What is the Cockatoo Umbrella?
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The Cockatoo Umbrella (or Umbrella Cockatoo) is one of the sweetest and most intelligent parrot species in the world. The umbrella cockatoo is a beautiful white bird with a dramatic umbrella crest that stands up, and makes a great friend too!
Quick Facts about the Umbrella Cockatoo
Scientific Name: Cacatua alba
Background: Indonesia, Moluccas
Lifespan: 40-60 years
Size: Up to 18 inches
Color: White feathered body, with little yellow underwings
Noise Level: High
Temperament: Sociable, loving, and requires attention
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Ideal Living Conditions
Umbrella cockatoos thrive in a stable home environment and an abundance of interaction. Here are some great facts you need:
- Cage width should be large enough for them to spread their wings, at least 36” x 24” x 48”.
- Ideally, you should have chewable toys in the cage to avoid boredom
- Spend time out of the cage at minimum between 2-4 hours.
- Temperature should be between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 27°C).
- Lighting should be natural sunlight or with someone's UV bird lamp
What To Feed Umbrella Cockatoo's
A healthy diet is important! A poor diet can lead to health issues and have long-term health consequences.
You should offer the following:
- High-quality pellets—60-70%
- Fresh fruits and fresh vegetables—20-30%
- Occasional nuts and seeds to be used as treats
- Clean drinking water available daily
Avoid all chocolate, caffeine, avocado, alcohol, and salty or sugary foods.
Behavior and Personality
Umbrella cockatoos are renowned for:
Extreme Affection—They develop a very close bond with their owner.
Intelligence—learns tricks and responds to commands.
Vocal Nature—if the bird is bored, they can scream LOUDLY.
Sensitivity—they require love and attention on a constant basis.
An umbrella cockatoo is not a bird for a new bird owner unless they are deeply committed to the animal.
Training a Cockatoo Umbrella Parrot
When training is gentle and consistent, these birds will usually respond well to commands. Things to consider for training:
Positive reinforcement (treats & praise) works well.
The step-up command should be practiced frequently, along with the trick you're working on.
Teach them simple tricks like "wave" or "turn around."
Never yell at them or impose punishment if they make a training mistake. Yelling will only serve to build fear in the bird.
Ideally, you should spend some time. Each day, I do some one-on-one training.
Common Health Issues To Look Out For
Feather-Plucking (mostly caused by stress or boredom).
Respiratory Infections.
Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD).
Obesity (usually a result of poor diet).
Tip: You should see an avian vet once every 6-12 months for a checkup.
Are They Good Pets?
Yes, if you have the time and patience required of a cockatoo. They require:
Constant socialization.
Daily mental stimulation.
A tolerant home environment for noise.
Long-term ownership. Umbrella cockatoos can live for decades.
Final Thoughts
A cockatoo umbrella parrot is not simply a pet, it is a life long partner! By devoting the time to caring for, training, and understanding these birds, you can have many years of happiness and memories. However, they should not be considered as a low-maintenance animal.
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