People keep moluccan cockatoos as pets.It's important to understand what living with a pet bird is like before you buy one.The moluccan cockatoo is a high-maintenance pet.They can live for 30 years, and they are very messy.It takes a lot of time, attention, and work to keep a pet.
Step 1: Discuss the responsibilities with your family.
A lot of responsibility is required of cockatoos, who make great pets.You can only feed the bird if you leave it in the cage.You have to spend time with it.If you want a high-maintenance pet, talk to your family.
Step 2: Birds are wild animals.
Though bred into captivity, cockatoos are not a domesticated animal.They aren't going to be tame and keep their natural bird-like personality.You can expect normal bird behavior, like screaming, tearing up wood and paper.The best place to take care of moluccan cockatoos is by experienced bird owners who can deal with their noise and powerful beak.
Step 3: Make sure you are able to deal with the noise of the bird.
One of the loudest parrot species is the moluccan cockatoo.Their decibel rating is close to that of a jumbo jet.If you live with people who are bothered by the noise, they might not be the best choice.If you live in an apartment building, you might want to choose a different species.
Step 4: Birds will be a lifelong pet.
Some cockatoos live as long as a human.The cockatoo won't be gone for 10 to 15 years like a cat or dog.You could have a bird for 30 years.Don't get a bird with the idea that you can just give it away if you get tired of it.The cockatoos bond with their humans.
Step 5: Do you have the money to pay for a Moluccan Cockatoo?
A moluccan cockatoo can cost a good amount of money.The price of the bird will vary depending on where you buy it, but the yearly upkeep can be over a thousand dollars.Food, toys, housing, cleaning supplies, and veterinary visits are included.Do not take on this responsibility if you can't afford to take care of your bird.
Step 6: Your bird will be messy.
There can be a mess around the cage.They need a lot of chew toys to stay occupied, and these can cause a mess inside and outside.They throw food around, which can end up on the floor.It isn't uncommon to see pieces of wood, dust, shells, food debris, paper, or poop around a cage.The debris thrown from the cage can be cleaned with small handheld vacuum cleaners.
Step 7: Prepare for dust.
Dust produced by cockatoos will cause your home to be covered in it.The dust, also known as powder, is fine down feathers that break off and collect on the cockatoo, and eventually gets spread around your home.If you own a bird, you will need to use the vacuum or dust daily.A cockatoo may not be the right species for you if you have allergies or asthma.The cockatoo can help by placing an air filter in the same room.
Step 8: Don't allow excessive chewing.
The cockatoos like to chew.You should keep an eye on them when they are out of their cage to make sure they don't chew up things.They are capable of chewing up shoes, clothes, and furniture.Providing them with chew toys isn't likely to solve the problem.It's a good idea to keep an eye on your bird when they are out of the cage.
Step 9: Birds are loud and demanding.
The loud birds don't mind using their voices.They don't talk as much as other species and may just screech and squawk.If they are bored or not getting much attention, they will make a lot of noise.
Step 10: A large cage is a good buy.
You will need a large cage for the moluccan cockatoos.It's important to choose a cage that gives the bird plenty of room to move around, get exercise, and play.The cage should be large enough for the bird to stretch out its wings in all directions.The cage needs to be strong.Since cockatoos are chewers, they can easily destroy weaker cages that are made out of plastic.Get a cage made of steel.
Step 11: Give your bird a place to call home.
The moluccan cockatoos can be very aggressive towards other birds, and have been known to kill their mates with their powerful beaks.It is best to give your bird its own large cage, and not try to get it to share it with other birds.
Step 12: Spend a lot of time with your pet.
The cockatoos want to spend a lot of time with their humans.They can become loud, depressed, or destructive if you don't spend enough time with them.Try to sit with your bird for at least a few hours a day to keep it company.
Step 13: The cage should be in the common area.
Your bird wants to feel part of the family.Put the cage in a room where you and your family spend a lot of time.The risk of the cockatoo feeling lonely or depressed is reduced by keeping it calm.A bird that can see their family will play happily in their cage, while one in an empty room will start plucking feathers.The fumes from the kitchen can harm your bird.
Step 14: A mat is placed around the cage.
You can buy changeable lining for your bird cage.You can use any kind of paper.You can check the quality of your bird's droppings with the paper.You can use bird litter and Yesterday's News for extra protection.Wood chips are toxic to birds.A protective mat can be placed under the cage to protect it.You can clean rubber mats easily.
Step 15: Provide lots of toys.
When they are left alone in their cage, cockatoos need to be entertained.Provide lots of toys for them to play with.Ropes, swings, puzzle toys, food, chew toys and toys made of bright colors are all great choices.Give your bird lots of things to chew on.You can make your own toys out of wood or cardboard boxes.It's a great idea to destroy toys.Providing cockatoos with toys where they have to hunt or work for their food can help entertain them.
Step 16: Spend time with your bird.
Each day, cockatoos need to spend time with their humans.They may resort to self-mutilation if they don't get regular interaction.Every time you are in the same room with your bird, take it out of its cage and talk to it.When you watch television or work on the computer, some cockatoos like to sit on your legs.Play fetch with your bird using soft objects while you exercise them.It's important to let your bird out in a safe environment.All doors, windows, pets, wires, and anything that could harm the bird should be closed.
Step 17: Don't let your bird sit on your shoulder or walk on the ground.
If your bird is allowed on your shoulder, it might bite you.They might become aggressive to people walking nearby if you let them walk around on the ground.If you want to discourage aggressive behavior, make sure your bird isn't on your shoulder or on the ground.
Step 18: There is a jungle gym.
If you want to spend time with your bird out of the cage, you can let it play on a jungle gym or play house.There is a room where you and your family spend a lot of time.This will allow your moluccan cockatoo to spend time with their humans.