Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoos make very loving pets that need lots of attention. They can learn to talk, as can most cockatoos and are easy to teach all kinds of tricks!
Nad - 2012-12-30 Hi all need a bit help...I just got a major mitchell 7 weeks old..all looks ok so far but he continuously started breathing from his mouth. It is a bit hot as well as temperature is above 30 here in perth. Is there any thing to worry about or is it normal. Thanks
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Rishi - 2013-01-25 Your cockatoo should not be in a hot weather
irish gavin - 2012-09-24 Hi everyone. I have a cockatoo not sure which one. Some one said it's a small umbrella cockatoo. I have him 3yrs. He has a small bit of yellow under his tail if anyone could help me my issue is he's losing his feathers on his legs and he's bit himself on his wing. I didn't see him do it but his back had some blood on it it now has me a bit worried as this is the third time he's done it. I can't find any mites on him any help would be great thanks
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Charlie Roche - 2012-09-24 Some cockatoos are prone to feather plucking. Also remember this is molting season and their feathers are prickly so they will pick at them - sometimes too much. If it is feather plucking, it goes on throughout the year. You can have his thyroid tested by a vet but usually it is from not being entertained or having enough trouble to get into. A 2 x 4 untreated pine is great for cockatoos to chew on and at least it isn't a 430.00 toy. They love cartoons especially with music. Mine have their own TV and their own movies (RIO, Panda, Charlettes Web etc and they play all day and the birds talk to the movie. They laugh and cry and talk to the movei. Keeps them entertained. More toys, something else to chew on such as the 2 X 4, cartoons and generally more things to keep their attention occupied. There are books written on feather plucking - it is just not a fun thing to try and deal with but usually more activity works - or sometimes - get another bird - a conure would be a good friend.
VIcki - 2010-03-22 I have a 8 year old Greater Sulfur Cockatoo named SugarBear. He is spoiled rotten he believes he should eat with the family 80% of his Parrot food hits the floor because he throws it there. He loves all types of potatoes mashed french frys, augratins &weet Potatoes it doesn't matter to him he loves them all. I also give him fresh veggies ,fruit and rice. But he's driving me crazy throwing his food out I want to make sure he's getting the right amounts of Vitamins
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kiah wiseman - 2010-04-12 I have a sulfur crested cockatoo named jack he's about 6 years old and I got him when I was quite young I was about 10. He's very loyal and he loves my attention. His bond with me is very strong I can take him out side and he won't fly away his wings aren't cut, he can fly. I hand raised him from an egg but I just fond out a month ago I did a DNA test he's a she. I give him fresh fruit and veggies every day so I expect him to live for 70 to 80 more years so I'll be really old when she dies. I also own a red tailed black cockatoo named max. He's about 6 month old I paid about well my dad paidd $7.000 for him and he'll live for 100+ years it's nice to know that there's another cockatoo lover out there.
Alvain - 2010-12-13 This week I just buy a Greater Sulfur, she is very very friendly, but I go way for less then 30 minutes she start screaming a lot,,. Even if I keep her outside the cage, she still screaming.
So unfortunately, I could not keep her at home, I need your advice since you have a good experience with your bird.. please help out to reduce the screaming.... because I'm going to be crazy.
nicola - 2011-02-21 These birds waste their food all the time. They mainly throw it on the floor to get your attention bc they know it makes you mad. I have decided that they are looking for a special daily treat when they do that. Mine is usually missing his coconut cracker or peanuts in the shell.
Roz - 2011-03-29 I would beg to differ with food being thrown on the floor to gain attention and desirous of getting a treat. In the wild, Cockatoos are the propagators and horticulturalists in the Australian bush or rainforest. The dropping of seed pods and fruits is essential and is how a cockatoo is "wired" to eat. Don't get too discouraged with the amount of food wasted - just give them a choice of 4-5 vegies or fruit and leave it for them to eat and take away after 1-2 hours. They love spinnich, celery, bok choy, beans, peas, sugar peas, paw paw, corn, grapes, carrot, large red chillis and Capsicum.
