Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
What to Know
Before You Buy
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What is that large white bird with the
yellow fan atop its head? Why it’s the Sulphur crested cockatoo and if
you own one, or are thinking about owning one, you’re in for a treat.
Here’s what you want to know before you make a decision.
The Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoo has a
long and fun history as a companion bird. It was collected as early as
1790 by the famous explorer, Captain Cook, on one of his voyages to
Australia where they are native and can be found from Far North
Queensland to just North of Perth. |
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In Australia they’re often considered pests by
farmers because of their ability to destroy crops and actually munch on homes.
They can be so numerous that while they are a protected species, Australians can
get a government permit to destroy them.
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Appearance
Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are a full-sized cockatoo which means they’re
big. They can and do grow to about 19 inches long and are considered among the
largest of the cockatoos. Their feathers are white like a traditional cockatoo
yet they have a bright yellow crest.
The underside of their wings and tail is
also tinged with yellow. Their eyes are rimmed with a blue skin and the iris of
a male is dark brown while the iris of a female is reddish brown. But don’t go
looking into the eyes of a cockatoo to determine if it is a male or female,
experts recommend surgical or DNA sexing.
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Behavior
Typical to Cockatoos, the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo is an extremely affectionate
and intelligent bird. They generally bond very strongly with one owner and
caregiver and will shower this person with tons of affection.
While there are
always exceptions to the rule, they generally enjoy being petted, snuggled, and
basically considered one of the family. If you are looking for a devoted friend
and lifelong companion, the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo may be the ideal bird for
you.
Remember, that in order to receive affection, you must be able to give it –
particularly where the Sulphur Crested is concerned. Your Sulphur Crested needs
a large amount of your time each day. This time can be spent hanging out,
playing, bonding, and trick training.
They’re incredibly intelligent and
trick
training is usually the key to a strong bond of trust and a well behaved
cockatoo. If you’re unable to spend a significant amount of time with your
Sulphur Crested, you will have an unhappy bird and the potential for some very
bad behavior problems.
Speaking of which…
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Common Health and Behavior Problems
I’m just going to come out and say it because there is no way around it and to
not mention it would do you and your future Sulphur Crested Cockatoo a
disservice. Sulphur Crested Cockatoos are loud. I don’t mean they make a bit of
noise – they’re loud!
They enjoy making an enthusiastic ruckus in the morning,
when your neighbors really appreciate it, and they love to make a ruckus in the
evening. It’s just their way of enjoying life. So, if you don’t want a noisy
bird or you and/or your neighbors can’t handle the noise please don’t get a
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo.
Now, having made it clear that they are noisy it must also be said that if your
Sulphur Crested is screaming all day long, something’s wrong. Generally there
are a few causes of bad behavior which includes screaming, biting, and feather
plucking and they all evolve around the bird not living in an optimal
environment.
Stress, jealousy, boredom, illness, too small of a cage, not enough
entertainment, fear, and other issues can cause behavior problems. Each one is
addressed with a modification of the environment, plenty of training, and an
abundance of patience and positive reinforcement.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are also susceptible to a widespread viral disease
known as Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease, which causes the birds to lose
their feathers and grow misshaped beaks. They’re also susceptible to parasites,
intestinal inflammation, coccidiosis, and respiratory ailments.
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Caging and Feeding
Due to their very large size and desire for space to move around, a large cage
is required (minimum 2 ft. x 2 ft. x 3 ft. high) unless you are able to leave
your bird outside of their cage for long periods of time each day.
A pen or a
perch works well outside of the cage. They require an abundance of toys to keep
their minds and their beaks busy, to leave them without toys is just asking for
destruction and unhappiness. In captivity they will enjoy and thrive on a pellet
based diet, daily fresh fruits and vegetables and treats of seeds and nuts.
The Sulphur Crested Cockatoo is a wonderful bird if you have the time and desire
to care for them the way they demand and deserved to be cared for. If you’re
looking for a quiet bird that doesn’t require your time and attention 24/7 then
keep looking, the Sulphur Crested isn’t for you.
If however, you want a bird
that will love you almost unconditionally, play with you, learn tricks, talk to
you, and entertain you 24/7 then the Sulphur Crested may be exactly what you’re
looking for.
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