Life Span of a Cockatoo

Cockatoos are a unique bird in the sense that they can be found out in the wild, while thriving in captivity at zoos as well. In addition, people can have cockatoos as pets. These charming birds have a long life span, averaging between 40 and 60 years. People who purchase them as pets must know that raising a cockatoo is a major, lifelong commitment.

  1. Basic Facts

    • Cockatoos are most commonly thought of as a large white bird, which may have the capability to speak with its owner. However, cockatoos come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A cockatoo can range from a couple ounces to a couple pounds in weight, and from 1-foot to 2.5-feet tall. Cockatoos will live for about 40 to 60 years, but some cockatoos in captivity have been known to live for 100 years. A cockatoo is considered an adult once it is three or four years old.

    Personalities

    • Cockatoo personalities are mysterious to scientists and bird enthusiasts alike. Some cockatoos can be destructive, while other cockatoos are fun-loving, obedient and gentle. Cockatoos are known for being manipulative and contemplative; they have a tendency to change moods very quickly, from going quiet and pensive to screaming in fits seconds later. Cockatoos have a desire to be pampered and cuddled and can get their feelings hurt; if their feelings become hurt, cockatoos may become aggressive.

    Training

    • If a person has a desire to keep a cockatoo as a pet, it is important that the cockatoo has extensive training. Cockatoos make great pets for humans, but they do require time outside their cage to play and cuddle. In order to allow cockatoos to have this change of scenery they need, they must know the proper way to behave in a person's house. Cockatoos require a lot of personal attention and are prone to neurotic tendencies such as self-mutilation if they do not get the attention they require.

    Types of Cockatoos

    • One of the most well-known cockatoo species is the Umbrella Cockatoo, which is the white cockatoo with a yellow crest. However, there are about 17 different cockatoo species. Other cockatoo species include the Goffin Cockatoo, which has a small white crest different than many of the other cockatoos. Another type of cockatoo is the Moluccan Cockatoo, which is a salmon-pink colored cockatoo. The Palm Cockatoo is exceptionally unique as it has black feathers and looks quite different from the other cockatoos.