I am unsure if you are living overseas or in Australia, but truly, the best food to give your Cockatoo is what they eat in the wild - like wattle, grevillia, gum tree branches, banksia and bottle brushes. No doubt, in doing research you would know that sunflower seed, in particular black in colour is extremely bad for your cockatoo - it will give them a fatty liver and such a diet will drive them to bit and scream. Enough of myrant - good luck with caring for your darling Cockatoo - they are gentle and tender hearted and very forgiving - they will give back to you so much more than you could ever imagine - our Sulphur Crested certainly has - we are all in love with her - she is both gorgeous and exasperating - often at the same time. All the best
rabz - 2011-11-29 In what age does a cockatoo start talking?
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Charlie Roche - 2011-11-30 They make noises pretty young but won't usually start saying words or trying to before a year old. Most cockatoos are not great talkers and only learn a few words.
dolly - 2012-02-11 I have had a greater sulphur cockatoo for 4 weeks and it was about 6 weeks when I got him. He is talking already 4 words and he can also laugh like a human when I say tickle he raises both wings and waits for a scratch then he laughs. Be patient and consistant your bird will talk if you stay at it.
Nabeel - 2010-08-29 I have a 6 yr old and 10 yr old Greater Sulfur Cockatoo. The past owners did not teach them how to step up. One is growing feathers that were completely plucked he has feathers so far missing on the shoulders of his wings and his legs. What can I do to speed up the process for them to return? And can you train these birds at this age to step up? Can they be taught to talk more?
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John - 2011-12-10 Your cockatoo is stressed. When stressed they will pluck their own feathers. They can have a bacterial infection as well, although this is rare and unlikely. The rate of regrowth is as fast as nature intends, no quicker and no slower. Simply put, there is nothing you can do to speed up the process, they will grow back when they grow back. What you can do is to de-stress your bird.
IAN WEBB - 2009-06-23 As a pet these are not a bad bird but can be nasty when cleaning out the cage etc. I have heard of people losing fingers, but in the wild these are Australia's second worst pest. They are the farmer's nightmare and a very very destructive devastating bird. Myself I rank them up with the Indian Myna and the Cane Toad as this country's worst pests. I hope that my view does not hurt but having been on the land myself. I see the damage this bird is doing to the man on the land, who is struggling with this and the worst drought in at least 100 years. The farmer has to make a living, thank you and have a nice day
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Ros Stiles - 2011-08-11 Perhaps you need to remember that humans came and took over the cockatoos food source, felled their trees and cleared their forests. So if the poor birds actually dare to take some food from your trees when you have (your ancestors or previously land owner) raped their land took away their food and shelter etc. Perhaps you could plant a few trees for the birds to help them out instead of complaining about them. And I do understand - I come from a farming background.
Faye - 2010-04-13 This morning a flock of Cockatoo's screeched and squawked in the trees next to my garden. I do not know if they are greater or lesser Cockatoo's. When I went outside one of my half grown bantam chickens was missing. Can anyone tell me, Do Cockatoo's pick up prey and take it away to eat? Is it possible that a cockatoo took my bantam.
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sally - 2010-06-16 Haha, no, that is definitely not possible. They are not raptors. The only meat the eat is the odd bug.
Sandie - 2011-06-21 My name is Lucy, I am a greater sulpher crested cockatoo and I have asked my owner to reply because I love love love meat, but not something I have captured, although I love catching flies and bumblebees mid-flight. No, I want steak, love pork chops (bone-in please), italian meatballs, chicken bones, hotdogs, I think you get the idea. I actually feel that if it is good enough for my family then it is good enough for me. I am almost twenty years old and have been eating right along with my family every day. My cage sits right next to the dining table. I can read the packages before they are opened or prepared and I place my meal order right away. Let me tell you, some of the family (Dad) doesn't like to share EVERYTHING he eats so I have to remind him that I am still here and need some of his nachos. Boy do I love nachos with the works!!
Charlie Roche - 2011-06-21 Cockatoos do like meat but they would just pick it up - more like a small bug or lizard. They wouldn't swoop down and pick up a half grown bantam. It is just too large. I can see where you would think it though but they are primarily seed/nut/vegatable eaters and are not birds of prey.
wendy - 2010-12-26 I need serious help I recently got a cockatoo I have wanted 1 since I was little. When I inquired about him they said he was 6 mths old (not true I'm guessing he is about 14 mths). They also said he was tame (again not true I'm guessing they got him from the wild as he is very very feisty). My questions are 1) How can I start to train him?
