How to Care for Cockatoos
Cockatoos "cacatua" are intelligent and affectionate companion birds that desire a lot of attention and appreciate being cuddled. These birds, native to Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and the surrounding South Pacific islands, have a long lifespan of over 60 years. With 18 species and 34 sub-species of cockatoos known to exist, the white-feathered umbrella, sulphur-crested and citron species are most in demand, as they make excellent companion pets. Cockatoo personalities can range from reserved to comical and playful and should be addressed accordingly; else these birds can develop behavioral problems. Therefore is important to devote time and attention to care for your cockatoo.
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Things You'll Need
- Cockatoo information books
- Cage with perch
- Toys
- Seeds, fruits, vegetables and water
- Apple cider vinegar
Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Prior to getting a cockatoo, gather all the information you can on caring for this bird -- from breeders, print and online cockatoo information books. Make sure that you can give the time and attention that cockatoo's desire. Otherwise consider buying a pair of cockatoos, so that the bird has company and doesn't get bored and unhappy on its own.
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2
House your cockatoo in a large enclosure equal in size to around 3 flight wingspans of the bird, as recommended by the Animal-World website. Create or purchase a cage for a small cockatoo that is 27-by-27 inches wide, 39 inches high (70-by-70-by-100 centimeters); increase this size proportionally for larger cockatoos. (See Resources 1)
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3
Provide a couple of horizontal bars inside the cage, as cockatoos like to climb. Create two perches about 3/4 inches in diameter and fit dishes on either side for food and water. Choose perches that the cockatoo can chew on, like those prepared from natural wood fiber or calcium which provide essential mineral supply.
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4
Feed your cockatoo a diet made up of hookbill seed mix, sprouted seed, and fruit and vegetable supplements. Include fruit supplements like plums, bananas, apples, pears, oranges and peaches; and vegetables like carrots, broccoli, lettuce, chickweed and dandelions.
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Keep your cockatoo active and engaged with lots of toys to chew on, as cockatoos like to be occupied all day. Ensure that the toys are non-toxic and not sharp or small, since cockatoos can easily break and swallow them. Ask your veterinarian to recommend freshly-cut branches from edible, pesticide-free trees that your cockatoo can chew.
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6
Clean your cockatoo's cage regularly with hot water and apple cider vinegar to prevent it from contracting diseases, as recommended by the Busy Bird website.
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Tips & Warnings
Rearrange food and toys inside your cockatoo's cage to keep it alert.
Constantly teach your cockatoo new tricks, like playing basketball with a bird-size nerf ball and hoop, or teaching it to fetch a stuffed toy that you toss around.
Lack of attention can make a cockatoo screech loudly and persistently, and pluck its feathers.
Keep a distance between the perches and the food and water dish to prevent the food from getting soiled with bird droppings.
Avoid using plastic dishes since cockatoos can chew and break them.
Do not feed cockatoo's avocado as it is toxic to birds.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit cockatoo image by Adrian Hillman from Fotolia.com
