Warning! The Truth About Cockatoos 

Hi, Don't forget to visit the description for more *INFO* Check out more videos in my channel, and if you liked them you're welcomed to subscribe ❤

Also keep in mind that they have long lifespans. I'm talking long life spans as in this one guy got a cockatoo when he was a small child, and he grew old enough and died before the cockatoo, so the cockatoo had to be put down as it would not sit well with other owners. They are literally a life-long pet.

I’ve always wanted one but it’s clear I need much more preparation before I will be able to handle it

Anyone who thinks they're not quite ready for a cockatoo, get a cocokaTEIL instead. Most of the fun of a cockatoo but in a smaller, less tempremental, easier to handle and take care of bird.

It sticks out to me after watching certain cockatoo channels for a while, when one of them talked about how he acquired his Cockatoo (fans will immediately recognise this as being Max) and his owner admitted how it wasn't planned, he was just caring for him for a friend, but it turned out now working out as his friends bird and the bird became attached to him. Now he loves this bird, but it's much like having a toddler to care for. A toddler that never ages and lives for decades. They never get older and more independent, and they require the same amount of care and attention every day. They're great birds for cute videos, but they must be exhausting pets. Even for the experienced, for this reason. You can't just get tired and stick them in a cage to get away from them and some piece for a bit, and they're smart enough to resent you if you do. Beautiful birds, but only the most equipped and capable should care for them. Every animal deserves a fulfilling life, but it seems the cockatoo has particularly higher needs for enrichment and stimulation than most other pets. Why it's likened to having to constantly care for a toddler. Mad respect for those who give these birds the life they deserve

Now THAT'S what I want in an info video. Straight to the point, bang bang bang, answers your questions with relevant and interesting footage. Turn the music down a bit and it's perfect.

I got ONE! They are hard work!! Don't get me wrong!! They are loving funny cuddly smart problem solving aka escape artists can talk in sentences! Mimick as in watch what you say round them! Because they will repeat it!! If you have other pet's they can be territorial but I have 2 cats one dog!! And they stay clear of mine!! Bad points!! Screaming yes its defining and loud!! Showing off when you have guests or visitor's! ! YOU can't leave them unattended! They will litterally scream your house down!! Love to destroy walls excetra buy them toys!! Life span!! There is old duster he's on RU-vid!! He's 84! So if you do get ONE! Make long plans and a will!! Because I can guarantee YOU!! your cockatoo will outlive you!! But once you learn to live with the bad points! YOU get a honorable loving life long friend who will make you laff!! Cheer you up!! And yes they are like us!! They get days where they want to be left alone!! Let them come to YOU! But fresh water fruit and seed daily is a must!! And learn to wash them with a warm spray bottle and a hair dryer trust me they love it!! Thanks for reading!! 👍

Sharing your life with a Cockatoo is a lifestyle. Their demands will take over your life. I had 10 years experience working with parrots, including working in an aviary before deciding to adopt a Mollucan. We did our research including visiting bird sanctuaries and even the National zoo. I still had no idea what we were in for when we brought him home. As the video states they have the intelligence of a human toddler and share many of the same traits. They throw tantrums, they throw food, they bite, and their scream has been measured at 110db (compared to 130db for a jet engine at 100 feet). He's been our faithful companion for over 38 years, but I know I speak for both of us when I say I there are days we wish we didn't have him.

SO true and required information for anybody thinking that having one is a cakewalk. A lot of responsibility to consider before taking the plunge. Thank you again for the reminder!

I get it. If someone wants to have a cockatoo..they NEED to learn, study, volunteer with bird sanctuary and be PREPARED! They also need to have TIME AND MONEY...and be reasonably young..or adopt an old fellow.They are sooo funny and cute, but so are lots of things that are not necessarily easy to handle. Thanks!

The problem with most people is they don't read up on pets before purchasing them, and , people see Cockatoos on RU-vid videos and think it's all fun and games. I've had pets all my life, but, before I get any pet, I read and read and ask people that own them, what are the pros and cons. You have to see past the beauty of the bird and the fact it talks and can entertain you to death with its antics. It's a huge commitment. I grew up with pet birds, and I suggest if you haven't had birds before, start with a parakeet, a cockatiel is a wonderful pet bird, and more manageable. Birds are like people, they have good days and bad, however, with a cockatoo, a bad day can be a disaster if you don't know how to handle it. Listen to what people are telling you, because it's the truth. There's a lot of power in that beak, remember that. I watch Max on RU-vid and I watch Pebble and it entertains me to no end, however, you will notice both their owners are honest and tell the truth about what a commitment it is. I think it was Max's owner who said it 's like living with a 3 year old that never grows up. Both those birds have loving and committed owners, and I applaud them for that. They devote a lot of time and a lot of love to their pets, and it's so wonderful to see what loving homes they have given to these birds.

