Moluccan or umbrell cockatoo?

[M_A_K]

So I hear these birds require a lot of time,space and toys , I wanted to ask you all if this space is enough for a moluccan or an umbrella cockatoo I still plan to add a few perches but for the most part would this be an ideal space? I thought this would be better than putting it in a cage all day then when its night the bird may sleep in a cage in my room.

In your opinions which make better pets?

I also own 2 greys in a separate enclosure.

The space I have planned for the cockatoo: http://i.imgur.com/pLOD9hr.jpg
The space I have for my 2 greys: http://i.imgur.com/EBu8U0P.jpg

 

[sonja]

Are all of those plants bird safe? Because they will get chewed up. As will the floor and walls and any furnishings if you leave a 'too loose in there. That fan and the wires are a danger. It also looks like that is screened in? If so a cockatoo will chew through the screen in minutes. Is this an apartment balcony? Cockatoos are not a good idea in an apartment because of the extreme noise.
Housing either type in your bedroom is not a good idea. They can both be stunningly loud.

 

[M_A_K]

Hi sonja, the fans are covered with a metal grid and the balcony is also screened with metal bars I plan to make it thicker though, what are your thoughts on a citron cockatoo instead?

Edit: The wires will be fixed too

 

[sonja]

The plants need attention too. If one of them is dangerous it can kill a bird.

All cockatoos are loud. Some more than others. All cockatoos chew. Some more than others. I personally don't think they are a good match for apartments or bedrooms although there can be exceptions.

And what is your plan for when it's too cold to stay outside?

 

[Jayyj]

My personal feeling is that, although there are people who can make a success of caring for them, neither species is particularly well suited to the pet trade. If you're considering one make sure you do a lot of research and are fully prepared for how badly things can go wrong if you make mistakes with them - All About Cockatoos - MyToos.com is a good starting point. Not saying you shouldn't get one, just that every parrot refuge seems to be stuffed with these two species, abandoned because their owners didn't do the research and didn't put the effort in and they deserve better than that.

Setting aside the plant issue, the environment you've created for the Grays looks great! I'd be a bit worried about how quickly a large too would chew their way through the grill - you might need to look at some sort of stainless steel grill.

 

[Kiwibird]

I see the room is still under construction, so I'm assuming wires and whatnot will be fixed before a bird is introduced. Seeing as you have a large room you are able to modify for a parrot to live in, I think you have the space to house a larger cockatoo! I *personally* would look at elenoras (a type of sulfur crested), as they are still a larger cockatoo but seem to be more suited to a domestic environment than the others you have mentioned. I know there are bird-safe plants out there and would assume you have quadruple checked all those plants are bird safe before adding to a bird room I would make sure that fan is covered in such a way a curious tongue or toe cannot get in and sliced off by the blades. You may want to consider "boxing" it in somehow. I also see a lot of metal elements in that room, have you checked to be sure none of them contain zinc or other toxic-to-parrot metals? Also, not sure where you live, but what are your plans in the winter/inclement weather with only a screen protecting your birds from the outside? Keep us posted, this looks like a great project that just needs some refining

My general suggestions would be a large java-tree or metal play stand along with perhaps a hanging cargo net or hanging swings in addition to the live plants to provide a number of perching/playing areas, along with A LOT of chewable toys. If theres not many chewing options, those live plants don't stand a chance of making it the first week with a cockatoo (even a small one, let alone a big one!). I love the tile floors! Do you have the option of installing a drain and having a hose in there to wash everything down? That may make cleanup of such a large area a lot easier Overall, as long as your checking the safety of the things your putting in the room, I really think thats a great aviary room for a cockatoo, who NEEDS maximum space!

 

[M_A_K]

My personal feeling is that, although there are people who can make a success of caring for them, neither species is particularly well suited to the pet trade. If you're considering one make sure you do a lot of research and are fully prepared for how badly things can go wrong if you make mistakes with them - All About Cockatoos - MyToos.com is a good starting point. Not saying you shouldn't get one, just that every parrot refuge seems to be stuffed with these two species, abandoned because their owners didn't do the research and didn't put the effort in and they deserve better than that.

Setting aside the plant issue, the environment you've created for the Grays looks great! I'd be a bit worried about how quickly a large too would chew their way through the grill - you might need to look at some sort of stainless steel grill.

Yes I will be making the grills a lot stronger, I understand that those birds are hard work and I am actually thinking about other species and I will research before I buy, thanks for the website!

 

[M_A_K]

I see the room is still under construction, so I'm assuming wires and whatnot will be fixed before a bird is introduced. Seeing as you have a large room you are able to modify for a parrot to live in, I think you have the space to house a larger cockatoo! I *personally* would look at elenoras (a type of sulfur crested), as they are still a larger cockatoo but seem to be more suited to a domestic environment than the others you have mentioned. I know there are bird-safe plants out there and would assume you have quadruple checked all those plants are bird safe before adding to a bird room I would make sure that fan is covered in such a way a curious tongue or toe cannot get in and sliced off by the blades. You may want to consider "boxing" it in somehow. I also see a lot of metal elements in that room, have you checked to be sure none of them contain zinc or other toxic-to-parrot metals? Also, not sure where you live, but what are your plans in the winter/inclement weather with only a screen protecting your birds from the outside? Keep us posted, this looks like a great project that just needs some refining

My general suggestions would be a large java-tree or metal play stand along with perhaps a hanging cargo net or hanging swings in addition to the live plants to provide a number of perching/playing areas, along with A LOT of chewable toys. If theres not many chewing options, those live plants don't stand a chance of making it the first week with a cockatoo (even a small one, let alone a big one!). I love the tile floors! Do you have the option of installing a drain and having a hose in there to wash everything down? That may make cleanup of such a large area a lot easier Overall, as long as your checking the safety of the things your putting in the room, I really think thats a great aviary room for a cockatoo, who NEEDS maximum space!

