![]() Fatal attacks may occur in which the male bird severely bites the face, wings, and legs of the female. Male cockatoos may become aggressive toward their mates. A suggested size is 4 feet wide by 4 feet tall by 8 feet long suspended 4 feet above the ground or floor. One inch by 1 inch 12 gauge welded wire is a good choice for cage construction. The breeding cage should be large enough to allow some limited flight between perches. Clutch size is typically two to three eggs. In North America, the birds breed mostly in winter and spring, although some pairs may produce year round. Umbrella cockatoos breed well in captivity and are bred commonly in the United States. Breeding life span is not known precisely, but is possibly up to 30-plus years. Breedingīreeding age can be as young as 3 years, however hand-reared birds may not begin breeding before they are 6 to 8 years old. Ideally, the bird should also have an outdoor cage to allow playtime in the fresh-air and sunlight. Many are also adept at opening cage latches, so locks or escape-proof latches may be necessary. Durable construction is very important because umbrellas are very strong chewers and can easily break welds on poorly constructed cages. Umbrella cockatoos are very active and should be provided the largest cage that space and budget permit – one that allows the bird at least enough room to fully spread his wings. Vitamin supplements are not needed for birds on a pelleted diet. ![]() Juvenile cockatoos are notoriously picky eaters and don’t seem to need much food to maintain themselves, so try to ensure that the food that they do eat is nutritious. If overfed, they may become obese, especially when hand-rearing. ![]() Umbrella cockatoos utilize their calories very efficiently. Treats such as seeds, nuts and table foods may be given in small amounts as rewards for good behavior. Be careful, though: Overfeeding leads to pickiness, wastage and throwing food. If the bird consumes all of her food, give additional food as desired. Feed approximately 1/4 cup of formulated diet and 1/4 cup of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. FeedingĬockatoos should be fed a pelleted diet supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Clip only the primary flight feathers and only enough so the bird will glide to the floor. Care should be taken not to clip the wing feathers excessively as cockatoos often fall and injure themselves. Birds can be misted and allowed to dry in a warm room or in the sun, or gently dried with a blow drier. Routine bathing or showering is vital to maintaining good plumage and skin condition. Precise data on the life span of the average umbrella cockatoo is poorly documented because most umbrellas die long before. Umbrellas and other cockatoo species can be very long-lived and a few individuals in zoos have lived to be 50 or 60 years old. The only color visible on the bird is the yellow on the insides of the wings. The birds have long white crest feathers that conform to the shape of the head when the crest is erect, the feathers spread out like an umbrella. Young cockatoos should be socialized to many people and exposed to a variety of situations such as new cages, toys and visits to the veterinarian. Umbrella cockatoos are playful and inquisitive and they love to chew objects in their surroundings they should always be provided with toys, blocks of wood or branches to chew on. Wild cockatoos feed on nuts, seeds, berries and insects. They also frequent cleared lands and are most active in early morning and late afternoon. In the wild, umbrellas (scientific name Cacatua alba) are found in the northern Maluku province of Indonesia, inhabiting lowland forests – especially mature canopy forests – along rivers. ![]() They are, however, very vocal screaming is often learned when young birds hear the morning or afternoon screaming of another cockatoo. While umbrellas will occasionally speak, they are not known for their ability to mimic. Some may become possessive of their owners, which can lead to unpredictable behavior toward other people, especially as the bird reaches sexual maturity. If deprived of it, they can become noisy and destructive or turn to plucking or self-mutilation. They are, however, demanding of attention. Unlike Moluccans, they are even-tempered and tolerant. Raised correctly, they are excellent companions for those who want a charming, loving bird that likes to cuddle. Umbrella cockatoos – also known as white cockatoos – are affectionate and highly intelligent birds.
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