There are many species of cockatoos, but the most common species seen in captivity (in no particular order) include the Moluccan, Goffin’s, umbrella, sulfur crested (greater and lesser), and bare eyed cockatoos.
It is important to remember that these are exotic animals as opposed to dogs or cats who are fully domesticated. Exotic pets are not always welcomed in apartments, especially ones as noisy as a cockatoo.
While a young white cockatoo may be friendly and enjoy being held; this often changes as the bird grows older.
Expected Life Span
With proper care, cockatoos can be expected to live for about 40 years (smaller species) to 80 years or more (larger species). Unfortunately, many in captivity die younger than this.
Size
Cockatoos are known for the feathered crest on their head. They can raise or flatten this crest and will often raise it when agitated or aroused.
They are usually white or gray in color though a few species are black. On their tail or crest they sometimes have a small area of yellow or red. They do not have the bright plumage of other parrots.
Cockatoos range in size from about 12 inches to about 27 inches. Those on the smaller size include Goffin’s cockatoo, the rose-breasted cockatoo , and the lesser sulfur crested cockatoo, while the larger cockatoos included the umbrella, Moluccan, and greater sulfur-crested cockatoos.
The cockatoo’s bills are curved and very powerful. They keep their bills sharp by scraping the mandibles together when resting. They also chew on wood to sharpen their beaks. Though this is fine in the wild, in urban areas they sometimes chew on buildings, patio furniture, wires and satellite dishes thus becoming pests to homeowners.
Temperament
Cockatoos are very lively and affectionate birds. They are quite “cuddly” and bond very closely with their owners. However, their sociability and need for affection mean they demand a great deal of time from their owners. Deprived of affection, cockatoos will become depressed or exhibit neurotic behaviors. They are intelligent, playful, mischevious, and they can be exceptionally loud. They are somewhat excitable so sometimes don’t do that well around young kids.
Vocalizations/Speech
Cockatoos aren’t as well known as some of the other parrots for their ability to mimic speech, but in general, they do have pretty good speech capabilities. There is a lot of variation between individuals as well as likely some species variation.
Cages
Smaller cockatoos should have a cage no smaller than 24-by-36-by-48 inches with a bar spacing of 3/4 inch to 1 inch while the larger cockatoos need a very large cage: about 24-by-48-by-48 inches with a bar spacing of 1 inch to 1.5 inches. The larger the cage the better. A strong cage (wrought iron, stainless steel) is necessary to withstand the cockatoo’s tough beak. Horizontal bar wires will allow the cockatoo to exercise by climbing on the sides of the cage.
Feeding
Cockatoos need a variety of fresh foods along with a good quality avian pellet based diet. Pellets can be up to 50 percent of the diet and fresh foods (vegetables, fruits, grains, etc) you prepare should make up the rest. Seeds and seed mixes should only be used as a limited treat item since they are high in fat. Nuts can also be used as a special treat.
Cockatoos use their large, agile tongues to crack open seeds. In captivity they’re often fed pellets designed to meet many of their dietary needs but additional foods are still suggested for at least 40% of their diet. Many of these pellets are created for specific species of Cockatoos.
Toys
Cockatoos love to chew and destroy things, so providing chewable toys is a necessity. Softwood toys, tree branches, vegetable tanned leather, rope toys (supervise use), bells and cardboard can all be given. Provide both hanging toys and toys that can be picked up in the feet. Toys with hanging strands simulate preening and are popular with cockatoos. All bird toys must be safe, and hung safely.
Predators
Large birds such as falcons and eagles are sometimes a threat to cockatoos.
In the nest, eggs are sometimes eaten by lizards who climb the trees and enter the hollows where the eggs are laid. Pythons and rats are also a threat to the eggs.
Too much rain can also be a threat to the young if the nest is flooded.
Humans, trapping the cockatoos to sell, have also been predators.
Concerns
Cockatoos produce feather dust. Special feathers (powder down) produce a fine powder used in preening. This powder makes a fine dust that settles throughout the homes of cockatoo owners and can cause allergies.
Owners need to be prepared for a bit of a mess and having household items chewed. Cockatoos tend to like to play with (toss) their food and chew on everything
Cockatoos seem somewhat prone to neurotic behavior including feather picking and self-mutilation, especially if denied the affection and attention they need so strongly.
Breeding
Cockatoos are monogamous breeders who mate for life. They pair up in flocks often up to a year before breeding.
Females are usually three to seven years old before they breed for the first time. Males are even older.
They breed in nests or cavities in trees as do other parrots. They cannot make these holes themselves so they must find hollows that have been created by decaying wood or other animals such as woodpeckers. They often have to compete for these nests with other members of the same flock.
The cockatoo chooses a nest only slightly larger than its own body. They line the nest with sticks and leaves.
Eggs are one to two inches in size. They are oval and usually white. There is no need for a camouflage color since the eggs are hidden in nests in trees. Some species lay only one egg and others have clutch sizes from two to eight eggs. Incubation lasts from twenty to twenty-nine days.
After eggs are hatched, nesting for young birds can last from five to eleven weeks.
Young birds stay with their parents for up to one year.
Cockatoo
Small children shouldn’t be allowed around a cockatoo. It can be dangerous to the child and the bird.
To purchase a bird you’ll probably want to visit a specialty store that deals with exotic birds and can explain their needs to you. Another option is breeders. Visit the breeder and see the environment where the birds are kept. A knowledgeable breeder can go a long way in helping you set up a safe environment for your own bird. Keep in mind, though, that they are trying to sell you a bird and therefore might not always be fully truthful about the care and investment needed. Bird rescues are another place to locate cockatoos to adopt.
Some people think they should buy two cockatoos and keep them together.