Cockatoos are a group of intelligent, affectionate parrots with distinctive crests and powerful beaks, belonging to the family Cacatuidae. Native to Australia, Indonesia, and surrounding regions, cockatoos are known for their playful personalities, loud vocalizations, and strong need for social interaction.
Popular pet cockatoo species include the Umbrella Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Moluccan Cockatoo, Goffin’s Cockatoo, and Galah (Rose-breasted Cockatoo).
Cockatoo Characteristics
Size: Varies by species, generally 12–24 inches (30–61 cm).
Weight: 300–1,000 grams depending on species.
Lifespan: 40–80+ years with proper care.
Color: Predominantly white or pink with yellow, pink, or salmon crests depending on the species.
Temperament: Intelligent, social, affectionate, and often loud.
Cockatoo Pictures
Personality and Behavior
Cockatoos are highly social and affectionate parrots, often described as “velcro birds” due to their strong desire for physical closeness with their owners. They are playful, intelligent, and enjoy learning tricks and interacting with their environment.
They are also very vocal, producing loud calls that can be disruptive in noise-sensitive environments.
Cockatoos require daily mental stimulation, social interaction, and activities to prevent behavioral problems like feather plucking, excessive screaming, or destructive chewing.
Diet and Feeding
Cockatoos require a balanced, varied diet to maintain health:
Pellets: High-quality pellets as the diet’s staple.
Fresh vegetables: Leafy greens, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, squash, sweet potatoes.
Fruits (in moderation): Apples, berries, mango, melon, papaya.
Nuts and seeds (limited amounts): For healthy fats and enrichment.
Fresh, clean water daily.
Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and salty or sugary foods.
Care Requirements
- Cage size: Large cage with dimensions appropriate for the specific cockatoo species; generally 36” x 24” x 48” minimum for medium to large cockatoos.
- Exercise: At least 4 hours out-of-cage daily for physical and mental health.
- Enrichment: Foraging toys, chewable toys, ropes, ladders, and training sessions for stimulation.
- Social needs: Daily attention and bonding time to prevent loneliness and behavioral issues.
- Hygiene: Regular cage cleaning and opportunities for bathing or misting.
- Veterinary care: Annual avian vet check-ups to monitor health and diet.
Common Health Problems
Cockatoos are prone to:
- Feather plucking: Due to boredom, stress, or lack of social interaction.
- Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD): A viral condition requiring monitoring.
- Obesity: Due to excessive treats or lack of exercise.
- Respiratory issues: If exposed to poor air quality or dusty conditions.
Regular monitoring of feather condition, droppings, appetite, and behavior is essential for early detection of health problems.
Price and Where to Buy
- Price range: $1,000–$5,000+ USD depending on species, age, breeder, and location.
- Where to buy:
- Reputable breeders specializing in hand-raised cockatoos.
- Avian specialty stores with health certifications.
- Parrot rescues and adoption organizations.
Cockatoos require long-term commitment and specialized care.
Are Cockatoos Good Pets?
Cockatoos can be incredible companions for experienced owners ready to provide daily attention, enrichment, and mental stimulation.
They are affectionate and can form strong bonds with their owners.
However, they require significant time, patience, and acceptance of loud vocalizations.
Conservation Note
Several cockatoo species are listed under CITES and IUCN due to habitat destruction and illegal wildlife trade. Always acquire cockatoos from ethical, captive-bred sources or consider adopting from rescue centers to support conservation.