I would just add as an unprepared Sulfur Crested Cockatoo owner that you don't train the bird to live with you, instead, you end up training yourself to live with it. Alfie loves to scream, shits everywhere and thinks nothing of chewing through wires as he seems impervious to electrical currents. He is also surprisingly clever and funny too.

My 9 yr old U2 has bit me very badly twice so far. They won't let go once they latch on! It punctures your skin like a knife wound and both times I developed an infection that tracked up my arm. It took months to recover and did more internal damage to my hand than I realized. If you do get bit and swell do not hesitate to go to the dr. The longer you wait the more damage is happening without you even realizing it.

As a child I had 3 cockatoos (at different times) and took care of them by myself, they all became very attached to me. I do agree that you shouldn’t get a cockatoo for a young child/ child that doesn’t know how to act or be with birds

Everyone should see this video! Most of the time its a bad owner, not a bad bird. These birds take a lot of work, but so rewarding when they are happy and in a responsible home. If you don't have a lot of time and money to put into your bird, don't buy a Cockatoo! You will end up damaging the bird.

I have a Tanimbar Cockatoo, he's 16. He's as loud as a jet engine, never hesitate to make noise in the middle of the night. Sometimes I feel like my neighbor will throw a bomb at my house because of the noise he made. They are drama queen, demanding, and destructive. Mine destroys almost everything in my house, just this morning he chewed my laptop cable that worth more than $50. He holds grudges against anyone that makes fun of him. He bites everyone in the house except me, my God so frustrating. However, he's so lovely towards me hahaha and I love him.

I work at a native animal sanctuary and handle several varieties of cockatoos daily. I have a large aviary at home with both an indoor and outdoor section with proper fencing and nesting sites. I’m finally getting a gang gang cockatoo of my own after falling in love with them at work. They aren’t for everyone but as long as you are dedicated, they’re amazing life companions. I also own horses and foster macropods so I’m no stranger to having big responsibilities.

I got my due to last owner couldn’t tame her and she sent one of them to the hospital. I ended up taming her, but ended up buying the bird from them. I dealt and train 100’s of parrots. My all time favorite was Baby my my umbrella cockatoo and reason I bought her. This bird was one of the most aggressive and dangerous bird I come across as she was caged up for years due to no one wanted to handle her much and she was scared of pretty much everything. So she would bite at any chance she could get. She turn out to be my best feather companion and goes where I go, even to work with me. She rides on my shoulder at stores and etc. she now we’ll socialize and people even play and talk to her. She doesn’t no longer show any sign of past aggression. One of the reason cockatoos are my favorite is the fact they are temperamental. It is the inexperienced owners that are at fault. Theses birds get a bad name like pit bulls do. They are super smart and love being around people in general and can be very gentle. They only scream out of bad habits, due to want attention and they learned that how they get it. It easy to train them out of it.

I maybe wrong but I think the Sulphur Crested too is probably the more chilled, calmest cockatoo out of all the cockatoos. I have one .I'm only going by that. I adopted him. I thought he was around 13 then found out that he's 29. However he's only bitten me a couple times earlier in the relationship but he hasn't bit me in a couple years now because I know what to look for. I know the signs and it's not that often he does that .He gets tired and grumpy like I get grumpy. He wants to be put down, or he wants to poop and he doesn't like to poop on my shoulder and if I don't set him down he nips my ear lightly, if I don't get the message he'll nip me much harder. I love this bird dearly and I miss him every day when I go to work I can't wait to come home to greet him and my other parrots including my two African greys my two Conures and my to Quakers and my cockatiel and 4 parakeets. I'm a 56 year-old single person and they are my family I love them dearly.

Thanks for being straight about this stuff man.

Thank you. Truthful and informative.

Great respect to people who sacrifice their needs in life to take on these complex intelligent birds, really admire you all!

i have never in my life seen a predominately calm cockatoo...if a cockatoo is calm and quiet all the time,then there is something wrong with it... a healthy and happy cockatoo is one that is loud,always moving and consistently acting silly...these birds love to socialize and vocalize even when they do not want something.

On that note I won't be getting a cockatoo thanks for the warning. Lol😏😳😂

What I was told that they are crazy. It's like someone with a split personality. One lady told me it was easier to raise her kids than her cockatoo.

Well, i’m getting a cockatiel instead.

Thank you for this information! A lot of people go and get pets, because of only a fraction of what they see. As in movies- videos, great video thanks again.