2) What are the right foods to give him as I have read so many sites some are saying this is good while another says it's not.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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trent hardy - 2011-03-22 Spend lots and lots of time with him. Give him lots of love and attention. . . .
Charlie Roche - 2011-03-30 This is similar to a situation one that happened to me. At the time I was a novice when it came to birds and I was told that an approximately 15 year old blue/gold macaw with a quarantine band was a hand fed 6 month old baby. A friend of mine was a breeder and after Tiger ripped his arm open, I decided it was best to go slowly. I placed a perch by the cage and let Tiger go in and out at his pace. I thought this would get him used to me going by and he would feel less threatened. I then started feeding him by hand treats such as peanuts, shelled sunflower seeds etc. After he was used to my hand and showed no agression or fear, I would hold old a sunflower seed with one hand and very slowly just touch his feet with the other. The feet became the back, then the head etc. I finally taught him "UP" and he would perch on my hand. It took me about a year but Tiger did become an amzing pet with a slightly stubborn streak. However, he was affectioneete, enjoyed play and following me around the home. The more he trained me, the better behaved I became and so the more he trusted me. Lots of luck and just go slow. Cockatoos make wonderful pets and are a delight to have. Let us know how it works out for you and any tricks you come up with.
lisa - 2010-03-13 About a year ago we were driving alone a country road and we hit a cockatoo. It survived so we took it home. My dad said it didnt look too old and cockatoos are really good pets so we put him in a cocky cage. At first he was really angry and scared; he hissed and bit any one that came near him. 6 months later we decided he was too loud to have you the front of the house so we put him in the chook pen (its really big 50m by 20m)and it has a cover over it. When I fed the chooks one time he followed me around I sat down and after some time he became really affectionate. He trusts me completely. Ever since he was in the accident he has had a limp and his flight feathers havent grown back. I dont want to give him up to wires because we have such a close bond.
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Kayla - 2010-05-22 Hello I'm kayla and I'm ten I have a greater sulphur crested cockatoo, we got him about a week ago and he is about 5 months. He is not tame but he will let you pat him, and he is hand fed. But he always sits in the same spot and he dosen't like fruit, he is very quiet my next goal is to train him to get out of his cage.
Anonymous - 2010-08-25 Don't.. they will put him down because he can't get back to 100% healthy.
Bonnie - 2010-06-09 i have a sulphur crested cockatoo and it laid some eggs does that mean it's a female?
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Debra - 2010-06-22 Absolutely yes. Make sure you have her on a good pelleted diet and examined by an avian veterinarian to make sure she is healthy enough to not have complications from further egg laying.
Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoos make very loving pets that need lots of attention. They can learn to talk, as can most cockatoos and are easy to teach all kinds of tricks!
Hi all need a bit help...I just got a major mitchell 7 weeks old..all looks ok so far but he continuously started breathing from his mouth. It is a bit hot as well as temperature is above 30 here in perth. Is there any thing to worry about or is it normal. Thanks
Your cockatoo should not be in a hot weather
Hi everyone. I have a cockatoo not sure which one. Some one said it's a small umbrella cockatoo. I have him 3yrs. He has a small bit of yellow under his tail if anyone could help me my issue is he's losing his feathers on his legs and he's bit himself on his wing. I didn't see him do it but his back had some blood on it it now has me a bit worried as this is the third time he's done it. I can't find any mites on him any help would be great thanks
Some cockatoos are prone to feather plucking. Also remember this is molting season and their feathers are prickly so they will pick at them - sometimes too much. If it is feather plucking, it goes on throughout the year. You can have his thyroid tested by a vet but usually it is from not being entertained or having enough trouble to get into. A 2 x 4 untreated pine is great for cockatoos to chew on and at least it isn't a 430.00 toy. They love cartoons especially with music. Mine have their own TV and their own movies (RIO, Panda, Charlettes Web etc and they play all day and the birds talk to the movie. They laugh and cry and talk to the movei. Keeps them entertained. More toys, something else to chew on such as the 2 X 4, cartoons and generally more things to keep their attention occupied. There are books written on feather plucking - it is just not a fun thing to try and deal with but usually more activity works - or sometimes - get another bird - a conure would be a good friend.
