Cockatoos are among the most emotionally expressive, intelligent and socially demanding parrots available to experienced bird owners. Their striking crests, affectionate personalities and strong bonds with their caregivers make them fascinating companion birds.

However, the same qualities that make Cockatoos so appealing can also make them challenging to keep.

They require substantial daily interaction, mental stimulation, exercise, enrichment, appropriate nutrition and long-term planning. Some species can live for several decades, making a cockatoo a commitment that can extend through much of an owner’s life.

This complete Cockatoo buying guide covers popular species, temperament, housing, diet, exercise, noise, lifespan, CITES considerations and the realities of cockatoo ownership.

Cockatoo Quick Facts

Feature	Cockatoo
Family	Cacatuidae
Species	Multiple species and subspecies
Temperament	Social, affectionate, intelligent and expressive
Intelligence	Very high
Talking ability	Moderate; varies by individual
Noise level	Very loud
Lifespan	Often 40–60+ years depending on species
Social needs	Very high
Exercise	Daily supervised activity
Enrichment	Essential
Diet	Formulated pellets, vegetables, appropriate fruit and supplementary foods
Commitment	Several decades

Size, temperament, lifespan and care requirements vary between individual cockatoo species.

What Is a Cockatoo?

The Cockatoo belongs to the family Cacatuidae and is recognised by its distinctive crest, powerful beak and highly expressive body language.

Cockatoos are known for:

Strong social bonds
High intelligence
Emotional expressiveness
Powerful vocalisations
Playful behaviour
Excellent problem-solving abilities
Strong chewing instincts
Long potential lifespans

Their crest is one of their most recognisable characteristics and can communicate excitement, fear, curiosity or agitation depending on the situation.

Which Cockatoo Species Is Right for You?

Different cockatoo species can have significantly different sizes, personalities and care requirements.

Three species frequently encountered in aviculture include the Moluccan Cockatoo, Umbrella Cockatoo and Goffin’s Cockatoo.

Moluccan Cockatoo

The Moluccan, or Salmon-Crested, Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) is one of the largest and most imposing cockatoos.

It is famous for its:

Large salmon-coloured crest
Strong social bonds
Affectionate personality
Intelligence
Powerful voice
Need for extensive interaction

Moluccan Cockatoos can form extremely strong bonds with their caregivers.

That affectionate nature can also become demanding when the bird does not receive enough attention and enrichment.

Umbrella Cockatoo

The Umbrella Cockatoo (Cacatua alba) is recognisable by its large white crest, which opens into a distinctive umbrella-like shape.

They are generally:

Affectionate
Intelligent
Playful
Social
Highly expressive
Vocal

Umbrella Cockatoos can become deeply attached to their caregivers and require substantial daily interaction.

Their size and noise level mean they are best suited to households prepared for the realities of large-parrot ownership.

Goffin’s Cockatoo

The Goffin’s Cockatoo (Cacatua goffiniana) is considerably smaller than the Moluccan and Umbrella Cockatoo.

Its smaller size does not mean it has small personality requirements.

Goffin’s Cockatoos are known for:

Intelligence
Curiosity
Problem-solving
Playfulness
Social behaviour
Strong exploratory instincts

Their intelligence makes enrichment particularly important.

Cockatoo Temperament

Cockatoos are highly social birds and can develop very strong relationships with their caregivers.

A well-socialised cockatoo may be:

Affectionate
Playful
Curious
Energetic
Attention-seeking
Intelligent
Expressive

However, individual temperament varies.

A cockatoo that is affectionate with its owner may not necessarily enjoy being handled by everyone.

Learning to understand body language is an important part of responsible ownership.

Cockatoos and Emotional Needs

One of the biggest considerations when buying a Cockatoo is its need for social interaction.

Cockatoos can become distressed when they are consistently isolated or understimulated.

Potential signs of insufficient stimulation can include:

Excessive screaming
Destructive chewing
Feather damage
Aggressive behaviour
Repetitive behaviour
Increased attention-seeking

These behaviours can have multiple causes, including medical problems, environmental factors and stress.

A sudden behavioural change should be discussed with an avian veterinarian.

Cockatoo Cage Size

Housing needs to accommodate both the bird’s size and its activity level.

A cage around 90 × 60 × 120 cm may be considered a starting point for some cockatoos, but larger housing is strongly preferable whenever possible.

The cage should provide enough room for:

Comfortable movement
Wing stretching
Climbing
Toys
Multiple perches
Feeding stations
Play activities

Larger species require substantially more space.

A dedicated bird room or large flight enclosure may be appropriate for some households.

Cockatoo Exercise

Cockatoos should not spend their entire lives inside a cage.

