The Curious Cockatoo: Friendly & Social Pet Birds

With their natural curiosity, sociable disposition, and high intelligence, cockatoos rank as one of the most beloved bird species in the world. These slender parrots are considered medium-to-large in size, with the average being about 20 inches long, including their distinct crest of feathers on top of their head. With proper care, these incredible creatures can live up to 70 years or more as pets, a jump from their average lifespan in the wild of just 20 to 40 years. 

However, not all types of cockatoos have the same physical and emotional needs. Let’s Take a closer look at cockatoo traits, different cockatoo species, and what to expect if you bring home a new avian friend.

Popular Species of Cockatoos

If you’re considering adopting a pet cockatoo, you’ll find many species to choose from. Some of the most popular types include:

Goffin Cockatoo

This lively cockatoo species is native to the tropical Tanimbar Islands of Indonesia, giving it an exotic charm. As they are friendly and enjoy human company, they make great companions and can thrive with plenty of love and attention. Most have a white crest and grow to about 12.5 inches.

Citron Cockatoo

Citron cockatoos are cheerful birds known for their affectionate nature and upbeat personalities. When in the right environment, these mid-sized parrots will showcase their impressive talking skills and have the ability to be trained to perform basic tasks. You’ll often find citron cockatoos with an orange crest.

Bare-Eyed Cockatoo

With their playful temperament and keen intelligence, bare-eyed cockatoos always make interactions fun. These birds do best when surrounded by attentive humans, as they crave attention and require regular mental stimulation. They typically have a white crest and can grow as large as 14 to 16 inches long.

Galah Cockatoo

Also known as a rose-breasted cockatoo, the galah species is a lively feathered friend with an outgoing personality. These birds love to socialize and require daily play to remain healthy and happy. They are also quick learners and can talk quite well when paired with the right humans.

Moluccan Cockatoo

The moluccan cockatoo comes from the Moluccan Islands of Indonesia. These striking birds are known for their bold salmon-colored crest, as well as their playful demeanor. They are also very intelligent animals and can live long, happy lives with a spacious living environment, plenty of toys, and daily out-of-cage time.

Umbrella Cockatoo

One of the most recognizable species of cockatoo is the umbrella species. Its white crest looks similar to an open umbrella, giving the bird its name. Umbrella cockatoos are known to have charming personalities and enjoy mental stimulation and regular socialization. While all cockatoos can be noisy, this species tends to be a bit louder.

Feeding & Caring for Your Pet Cockatoo

Cockatoos fall into the same family as parrots and require similar care and nutrition. These birds need a spacious habitat with plenty of toys, perches, and other forms of stimulation. They enjoy chewing and destroying the items around them, so be sure that they are safe to do so. As cockatoos tend to be needier than other species, it’s important that you provide your pet with plenty of attention and one-on-one time.

Cockatoo Nutrition

Nutrition plays an important role in your bird’s health and lifespan. Cockatoos require a varied diet, including fruits, vegetables, and greens. Approximately two-thirds of your pet’s diet should come from nutritionally balanced pellets. Ideally, seeds should make up no more than 10 percent of a cockatoo’s diet, while fruits and vegetables should make up approximately 20 to 25 percent.

Cockatoo Health

Similar to cats and dogs, cockatoos have unique health needs. Ideally, you should bring your pet to see a vet for a routine check-up at least once per year. Be aware that your bird could develop certain medical conditions, such as obesity, liver disease, or reproductive disorders like egg binding. Closely observe your bird and take note of any changes to their appearance or behavior.

Best Environment for a Pet Cockatoo

Keeping your cockatoo’s environment clean is critical for their health and wellness. Perform a basic cleaning each day, and deep clean the cage at least once a week. You can also shower or mist your bird with water daily to minimize feather dust. Cockatoos produce a powdery white coating known as “powder down” on their feathers, so it’s important to handle your pet carefully. Some people may be allergic to the coating.

Bringing Home a Pet Cockatoo

Cockatoos are a fairly common type of bird that can be adopted from animal shelters, purchased from reputable breeders, or obtained from bird rescue facilities. While these birds can be excellent pets at all ages, selecting a young bird can lead to easier taming and training. Remember to expose your pet to different people and events early in life to help them adjust more easily to their surroundings and lifestyle.

While cockatoos can be slightly more demanding than other pet birds in terms of socialization requirements and training needs, they are nonetheless incredible creatures. These easy-to-handle, sweet-natured birds are often considered a family-friendly pet and can adapt well to a range of environments. Before getting any new pet bird, consider what species is best fit for your home.