I have a 8 year old Greater Sulfur Cockatoo named SugarBear. He is spoiled rotten he believes he should eat with the family 80% of his Parrot food hits the floor because he throws it there. He loves all types of potatoes mashed french frys, augratins &weet Potatoes it doesn't matter to him he loves them all. I also give him fresh veggies ,fruit and rice. But he's driving me crazy throwing his food out I want to make sure he's getting the right amounts of Vitamins
I have a sulfur crested cockatoo named jack he's about 6 years old and I got him when I was quite young I was about 10. He's very loyal and he loves my attention. His bond with me is very strong I can take him out side and he won't fly away his wings aren't cut, he can fly. I hand raised him from an egg but I just fond out a month ago I did a DNA test he's a she. I give him fresh fruit and veggies every day so I expect him to live for 70 to 80 more years so I'll be really old when she dies. I also own a red tailed black cockatoo named max. He's about 6 month old I paid about well my dad paidd $7.000 for him and he'll live for 100+ years it's nice to know that there's another cockatoo lover out there.
This week I just buy a Greater Sulfur, she is very very friendly, but I go way for less then 30 minutes she start screaming a lot,,. Even if I keep her outside the cage, she still screaming.
So unfortunately, I could not keep her at home, I need your advice since you have a good experience with your bird.. please help out to reduce the screaming.... because I'm going to be crazy.
These birds waste their food all the time. They mainly throw it on the floor to get your attention bc they know it makes you mad. I have decided that they are looking for a special daily treat when they do that. Mine is usually missing his coconut cracker or peanuts in the shell.
I would beg to differ with food being thrown on the floor to gain attention and desirous of getting a treat. In the wild, Cockatoos are the propagators and horticulturalists in the Australian bush or rainforest. The dropping of seed pods and fruits is essential and is how a cockatoo is "wired" to eat. Don't get too discouraged with the amount of food wasted - just give them a choice of 4-5 vegies or fruit and leave it for them to eat and take away after 1-2 hours. They love spinnich, celery, bok choy, beans, peas, sugar peas, paw paw, corn, grapes, carrot, large red chillis and Capsicum.
I am unsure if you are living overseas or in Australia, but truly, the best food to give your Cockatoo is what they eat in the wild - like wattle, grevillia, gum tree branches, banksia and bottle brushes. No doubt, in doing research you would know that sunflower seed, in particular black in colour is extremely bad for your cockatoo - it will give them a fatty liver and such a diet will drive them to bit and scream. Enough of myrant - good luck with caring for your darling Cockatoo - they are gentle and tender hearted and very forgiving - they will give back to you so much more than you could ever imagine - our Sulphur Crested certainly has - we are all in love with her - she is both gorgeous and exasperating - often at the same time. All the best
In what age does a cockatoo start talking?
They make noises pretty young but won't usually start saying words or trying to before a year old. Most cockatoos are not great talkers and only learn a few words.
I have had a greater sulphur cockatoo for 4 weeks and it was about 6 weeks when I got him. He is talking already 4 words and he can also laugh like a human when I say tickle he raises both wings and waits for a scratch then he laughs. Be patient and consistant your bird will talk if you stay at it.
I have a 6 yr old and 10 yr old Greater Sulfur Cockatoo. The past owners did not teach them how to step up. One is growing feathers that were completely plucked he has feathers so far missing on the shoulders of his wings and his legs. What can I do to speed up the process for them to return? And can you train these birds at this age to step up? Can they be taught to talk more?
Your cockatoo is stressed. When stressed they will pluck their own feathers. They can have a bacterial infection as well, although this is rare and unlikely. The rate of regrowth is as fast as nature intends, no quicker and no slower. Simply put, there is nothing you can do to speed up the process, they will grow back when they grow back. What you can do is to de-stress your bird.
As a pet these are not a bad bird but can be nasty when cleaning out the cage etc. I have heard of people losing fingers, but in the wild these are Australia's second worst pest. They are the farmer's nightmare and a very very destructive devastating bird. Myself I rank them up with the Indian Myna and the Cane Toad as this country's worst pests. I hope that my view does not hurt but having been on the land myself. I see the damage this bird is doing to the man on the land, who is struggling with this and the worst drought in at least 100 years. The farmer has to make a living, thank you and have a nice day
Perhaps you need to remember that humans came and took over the cockatoos food source, felled their trees and cleared their forests. So if the poor birds actually dare to take some food from your trees when you have (your ancestors or previously land owner) raped their land took away their food and shelter etc. Perhaps you could plant a few trees for the birds to help them out instead of complaining about them. And I do understand - I come from a farming background.
