How to Breed a Cockatoo

Cockatoos are a breed of parrot sometimes kept as a pet. Cockatoos are excitable, energetic birds with loud voices; they require a patient, calm owner. Although these birds have the potential to be excellent pets for the right owners, they are not domesticated like cats and dogs. These birds have a history of only about 20 years of domestication; most people's breeding pairs were caught in the wild. Breeding cockatoos is difficult and only for the experienced because of their sensitive natures.

Things You'll Need

  • Bird cage
  • Bird feed
  • Food bowl
  • Water bottle
  • Nesting box
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a parrot cage big enough for two cockatoos to have a comfortable amount of room. A cage 4 feet wide, 4 feet tall and 6 feet long hung or set about 4 feet from the floor is a good choice.

    • 2

      Place a nesting box in the bird cage; nest boxes made of wood or metal are suitable. The box must be at least 18 inches deep, 18 inches wide, and 24 inches tall with two entrances on opposite sides. Two entrances allow the female to escape the male if he attacks her.

    • 3

      Complete the cage by installing bird perches, toys, food bowl, and water feeder for the adult cockatoos.

    • 4

      Introduce the male and female cockatoo by placing them into the bird cage. Watch closely and remove the female if the male displays any aggression. Cockatoos are difficult to match and are picky about their mates; you may have to attempt this with multiple pairs before you find a suitable match.

    • 5

      Care for the cockatoos as you normally would once they are living together without aggression. Cockatoos take time to mate; be patient and keep the cockatoos in normal adult health.

    • 6

      Check the nesting box frequently; females lay two to three eggs which incubate for about 24 to 26 days. Once the chicks are born, monitor them daily to ensure they are fed and healthy.