perch sizes, shapes, and diameters will help exercise the bird's feet and toes. Place perches strategically to prevent droppings from contaminating water and food dishes and to prevent the tail from hanging in dishes or on the floor. Many different types of toys in the cockatoo cage will keep your bird entertained. Be sure when choosing toys that they are intended for a large cockatoo and not for something small such as cockatiels or parakeets. Place your cockatoo's cage below eye-level in a bright area free from drafts and direct sunlight. Make sure it is safe from small children, dogs and cats. Cockatoos like to see what is going on in the house and do well when placed in the family room or commonly frequented parts of the house. For safety reasons, do not place the bird cage in the kitchen or areas near smoke or fumes. Cigarette smoke is especially harmful to birds' sensitive respiratory systems. |
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| Handling: Their bites can be extremely painful. Always supervise children around any cockatoo. Cockatoos are very intelligent and should be trained basic commands such as to "step up" onto your hand and "step down" when putting them back into their cage. This will make handling of the cockatoo much easier as it matures from an easily handled baby to a more independent adult bird. Cockatoos become sexually mature between 3-5 years of age. Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet bird, or after cleaning its cage. Keep the cage clean to prevent the possibility of disease for the safety of you and your companion bird. |
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| Special Requirements: Cockatoos require consistent attention from all members of the household to keep them from bonding with only one person. They need to have a great deal of socialization and stimulation to remain a happy, healthy member of your family. Cockatoos produce a white powder from their down feathers rather than preening oil, and will make their cages and surrounding areas white with powder dust. Frequent cleaning is very important around cockatoos. To aid the bird in keeping itself clean, we recommend a light misting with tepid water from a clean spray bottle on a frequent basis. |
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