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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 |
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Bare-Eyed
Cockatoos
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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. |
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Maggie
and Mr. T.
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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 and vegetables. 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.
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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 believers out of even the most hesitant bird person.
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 will empty their seed bowl just looking for the
peanuts and as such, peanuts are provided as treats. The Goffins
and Umbrellas could care less. Just a reminder that all companion
birds are individuals and one rule does not fit all.
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Pierre
and Clarice
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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.
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