Over the years, we’ve developed a love for all manner of feathery friends, but the one that catches our eye time and time again easily is the Moluccan Cockatoo. This wonderfully vivacious bird exhibits remarkable charm and remarkable splendor, making it a wonderful pet for those in the know. Yet, as spectacular as these birds might be, they do have specific needs and traits that owners need to understand before welcoming them into their home.
About the Moluccan Cockatoo
These fascinating birds are members of the parrot clan, with their roots traced back to Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia. Their size varies, ranging from 12 inches to a significant 20 inches from tip to tail. One fascinating characteristic of cockatoos is that the females are usually larger than the males. Their coloration spectrum is vast, from plain hues to vibrant splashes. Still, they all share one thing, a notable crest of feathers atop their heads that they can erect when they feel like it.
Cockatoo Dining Habits
These birds have a quite varied diet in the wild, feasting on seeds, fruits, flowers, insects, and tuber plants. As pet owners, to ensure their well-being, providing them with a similar diet is beneficial. While they might be interested in your dinner, keep them away from junk or greasy foods – they are harmful more than they are delicious!
Why Moluccan Cockatoos Make Great Companions
While all cockatoos might not make the perfect pets, the Moluccan cockatoo, with its stunning salmon and pink plumage, stands out from the crowd. They are, unfortunately, considered a threatened species in their natural habitat in South Moluccas, Indonesia. This is mostly due to habitat loss and illegal trapping. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain these birds only from validated and responsible breeders.
Hand Trained and Sociable
These birds are naturally affectionate. They adore the close contact with their owner, sometimes even demanding cuddles for hours. It’s essential to remember that their need for interaction means they shouldn’t be left alone for too long. Whether in their human company or the company of other birds, they crave social interactions.
Providing a Forever Home
Once you bring a Moluccan cockatoo into your home, you’re likely to have them for a lifetime. These birds can live well past a hundred years. Their ability to form strong bonds with their humans makes them a one-family bird, but remember to socialize them with all family members so they can feel loved even when their primary caregiver isn’t present.
This blush-feathered friend certainly does require a degree of dedication, but for devoted bird lovers, the rewards of owning a Moluccan Cockatoo are incomparable.