If someone loves birds and is considering a pet, a cockatoo might cross their mind. This bird is stunning and capable of forming bonds almost like budgies or canaries. But before adopting a cockatoo, it is essential to recognize that they are exotic animals requiring dedicated care. Cockatoos live a long time; some species can reach seventy years. Because of their longevity and needs, anyone thinking about adoption should be fully informed about their properties and requirements before bringing one home.
Decapitated canaries or just remnants of feathers in the cage… What attacks them and how are they protected?
In any parrot family, feather loss can indicate stress, poor nutrition, or health issues. Cockatoos are sensitive birds that respond to their environment. Ensuring a clean living space, balanced meals, and regular veterinary checkups helps reduce feather loss and keeps them thriving. A calm, predictable routine supports their well-being and minimizes stress-related issues.
Where do cockatoos come from?
This family, known as cacatuidae, comprises psittaciform birds with origins primarily in Australasia. Cockatoos are native to regions extending from the Philippines and Indonesia across Australia to New Guinea. Their diverse appearances and social temperaments have made them popular worldwide.
Everything you need to know if you want to keep a goldfinch at home
Goldfinches are a different species and require separate care guidelines. This article focuses on cockatoos, their needs, and how prospective owners can responsibly provide for them.
Physical Characteristics of Cockatoos
Cockatoos are medium to large birds, with some species reaching up to about 60 cm in length. They are often distinguished by a crest on the head that can be raised when the bird is excited or perched. Their overall plumage tends to be more muted than some other parrots, often featuring shades of white, gray, or black, with colorful accents on the crest, cheeks, or tail that become more noticeable when they are animated or alert.
Galah Cockatoo: Everything you need to know about this exotic bird
Cockatoos possess a strong, curved beak used for climbing and feeding. A notable feature is their zygodactyl feet, two toes facing forward and two backward, which aids in gripping branches and manipulating objects. Their wings are long, enabling flight speeds that can reach up to 70 km/h when needed.
How to tell if a budgerigar is male or female?
Budgerigars differ from cockatoos in several ways, with coloration being a primary indicator. Cockatoos typically display matte body tones such as black, white, or gray, while their crests, tails, or cheeks may feature more vibrant colors that help identify individual birds and their moods.
How to make bird feeders and make the winter easier for them
Setting up appropriate feeders and winter provisions is essential for any pet bird. Cockatoos benefit from varied diets and stable environments. Providing enrichment—not just food—helps keep them mentally stimulated and physically healthy throughout the year.
cockatoo behavior
Cockatoos are diurnal and highly social. They vocalize with sharp, high-pitched calls to communicate, warn, or locate one another. In the wild they often form large foraging groups but remain monogamous, forming strong, long-lasting bonds with a mate. After pairing, cockatoos may lay several eggs, with incubation typically spanning around 20 to 28 days. Their social nature means they thrive with plenty of interaction, mental stimulation, and companionship, which makes daily engagement crucial for a pet cockatoo’s happiness.
What is Silvestrismo and why will it be banned in Spain?
Silvestrismo, or bird trapping for sport, has sparked controversy and regulation in various regions. The focus here remains on responsible pet ownership, proper care, and the ethical considerations that surround keeping cockatoos as companions. Prospective owners should stay informed about local laws and best practices to ensure humane treatment of birds and support wildlife protection efforts.
What do cockatoos eat?
Cockatoos access a diet consisting of nuts and seeds, including grains such as rice, hemp, flax, and corn. Fresh vegetables like chard, lettuce, carrot, sweet potato, and pumpkin, along with fruits such as peaches, bananas, and apples, should be offered regularly. It is important to limit or avoid certain foods, including eggplant, dairy products, potatoes, sugary items, and caffeine, to prevent dietary-related issues. A nutritionally balanced mix designed for cockatoos, supplemented with fresh produce, supports their health and energy levels.
Mandarin apple: everything you need to know about this bird
Cockatoos require a varied and balanced diet to maintain plumage quality, energy, and overall health. A well-planned feeding routine, aligned with veterinary guidance, helps prevent common problems like obesity and nutritional deficiencies.
cockatoo care
Like most pets, cockatoos demand time and patience. The most important aspect of care is respecting their flight time and ensuring they have ample opportunity to explore outside their cage for several hours daily. Regular play and exercise sessions strengthen the bond between the bird and its owner. When trust grows, a cockatoo becomes more responsive and relaxed around family members, reinforcing a positive, lifelong relationship.
You may be interested in:
Alicante
What causes the hypnotic flight of starlings in Alicante?
Pets
“When the castle flies low…”: Where does this phrase come from?
5 animals you can’t have as pets in Spain
The ideal home for a cockatoo should be a spacious cage that provides room to move, play, and feel secure. The bars should be spaced appropriately to prevent head injuries or entanglement, with careful attention to safety and enrichment to keep the bird engaged and healthy.