Very good advice for people considering any kind of parrot. They can be wonderful but are very loud, messy, and demanding. Don’t get a bird unless you are committed to many years with a needy 2 year old!

I am a great supporter of videos like this. Everyone who wants to own any type of pet should always do a detailed search and this video serves its purpose. Well done!

Omg you have just explained the cockatoo with absolute perfection! as soon as I saw you had a self crested cockatoo AKA - the Australian spawn of Satan I knew this was a video worth watching, when you said they will chew your house down I was rolling on the floor laughing as this is exactly what happened to my friend he had no architraves left in his house it was hilarious, he lost his wardrobe, curtains everything too funny to comprehend lol

More people need to know this stuff....RU-vid needs to to prioritise this content! Oi RU-vid!!!! I’m on to it :) thank you for the video you are amazing, we need more like you in this world!:) cockatoos are my spirit animals & groups of two species fly to the tree outside my house every morning and on their way to wherever they are going, and every afternoon to check in on their way back home :) Bless!

I really wish there was more informational Videos out there on the care of cockatoos. Everybody has that five minute warning video but nobody posts the videos that help bird owners better take care of their cockatoos so that the birds lead more productive happier lives.

Thank you for the reality check.

Thank you so much for posting this video!! Wonderful Public Service Announcement. So many cockatoos are abused, neglected or abandoned because although they can be very entertaining and lovable, they seem to require a lot of love and attention which they do deserve it and sometimes show in ways actually demanding it, lol. They are beautiful birds. I've decided to appreciate the responsible owners posting videos showing the pros and cons of owning one. They make and take the time to get to know the Cockatoo's personality and work with it if necessary. To those considering getting one ... please look into adopting one instead of purchasing one. So many of them need good homes.

Thank you for posting these ABSOLUTE TRUTHS! Add: a cockatoo's life expectancy is minimum 50 years.

I guess I won’t get one :(

We had one while I was out New New Guinea. Yea Bad Bird. They are alcoholics. Every night he would join us in the bar. He even had his own beer mug. After a few drinks, he would start talking rubbish. Could not understand him, so he would talk louder. I think he wanted to have all the attention. By the time to leave, he would stagger out walking. Somewhere in the night would make it to a tree then hang upside down squawking very loudly. It was hard to sleep sometimes for both of us. The next morning would come around, yep, he would have a hangover. Hard to reason with him, and he could be mean. The moral of this story is, Don’t let your cockatoo drinks boos.

They live for 50 plus years, can be very destructive. Australia.

I'm listening to the wild ones screeching outside whilst I'm reading these comments. They're fun to watch but they can be destructive

From the tiny cockatiel to the grand palm cockatoo -- cockatoos are impressive, but definitely animals that require lots of research and TONS of money! 💀💀💀

1:09 the way that sentence is narrated in that matter of fact voice made me laugh.

FINALLY A REALISTIC VIDEO ON A COCKATOO.

I volunteer at my local bird rescue and that’s good enough for me at the moment although I do miss crazy dinosaurs when I’m in my birdless home

We are not the most experienced bird owners, but we do have cockatiels, budgies and other parrots. But one day we found a cockatoo with a badly injured wing. We took him home and put him in our spare cage. We named him Bossiso s man as a quick first name because the next day we going to be picked up by a vet. The vet said that what we were doing is that same as what they would have done so we kept him for a while until his wing is ok. But his wing never fully healed. He can fly from cage to cage but not out in the open. Turns out we dont need a licence to keep this type of cockatoo so we had no choice really. His name is now Fred and he is a very gentle cockatoo. We love him to bits :)

I have had many birds and I do have a cockatoo. She loves everybody. I even took her into the healthcare facility where I worked. She loves children and is not afraid of anything. Layla flies and is potty trained.

Good job there needs to be more videos like this out there cockatoos are not for everybody they do scream they are destructive and they do require a lot of care and attention but like you said most people watch the cute videos and just go buy one thinking that it's just going to be in automatically cute pet when like you said they can become very aggressive in some cases usually it's males like I said thank you and good job you're helping cockatoos everywhere

Vey good and sensible information, we keep Parrots, we have known a cockatoo for 15 years not ours, but we know it has tantrums just like a child when it does not get enough attention, we have seven parrots but not a cockatoo, we love them all very much, they are the smaller breeds, we bought them when they were babies, which is a great advantage as they treat you like mum and dad. We also have 17 peacocks, as many love birds also ornimental pheasants, as you can tell we are bird people, we love them all. kindest regards Paladon.

I am perfectly happy with my budgies, thank you!

