Cockatoo Care

Thinking of getting a pet at home with whom you can share your apartment? And if you're thinking of particularly getting a bird then getting a cockatoo at home can be a good option. They not only are adorable but can also be charming pets if they are in proper hands. Cockatoos can prove to be lovely pet birds, but then think twice as they require immense care. With proper care and treatment, you can raise them to be amazing pets.

The Cockatoo

Cute, sweet, lovable are the words which describes cockatoos. They possess sweetness that cannot be matched with a parrot. They are very social birds and require a large amount of attention. These are the birds of usually one colored plumage and are best known for their crests. Cockatoos produce a large amount of dander, which is in fact a healthy sign for a bird. Those who handled the bird must have experienced the bird being silky smooth but then it also leaves a powdery stuff on their hands. People who are prone to allergies may not want to bring a bird of this type home. Aside from this adverse behavior of the cockatoo, it still remains a very adorable and intelligent bird who loves to show off.

Its natural habitat is found around Australia and Indonesia. There are 18 species of cockatoos and many other sub species. They are found in distinct ranges like the dry savannahs, tropical rainforests which are usually wet and has high temperatures, and on the grassy plains. In the wild, they live together in flocks. The farmers consider them to be a pest because of the damage they impose to the crops.

Cockatoos are amongst few birds who live longer than other species of birds or parrots. Hence, their age and lifespan can be a little difficult to determine. Generally, the eye iris of a female cockatoo becomes red to reddish brown after about two years and this helps to determine the sex of the bird on a large-scale. But then it cannot be taken as a foolproof method to determine the sex. Various other methods like DNA testing, endoscopy or surgical probe can be done in order to know about the sex of the bird.

Cockatoo Care

It is important for one to be capable of taking proper care in order to keep cockatoos as pets. The following are few pointers emphasizing the same.

1. The diet of the cockatoo mostly includes fresh fruits, vegetables, parrot pellets, large hookbill seed mix etc. They are fond of eating fresh fruits. The type of fruit they eat the most cannot be determined because every cockatoo is different and the preference may vary. They may like to eat fresh corn, baked rice, cooked sweet potatoes, etc. Do not feed them avocado as they are toxic for birds.
2. Give your cockatoo fresh drinking water everyday.
3. Most cockatoos do not require to be washed or bathed to maintain their hygiene. Cockatoos are extremely clean by nature and preen themselves regularly. Bathing is quite unusual for birds, as they do take care of themselves, but then it can be considered as owners preference. In their natural habitat, some cockatoos may like to get wet in the rain while some may fly for cover.
4. Please bear in mind that bathing a cockatoo with something other than plain water, can be harmful as it may lead to infection.
5. If your cockatoo doesn't have a partner in the cage, then you may indulge in some grooming, i.e. preening for your bird. You may scratch lightly but do not apply pressure, scratch in the direction of the feathers from top to bottom. And doing it at places where the bird cannot reach will be of help, like the top of the head, the neck area. You can trim the wings a little. if you don't want it to escape when in open.
6. For the bird's cage, the larger the space you provide to them the better it is. The ideal size of the cage should be three times the wing span of the bird. The minimum size of the cage can be approx. 27" x 27" x 39" (70 x 70 x 100 cm). The birds must also be given ample time to be outside the cage for exercise. Horizontal bars are necessary as your cockatoo needs to climb.
7. You can provide one of two perches for your birds. Keep them away from the dishes inside the cage. Also do not use plastic perches, as your bird may chew them which can be hazardous.
8. If you're thinking where to keep your cockatoo's cage, think of a place where people visit quite regularly. Since your cockatoo is very social, it should be kept in a room which is visited often. Also place the cage at eye level in an area which gets moderate sunlight.
9. It is of utmost importance for you to maintain proper hygiene of the cage. Make it a habit of cleaning the dishes and changing the water everyday. Indulge in cleaning the bottom floor twice a week or more than that if possible Maintain basic hygiene of the cage in order to maintain the health of your bird.
10. It is recommended to get a pair of cockatoos rather than a single one. A single cockatoo can be a nuisance if is not socialized with or if it has no partner.
11. Cockatoos are extremely loud birds, people who plan to keep it must accept it as they are.
12. If you find anything unusual with your cockatoo, take it to a vet and get it examined by the specialist.

Cockatoos as pets can be endearing if cared for properly. Their loving and passionate ways makes them amongst those few birds whom we would love to have around. Before getting this bird at home, please learn everything about it and also know about how to take proper care of it. One must research on it properly before thinking of owning one. Cockatoos are birds who require attention, hence are not recommended for people who keep themselves enormously busy.