Difference between revisions of "Care for a Moluccan or Umbrella Cockatoo"
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| − | + | Moluccan and Umbrella Cockatoos are among the larger of the cockatoos (black cockatoos are larger), and widely considered to be two of the most difficult parrots to care for. With careful consideration and correct care, however, these parrots can make wonderful pets. | |
[[Category:Cockatoos]] | [[Category:Cockatoos]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
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#* Do I have the time for a parrot that needs ''at least'' an hour of play time a day? | #* Do I have the time for a parrot that needs ''at least'' an hour of play time a day? | ||
#* Do I have the [[Be Patient|patience]] for a parrot that will scream extremely loudly and bite? | #* Do I have the [[Be Patient|patience]] for a parrot that will scream extremely loudly and bite? | ||
| − | #* Do I have the commitment for a parrot that will, in all probability, outlive me? (Moluccan Cockatoos, for example, can live to 65 plus years.<ref>http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/animal-bytes/animalia/eumetazoa/coelomates/deuterostomes/chordata/craniata/aves/psittaciformes/moluccan-cockatoo.htm</ref>) | + | #* Do I have the commitment for a parrot that will, in all probability, outlive me? (Moluccan Cockatoos, for example, can live to 65 plus years.<ref name="rf1">http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/animal-bytes/animalia/eumetazoa/coelomates/deuterostomes/chordata/craniata/aves/psittaciformes/moluccan-cockatoo.htm</ref>) |
# Choose your cockatoo. You have several options for obtaining a cockatoo. You can: | # Choose your cockatoo. You have several options for obtaining a cockatoo. You can: | ||
#* Buy a baby cockatoo from a [[Start a Pet Shop|pet store]]. This is extremely risky, as generally you don't know who the parents are, where he was bred, or his health history. However, certain parrot-specific stores are reliable enough to be bought from. Look at parrot websites online for people's comments on forums, etc., for advice as to where they purchased their cockatoo from. If you are in a region where cockatoos are found naturally, require written proof that the parrots were not wild-caught, as catching parrots from the wild is a cruel practice which can physically and emotionally damage a parrot. | #* Buy a baby cockatoo from a [[Start a Pet Shop|pet store]]. This is extremely risky, as generally you don't know who the parents are, where he was bred, or his health history. However, certain parrot-specific stores are reliable enough to be bought from. Look at parrot websites online for people's comments on forums, etc., for advice as to where they purchased their cockatoo from. If you are in a region where cockatoos are found naturally, require written proof that the parrots were not wild-caught, as catching parrots from the wild is a cruel practice which can physically and emotionally damage a parrot. | ||
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#* Adopt an adult from a rescue center. This is a good way to go, as rescue centers will usually be able to tell you the parrot's behavior and health. However, avoid rescue centers that seem to be individual-run, or which don't give their parrots vet care, as the health of the cockatoo may have been compromised. Ask the local [[Start an Animal Shelter|animal welfare]] organization or shelter for their advice. | #* Adopt an adult from a rescue center. This is a good way to go, as rescue centers will usually be able to tell you the parrot's behavior and health. However, avoid rescue centers that seem to be individual-run, or which don't give their parrots vet care, as the health of the cockatoo may have been compromised. Ask the local [[Start an Animal Shelter|animal welfare]] organization or shelter for their advice. | ||
# Buy a suitable cage for your Moluccan or Umbrella Cockatoo. The [[Select a Cage and Toys for Your Bird or Birds|cage]] should be rectangular and roughly three feet by three feet by three feet (91cm by 91cm by 91cm), with plenty of space for your cockatoo to climb and flap his wings, and a bar spacing no more than half an inch (1.27cm). Because zinc and lead are poisonous to parrots, request a written certificate that the cage does not contain these elements. Ideally the cage will be [[Clean Stainless Steel|stainless steel]] with a strong lock, as Umbrellas and Moluccans have a penchant for escaping, and harming less powerful cages. You should include plenty of toys (but not so much as to restrict your 'Too's movement); a seed guard for keeping thrown food inside; three stainless steel bowls for pellets, vegetables and fruit, and water; and safe wooden and/or rope perches. | # Buy a suitable cage for your Moluccan or Umbrella Cockatoo. The [[Select a Cage and Toys for Your Bird or Birds|cage]] should be rectangular and roughly three feet by three feet by three feet (91cm by 91cm by 91cm), with plenty of space for your cockatoo to climb and flap his wings, and a bar spacing no more than half an inch (1.27cm). Because zinc and lead are poisonous to parrots, request a written certificate that the cage does not contain these elements. Ideally the cage will be [[Clean Stainless Steel|stainless steel]] with a strong lock, as Umbrellas and Moluccans have a penchant for escaping, and harming less powerful cages. You should include plenty of toys (but not so much as to restrict your 'Too's movement); a seed guard for keeping thrown food inside; three stainless steel bowls for pellets, vegetables and fruit, and water; and safe wooden and/or rope perches. | ||
| − | # Give your Cockatoo a healthy diet. Seeds are, contrary to popular belief, not a suitable diet for parrots. Around 60 percent of your Cockatoo's diet should comprise of formulated, non-dyed pellets such as the brand Roudybush. Vegetables are another necessary part of your 'Too's diet; some of the best vegetables include kale, [[Grow Broccoli|broccoli]], dandelion greens, carrots, cooked sweet potato, and [[Plant Squash in Hills|squash]]. Fruits are healthy and tasty, but should only be fed in moderation due to their high water content; good choices include orange fruits such as papaya, [[Cut a Mango|mango]], oranges, and cantaloupe.