Cockatoos

Cockatoos

You took one look at that big, fluffy cockatoo and knew you had to have one of your own. Those chocolate brown eyes sparkling with intelligence and the way the bird cuddled up to its owner have convinced you that cockatoos are the only bird for you. Nothing anyone can say will stop you from bringing one of these playful birds home.

Well, although cockatoos are usually affectionate and smart, there are some drawbacks to owning one of these birds. Before you pick out your cuddly new baby, you should think carefully about whether a cockatoo is really right for you and your lifestyle.

If you live in an apartment or town house, a cockatoo can be a bad idea. After all, the loudest sound in nature is made by the flamboyant Moluccan cockatoo. Most other cockatoo species are also on the noisy side. If you live in an apartment and you do decide you still want one of these parrots, you should opt for one of the quieter species.

The rose breasted cockatoo is the quietest of these parrots and has a very sweet disposition. The sulfur crested can be loud, but not intolerably so. Goffin cockatoos are also a bit quieter than many of the other cockatoos. However, you should be aware that a quiet cockatoo is not the same as a quiet bird. Rose breasted and goffin cockatoos are simply not as loud as other cockatoos. Overall, this is not a quiet species and can really cause problems if you live in an apartment or town house.

If you have allergies, you may also find that a cockatoo is a poor choice for you. These birds shed quite a bit of dander, covering the surrounding area with dust. If you do decide to go ahead with your decision to buy a cockatoo, you should be prepared to invest in an acrylic cage and a good air filter. Frequent misting will help keep your bird’s dander down, as well. However, if you have allergy induced asthma and are allergic to birds, these precautions may not be enough to protect you.

While cockatoos are very vocal, they do not have the superb talking ability of an African grey. Since most cockatoo owners are not as concerned about their bird’s mimicking ability as they are interested in its affectionate nature, this should not be a major drawback. After all, cockatoos can still learn quite a few words and phrases.

If you want your bird to be happy and healthy, you will need to be prepared to spend time with it. Cockatoos are social birds and enjoy spending time with the family. When you aren’t there, you will need to be sure your bird is able to amuse himself. Provide toys that require interaction, such as maze or puzzle toys. Just remember that your bird has a very powerful beak and will need toys that are designed for large parrots. Toys for small birds can be unsafe for cockatoos because they are easily shattered.

Once you’ve considered all of the drawbacks to owning a cockatoo, it is time to decide if you can handle one of these wonderful parrots. If you want a cuddly bird and aren’t sensitive to noise, the cockatoo may just be the perfect choice for you.

Cockatoos

So you see the big, beautiful and fluffy cockatoo in the store and you want one. They have lovely brown eyes which positively radiate intelligence and the bird seems to be incredibly affectionate. Yes, you think – that’s the bird for me.

You’re right of course. They are very smart, and they are usually the ‘cuddly’ sort of pet that you might think ideal.

Stop though! They can be very, very noisy. Did you know, for example, that the Moluccan cockatoo makes the loudest sound in nature?

If you live in a flat, terraced house, town house etc then perhaps you should reconsider. Even aside from the supersonic sounding Moluccan variety, the others are also a touch noisy. There are options, though, and some do make less of a racket than others.

The sweet natured rose breasted cockatoo is the quietest of them all and has a very nice nature.

The sulfer crested can be loud, but not insanely so. However, a ‘quiet cockatoo’  is not a quiet bird, just quiet for a cockatoo. They really can be incredibly noisy! Although the sulfer crested and rose breasted cockatoos are considerably quieter than the moluccan variety, don’t make the mistake of thinking that this will endear them to neighbours. Even these could easily be described as noisy pets.

Sulfur Crested Cockatoo

Anyone with allergies may be best avoiding cockatoos altogether – they are not as bad for dander as African greys, but they do shed a fair bit – you would be best getting a good acrylic cage and an air filter if you ever buy one. Allergy induced asthma sufferers, however, should avoid altogether.

Although very loud, they do not have the capacity for vocalization of the African grey. That said, they are more than capable of picking up a good amount of words and phrases – in any case, most owners will have selected a cockatoo more for it’s affectionate nature than it’s speaking abilities.

The cockatoo is an incredibly sociable bird, and if you want him to remain healthy and happy you really need to commit to spending time with your bird. This investment of your time will be rewarded tenfold by the affection you will receive in return. They really are very ‘cuddly’ pets and love to be constantly in the middle of the family. When you aren’t around, you should ensure that you have plenty of interactive toys available (the puzzle and maze types are best) to keep him amused and entertained.

Remember that these birds have very powerful beaks, and as such you should avoid any toy aimed at smaller birds that he is likely to be able to shatter. Anything with small parts should be avoided too.

We don’t mean to be negative in any way about these beautiful birds. If you are looking for a pet that will provide love and affection for many years then the cockatoo may just be the right pet for you. Just remember, they are very loud, and as such you will need to consider whether this is something you (or indeed your neighbours) are able to put up with.