Is a Cockatoo a Good Beginner Bird?

Cockatoos are among the most intelligent and emotionally complex parrots in aviculture. Their beauty, affection, and personality make them highly desirable pets—but these same traits raise an important question:
Are cockatoos suitable for beginners?
As an avian behavior expert with years of experience rehabilitating surrendered cockatoos, I can confidently say:

Cockatoos are not ideal beginner birds for most people.
They require advanced care, high emotional commitment, and specialized handling skills.

1. Overview: What Makes Cockatoos Appealing

Many people are drawn to cockatoos because they are:

• Highly affectionate
• Strongly bonded to humans
• Social, playful, and intelligent
• Capable of learning tricks and speech
• Visually striking with expressive crests

These traits make them seem like perfect companion birds—but their needs are far more demanding than those of beginner-friendly species.

2. Why Cockatoos Are Not Beginner Birds

Below are the primary reasons cockatoos are considered advanced-level parrots.

2.1 Extremely High Emotional Needs

Cockatoos are often called the “velcro parrots” because they need:

• Daily, constant attention
• Strong emotional connection
• Physical contact and interaction
• Social stimulation for several hours a day

A lonely cockatoo quickly develops behavioral problems such as:

• Screaming
• Feather plucking
• Self-harm
• Aggression
• Destructive chewing

Beginners often underestimate how deeply cockatoos depend on human companionship.

2.2 Loud, Frequent Screaming

Cockatoos are among the loudest pet birds in the world, with calls reaching up to 135 dB—similar to a jet engine at close range.

Even a happy cockatoo may:

• Scream at sunrise and sunset
• Vocalize throughout the day
• Use loud calls for attention

This is not manageable for most beginners, especially those living in apartments.

2.3 Strong Beaks and Potentially Aggressive Bites

Cockatoos have extremely powerful beaks capable of:

• Breaking wood
• Crushing nuts
• Causing deep wounds

Inexperienced owners may unintentionally trigger:

• Territorial aggression
• Hormonal behavior
• Anxiety-driven biting

Handling a cockatoo safely requires training and confidence.

2.4 Complex Diet and Health Requirements

Cockatoos are prone to:

• Fatty liver disease
• Obesity
• Calcium deficiencies
• Behavioral disorders related to nutrition

Beginners may struggle to maintain:

• A balanced diet of pellets, vegetables, and foraging foods
• Controlled treats
• Regular avian vet checkups

Avian veterinary care is specialized and can be expensive.

2.5 Very Long Lifespan

Depending on species, cockatoos live:

• 40–60 years on average
• Some individuals reach 80+ years

This means a cockatoo is a lifetime commitment, often outliving the owner. Many beginners are not prepared for such long-term responsibility.

2.6 Destructive Behavior and Need for Enrichment

Cockatoos chew constantly. Without proper outlets, they will destroy:

• Furniture
• Doors
• Electrical cables
• Walls
• Clothing

They require daily enrichment:

• Foraging toys
• Wood blocks
• Puzzle toys
• Rotating enrichment schedules

Beginners often underestimate this destructive instinct.

3. Cockatoos That Are Especially Difficult for Beginners

Certain species are particularly unsuitable for first-time owners:

• Umbrella Cockatoo
• Moluccan Cockatoo
• Goffin’s Cockatoo
• Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

These birds have the highest emotional needs and loudest vocalizations.

4. Who Can Successfully Own a Cockatoo?

Cockatoos can be excellent pets for people who:

✔ Have previous parrot experience
✔ Work from home or spend most time at home
✔ Understand complex bird behavior
✔ Can commit to a decades-long bond
✔ Have access to an avian veterinarian
✔ Can provide daily social and environmental enrichment
✔ Have a calm, low-stress household

If these conditions aren’t met, problems often arise quickly.

5. Beginner-Friendly Alternatives to Cockatoos

For first-time bird owners, better introductory parrots include:

• Budgies (Parakeets)

Easy to care for, friendly, great for beginners.

• Cockatiels

Gentle, affectionate, quieter, easy to train.

• Green-cheek Conures

Playful, moderately quiet, manageable emotional needs.

• Quaker Parrots

Intelligent, good talkers, easier to socialize.

These species allow beginners to build confidence before considering an advanced parrot like a cockatoo.

6. Final Verdict: Are Cockatoos Good Beginner Birds?

Short answer: No.

Cockatoos are advanced-level parrots requiring:

• High emotional attention
• Specialized training
• Strong understanding of bird behavior
• Daily mental and physical stimulation
• Long-term commitment

While they are loving, playful, and deeply rewarding companions, their needs exceed what most beginners can handle safely and responsibly.