How to Keep an Umbrella Cockatoo Healthy

Umbrella cockatoos are intelligent birds with life spans up to 70 years. They are large pets that require lots of attention and interaction. Because they can live so long, caring for and keeping them healthy are serious tasks. Umbrella cockatoos are loving and loyal pets and with the right care, they provide companionship that lasts a lifetime.

Things You'll Need

  • Umbrella cockatoo
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your cockatoo with a healthy diet. These birds need more than seeds to eat. Purchase a quality dry mix that includes dried fruits, vegetables and greens. Feed your bird a variety fruits and vegetables. Cockatoos cannot eat chocolate, avocados, rhubarb or onions.

    • 2

      Give your cockatoo plenty of attention. Birds are social animals and need to spend quality time with their owners. Talk to your bird so he will become accustomed to your voice. Play with your bird; they are coordinated and can perform many tricks. Spending time with your bird will help form a lasting bond between you and him.

    • 3

      Allow your cockatoo time to exercise. All birds need sufficient exercise and stimulation that can only come from being out of a cage. Provide him with perches and toys out of the cage and allow him to time to fly in the house.

    • 4

      Give your cockatoo plenty to chew. Chewing is a habit of most birds and necessary to keep their beaks healthy. Give your bird healthy chew toys, such as those from pet stores, and wooden branches to prevent them from chewing on household items.

    • 5

      Provide spacious accommodation for your cockatoo. They need to have room to move around comfortably and the cage needs to offer fun. Regularly clean the food and water containers and the cage.

    • 6

      Protect your cockatoo from heat and cold. A draft can be dangerous; place your bird's cage in a safe area. They need daily exposure to sunlight, but do not place them in direct sun where they can become overheated.

    • 7

      Allow your cockatoo to bathe. You can provide a shallow dish for this or let them to play under a slow drip from the faucet. Some birds enjoy clean water from a spray bottle.

    • 8

      Treat your cockatoo as a member of the family. Since they are social, they need to be placed where activity occurs in the house.