Cockatoos are frequently relinquished to sanctuaries and rescue organizations, often due to the misconception that they are overly difficult to keep as pets. While they are indeed demanding and require significant attention, this doesn’t mean they are inherently unfit for companionship. The reality is that many cockatoos face rehoming due to a fundamental misunderstanding of their true nature and needs.
The Pervasiveness of Misinformation Online
A significant amount of information available online about cockatoos perpetuates myths, leading to inappropriate care and subsequent behavioral issues. For instance, some widely cited websites describe cockatoos as “velcro birds” that crave constant petting and attention, requiring at least two hours of daily socialization. They also claim that a lack of attention can lead to depression, feather plucking, and destructive behavior. This type of information, though frequently repeated on authoritative-looking sites, is often based on misinformation and lacks scientific backing. A true deep dive into the scientific literature reveals very little about their wild breeding behavior, with search results dominated by descriptions of them as loud, demanding, and, erroneously, cuddly. This highlights how our own perceptions shape our understanding, leading us to see cockatoos “as we are,” rather than as they truly are.
Understanding Cockatoo Behavior: Beyond “Cuddly” and “Needy”
The pervasive labels of “cuddly” and “needy” applied to cockatoos are largely misinterpretations of their natural behaviors, projected by human tendencies. The truth is that cockatoos are not inherently cuddly; rather, humans often are, and we project this desire onto our pets. To understand this misconception, we must look at two key aspects of wild cockatoo behavior: their parenting styles and how adult pairs maintain their bonds.
Cockatoo Parenting and Development
Each parrot species has a unique way of nurturing its young, and cockatoos are no exception. Information gathered from breeders who allow pairs to raise their own chicks, often aided by nest box cameras, provides valuable insights. For example, observations of Moluccan Cockatoos show parents providing near-constant feeding and physical attention to their chicks for several months, with a natural weaning period extending close to a year. This intensive nurturing includes preening, beak touching, and even “comfort” feedings after stressful events.
In contrast, many cockatoos bred for the pet trade are weaned prematurely, often sent to new homes between four and five months of age, long before they are naturally food-independent. This rushed weaning deprives them of the close physical nurturing essential during their formative weeks. Consequently, these young birds arrive in their new homes with an unfulfilled need for nurturing, which is then misinterpreted as an innate desire for constant cuddling, rather than a result of deficient rearing. This misunderstanding is often reinforced by online information that encourages petting and cuddling as the appropriate response. As breeder Katy McElroy observed, ignoring natural weaning timelines can lead to a “needy” parrot, and encouraging this neediness creates a dependent bird lacking essential life skills. This can result in a bird that constantly seeks physical proximity, screams for attention, and exhibits aggression towards family members or other pets.
The Reality of Independent Cockatoos
Evidence suggests that cockatoos are not inherently more “cuddly” or “needy” than other parrot species. For instance, Chris Shank’s blog details the development of a young cockatoo named Star, who, after fledging, naturally sought less close physical contact with her parents, indicating her needs for emotional support were met during the nest box phase. Similarly, Wendy’s experience with Georgie Pink, as documented in another blog post, demonstrates how providing enrichment and training can foster independence, preventing him from becoming a “velcro” bird. Furthermore, wild-caught cockatoos, such as Pamela Clark’s Moluccan, Cyrano, are often observed to be powerful, resourceful, and independent, not particularly cuddly, as they were raised by their parents in the wild. The propensity for cockatoos to become overly dependent and “cuddly” is largely a consequence of how they are bred, reared, and subsequently treated by their human companions.
Understanding Pair Bonding in Cockatoos
Cockatoos, like many species, form strong pair bonds, defined as a close relationship through courtship and sexual activity with another individual. In the wild, these bonds are maintained through behaviors like mutual preening and close proximity perching. When humans engage in extensive cuddling and petting with adult cockatoos, they inadvertently convey the message that they are the bird’s mate, thereby forming a pair bond.
The Cycle of Misunderstood Behavior
Well-intentioned owners often adopt cockatoos and, influenced by prevalent online myths, provide excessive physical contact. While this may suit the young bird, it also fulfills the human need for companionship. This process fosters dependence in the growing cockatoo and, as the bird matures, this dependence can develop into pair-bonding behavior. Once a strong pair bond is established, the owner’s quality of life can significantly decline. This often leads to problematic behaviors such as screaming, aggression, feather destruction, and self-mutilation, along with potential physical issues like cloacal prolapse.
Avian veterinarians and behavior consultants are well-acquainted with this pattern. The difficulty in resolving these issues is compounded by the owner’s reluctance to alter their behavior, often finding it emotionally devastating to stop cuddling their bird. Many owners, feeling victimized by their bird’s behavior despite following perceived advice, struggle to understand the root cause.
Identifying and Addressing the True Victim
In reality, it is often the cockatoos who are victimized by human actions. This victimization occurs through various practices: breeding without understanding innate developmental needs, premature weaning for financial gain, clipping wings to prevent fledging, excessive shoulder and lap time, cuddling under covers, and making decisions based on perceived wants rather than the bird’s need for an independent lifestyle.
Solutions for Healthier Cockatoo Relationships
Avoiding this “disaster pattern” is possible. Firstly, it is advisable to avoid adopting baby cockatoos from breeders unless they allow parents to fully rear their offspring and ensure food independence aligned with natural patterns. Finding such breeders can be challenging. A more recommended approach is to adopt an older cockatoo from a rescue organization, as there is a high likelihood they have already formed a pair bond with a previous owner.
Upon adoption, instead of reciprocating the bird’s attempts to form a pair bond (e.g., by begging for petting), it is crucial to reinforce any independent behavior displayed. This shift in focus allows the bird a chance for a happier, more autonomous life. By training the bird to perform new, functional behaviors, the owner can become a source of guidance rather than solely physical affection, leading to a significantly improved quality of life for both bird and human. We owe them this effort to ensure their well-being.
Pamela Clark, an IAABC Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant, is dedicated to assisting parrot owners through behavior consultations and providing trustworthy information. Further resources, consultation scheduling, and newsletter subscriptions are available at http://www.pamelaclarkonline.com.
