What Pet Bird Owners Should Know About Cockatoos

Cockatoos are some of the most charismatic and affectionate pet birds, known for their expressive crests, playful personalities, and strong bonds with their owners. However, they also come with unique challenges that make them best suited for experienced bird owners. If you’re considering adding a cockatoo to your family, here’s what you need to know about their care, behavior, and special needs.

What are the Key Personality Traits of Cockatoos?

Cockatoos are among the most social parrot species, often described as “velcro birds” because they crave constant interaction. They thrive on companionship and can develop deep emotional bonds with their owners. However, this intense need for attention means that they are prone to separation anxiety and behavioral issues if left alone too often.

Cockatoos are also incredibly intelligent and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They enjoy problem solving, learning tricks, and even mimicking sounds—although they aren’t the best talkers compared to species like African Greys or Amazons.

What is the Lifespan of Cockatoos?

Depending upon their species and the quality of their care, cockatoos can live from 30 to 70 years on average. Therefore, owning a cockatoo is a lifelong commitment, often requiring owners to make long-term care plans in case their bird outlives them.

Space and Enrichment Needs

Cockatoos are active birds that need plenty of space to explore, play, and exercise. Here’s what to consider:

Cage Size

A large, sturdy cage is essential—ideally at least 36 inches wide, 48 inches tall, and 24 inches deep for medium-sized cockatoos. Larger species require even bigger enclosures.

Out-of-Cage Time

Cockatoos need several hours of supervised free time daily to stretch their wings and interact with their environment.

Toys and Activities

These birds love to chew, so be sure to provide safe, destructible toys like wooden blocks and rope. Puzzle toys and foraging activities help keep their intelligent minds engaged.

Are Cockatoos Noisy?

It’s crucial to know that cockatoos are among the loudest types of pet birds. They use vocalizations to communicate, express excitement, or demand attention. While some owners enjoy their playful and chatty nature, their loud calls can be overwhelming—particularly in apartments or shared living spaces. If you’re sensitive to noise, a cockatoo may not be the right fit for you.

Diet and Nutrition

As with all other creatures, a balanced diet is essential to keep cockatoos healthy. This may consist of:

• High-quality pellets and/or seeds as the dietary base
• Fresh fruits and vegetables (such as leafy greens, carrots, and berries)
• Cooked grains like quinoa or brown rice for variety
• Nuts and other occasional treats

As always, avoid feeding your bird items that may be toxic, such as avocado, chocolate, caffeine, and onions.

Potential Behavioral Issues

While cockatoos are loving pets, they may develop problematic behaviors without proper care. Common challenges include:

Feather Plucking

Often due to boredom, stress, or lack of enrichment.

Screaming

Can become excessive if they feel lonely or want attention.

Destructive Chewing

Their strong beaks love to chew, so provide safe alternatives to furniture!

Is a Pet Cockatoo Right for You?

Cockatoos are affectionate, intelligent, and entertaining companions, but they require a dedicated, experienced owner who can meet their social, mental, and physical needs. If you’re ready for a long-term commitment and can provide the time, attention, and enrichment they need, owning a cockatoo can be an incredibly rewarding journey.

Thinking about adding a pet bird to your life? Take our popular bird matchmaker quiz to find out which type may be the best fit for you!