Cockatoo adoption: Of all the parrots native to Australia, the Cockatoos are undoubtedly those which present the widest range of aspects, sizes, and colors.
Their main characteristic is this famous crest, which they proudly show off according to their mood, lowering or raising it at will. Most are white, but some have a hint of pink, yellow, or a crest of a different color than their body.
They live in colonies in the wild, feeding on seeds, nuts, and fruits, which they willingly steal from cultivated fields, for which they represent a real threat. The Cockatoo family has some 17 species, whose size varies between 30 and 68 cm.
The cockatoo is the smallest representative of the genus, but we will voluntarily exclude it from the profile established here, to concentrate on the larger ones.
The varieties that can be kept in captivity, such as the Galah Cockatoo (Cacatua roseicapilla) , the White-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua alba), the Sulfur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), or the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea) leave a very wide choice.
There are also cockatoos which are adorned with light plumage. In this tribe are the cockatoo with yellow crest, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Plow Cockatoo, Goffin’s Cockatoo, Corella Cockatoo, and many more. And finally, there is the Cockatiel which belongs to the genus Nymphicus.
Despite this wide variety of species, it is usually white cockatoos that are bred. Those with white, yellow, or red crests as well as the Galah Cockatoos are the most common in France.
Cockatoo diet
cockatoo adoption
As far as food is concerned, it is best to base their diet on the daily intake of granules, fresh fruits and vegetables, and different supplements such as wholemeal pasta or rice, all without seasoning.
Sharing the meals of their human family is essential to allow them to integrate and feel good in their feathers. Skimmed milk products can be given to them from time to time, in small quantities, because they are low in lactose.
Cockatoo cage
cockatoo adoption
The Cockatoo cage requires a lot of space. A minimum of 100 X 180 X 160 cm is essential for them to be comfortably installed.
The range of games available to them must be opulent, given their taste for putting wooden elements to pieces. This has a cost that must be considered so as not to be caught off guard because it will be necessary to regularly renew the stock.
In addition, a large play area is ideal outside the cage, to allow them to occupy themselves when they come out, each day.
They often enjoy bathing, whether it’s immersing themselves in water or being sprayed excessively, although in this area everyone displays very marked tastes.
In summary, they are undoubtedly the noisiest of all parrots, although the smaller varieties, such as Galahs, are quieter. They are excessively cuddly, but can just as easily be unlivable if everything is allowed to them.
A person living in an apartment should not choose Cockatoos. Besides, do not let yourself be blinded by their natural beauty, because they are not birds for everyone.
Do not hesitate to inquire carefully, especially with people who own or have already had one, to form an objective opinion of the implications of such a commitment and save you from great trouble, both for the animals and for yourself.
Finally, it is necessary to remember to check before the adoption if any authorization is necessary to hold the chosen variety, legally. No one is supposed to ignore the law, so in the case of control, the risks of seizure or fine are great.
Where do cockatoos live
cockatoo adoption
The cockatoo is a species of parrot that comes from New Guinea, Australia, and Indonesia. It is a large, very expressive parrot that stands out from other birds with its crest, a crest formed of feathers.
Like the cockatiel, it belongs to the subfamily Cacatuinés. The cockatoo also comes in 3 different varieties, including the cockatoos sporting dark plumages.
The latter belong to the Calyptorhynchini group and also come in different varieties (Latham’s Cockatoo, Banksian Cockatoo, Black Cockatoo, Red-headed Cockatoo, Funeral Cockatoo, Baudin’s Cockatoo, or even the White-tailed Cockatoo).
Cockatoo Size
The Galah Cockatoo measures only 30 cm and weighs around 600 grams, while the white cockatoos are larger. These can measure between 40 and 50 cm long and weigh about 900 grams.
The smallest is Goffin’s cockatoos. They can measure up to 31 cm, but will only weigh 300 grams for males and 250 grams for females. The largest species are the black cockatoos which can measure between 50 and 70 cm for a weight ranging from 900 grams to 1 kilo.
Cockatoo behavior
cockatoo adoption
Cockatoos are not stuffed animals, but birds with a strong character. Before deciding to adopt one of them, it is necessary to know certain points.
Behavioral problems are not uncommon. Most are usually particularly noisy birds. If they don’t get what they want when they demand it, it can lead to sometimes unbearable screaming, because their voice is very powerful.
It is, therefore, necessary on the one hand to be able to resist this, on the other hand, to be able to face it, by setting up strict rules of life from which there is no question of derogating, under penalty of seeing them shattered. When raised well, they are lovable and affectionate, but if not, they can be a real nightmare for their owner.
The cockatoo, whatever the variety, is a bird, certainly elegant, but with a strong temperament. It is a NAC that is not suitable for neophytes.
It requires a lot of attention, space, and care. It is a bird that likes to be the center of attention. He likes to show off and put on a show.
Capricious, the cockatoo can be aggressive if its desires are not fulfilled. He demands constant availability from his masters.
He is both very demanding and possessive, especially towards the members of his host family with whom he will have forged stronger bonds.
It is also a very expressive bird that enjoys interacting with humans. He is not particularly afraid of them and can even be very familiar with the members of his social group.
Rescue Cockatoo Loves Sunbathing and Dancing With Mom | The Dodo
SOURCE: The Dodo
The cockatoo is very playful and active. It is also an inquisitive breed of parrot by nature and shows great intelligence.
Like some species of parrots, it is able to reproduce human sounds. Moreover, this bird is very noisy and will not hesitate to repeat the expressions that you teach it over time.
Due to its strong character, it is impossible to train this bird by raising your voice or trying to be firm with it. This bird does as it pleases. What is more, the demonstrations of authority towards him will only have the purpose of stressing him.
To tame and educate this type of pet, you will need to have a lot of patience. On the other hand, the Galah Cockatoo, compared to its counterparts, turns out to be less aggressive and less noisy. This variety is also more docile, which makes it easier to breed.
Cockatoo Health
cockatoo adoption
A cockatoo can live on average between 15 and 80 years. Adopting such an animal involves great responsibilities. In captivity, this bird can easily develop pecking. It is a behavioral disorder linked to the bird’s deep attachment to its master. The cockatoo will find it difficult to separate from it, even for short periods.
In case of depression, this bird can also self-mutilate and completely tear out its feathers. Aggression is also a behavioral disorder that can affect the cockatoo. And even if this bird is relatively resistant, it is not immune to certain pathologies such as diarrhea, eating disorders, constipation, etc.
If you ever notice that your cockatoo remains inactive and curls up in a corner, it is recommended to take him quickly to a veterinarian who specializes in NAC.
This bird can also be prone to polyomavirus, a disease caused by polyomavirus, a virus that particularly attacks chicks. The paramyxovirus can gnaw the cockatoo and cause nervous disorders in it.
On the other hand, it is important to always take care of the hygiene of the bird and its cage. By ingesting its droppings, the cockatoo can develop Pacheco which can lead to psittacosis or even fatal hepatitis.
Giving the bird an appropriate diet is also essential to preserve its health. If the macaw parrot is an herbivore, the cockatoo is omnivorous. It feeds on grasses, fruits, and seeds as well as insects. Birds of this species that live in captivity can be fed pellets made from pellets, seeds, and dried fruits.
You can also feed your cockatoo cabbage leaves, spinach, fresh vegetables, and fruits. Note that if you want to give beans to your bird, they will need to be cooked first. It is not recommended to give raw beans to the cockatoo.
Parrots & Cockatoos: Purchase vs Adoption
SOURCE: ultramaximus
