How to Deal With a Cockatoo
Cockatoos are the biggest snuggle bugs and are easy to spoil. They are like little children constantly wanting attention and are also referred to as Velcro birds--happiest when they are attached to their human companions. Their clinginess is easy to give in to, but can cause major problems over time.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
-
-
1
Have the cage and toys ready prior to bringing home your cockatoo. If it’s a younger cockatoo, it may revert to wanting to be hand fed, and should be offered warm moist foods to reassure them that it is OK and that they will be taken care of.
-
2
Setup the cage with plenty of toys. Cockatoos are technically inclined and are known to dismantle their cages when bored. They are also great escape artists and may need a separate lock on their cage doors and feed doors to prevent them from escaping and demolishing the house. Toys should include puzzle toys, shreddable toys and foraging toys.
-
3
Cockatoos are dander birds and release a white powder. They need to be bathed several times a week to keep down the powder and to keep their feathers healthy. Lack of the powder can be a symptom of an illness. Take your cockatoo to a vet if she is not producing a fine white powder.
-
4
Spend the amount of time with a cockatoo that you will always be able to provide. Starting out with spending hours on end with your cockatoo will cause major issues later on when the time becomes less and less. They need at least an hour of one-on-one time a day with their human companion, but also need to learn how to play on their own.
-
5
Investing in a play stand will help the cockatoo learn to be out of its cage and entertain itself. A play stand also provides great physical exercise. This will also enable the cockatoo toy enjoy a meal with its human flock. Cockatoos are flock animals and need to be included in daily activities and meals.
-
6
Spending too much time with your cockatoo can lead to screaming issues, feather destruction and possibly self-mutilation. Moluccan cockatoos, especially, are known to become self-mutilators, often without any major changes in their environment. Make sure you initially spend the same amount of time with your cockatoo as you will always be able to provide.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Research which species of cockatoo would fit best with your lifestyle.
Cockatoos are powder birds and people with allergies and asthma may have problems.