This morning a flock of Cockatoo's screeched and squawked in the trees next to my garden. I do not know if they are greater or lesser Cockatoo's.
When I went outside one of my half grown bantam chickens was missing.
Can anyone tell me, Do Cockatoo's pick up prey and take it away to eat?
Is it possible that a cockatoo took my bantam.
Haha, no, that is definitely not possible. They are not raptors. The only meat the eat is the odd bug.
My name is Lucy, I am a greater sulpher crested cockatoo and I have asked my owner to reply because I love love love meat, but not something I have captured, although I love catching flies and bumblebees mid-flight. No, I want steak, love pork chops (bone-in please), italian meatballs, chicken bones, hotdogs, I think you get the idea. I actually feel that if it is good enough for my family then it is good enough for me. I am almost twenty years old and have been eating right along with my family every day. My cage sits right next to the dining table. I can read the packages before they are opened or prepared and I place my meal order right away. Let me tell you, some of the family (Dad) doesn't like to share EVERYTHING he eats so I have to remind him that I am still here and need some of his nachos. Boy do I love nachos with the works!!
Cockatoos do like meat but they would just pick it up - more like a small bug or lizard. They wouldn't swoop down and pick up a half grown bantam. It is just too large. I can see where you would think it though but they are primarily seed/nut/vegatable eaters and are not birds of prey.
I need serious help I recently got a cockatoo I have wanted 1 since I was little. When I inquired about him they said he was 6 mths old (not true I'm guessing he is about 14 mths). They also said he was tame (again not true I'm guessing they got him from the wild as he is very very feisty). My questions are
1) How can I start to train him?
2) What are the right foods to give him as I have read so many sites some are saying this is good while another says it's not.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Spend lots and lots of time with him. Give him lots of love and attention. . . .
This is similar to a situation one that happened to me. At the time I was a novice when it came to birds and I was told that an approximately 15 year old blue/gold macaw with a quarantine band was a hand fed 6 month old baby. A friend of mine was a breeder and after Tiger ripped his arm open, I decided it was best to go slowly. I placed a perch by the cage and let Tiger go in and out at his pace. I thought this would get him used to me going by and he would feel less threatened. I then started feeding him by hand treats such as peanuts, shelled sunflower seeds etc. After he was used to my hand and showed no agression or fear, I would hold old a sunflower seed with one hand and very slowly just touch his feet with the other. The feet became the back, then the head etc. I finally taught him "UP" and he would perch on my hand. It took me about a year but Tiger did become an amzing pet with a slightly stubborn streak. However, he was affectioneete, enjoyed play and following me around the home. The more he trained me, the better behaved I became and so the more he trusted me.
Lots of luck and just go slow. Cockatoos make wonderful pets and are a delight to have. Let us know how it works out for you and any tricks you come up with.
About a year ago we were driving alone a country road and we hit a cockatoo. It survived so we took it home. My dad said it didnt look too old and cockatoos are really good pets so we put him in a cocky cage. At first he was really angry and scared; he hissed and bit any one that came near him. 6 months later we decided he was too loud to have you the front of the house so we put him in the chook pen (its really big 50m by 20m)and it has a cover over it. When I fed the chooks one time he followed me around I sat down and after some time he became really affectionate. He trusts me completely. Ever since he was in the accident he has had a limp and his flight feathers havent grown back. I dont want to give him up to wires because we have such a close bond.
Hello I'm kayla and I'm ten I have a greater sulphur crested cockatoo, we got him about a week ago and he is about 5 months. He is not tame but he will let you pat him, and he is hand fed. But he always sits in the same spot and he dosen't like fruit, he is very quiet my next goal is to train him to get out of his cage.
Don't.. they will put him down because he can't get back to 100% healthy.
i have a sulphur crested cockatoo and it laid some eggs does that mean it's a female?
Absolutely yes. Make sure you have her on a good pelleted diet and examined by an avian veterinarian to make sure she is healthy enough to not have complications from further egg laying.