Cockatoos

To ‘too or Not to ‘too?

by Kim Bear

Is there anything sweeter and cuddlier than a cockatoo? Probably not. Is there anything noisier and more destructive? Probably not! Cockatoos have real a Jekel-and-Hyde thing going: they can be loving, fun and absolutely adorable, but they can also be nippy, naughty and absolutely aggravating! How do you know if you can handle such a creature? Do you even want to try? Is it worth it? Usually, yes--it is. But don’t rush into anything! This is one pet-purchasing decision that should never be taken lightly!

There are many species of cockatoos, ranging in colors from pure white to majestic black, but only a few species are really appropriate for "ownership". Some are just too rare and uncommon. The ones you’re most likely to encounter for sale are (in no special order): umbrellas, Moluccans, Goffins, bare-eyeds, rosebreasteds (Galahs) and various subspecies of greater and lesser sulfur cresteds. Cockatoos will range greatly in price and size, although there’s not necessarily a correlation. For example, umbrellas are fairly large and plentiful and will often be a lot cheaper than the smaller, less common rosies. You don’t need to think that bigger is better when it comes to cockatoos (or any parrot, really). Bigger does tend to mean more noise and mess, but that sort of goes without saying.

Mess and noise: the two main downsides to having any parrot, but cockatoos can raise these negative qualities to an art form. These two things alone may be enough to discourage some people from purchasing a cockatoo. I recommend that if you are thinking of buying one, go have a listen to some adults of your preferred species having a good old fashioned holler-fest. If you are forced to leave the room with bleeding ears, you probably should consider a different species. I also recommend that you take a good look at the home of a few parrot breeders. See their carpets, walls and shirts with holes in them. If you are house-proud, a cockatoo probably isn’t for you! Even when contained in his (huge!) cage, a cockatoo’s dander and debris will make their way into every facet of your home! Did you know that food tossing is considered an Olympic sport among cockatoos? And did you know that woodworking is a major skill that almost all cockatoos possess? Unfortunately it’s usually wood that you don’t want worked! Most parrots need to chew, but won’t know the difference between the toys you’ve provided and the antique desk that sits near their cage. It’s up to the owner to be diligent about where his or her bird is allowed to play.

What about personality? If cockatoos are so loud and messy, why would anyone ever want one? Because they can be the most loving of all the parrots, and possess a wonderful clownish quality that makes them the center of the room! Cockatoos are extremely playful and animated, and will go out of their way to make you pay attention to them, even if it means dancing, laughing, or hanging upside down by one toe with crest fully displayed. They love a good cuddle session, and probably would let you hold and pet them all day long. Their intelligence makes them one of the more mischievous pets you may have, and you’ll find that most cockatoos have a fair talent for speech. That squeaky-baby voice is one of their most endearing qualities, along with those big brown eyes and almost ever-present smile.

You may have heard that owning a parrot is a lot like having a two year old that will never grow up, and cockatoos are no exception! Having a cockatoo is like having a two year old genius who knows how to operate a computer, yet will still throw a huge tantrum if not allowed to watch Barney when he wants! Stubborn? Yes. Exasperating? You bet. Affectionate? Of course. Fascinating? Absolutely!

Before you take the cockatoo plunge, do that research. Talk to breeders and other cockatoo owners, and make sure they don’t spare you the details. This is a commitment that should never be taken lightly. If you pass muster, and find that you are worthy of cockatoo companionship, then you should find you have an enchanting and engaging family member who will love you until the end if given the chance. What else could you ask for?

Kim Bear

See Avian Consultant information Avian Network Consultant-Kim Bear

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