<ref>http://www.petpublishing.com/birdtimes/breeds/moluccan.shtml</ref> Healthy table foods (well-cooked meat, brown rice, [[Prepare Tofu|tofu]], cheese, non-fat yogurt, cooked egg, cooked beans, carrots, etc) are also acceptable in small amounts. Seeds are a good treat; grit, cuttlebone, and vitamin supplements are unnecessary. Food should act as mental stimulation as well as nutrition, so introduce new foods as a means of chewing, play, and curiosity fulfillment.<ref | + | # Give your Cockatoo a healthy diet. Seeds are, contrary to popular belief, not a suitable diet for parrots. Around 60 percent of your Cockatoo's diet should comprise of formulated, non-dyed pellets such as the brand Roudybush. Vegetables are another necessary part of your 'Too's diet; some of the best vegetables include kale, [[Grow Broccoli|broccoli]], dandelion greens, carrots, cooked sweet potato, and [[Plant Squash in Hills|squash]]. Fruits are healthy and tasty, but should only be fed in moderation due to their high water content; good choices include orange fruits such as papaya, [[Cut a Mango|mango]], oranges, and cantaloupe.<ref name="rf2">http://www.petpublishing.com/birdtimes/breeds/moluccan.shtml</ref> Healthy table foods (well-cooked meat, brown rice, [[Prepare Tofu|tofu]], cheese, non-fat yogurt, cooked egg, cooked beans, carrots, etc) are also acceptable in small amounts. Seeds are a good treat; grit, cuttlebone, and vitamin supplements are unnecessary. Food should act as mental stimulation as well as nutrition, so introduce new foods as a means of chewing, play, and curiosity fulfillment.<ref name="rf2" /> Toxic foods include: |
#* Chocolate | #* Chocolate | ||
#* Avocado | #* Avocado | ||
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# Have fun with your Cockatoo! Umbrellas and Moluccans are difficult to care for, but if they're given the correct care, your 'Too can be your "cuddly" (if screaming) best friend! | # Have fun with your Cockatoo! Umbrellas and Moluccans are difficult to care for, but if they're given the correct care, your 'Too can be your "cuddly" (if screaming) best friend! | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
*Many Moluccan and Umbrella Cockatoos are protective of their cages. If this is true for your Cockatoo, it might be best to have your 'Too step up onto a wooden stick. Then, when out of sight of the cage, have your Cockatoo step up onto your arm. | *Many Moluccan and Umbrella Cockatoos are protective of their cages. If this is true for your Cockatoo, it might be best to have your 'Too step up onto a wooden stick. Then, when out of sight of the cage, have your Cockatoo step up onto your arm. | ||
*Birds poop frequently! An early part of training can include a "poop" command while holding your 'too over a suitable spot. Doing this immediately after removing from the cage, and every 10-15 minutes during your play time can make that time a lot more pleasant. Because of the natural frequency of this action, it is surprisingly easy behavior to train as a command response. | *Birds poop frequently! An early part of training can include a "poop" command while holding your 'too over a suitable spot. Doing this immediately after removing from the cage, and every 10-15 minutes during your play time can make that time a lot more pleasant. Because of the natural frequency of this action, it is surprisingly easy behavior to train as a command response. | ||
| − | *The Moluccan Cockatoo is endangered; it heralds from the Indonesian Central Molucca Islands of Seram, Saparua, and Haruku.<ref>http://www.aviancompanions.com/moluccan.htm</ref> It is a highly intelligent parrot that requires the same amount of attention as a child. The Umbrella Cockatoo is known also as U2 or the White Cockatoo, and it heralds from islands in North Maluku, Indonesia.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Cockatoo</ref> It has a vulnerable status according to the IUCN. Known also as "Velcro birds", the Umbrella Cockatoo likes to "cuddle" with the primary caretaker. Again, they have a high level of intelligence too. | + | *The Moluccan Cockatoo is endangered; it heralds from the Indonesian Central Molucca Islands of Seram, Saparua, and Haruku.<ref name="rf3">http://www.aviancompanions.com/moluccan.htm</ref> It is a highly intelligent parrot that requires the same amount of attention as a child. The Umbrella Cockatoo is known also as U2 or the White Cockatoo, and it heralds from islands in North Maluku, Indonesia.<ref name="rf4">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Cockatoo</ref> It has a vulnerable status according to the IUCN. Known also as "Velcro birds", the Umbrella Cockatoo likes to "cuddle" with the primary caretaker. Again, they have a high level of intelligence too. |
*If you do end up needing to rehome your Cockatoo, advertise for an adopter and then screen them. Make sure they are completely aware of what they're getting into - now is not the time to hold back! If you can't find a home in time, surrender your 'Too to a no-kill rescue. | *If you do end up needing to rehome your Cockatoo, advertise for an adopter and then screen them. Make sure they are completely aware of what they're getting into - now is not the time to hold back! If you can't find a home in time, surrender your 'Too to a no-kill rescue. | ||
