handrearedcockatoos

Hand Reared Cockatoos

Whilst there is no doubt that hand reared cockatoos can make the most wonderful pets, more love and devotion you could not hope to receive from any other bird, there is the problem of many of the owners.

Generally speaking, if when a hand reared cockatoo leaves its rearers for its first home it is correctly looked after, both mentally and physically, there should not be too many problems. Many people are attracted to cockatoos because of the devotion they show and their intelligence, and quite often because they look 'cute'. However these are potential stumbling blocks for new owners.

I recently came across the following incredible (so untrue) statement from a USA bird breeders web site:

'Recently we have begun concentrating more on the less emotionally dependent cockatoo species such as Goffin’s, Bare Eyed, Citron Crested and Lesser Sulfur Crested'. (sulfur - USA spelling)

Do not believe it! The above four species of cockatoo are extremely demanding and not any less so, than the large cockatoos.

Pearl - Goffins Cockatoo

Click below to read:

Wing Clipping - Pearl's story

Firstly, all cockatoos are extremely affectionate and crave attention, they are very social and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. It is absolutely no good owning a cockatoo as a pet and going out to work for any number of hours in the day. They need lots of social contact and unconditional affection. Many new owners constantly take their new bird all over with them for the first few days or weeks, months if the bird is lucky. Then all of a sudden something more important comes along and the bird is left in its cage without the constant attention and wonders what it has done wrong. Start as you mean to go on. Birds need routine as we do.

Second, because cockatoos are so very intelligent they need mental stimulation. They need plenty of interesting and colourful toys to play with, along with natural wood perches to chew. Remember the destructable toys – cockatoos do enjoy chewing, far better to be a toy than your fireplace.If your cockatoo is deprived of these things the signs will soon become apparent. Either screaming for attention and/or feather plucking. Once these habits are formed, they are very difficult to break. The owner gets frustrated, the cockatoo even more so, and the cockatoo starts a merry-go- round of new homes. Whereby the bird is sold on and the new owner blissfully unaware, finds the same problems and more, because the cockatoo now has the anxiety of a new home also. On and on……..If you cannot be at home most of the time for your bird, then a cockatoo is not for you. If you cannot give your bird plenty of love and time and affection, then a cockatoo is not for you. If you are lacking in patience, then a cockatoo is not for you. If you are house proud, a cockatoo is not for you

Goffy - Goffins Cockatoo

Cockatoos shed lots of fine powdery dust from their plumage, which looks like talcum powder. You will need to dust regularly. Still interested?

On the other hand if you can give your everything and be firm and fair at the same time, then you might stand a chance with one of these beautiful birds.

More often than not it is the OWNER not the bird that causes the problem. Whilst there is an abundance of available information for the taking, many people choose, for whatever reason to not bother with research, but dive straight in at the deep end. Whereas if some research had been carried out first, they may not have found the problems they undoubtedly brought upon themselves.

Rastie - Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

Having said all that, some cockatoos are just plain difficult. As are humans. Nothing new here. In my experience Lesser Sulphur Crested and Ducorps can make nice pets, (although bear in mind the LSC is now endangered). Ducorps can talk well. Goffin’s are in any case Appendix 1* birds and can be difficult, they are very flighty and can become nippy. Bare Eyed are of a similar nature. Medium Sulphur Crested (Eleonora) have a nice disposition as with the Lessers, but are that much bigger. Umbrellas, Tritons and Greater Sulphur Crested, whilst fantastic birds are very large and can be very noisy. Not a white cockatoo but the Roseate (Galah) is very pretty, they make nice pets but again can be nippy.Please also bear in mind that most Indonesian cockatoos are now becoming extremely endangered within their natural habitat due mainly to trapping, and should therefore NOT be considered as pets without great thought and consideration before purchase. Particularly CITES Appendix 1 species.

If you have been discouraged from buying a cockatoo after reading this article, you were probably not suited to keep one in the first instance. However, if you are still keen - research is the key, before buying and commitment.

Moluccan Cockatoo

Read Sam's story. Click below for an insight of what it takes to look after a cockatoo such as a Moluccan.

Cockatoos - Have you got what it takes?

Whilst the above article is appreciated and interesting - we personally do not condone the keeping of CITES Appendix 1 species as pets.

Cockatoos can sometimes make wonderful pets,

What we must NOT continue to do is exploit these beautiful creatures, either in their natural habitat or in the home

Moluccan, Phillipine Red Vented, Goffins AND Lesser Sulphur Crested (Yellow Crested Cockatoo and Sub species including Citron Crested (Citrinocristata) are CITES Appendix 1 species.

*1 Appendix 1 CITES - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Birds which are endangered or critically endangered in the wild.