Instructions
Consider whether there is anything that can be done to enable you to keep your cockatoo. Rehoming will be very traumatic for your bird, and it will be hard to find it a new home that meets its needs. Perhaps you can have the flight wings clipped, and turn one room of your house into a bird-safe room for the cockatoo to have more exercise time.
Contact as many avian rescues as you can find, regardless of their distance from you. There are many rescues and sanctuaries, but not all will have room and not all can accept very large birds, like the Moluccan. One to try that does accept Moluccans when there is room is the Cockatoo Rescue and Sanctuary near Seattle. If they cannot accept your bird, perhaps they can connect you to someone who can. Another to try is Feathered Friends Sanctuary & Rescue in Edgerton, Wis.
Ask a local avian rescue to help you if you decide to place your bird privately. An experienced avian rescue can help you screen the prospective homes, educate a prospective adopter and help you make the best decision. Don't attempt to sell or place your bird without advice from an avian rescue society.
How to Rehome a Moluccan Cockatoo
Moluccan cockatoos are the largest of the cockatoos, reaching 20 inches to 24 inches long. They are beautiful, striking birds, and easily attract people to them, especially when they are smaller babies. Sadly, these are very intelligent, affectionate birds that often do not fare well in the average home setting. They become very attached to their owners, and are extremely noisy and demanding. Though they bond closely to their owner, they don't always like children or other family members. They need lots of time and attention, as well as exercise outside the cage. Some enthusiasts consider Moluccan cockatoos the most difficult to live with as pets. They become destructive, aggressive, noisy and self-injurious if not provided the correct environment. If you are in this sad predicament, the worst thing to do is randomly sell the bird to the first buyer without consideration for its needs or the needs of the buyer.