Can You Keep a Cockatoo as a Pet? Pros, Cons & Advice

Cockatoos are beautiful, affectionate, and intelligent parrots, often featured in viral videos for their playful antics. But before you bring one home, it’s vital to understand that cockatoos are not beginner birds. They require extensive attention, specialized care, and long-term commitment—often 40 to 70 years of it.

Short Answer: Yes, you can keep a cockatoo as a pet if you are fully prepared to meet its emotional, dietary, and environmental needs.

1. Understanding Cockatoo Behavior & Personality

Cockatoos are part of the Cacatuidae family and are renowned for their social intelligence, emotional sensitivity, and bonding with their human companions.

Key Traits:

• Highly social: Need daily interaction and mental stimulation
• Loud vocalizers: Can scream loudly, especially when bored or anxious
• Affectionate: Love cuddling, head scratches, and physical contact
• Destructive chewers: Need safe toys and wood to gnaw on
• Prone to separation anxiety: May develop behavioral issues if left alone

Expert Tip: “Cockatoos are like toddlers with wings. They demand attention, boundaries, and enrichment to thrive.” — Dr. Emily Grant

2. Housing Requirements: Space, Safety & Enrichment

A standard birdcage isn’t enough for a cockatoo. Their size and activity level demand a large enclosure and regular out-of-cage time.

Minimum Requirements:

• Cage Size: At least 36”W x 30”D x 48”H for medium-sized cockatoos
• Bar Spacing: ¾ to 1 inch
• Out-of-Cage Time: 4–6 hours daily minimum
• Toys & Perches: Natural wood perches, puzzle toys, shreddable items
• Safety: No Teflon, toxic plants, or open windows

Pro Tip: Consider dedicating a whole bird-safe room if space allows.

3. Diet & Nutrition

Cockatoos require a varied, nutrient-dense diet to maintain feather health and prevent obesity or malnutrition.

Ideal Diet Composition:

Veterinary Note: “Avoid seed-only diets. They’re linked to fatty liver disease in cockatoos.” — Dr. Rachel Lin, DVM

4. Common Challenges of Keeping a Pet Cockatoo

Owning a cockatoo is rewarding but demanding. Many birds are rehomed due to unmet expectations.

Potential Challenges:

• Noise: Daily screeching that may disturb neighbors
• Feather plucking: Due to stress, boredom, or poor diet
• Biting: If boundaries are unclear or during hormonal changes
• Mess: Food, feathers, and poop everywhere
• Veterinary costs: Exotic bird vets are specialized and expensive

“Cockatoos are surrendered more than any other parrot species in rescue centers.” — National Cockatoo Rescue Network, 2024 Report

5. Are Cockatoos Family-Friendly?

Yes — with caution. Cockatoos can be gentle with children if properly trained and supervised. However, they are best suited to homes:

• Without young kids or other aggressive pets
• Where at least one person is home most of the day
• With prior bird-keeping experience

Did You Know? Cockatoos form strong bonds and can suffer emotional trauma if rehomed frequently.

6. Lifespan & Long-Term Commitment

A cockatoo may outlive its owner, so planning for guardianship is vital.

7. Legal & Ethical Considerations

Before buying a cockatoo, research the legal and ethical landscape.

• Legal: Some species are protected under CITES and may require permits
• Ethical: Avoid wild-caught birds. Choose reputable breeders or rescues
• Rehoming clause: Many breeders require the bird be returned to them if you can’t keep it

Learn more: CITES Appendix II – Cockatoos

Summary: Should You Keep a Cockatoo as a Pet?

If you checked yes to all — a cockatoo may be a good fit. If not, consider smaller parrots like a cockatiel or conure.

Trusted References

• Harrison & Lightfoot, Clinical Avian Medicine, 2016
• Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) Guidelines
• Interviews with Dr. Emily Grant (2025), Dr. Rachel Lin, DVM (2025)
• USDA & CITES documentation on exotic bird ownership