Daily supervised out-of-cage activity is important for physical exercise and mental stimulation.

Many owners aim for several hours of supervised activity every day.

Exercise can include:

Flying
Climbing
Walking
Playing
Training
Exploring
Interacting with play stands

The environment should be bird-proofed before allowing free flight.

Cockatoo Enrichment

Enrichment is particularly important for cockatoos because of their intelligence and strong natural chewing behaviour.

Useful enrichment can include:

Cockatoo Foraging toys

Encourage the bird to search for food.

Chewing toys

Provide safe materials that can be destroyed and replaced.

Puzzle toys

Encourage problem-solving and exploration.

Foot toys

Give the bird smaller objects to manipulate.

Training

Short positive-reinforcement sessions provide both mental stimulation and social interaction.

Toy rotation

Rotate toys regularly so the environment does not become predictable.

Cockatoo Chewing Behaviour

A powerful beak is one of the defining characteristics of a cockatoo.

Owners should expect chewing.

Cockatoos may attempt to chew:

Wooden furniture
Door frames
Books
Toys
Cables
Baseboards
Household objects

This behaviour should not simply be punished.

Instead, provide appropriate chewable materials and make the bird’s environment as safe as possible.

Cockatoo Diet

A balanced diet is fundamental to good cockatoo care.

A suitable diet can include:

High-quality formulated pellets
Fresh vegetables
Leafy greens
Appropriate fruit
Controlled amounts of seeds and nuts
Suitable cooked foods
Fresh drinking water

The exact nutritional requirements can vary by species, age, activity level and health.

An avian veterinarian can help establish an appropriate diet for an individual bird.

Foods Cockatoos Should Avoid

Certain foods and substances can be dangerous to parrots.

Avoid giving cockatoos:

Avocado
Chocolate
Alcohol
Caffeinated drinks
Highly salty foods
Certain toxic plants
Foods containing unsafe ingredients

When in doubt, verify whether a food is safe for parrots before offering it.

Cockatoo Noise Level

Noise is one of the most important factors to consider before purchasing a Cockatoo.

Cockatoos are capable of extremely loud vocalisations.

They may call when:

Excited
Seeking attention
Communicating with people
Calling other birds
Alarmed
Frustrated
During morning or evening activity

Some individuals are substantially louder than others.

Potential owners should carefully consider neighbours, housing arrangements and noise tolerance before bringing a cockatoo home.

Do Cockatoos Talk?

Yes, some cockatoos can learn words and phrases.

However, talking is not generally their defining characteristic.

Compared with African Greys and some Amazon parrots, many cockatoos are better known for their body language, vocalisations and expressive crests than for developing extremely large vocabularies.

Individual ability varies considerably.

A cockatoo should never be purchased simply because an owner expects it to become a talking bird.

Cockatoo Lifespan

Owning a can be a decades-long commitment.

Many cockatoo species can live approximately 40–60 years, while some individuals may live considerably longer under appropriate conditions.

Potential owners should plan for the bird’s entire life.

Consider:

Future housing
Veterinary expenses
Food costs
Care during travel
Changes in family circumstances
Who will care for the bird if the owner becomes unable to do so

A cockatoo can potentially outlive its original owner, so long-term planning is important.

Cockatoo Training

Training helps establish communication and trust between a cockatoo and its caregiver.

Useful behaviours include:

Step-up
Step-down
Recall
Target training
Stationing
Returning to the cage
Entering a travel carrier
Accepting routine handling

Positive reinforcement is generally the preferred approach.

Short and consistent sessions can make training both productive and enjoyable.

Cockatoo Hormonal Behaviour

Hormonal behaviour can become particularly noticeable in mature cockatoos.

A bird may become:

More territorial
More possessive
More vocal
More interested in nesting
Less tolerant of handling

Owners should learn to recognise these behavioural changes and avoid encouraging reproductive behaviours.

Excessive physical contact, inappropriate nesting opportunities and other reproductive triggers can sometimes contribute to hormonal behaviour.

If behavioural changes are severe, an avian veterinarian can help determine whether medical or environmental factors are involved.

Cockatoo Feather-Plucking

Feather-destructive behaviour can occur in cockatoos.

Possible contributing factors can include:

Stress
Boredom
Social isolation
Environmental problems
Medical conditions
Nutritional issues
Hormonal factors

Feather-plucking should not automatically be treated as a simple behavioural problem.

A veterinarian should first investigate possible medical causes.

Environmental enrichment and appropriate social interaction may also form part of a broader management plan.

Cockatoo Veterinary Care

Regular veterinary care is an important part of responsible ownership.

Ideally, owners should establish a relationship with an experienced avian veterinarian.

