exotic birds

  In addition to my standard spiel of plenty of room and a place to play on top of their cages, lots of toys to engage their high intelligence and ingenuity, things to chew, chew, chew and a routine that includes, bedtime, mealtime, playtime and time to be with you, please, please do not spoil your Cockatoo. These "love sponges" will appeal to every person’s desire to be needed, loved and wanted and indulging these parrots’ "cuddle-ability" will often result in a good bird gone bad - screaming and plucking are two of the more common results. The young Cockatoo (and old) love to be held, rubbed, scratched and handled.

Umbrella Cocktoos



Bare-Eyed Cockatoos

 

 Only the person with good resolve should own a Cockatoo, a person who can forego the pleasure of a parrot that dotes on them for the long range joy of having a well-adjusted member of the family down the road. By this I in no way mean don’t handle this wonderful parrot, but don’t begin their life "velcroed" to your hip and then when reality sets in and daily chores have to be done, expect this loving parrot to understand why you have left him behind. So, again, I say – teach your Cockatoo to play independently as well as to play with you.



Maggie and Mr. T.

 Umbrella Cockatoos:
 Provide this beautiful Cockatoo with a large cage and a large play area. Loads of stimulation and opportunity to exhibit its intelligence. Although Maggie and Mr. T are the quietest birds in our aviary, the Umbrella has a loud call and is not hesitant to use it. They have a good talking ability, make use of it; the more they learn to talk, the less reason they have to use their own voice. Feed a good parrot mix and a variety of fruits, vegetables and nuts. The Umbrella is another good candidate for an ear of corn on a bird safe skewer, favorite fruits the same way – all food definitely does not have to come in a dish.
 

Bare-Eyed Cockatoos:
 Pierre and Clarice are definitely the favorites in our aviary. They love people, are never frightened by strangers and will show their fun personality to all comers. Pierre loves to show off and greet visitors, will dance and talk to everyone that passes by his flight. Pierre has made a believer out of even the most hesitant bird person.


Goffin Cockatoos: I apologize that we have no picture to offer here. Our Goffins, Chico and Lola, are very shy and because we have an alarm system in the aviary (this consists of Sadie and Jake, our Hahns Macaws, who announce to the world that we are approaching before we get within ten feet of the barn), we seldom get to see them. The Goffin Cockatoo is, indeed, a "bundle of joy" and makes a wonderful family companion bird. They love to play and enjoy the freedom of playing outside their cage. Give them lots to do and they will amaze you with their good nature and intelligence.

Both of these pint sized Cockatoos have good talking ability. A good seed mix or pellets and lots of fruits and vegetables are recommended. Our Bare-Eyes love their peanuts and almonds; our Goffins don’t care about either, so experiment with your Cockatoo to determine what it likes most. Just a reminder that all companion birds are individuals and one rule does not fit all.

 


Pierre and Clarice

Citron

Citron-crested Cockatoo:
The Citron Cockatoo is a delightful member of the Cockatoo family, resembling its cousins, the Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, but smaller (13 to 14 inches) and somewhat quieter, realizing, of course, that quiet and cockatoo are not necessarily two words that go together. As with all our companion birds, care must be taken to treat this bird with respect, alleviate fear and make it feel secure while challenging its intelligence and playfulness, engaging its sweet personality, teaching it boundaries and independent play and enjoying its winning sociability. The Citron’s mimicry is not as good as some; but they will delight you with their ability to learn tricks and be trained.

Whether you choose to feed a high quality parrot mix or a high quality pellet mix, this is only a beginning to which you add fresh vegetables and fruits, brown rice, beans, and other whole foods. Use your imagination and make eating an “activity.”