Cockatoos as Pets: A Complete Care Guide
Cockatoos are among the most intelligent, affectionate, and striking pet birds in the parrot family. Known for their dramatic crests, playful personalities, and strong bonds with humans, these birds often become the center of attention in any household. However, their charm comes with a set of responsibilities that every potential owner should know before bringing one home.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything about cockatoos as pets—their behavior, housing, diet, training, health, and long-term care—so you can decide if this exotic companion is right for you.
Understanding Cockatoos
Cockatoos belong to the Cacatuidae family and are native to Australia, Indonesia, and surrounding regions. There are over 21 species of cockatoos, with some of the most popular pet species being:
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Umbrella Cockatoo – Famous for its large white crest and affectionate nature.
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Moluccan Cockatoo – Known for its pinkish feathers and strong bonding tendencies.
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Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo – Easily recognizable with its bright yellow crest.
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Goffin’s Cockatoo – Smaller in size but big in personality.
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Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo – Stunning pink and white feathers, but requires experienced care.
Cockatoos are highly social, intelligent, and emotional birds. They thrive on interaction and can live for 40–70 years, depending on the species—making them a lifetime commitment.
Personality and Behavior
Cockatoos are often called the “velcro birds” because of their strong attachment to their human companions. They crave constant attention and can become depressed or destructive if neglected.
Traits of Cockatoos:
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Affectionate – They love cuddles, petting, and physical interaction.
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Intelligent – Can learn tricks, mimic sounds, and solve puzzles.
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Playful – Enjoy toys, games, and interactive activities.
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Loud – Known for their powerful screams; not suitable for quiet households.
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Attention-seeking – May develop behavioral problems if ignored.
Housing and Environment
Creating the right living space for a cockatoo is essential for its well-being.
Cage Requirements:
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Size: Minimum 36 x 48 x 48 inches for medium species; larger is always better.
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Bar spacing: ¾ to 1 inch to prevent escape or injury.
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Durability: Cockatoos have strong beaks that can break weak cages. Choose heavy-duty stainless steel.
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Perches: Use natural wood perches of varying thickness to promote foot health.
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Toys: Provide chewable toys, ropes, and foraging puzzles to prevent boredom.
Outside-the-Cage Time:
Cockatoos need 3–5 hours of daily supervised out-of-cage playtime. A bird stand or play gym can give them a safe space outside their enclosure.
Environment:
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Keep in a well-lit area but away from direct sunlight.
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Avoid kitchens (toxic fumes) and drafty areas.
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Maintain a stable temperature between 65–80°F (18–27°C).
Diet and Nutrition
A balanced diet is crucial for a cockatoo’s health.
Recommended Diet:
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Pellets (60–70%) – High-quality formulated pellets are best.
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Fresh fruits and vegetables (20–25%) – Apples, carrots, leafy greens, berries, peas, and corn.
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Seeds and nuts (5–10%) – Given sparingly as treats due to high fat content.
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Fresh water – Always available and changed daily.
Foods to Avoid:
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Avocado
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Chocolate
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Caffeine
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Alcohol
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Onions & garlic
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Salty or sugary foods
Training and Socialization
Cockatoos are highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please.
Training Tips:
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Use positive reinforcement with treats and praise.
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Teach simple commands like “step up,” “come,” and “wave.”
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Encourage independent play to reduce clinginess.
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Socialize them with different family members to prevent over-bonding with one person.
Consistency and patience are key. Never punish a cockatoo—this leads to stress and aggressive behavior.
Health and Grooming
Cockatoos require regular care to stay healthy.
Grooming:
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Beak and nails: Provide natural perches and chew toys for wear; occasional trimming by an avian vet.
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Bathing: Offer mist sprays or shallow water for bathing 2–3 times a week.
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Feather care: Watch for over-preening or plucking, often a sign of stress.
Common Health Issues:
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Feather Plucking (due to stress or boredom)
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Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)
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Respiratory infections
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Obesity (from poor diet and lack of exercise)
Regular checkups with an avian veterinarian are essential.
Challenges of Keeping Cockatoos
Before adopting a cockatoo, be aware of the challenges:
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Noise: They can scream loudly and frequently.
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Attention needs: They dislike being left alone.
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Mess: They create a lot of debris with food and toys.
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Chewing: Strong beaks can damage furniture if unsupervised.
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Longevity: Owning one is a decades-long commitment.
Are Cockatoos Right for You?
Cockatoos are not beginner birds. They are best suited for:
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Experienced bird owners.
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People who spend a lot of time at home.
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Families who can provide interaction, training, and enrichment.
If properly cared for, cockatoos reward their owners with unmatched affection, intelligence, and companionship. But without proper time and attention, they can develop destructive and emotional issues.
Final Thoughts
Cockatoos are beautiful, affectionate, and highly intelligent pets, but they require dedicated care, patience, and commitment. If you’re considering bringing one into your life, ensure you’re ready for the responsibility of a bird that may live with you for over 50 years.
With the right environment, nutrition, and love, cockatoos can become loyal companions and family members that brighten your life every single day.
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