Regular examinations can help monitor:

Weight
Feathers
Beak
Feet
Respiratory health
Nutrition
General condition

Owners should also watch for sudden changes in:

Appetite
Droppings
Vocalisation
Activity
Behaviour
Breathing
Feather condition

Birds can sometimes hide signs of illness, so changes should be taken seriously.

Cockatoo CITES and Legal Requirements

The legal status of a cockatoo depends on the particular species and the countries involved.

Some cockatoo species are listed under CITES Appendix I, while others are subject to Appendix II controls.

CITES requirements can apply to:

International movement
Importation
Exportation
Commercial transactions
Documentation
Captive-bred birds

Requirements vary depending on the species, origin and destination.

Before purchasing or transporting a Cockatoo internationally, verify the current CITES and wildlife requirements applicable to that specific bird.

Are Cockatoos Good for First-Time Owners?

Cockatoos can be challenging even for experienced parrot keepers.

Their combination of intelligence, emotional sensitivity, noise, powerful beaks and social requirements means prospective owners need to be well prepared.

A first-time owner should thoroughly research:

Parrot behaviour
Positive reinforcement
Nutrition
Housing
Noise management
Enrichment
Veterinary care
Body language
Long-term planning

The smaller size of some cockatoo species does not necessarily mean their care requirements are simple.

Can Cockatoos Be Left Alone During the Day?

Long periods of isolation can be difficult for highly social Cockatoos.

Owners who work full-time should consider how the bird will receive:

Social interaction
Exercise
Mental stimulation
Feeding enrichment
Human contact

A carefully planned routine can make a difference, but prospective owners should realistically assess whether their lifestyle can accommodate the bird’s social requirements.

Cockatoo vs Other Parrots

Cockatoos differ from other popular companion parrots in several important ways.

Feature	Cockatoos	Amazon Parrots	African Greys	Large Macaws
Intelligence	Very high	Very high	Very high	Very high
Social needs	Very high	High	High	High
Noise	Very loud	Loud	Moderate–loud	Very loud
Talking ability	Moderate	Excellent	Excellent	Moderate–good
Chewing	Very high	High	Moderate–high	Very high
Lifespan	Several decades	Several decades	Several decades	Several decades
Emotional expression	Very high	High	High	High

These are broad species-group characteristics. Individual birds can differ substantially.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cockatoos

Are cockatoos good pets?

Cockatoos can be extraordinary companion birds for owners who can meet their social, physical and mental needs.

Are cockatoos noisy?

Yes. Cockatoos are capable of extremely loud calls and should not be considered quiet companion birds.

Do cockatoos talk?

Some do. Individual talking ability varies, and cockatoos are generally better known for their body language, vocalisations and expressive behaviour.

How long do cockatoos live?

Many species can live approximately 40–60 years, while some individuals may live longer with excellent care.

Which cockatoo is best for beginners?

There is no universally suitable cockatoo for beginners. Species differ in size and temperament, but all require substantial commitment and specialised care.

Can cockatoos be left alone?

They can tolerate periods of independence, but prolonged isolation can create problems for highly social birds. Owners need a realistic plan for daily interaction and enrichment.

What do cockatoos eat?

A balanced diet can include high-quality formulated pellets, vegetables, appropriate fruit and controlled amounts of seeds and nuts.

Do cockatoos need a lot of attention?

Yes. Social interaction is an important part of cockatoo care, alongside exercise and mental enrichment.

Buying a Cockatoo Responsibly

Before purchasing a Cockatoo, ask for information about:

Species
Age
Origin
Identification
Health records
Veterinary history
Diet
Socialisation
Breeding information where relevant
Legal documentation
CITES documentation where applicable

A responsible buyer should understand exactly what bird they are purchasing and what care it will require throughout its life.

Explore Our Cockatoos

If you are researching a cockatoo as a companion bird, you can explore the Cockatoos available from ExoticsBirds and review the birds and products currently available.

Explore our products:
ExoticsBirds Products

Availability and documentation can vary by species and individual bird, so always review the specific information provided before purchasing.

Final Thoughts

The Cockatoo is an extraordinary companion bird with a combination of intelligence, affection, personality and emotional expressiveness that makes the species fascinating to experienced parrot owners.

But these same characteristics create significant responsibilities.

A cockatoo needs more than a large cage and food. It needs daily social interaction, exercise, mental stimulation, safe chewing opportunities, appropriate nutrition and regular veterinary care.

Before buying, consider the bird’s noise level, social requirements, potential lifespan, housing needs and long-term financial commitment.

With responsible preparation and appropriate care, a Cockatoo can become a remarkable long-term companion.