Cockatoo parrots, which have a black bill, are called cockatoos, while those with a white bill are called koalas, the latter being much smaller than cockatoos. Interestingly, the lesser nymph is also related to the cockatoo parrot.
Cockatoos are not only extremely beautiful, fun and funny, but also extremely difficult to raise. Because of the specific features of cockatoos, this species is recommended only for experienced parrot breeders. And more recently, there has been a general debate about the ethics of keeping large cockatoos in the home, as they require attention that is rarely given.
The sex of some cockatoo parrot species can be distinguished by the colour of the irises – females are brown and males black.
Features of cockatoos:
When properly socialised and trained, cockatoos are very attached to their owners. In the wild, the cockatoo is very attached to its mate and to its flock. If a chick falls out of the nest, the parrots of the flock protect and feed it; if a member dies, the parrots stay close to it for a long time, which is not noticeable among the other parrots Species. And pairs in the wild handle each other’s feathers for hours. It is this need for strong bonds that makes the home-bred cockatoo so sociable. However, strong attachment often becomes excessive attachment, with the bird showing aggression out of jealousy, possessiveness, and aggression towards other family members. Since cockatoos are usually kept singly, they consider the human as their sexual partner and become aggressive (especially males). Also, cockatoos, because of their strong attachment and their desire to be with their host all the time, may start to fight if their host does not spend enough time with them. For this reason, cockatoos are not recommended for people working outside the home, as cockatoos cannot be left alone for long periods of time.
Cockatoos need to be trained to be independent from an early age so that you do not end up with a bird that wants to be with its owner every minute. This is partly the responsibility of breeders, who tend to sell the chicks too early, when the parrots are neither mature nor physicallypsychologically than psychologically. Such juveniles almost always exhibit very problematic behaviour as adults. Large cockatoo pups are only available at 5-6 months of age, and not before.
Cockatoos are often aggressive in defending their cage. Territorial aggression can cause a lot of discomfort when it comes to cleaning the cage. If a cockatoo bites, it bites hard. A parrot should be taught not to bite throughout its life, as a cockatoo will always test your boundaries. It is important that the parrot understands that biting is not an appropriate way to show emotion or to achieve a desired goal. Large cockatoos are often temperamental and unpredictable (especially Cacatua moluccensis).
Cockatoos can learn to repeat several words.
Domesticated Cockatoos are very fond of physical contact and petting. In the wild, pairs pay a lot of attention to each other. Naturally, they want the same from humans. This is the most wonderful characteristic of cockatoos. However, again, excessive petting can lead the cockatoo to consider the owner as a sexual partner, which is the right way to aggression.
In large enclosures, they are given logs to gnaw on. Cockatoos eat toys quickly and look for something to gnaw on in the room. Cockatoos are also real litterbugs. They enjoy throwing food and toys outside their cage.Some people call cockatoos monkeys with wings. In America, this species is quite popular, but most people keep cockatoos in separate rooms or in a room just for the parrot. Cockatoos can be very funny and entertaining, and there are plenty of videos on the internet to prove it. However, these videos only show the good side of cockatoos, which sometimes lasts a few minutes a day.
Cockatoos give off a lot of feather dust to which some people are allergic.
Cockatoos live for a very long time. The longest-living cockatoo is 14 years old. Cockatoos only become sexually mature between 4 and 5. At puberty, there is a big change in behaviour and they often become aggressive.
And the most important thing you need to know is that cockatoos are the most famous of all parrots. Their extremely loud screaming is the main reason for refusing cockatoos.
According to some studies, as many as 40% of cockatoos ruffle their feathers. The most common age of moulting is 10 years old.
Moluccan and Umbrella cockatoos are the most problematic and are not recommended for home keeping at all.
Cockatoos are certainly interesting, playful and funny parrots, but most people who acquire them end up giving them away/reselling them. Because every cockatoo has a plus and a minus, it is rare for a cockatoo to live its whole life in one home. For example, in American parrot sanctuaries, it is the cockatoos that have the highest number of parrots.
If you are not put off by all the minuses of cockatoos and you are totally a parrot person, I suggest you go for the Pink Cockatoo (Galah) as they are more stable, less aggressive and less nervous. Pink cockatoos, like all cockatoos, like to be petted, require a lot of work, but are more independent than other cockatoos and can longto be alone for a short period of time. Pink cockatoos are also less noisy and live shorter lives (30-40 years).
Patricia Sound, parrot journalist – It is my opinion that cockatoos are a challenge for an average person. Even if you are above average person. I know enough to stay out of the cockatoo arena because they would drive me crazy in a day or two. And as far as Im concerned, you Cockatoo people have the patience of a saint and nerves of steel.
Cockatoo parrot diet
Large Cockatoos in the wild eat a relatively high protein diet, with a low calorie content of fruits and seeds, and their dietary needs are best met by HIGH PROTEIN pellets. Pink cockatoos have a different diet, feeding more on low-calorie cereals, so MINI pellets are best suited for Galah parrots. Young cockatoos up to one year of age need OMEGA pellets for their growing bodies.