It’s vital that they get adequate stimulation. A bored or frustrated Cockatoo will commonly begin to pluck their own feathers out or become destructive. The most common health issue with large birds like Cockatoos is the result of behavioral problems due to lack of stimulation. Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos are hardy, healthy birds that are rarely sick. Image Credit: Nasar Lagenda, Pixabay Common Health Problems That said, you’ll need to introduce the birds slowly, and even then, there is no guarantee that they’ll get along. While it is a larger responsibility, Cockatoos in general do better in pairs because they are social birds, and this will also decrease the amount of time that you need to interact with your bird. Your Cockatoo will also need various interactive toys to play with and chew on, as they have a hardy, durable beak and will otherwise chew on anything that they can find. Even though these birds will do better outside of their cage and you should aim to keep them outside as much as possible - 3-5 hours per day is a great general guideline - the bigger the cage, the better, with an aviary being the best bet. At a minimum, they’ll need a cage of 60×60 inches, and at least 75 inches in height. These large birds need large enclosures but will enjoy spending most of their time outside of their cages. They can easily learn to open cupboards or bins in search of food. Some experts compare their intelligence to that of a chimpanzee. Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos are also widely considered among the most intelligent parrots and can easily be taught to talk and perform tricks. They are known to get destructive and even self-abusive - pulling out their own feathers – if they don’t get the attention and stimulation that they need. This is a challenge for most people, but it’s an essential requirement in owning one of these birds. They are affectionate animals that form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy being close to them as much as possible. They are vibrant, talkative, loud, and social birds that certainly make their presence known at all times, making them a challenge for some owners to keep as pets. Known as one of the most eccentric and “goofiest” parrot species around, the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo has a huge personality. Image Credit: Nel Botha, Pixabay Temperament Importing Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos to the United States is now prohibited, so all birds available as pets are captive-bred. Their numbers in the wild are stable and even increasing in most areas. They are hardy and adaptable birds that can thrive in various environments, including urban areas and agricultural plantations. They are even considered a nuisance in some areas, so high are their numbers. They are a prolific species in their native habitat and can be frequently seen in urban environments too. The Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo is native to Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia and has been introduced to New Zealand, preferring to live along the edges of tropical rainforests.

Picture of a cockatoo bird