Buy a Cockatoo in United States

Buy a Cockatoo in United States. Are you looking to add a new bird to your family? Then you might be thinking about a cockatoo, as they are one of the most popular bird species. While all birds have different personalities, there are some similarities in their behavior and care requirements. Find out what you need to know before bringing a cockatoo home.

Cockatoo species

Cockatoos are large, hook-billed parrots. There are over 20 species of cockatoo, each with its own distinct behavior and personality. They are generally very sociable and, in the wild, forage in flocks of up to 100 birds.

Cockatoos come in different varieties, including:

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Galah

Moluccan cockatoo

Greater Mitchell’s Cockatoo

Ganggang Cockatoo

Black Cockatoo

Eleonora’s Cockatoo

Belted Cockatoo

Cockatoo size

The average pet cockatoo is 20 inches long, including the crest of narrow, forward-curved feathers on its head.

Lifespan of a cockatoo

Cockatoos live 20–40 years in the wild and up to 70 years or more as pets. Proper care is essential for a long, healthy life for your pet cockatoo.

Unfortunately, due to their long lifespans, behavioral issues, and loud noise, many cockatoos are rehomed—sometimes multiple times over their lifetime. Adopting a cockatoo in need is recommended. Look for a parrot rescue group near your home, which often has many cockatoos to choose from. Cockatoo rescues generally charge a much lower adoption fee than purchasing a cockatoo from a breeder or pet store.

Cockatoo care

Cockatoos are large, hook-beaked parrots and have similar care needs to birds such as macaws or African grey parrots.

What do cockatoos eat?

Cockatoos need a varied diet, including greens, vegetables and fruit, with about two-thirds of a typical diet consisting of balanced, formulated pellets.

A diet consisting exclusively of seeds is not the best choice for a cockatoo, as seeds lack almost all essential nutrients. Seeds should make up no more than 10% of a cockatoo’s diet. Instead, focus on fresh vegetables, fruit, and cooked grains and legumes. Fruits and vegetables should only make up 20–25% of a cockatoo’s diet.

Cockatoos also benefit from calcium supplementation through cuttlefish, which helps them stay strong and healthy.