Description

 Cockatoos look and act different than any other parrot. They have a single color plunge white or dark and they have an erective crest. Their beaks are very powerful and can destroy objects. Cockatoos are one of the largest living parrot. It is hard to determine how long they can live. Young cockatoos have a beak that is smooth and pale. Their plumage is pale too. The older they get the beak becomes harder and darker. a cockatoos plumage will have a fuller coloration.

Care/Feeding

Cockatoos need to take a weekly shower or bath to get rid of the accumulated feather dust and keeps its plumage in good shape. You can give the bath by a pan or you can spray your bird lightly. You should trim their beaks and claws if they are not dull by climbing and crewing. You can feed your bird with a seed mix and all sort of fruits and vegetables. Sometimes you can give your bird cottage cheese , hardboiled eggs, canned dog food and cooked meat bones for protein. Do not feed your cockatoo avocado as it is toxic to birds.

Housing

Cockatoos a very social and inquisitive, so where you put your pet you should be able to walk by it a lot when you are at home. You should place the cage so it is eye level if its a small cage and a quiet sunny area always from drafts. If you need a cage for your bird you should get the cage the size of your bird. If you have a young bird you should have a small cage but remember when your bird gets older you are going to need a bigger cage. If your bird gets really strong you should have a lock on it when you are away from the house. You should have many toys and perches to keep your bird happy. You should have toys that you bird can chew on. Before you give your bird the toy check to see if its safe first. You need to change its food and water everyday. You should also clean the cage once a week.

Social Behaviors

Cockatoos are best to keep in pairs with another cockatoo or a bird similar in size. The reason is so your bird does not become independent for there owner. The only problem is that a cockatoos are very noise. cockatoos love to play. they play with loud calls and they play all day.

Handling/Training

Cockatoos are very intelligent. They can say some words, or sounds. You can train your bird to dance ,play tug a war, and climbing. They can use the toys and other tools to play. When you train your bird you need to have trust in yourself and the bird. You should first start out with cage taming. You should be able to put your hand inn side the cage and the cockatoo will jump on your hand. Also when you train your bird when he does something right you should reward him by a treat.

 Problems You Should Watch

 Cockatoos that are well cared can become ill. Some signs are plumage that is lusterless, ruffled, or has bare spots, sneezing, and discharge from the nostrils. also when the bird is sleeping on both feet instead of one tucked up. It your cockatoo does not perk up in the next 24 hour you should take him to an avian veterinarian for a check up.