Read About Cockatoo

The Cockatoo Bird is a rare, exotic bird from the Australian continent. Here's everything you need to know about it.

Cockatoo Bird -- Facts

1. Breed:

   The Cockatoo belong to the family Cacatuidae of the order Passeriformes.

2. Size:

   Cockatoo birds differ in size with the smallest cockatoo, the cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus being 30 cm, to the largest of all cockatoo, the palm cockatoo being 63 cm long.

3. Life Span:

   The average life span is about 40 to 60 years. But some birds have also been reported to live 70 to 100 years.

4. Varieties:

   There are about 21 known species of the cockatoo, out of which about 11 are found only in the Australian wilds.

5. Origins:

   These birds found their origin from Malaysia and Australia to Philippines. Even today they abound there and are treated as exotic species in the west.

6. Physical Traits:

   All cockatoos resemble parrots, but they have feathered crests. They have a pointed bill to crack nuts. They have prominent tail feathers and all of them are characterized by unique colors.

7. Temperament:

   The cockatoo birds are very sweet and affectionate. They are born social birds and hence they make good pets as they bond very well. They just love to be cuddled and be touched.

8. Trainability:

   Cockatoo birds do not talk much. But they love to scream and they are loud. Therefore, a cockatoo bird should be well trained from a young age. They are also very intelligent and inquisitive birds.

Cockatoo Bird -- Care

1. Habitat:

   Cockatoos should usually be put in metal cages. Also their cages should have toys to keep them busy. They like to chew, so their cages should be equipped with cuttlebones. They can either have beds or boxes to sleep on.

2. Food:

   Cockatoo birds feed mainly on nuts, fruits and vegetables. These birds can also be fed agriculture pests. A varied diet usually serves them best.

3. Compatibility:

   Cockatoo birds are usually not compatible with their own gender. These birds are usually bought in pairs. It is very difficult to find a mate for cockatoos, and even when they are found they are not always compatible.

Cockatoo Bird -- Concerns

1. Benefits:

   Cockatoo birds make good companions. They are a natural socializer.

2. Liabilities:

   Cockatoo birds require your quality time. They need you to cuddle them like a baby.

3. Health Issues:

   The Cockatoo bird should have bath at least once every other day with clean water. Most of the Cockatoos love bathing, but you should see their bathing covers all their body. Cockatoo birds love spray bathing. Also, their nails and wings should be regularly trimmed.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Cockatoo birds cannot be ignored for a long period. They need to be set out in open air.

5. Special Household Needs:

   Cockatoo birds love chewing. So your house should be pet-proofed.

Cockatoo Bird -- How to Choose

1. What to Look for:

   Cockatoos should be cheerful in their disposition and squawk when you see them. These signs are indicators of good health.

2. Supplies:

   They should be provided with a metallic cage, food and vegetables, cuttlebones and toys.

3. Expense:

   They can cost as low as $400 for Goffin's, and as high as $15,000 for palm cockatoos or black cockatoos.