Umbrella Cockatoo

This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.

White, affectionate, and extremely loud

Umbrella cockatoos are Cacatua alba, from the Moluccas. Adults are about 18 to 20 inches. They commonly reach 50 to 70 years or more, the screaming is extremely high, and care is expert. The crest and the cuddle are the advertisement. The adult bird wants a person for much of the day, chews trim into splinters, and calls at a volume that neighbors will report. Powder down from the feathers bothers some people's lungs. Say that out loud before the bird moves in.

A fair cage is at least 36 by 48 by 48 inches, and the bird still needs hours out in a safe room. Pellets, vegetables, fruit, and limited nuts are the diet. Nuts as the menu make a fat cockatoo. Hormones show up as extra screaming, regurgitation, and bites. Less petting on the back, more sleep, and a boring routine help. They do not remove the fact that this is a difficult species.

A second caregiver is part of the setup

One person cannot be the entire flock for 60 years. Decide who helps, and who takes the bird if you cannot. An avian vet from AAV should already know this animal. Plucking is a medical and a behavioral problem. A silent, fluffed cockatoo is the quiet bird emergency, not a rest day.

Umbrella cockatoo questions

How long do umbrella cockatoos live?

50 to 70 years or more. A hatchling can outlive the person who bought it. Name a second home before you need one.

Why do they scream?

Contact calling is the species, and noise is extremely high. A cockatoo that screams for hours may also be bored or hormonal. The volume itself is normal.

Are they cuddly pets?

They want to be on you. That desire, unanswered, is how umbrella cockatoos end up plucked and surrendered. Expert care means the time, not only the cage.