The Cockatoo
The Golden-mantled Rosella
The golden-mantled rosella (Platycercus eximius), often called the Eastern rosella and the white-cheeked rosella, originates in Australia and is the most colorful and popular of the rosella family. The golden-mantle is a favorite among fanciers because of its stunning appearance and gentle nature. It is possibly the most stunning of the rosellas because of the palate of bright colors that grace its feathers. It has a crimson head and chest, white cheeks, bright yellow belly, cobalt shoulders, flight and tail feathers, a pale green underbelly and a darker green back. Its beak is white and its feet are a light grey. This bird looks like piece of art. It is about 12 inches long, about the size of a sun conure, though its tail is longer, its head is smaller, and it has a more slender appearance.
The golden-mantled rosella is not a consistently noisy bird, save for some chattering, which can be loud. It is not a great talker, but may pick up a few simple words. If you want a great whistler, this bird is for you—play a whistling tape or CD while you are at work, and you will be pleased to find that your rosella picks up tunes easily.
A gentle, easy-going bird, the golden-mantled rosella is an ideal family pet. It is not a cuddler, and will not stand for much petting, but will be content to ride around on your shoulder. A very tame rosella is a good bird for a child who is mature enough to behave properly around any bird. As with all birds, there is the possibility of biting, so be careful with a child's tender fingers. Rosellas make great aviary birds, and will still retain their pet quality in a flighted situation if you take the time to play with them.
These birds are need space and a good diet to thrive. The largest cage you can afford is ideal, but be careful that the bars are the correct spacing for a bird with this head size. An aviary situation is great for these birds, which will live peacefully together in a large enough space. Diet should include lots of fruit and vegetables, and some healthy table foods. Your handfed, tame rosella will love to sit on your shoulder at the dinner table, and will be quite well behaved, unlike many birds that will tend to wander. This is a good way to reinforce the bond between you and your bird, and you can feed him tidbits from you plate. These birds are reported to live for more than 25 years if cared-for properly.
If you want a gorgeous bird for an aviary or habitat setting, or have the space in your home to give this bird the appropriate room, then the golden-mantled is for you. Be sure that you have enough time to spend with your bird, as the golden-mantled will become quite attached to you and will relish your company. He may become despondent if you do not have to time to spend with him. In this case, you may want to consider two.
The Moluccan Cockatoo
The Moluccan Cockatoo (C.moluccensis) is originally from Indonesia, and is a favorite among bird fanciers due to its striking appearance and wonderful temperament. Mollucans are also called Salmon-crested Cockatoos because of the salmon-pink feathers that comprise most of their head crest, which they will display when they are excited, angry, afraid, or thrilled with something.
The Moluccan is a large bird, but can range in size, reportedly because the region in which they are found in the wild is large enough to support "sub species," though I have not heard that information confirmed. The Moluccan is a rosy-pink color, with the depth of the pinkness varying per individual. The feet and beak are black, but are generally covered with powder down, which make them look grey - don't worry, this is absolutely healthy.
In terms of noise, the Moluccan can out-volume and out-yell any other bird. They seem to scream for no reason, whether they are happy or afraid, and even in the middle of the night! Because of their loud voice, they seem to be given away or become neglected more than any other species of bird—it takes a very special household (and special neighbors) to be able to live peacefully with a Moluccan. They are not known to be great talkers, but they will mimic a few words—actually, they will be more likely to yell them. But talking is not why people love Moluccans—this bird is most prized for its affectionate nature.
Moluccans would like nothing more than to be sewn to your body twenty-four hours a day. They crave attention and love, and can become pests because of this trait. They are not very good at "playing alone" and will constantly vie for your attention. If you have the attention to give, great - you will have a happy bird. They are the perfect bird for a shut-in, or someone who is home much of the day. All they want is to be held and cuddled all the time.
Like most cockatoos, Moluccans are incredibly sensitive, and can become neurotic and upset when they are neglected. They are prone to self-mutilation due to this sensitivity, and they hate confinement—the owner of a Moluccan had better provide for a lot of out-of-cage time daily. A large play gym, or even a habitat-type enclosure would suit a Moluccan well. Moluccans are quite destructive, so be prepared to replace the play gym and perches often—and never let a Moluccan near your furniture.
Moluccans are not known biters, but they have very powerful beaks, and care should be taken around small children. Remember, even though your bird is sweet as honey (and Moluccans are), if it has a mouth, it can bite.
House your Moluccan in the largest cage you can afford because they are large birds and need a lot of space. Moluccans are very social animals, and get along well with each other, so if you are not home often, you may want to consider getting two. This should not affect their pet quality. However, nesting Moluccans are notorious for killing their mates—they are known for bird-on-bird aggression in a breeding situation.
The Umbrella Cockatoo
The umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba), also known as the white cockatoo or the great white crested cockatoo, is well-known in bird circles as being one of the most affectionate and affable companion birds widely available on the market today. An Indonesian native, the umbrella is slightly smaller than the Moluccan cockatoo, but is not smaller in personality or charm. This out-going cockatoo is infamous for its outlandish antics and for being clingy with its owners.
The umbrella desires nothing more than to cuddle with the object of its desire, and can become overly attached to other birds or objects in the pet shop, leading to serious disappointment when these birds or objects are sold—these birds are extremely sentimental! In the wild, the umbrella is never without a companion, and the captive umbrella has the same instinctual patterning to bond to a mate, or at least to have a special friend. The best way to make an umbrella cockatoo unhappy is to keep it in isolation.
The umbrella can be distinguished from other white cockatoos by its wholly white crest that raises like an umbrella when the bird is excited, agitated, or ready to play (or bite!). Both the beak and legs are a dark grey, and the feathers on the undersides of the wings and tail are light yellow.
The noise level of this bird is extremely high. It is prone to bouts of loud screaming, especially if it is isolated, locked in a cage, or doesn't get its way. Screaming is often a measure of the bird's displeasure—the louder the more significant the disapproval of its circumstances. Many cockatoos are re-homed because of their superior voices. On the up side, the umbrella can be taught to talk and may acquire a vocabulary of more than 50 words, though most will not learn that many. Often, a bird that learns to talk may substitute screaming for talking—but not all of the time.
Because this bird is large and hates being confined to the point of chewing and picking out its feathers, it requires a large space to live in, preferably an enormous, well-build cage with a top that opens into a playstand. An umbrella can't live happily in a small space, and will become weary and apathetic or agitated and aggressive if confined.
The umbrella owner should have experience with parrots before taking on this feathered handful. This is not a good first bird, nor is a good child's pet. The umbrella also tends to become spoiled very easily, and will not take well to changes in routine, or additions to the family, such as an infant or new puppy.
The umbrella is a long-term commitment for an owner—this species can live up to 70 years with proper care and attention. Unfortunately, many of these sensitive birds don't live that long. They are prone to self-mutilation and the infections that result from that abnormal behavior.
Another serious consideration for a new owner is the powder dust that these cockatoos emit, which can irritate those owners with sensitive respiratory systems or allergies. Use air purifiers if you have room for them, as these items help to cut down on the dust. Regular bathing with clear, warm water will also help.
The umbrella cockatoo certainly makes a charming, affectionate pet, but it's not for everyone. This bird can be as fickle as the weather, playing one minute and screaming and nipping the next. Birds will be birds, with all of their quirks and caprices, and umbrellas are no exception, though the informed umbrella owner is fortunate to live with this extraordinary bird that was named after something ordinary—and indispensable.