How Do I Know If My Umbrella Cockatoo Is Happy?
Umbrella cockatoos are stunningly beautiful birds with snowy white plumage that deepens to yellow under their wings. Their crests are recumbent, meaning they lie down but can be raised at will to reflect the bird's mood. Umbrella cockatoos, often called "velcro birds" because of their need for physical contact with loved ones, are extremely social and intelligent, and form close bonds with humans. If their emotional needs are not met, they can become destructive and aggressive. Likewise, umbrella cockatoos display specific behaviors when happy, and learning what they are can help you share your cockatoo's joy.
Emotional Requirements
To keep your cockatoo happy and to help prevent negative behaviors like excessive screaming, destructive chewing, biting and feather pulling, you must provide him with enough quality time with you, as well as sufficient time outside his cage to explore his environment and receive mental stimulation. For times when you can't be with him, provide sturdy toys that require not only physical exertion but require him to solve problems. Keep his cage in a family room so he can spend time with his human "flock." Teaching your cockatoo tricks is a great way to bond with him and challenge him at the same time, but you must tailor training sessions to your bird's attention span. Keep them short and upbeat.
Physical Requirements
To help keep your cockatoo happy, feed her a healthy diet of plain, brown organic parrot pellets augmented with fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid colored pellets, as they are full of unhealthy sugar. Never feed your cockatoo nuts or seeds, which are full of fat and can promote destructive and aggressive behavior.
Provide a spacious, sturdy cage, at least 3 by 2 1/2 by 3 feet, painted with nontoxic paint; to avoid poisoning, make sure there is no zinc. To prevent injury to your umbrella cockatoo, never use a cage with a guillotine door; doors should open to the side, or straight down like a drawbridge. A cage with wheels is an excellent choice; you can then transport your cockatoo from room to room, allowing him to enjoy socializing with family members, or to a quiet room for much-needed sleep--cockatoos require between 10 and 12 hours a day.
Cockatoo Body Language
A happy cockatoo will clack his beak repeatedly. If he is happy and sleepy, he will grind his beak softly, and may fluff his feathers. If he is happy and feeling amorous, he may bang his beak on the side of the cage. A gently lifted crest means he is happy to see you and interested in what you may have brought him. Your cockatoo also will signal happiness by flicking his tail and by hanging upside down. The happiest display occurs when your cockatoo dances and struts back and forth for you; he is exhilarated, and telling you that life--and being with you--is great.
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