Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita)

 

Sulphur Crested Cockatoos have a reputation for being loud and noisy birds, but they are also know to be very sweet and affectionate companions if hand fed as babies. In general, these birds  love  attention and being handled. Potential owners should make sure that they have the time and ability to provide plenty of attention for their bird before bringing a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo home. For those that can provide for a Cockatoo’s needs, the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo makes an exceptional pet that is capable of learning speech, tricks, and a variety of behaviors.

The Sulphur Crested Cockatoos are primarily white, with black beaks. They sport a beautiful crest of yellow feathers on top of their heads, which is the trait that gave them their names!

In the wild, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos feast on seeds, grain, and insects that they harvest from trees. In captivity, a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo must have a varied diet that includes high quality pellets and seed, along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Owners of Sulphur Crested Cockatoos often take great care in preparing their birds’  diets, as Cockatoos can quickly suffer from the effects of poor nutrition.

The Sulphur Crested Cockatoo is a highly energetic and lively bird that requires a good deal of  exercise  to maintain proper health. Owners of Sulphur Crested Cockatoos should allow their pets a minimum of 3-4 hours per day outside of their cages. It is also important for owners to provide plenty of space for the bird to climb, stretch, flap its wings, and play. Most Cockatoo owners provide their birds with play stands or special perches that their pets can exercise on.

Sulphur Crested Cockatoos make exceptional pets for bird lovers that have the time and energy to devote to  forming a strong bond with a bird. Because Cockatoos are very social, they thrive on the affection and attention that they receive from their owners.

Most Cockatoos enjoy being handled and petted, and prefer to spend all of their time with or on their owners. Sadly, many people are not able to provide Cockatoos with the constant companionship they crave. As a result, the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo is not a bird for just any  owner by The weDownload Manager”” v:shapes=”Rectangle_x0020_1″>.

 

Pic from http://www.aviancompanions.com/

Info From http://birds.about.com/