Cockatoo
Big personality, high emotion, and high needs. Cockatoos fit experienced owners who can provide significant daily interaction, training, and a stable long-term lifestyle.
size
Large
energy
High
noise
Very High
lifespan
40 to 70 years
socialNeeds
Very High
messLevel
High
trainability
High
talking
Sometimes
aloneTimeTolerance
Very Low
space
Large cage plus daily out time
Best for
- Very experienced bird owners
- Homes that can provide substantial daily interaction
- People comfortable with loud vocalization
- Owners committed to decades of care and enrichment
Not ideal for
- Apartments with strict noise rules
- Busy schedules and frequent travel
- First-time bird owners
- Anyone looking for a low-maintenance pet
Temperament
- Highly social and affectionate
- Can be needy and sensitive to changes
- May develop challenging behaviors without structure
- Thrives with consistent routine and training
Daily routine
diet: Balanced pellets, vegetables, and variety. Fresh water daily.
enrichment: Heavy foraging, shredding toys, training, and safe chewing.
outOfCageTime: Daily supervised out time is essential.
cleaning: Daily cleanup plus frequent deep cleaning due to dust and mess.
Living fit
apartment: Usually not recommended due to noise and space needs.
family: Possible only with experienced handling and clear safety rules.
firstTimeOwner: Not recommended.
Health notes
- Behavior issues often reflect stress, boredom, or loneliness.
- Air quality and bird-safe environment are critical.
- Work closely with an avian vet and consider behavior support early.
Cost and time
time: Very High. Requires daily engagement and structured care.
cost: High ongoing costs for enrichment, diet variety, and veterinary care.
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