The metals do not contain any zinc (thankfully), it's not a screen there are going to be large grills put in, a lot of toys will be provided (I've read that a lot), as for winter..... we don't have winter . The drain and hose is a good idea! I should get to work on it! I will keep you posted about it when it is done .

 

[MikeyTN]

My personal feeling is that, although there are people who can make a success of caring for them, neither species is particularly well suited to the pet trade. If you're considering one make sure you do a lot of research and are fully prepared for how badly things can go wrong if you make mistakes with them - All About Cockatoos - MyToos.com is a good starting point. Not saying you shouldn't get one, just that every parrot refuge seems to be stuffed with these two species, abandoned because their owners didn't do the research and didn't put the effort in and they deserve better than that.

Setting aside the plant issue, the environment you've created for the Grays looks great! I'd be a bit worried about how quickly a large too would chew their way through the grill - you might need to look at some sort of stainless steel grill.

Yes I will be making the grills a lot stronger, I understand that those birds are hard work and I am actually thinking about other species and I will research before I buy, thanks for the website!

Your under estimating how tough Cockatoos really are!!!! They'll have your whole outside exterior all destroyed in no time!!! Have you thought about just getting a smaller Cockatoo instead? Such as Rose breasted or Lesser Sulphur Crested??

 

[M_A_K]

My personal feeling is that, although there are people who can make a success of caring for them, neither species is particularly well suited to the pet trade. If you're considering one make sure you do a lot of research and are fully prepared for how badly things can go wrong if you make mistakes with them - All About Cockatoos - MyToos.com is a good starting point. Not saying you shouldn't get one, just that every parrot refuge seems to be stuffed with these two species, abandoned because their owners didn't do the research and didn't put the effort in and they deserve better than that.

Setting aside the plant issue, the environment you've created for the Grays looks great! I'd be a bit worried about how quickly a large too would chew their way through the grill - you might need to look at some sort of stainless steel grill.

Yes I will be making the grills a lot stronger, I understand that those birds are hard work and I am actually thinking about other species and I will research before I buy, thanks for the website!

Your under estimating how tough Cockatoos really are!!!! They'll have your whole outside exterior all destroyed in no time!!! Have you thought about just getting a smaller Cockatoo instead? Such as Rose breasted or Lesser Sulphur Crested??

Actually if you read my replies earlier I said I was thinking about getting a citron cockatoo

 

[Kiwibird]

Actually if you read my replies earlier I said I was thinking about getting a citron cockatoo

Eleanora Cockatoo, Greater or Medium Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

If you haven't already, I really suggest you look at the eleonoras if you like the sulfer-crested toos. They are less prone than other cockatoo species to develop behavioral problems in domestic homes, yet are still a sizable cockatoo. They just aren't as well known. But from what I've heard, they make excellent pets and aren't real problematic when given proper care And they have that stunning yellow crest!

 

[Jayyj]

The corella type toos as well, Ducorps / Solomons and bare eyed / little corellas might be worth looking at. A shop local to me often has Ducorps toos and they seem like lovely birds. They can be uncomfortably loud when they let rip but not in the M2/U2 league of hellishness.

 

[M_A_K]

Actually if you read my replies earlier I said I was thinking about getting a citron cockatoo

Eleanora Cockatoo, Greater or Medium Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

If you haven't already, I really suggest you look at the eleonoras if you like the sulfer-crested toos. They are less prone than other cockatoo species to develop behavioral problems in domestic homes, yet are still a sizable cockatoo. They just aren't as well known. But from what I've heard, they make excellent pets and aren't real problematic when given proper care And they have that stunning yellow crest!

They sound good but one problem... how do I differentiate eleonoras with other sulfur crests? I don't want to get ripped off.

EDIT: I saw your link and noticed that it looked like this bird I saw in the petshop http://i.imgur.com/xqDDGOg.jpg the dealer said it was a 7 month old still maturing but to me it looks like it is sick ,the feathers were badly clipped and I saw patches of skin underneath it's belly with feathers growing... but I'm not sure if it is an eleonora or even if it's healthy or sick

 

[Dinodude]

Actually if you read my replies earlier I said I was thinking about getting a citron cockatoo

Eleanora Cockatoo, Greater or Medium Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

If you haven't already, I really suggest you look at the eleonoras if you like the sulfer-crested toos. They are less prone than other cockatoo species to develop behavioral problems in domestic homes, yet are still a sizable cockatoo. They just aren't as well known. But from what I've heard, they make excellent pets and aren't real problematic when given proper care And they have that stunning yellow crest!

Yes I own an eleanora cockatoo and she is hard to work with but definitely really forgiving and she is really well behaved. I highly recommend eleanora cockatoos!!!