COCKATOO  

Cockatoos are extremely affectionate & intelligent, their feathers are very soft, and they are gorgeous! A Cockatoo will make comical displays with outspread wings, head bobbing, dancing, and loud calls. These birds are very active and curious about their environment. A happy cockatoo spends most of its waking time performing or playing with toys. If you are not able to devote much time to the bird, then two pet Cockatoos can be ideal to keep them happy. These birds produce white powder from their feathers, which will make their cage and surrounding areas white with feather dust. With practice, you can teach your Cockatoo to say a variety of different words. This Australian bird has an average life span of 20 – 50 years.

Diet

A main diet of fortified Cockatoo seed mix or pellets can be supplemented with small amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables: apple, cooked broccoli, beans, cooked kale, dandelion, orange, peppers, grapes, squash, shredded carrot, banana and others. Cockatoos do not need grit but do need fresh water at all times, a vitamin supplement and a cuttle bone or mineral block to provide calcium and help keep the beak trim.

Housing  

Provide a roomy cage with space to spread their wings, climb and play; a minimum of 27”W 27”L39”H with horizontal bars for climbing. Place in a well traveled draft-free area; do not place in the kitchen as smoke, odors and fumes may be harmful to your bird. Several perches of varied diameters and textures will help keep their feet healthy. Equip the cage with a variety of toys such as seed treats, swings, ladders, bells and branches. Do not crowd the cage with toys but rotate toys frequently to keep your bird interested. Your Cockatoo will also enjoy a playpen outside the cage equipped with ladders, perches, swings and hanging toys. Cover the cage at night to prevent drafts.

Care

Basic cage care includes daily cleaning of the water and food dishes. Change paper bottoms daily and litter coverings every 2-3 days. Clean and disinfect the cage weekly. Wash and completely dry the perches and toys whenever they become soiled.

Grooming

Though Cockatoos are masters of keeping their feathers looking clean they need a warm water birdbath or misting shower once a week to keep their dander down. Clip their wings as needed to keep them from flying away. Long toenails may get caught on fabrics and affect their walking and should be trimmed regularly.

Health

Signs of illness to be aware of are if a bird is sitting at the bottom of the cage, shows a lack of activity, the feathers are ruffled, nasal discharge/sneezing, reduced appetite or if it shows any signs of weight loss (weight loss can be quick and fatal). Consult an avian veterinarian if any of these signs are noticed.

Some common illnesses and injuries are: broken wings or legs, cuts and open wounds, overgrown beaks and nails, lameness or sore feet, feather picking, heat stroke, shock, concussions, egg binding, indigestion, eye disease, mites, watery eyes, colds, tumors, Psittacosis, coccidiosis, French molt, goiter, E. coli, Aspergillosis, conjunctivitis, constipation, diarrhea and arthritis