Cockatoo Bird Facts, Behavior and Health Care Info

There are many reasons for new bird owners to think that they just have to get a cockatoo. They are big and fluffy and love to cuddle and spend time with their owners. When you look at their chocolate brown eyes you really get a feel for the intelligence of this bird. All of these characteristics can make getting a cockatoo seem like the way to go.

Behavior and Characteristics
A smart bird shopper will look at not only how attractive and friendly the cockatoo is, but also at what negative aspects there are to owning one. Find out as much as you can about these birds and consider whether or not they would fit into your lifestyle.

The first thing to consider is what type of area you live in. Cockatoos are not very well suited for life in a townhouse or apartment. The Moluccan cockatoo illustrates this point by the fact that it makes the loudest sound in nature. Cockatoos, in general are a rather noisy species. If you still want one, despite having close neighbors, you should try to find one of the quieter varieties.

The quietest parrot in this group is the good natured rose breasted cockatoo. Another quieter type of cockatoo is the goffin. Sulfer crested cockatoos are a bit louder, but they are not unbearable. Remember that even if you have one of the quieter varieties, it will still be noisier than most other types of birds. Any type of cockatoo can potentially cause noise problems for your close neighbors.

Cockatoo Care Info
People who suffer from allergies and asthma may want to think twice before getting a cockatoo. These birds will lay down a considerable amount of dander in and around their cage. An acrylic cage with an air filter will cut down on the dander flying around your house. You can also keep your bird’s dander down by lightly misting his feathers everyday. If your symptoms are severe enough, or if you are allergic to birds, even taking these steps will probably not keep you from having problems.

Cockatoos fall short in comparison to the African grey when it comes to talking ability, but they are still quite vocal. Most owners aren’t too concerned with having the best talking bird as much as having a bird who is friendly and shows affection. Cockatoos can still be taught to say many words and phrases even if even if they aren’t the best talkers.

Cockatoos are very social birds and will be much happier with someone who is willing to spend a lot of time with them. They love to interact with their owners. Make sure you provide your bird with something to keep himself occupied while you are away. Give your cockatoo toys that will stimulate his mind as well as his body. Maze and puzzle type toys are good for these birds. To avoid injury to your bird, make sure the toys are durable enough for their powerful beaks and do not have small pieces that they can remove and swallow.

Once you have examined the pros and cons of owning a cockatoo, you can make a better decision that suits you and your lifestyle. If you can deal with the noise and want an intelligent and friendly family companion, this might be the bird for you.

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