We recently (a year ago) adopted a rescue. She'd been beaten, starved, and locked in a cage not even fit for a cockatiel for the whol 12 years of her life. Now a year later, she still plucks, not at as bad, we are working on it..but she's decided I am her human. Not my first bird, we've have farm fowls, parakeets, cockatiels and indian ringnecks, but this bird is something else! Shes a rotten brat for one, (my fault whoops) but a year later I am glad to see she isn't so afraid of everything anymore. She's better, but I still get bit and she has bad days, however no more small cage, no more living off table scraps and parakeet food, she's finally found her voice- though I pray for silence in the AM lord help me. We didn't intend to adopt any more birds, but she's a good fit here :) straight up informal video! I just wish people wouldn't impulsively buy these animals expecting them to be youtube stars

Thank you for warning us all mate. I've watched many RU-vid cockatoo videos to see if I could accommodate an orphaned cockatoo, but ended up disliking them intensely. These are surely the very worst, most aggravating pets to take on. They are arrogant, bad-tempered, foul-mouthed and domineering, and they actually think they are amusing. I just cannot stand that sort of human, let alone a flying shit-machine, savage to the point of taking your eye out and blinding you or your children when you least expect it. I feel dreadfully sorry for anyone who has misguidedly adopted one, no matter what age it is. You picture owning one as a pal on your shoulder who loves you and entertains you, but what you actually have is a dangerous wild animal that would think nothing of tearing your ears and eyes to ribbons. If I had my way any trade in these birds would be immediately stopped, and all cockatoos should be considered for possible release into the wild, especially if it would be preferable for the bird. There should be cockatoo classes where you are lent one to adopt for a week or two. Once the swine settles down it will proceed to destroy all your furniture and soft furnishings, chewing up anything it can sink its beak into. Cockatoos are not suitable in any respect to become 'tame' birds acquired for a human's ego or entertainment, They respond badly to being locked up in your home, particularly if they are alone for any length of time, when they are most likely to rip your leather or corduroy three-piece suite to little threads. They are also way too sly and nimble for most people, especially if you have the blasted creature for decades, into your old age, when it will take advantage of your kindness and lack of agility. If you are thinking of owning one of these smug flying shit machines then think again, because most people who own one get fed up with them very quickly and within a month you realise you have taken on a human baby of 3 months age which will destroy everything you own including your marriage, family and circle of friends. Nobody wants to visit you and have the time taken up entirely by a loud-mouthed creature that thinks it's funny. Please, just adopt a rescued budgie or a little dog whose human died. THEY deserve your love and kindness far more than a shit-bombing smart-arse fuckwit..

Raising cockatoo is a lot of work as they are more like babies

I myself have a 4 month old citron, they're really hard to take care of as you have to handfeed it if it was originally fed my its mother you have to force feed it, my hand once lost a chunk while i tried to feed it. so instead of getting a cockatoo get a cockatail theyre better and easier to take care of i really reccomend them

I hope those that want one watch this...especially the change of mood. Still have a scar from a friend's cockatoo..they need toys and ATTENTION! A good bird vet too..I'll just keep my outdoor possums!

I’ve always wanted a cockatoo it’s been my dream bird for years and years and years but because I did my research I started of with a cockatiel and now after 5 years I’m saving up for one. I’ve been sitting for my Aunts Cockatoo for a while now just to have some experience ☺️

I've had a Molocum Cockatoo for 21 years. Bipolar is the most accurate way I could describe this breed of bird. They are very demanding of your attention. Only very committed individuals should even think about acquiring one as a pet parrot.

Excellent, excellent advice clearly stated and well put thanks

In my experience in real life they kinda fit me Very nice and gentle and also crazy

I have expirience with 2 budgies and one cocktiel sooooo i think i'm ready for cockatoo.Wish me luck.

I have raised all my furry, and not so furry, friends from babies - I am 26 and my greatest concern is who my friend will choose to act as caretaker once I'm gone... 65 years is a long time. Are they too temperamental to find a new caretaker after 30+ years?

I have been in the parrot world for 45 years, Double Yellow Heads and African Greys. They are everything to me. I appreciate their love, communication skills and intelligence. Sunny my two year old (DYH) is beyond your imagination he is so smart it’s scary. His vocabulary and communication skills surpass all my expectations! He dances and now he is learning to sing. He loves Old McDonald had a Farm and Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed! I appreciate your hard work in educating the public on raising parrots. I do find offensive your Negative Feedback on specific Parrots and Breeds Comments like “ Birds are Too Messy “ Don’t Get a Bird!!! Or You need experience So go to a Shelter before considering buying a African Grey or Amazon!! I feel compassion for your Cockatoos since you hate them, and you aren’t kidding. I Can see/read your body language and your video sinks my heart. You obviously know that their are bird lovers that love Cockatoos. They are extremely Affectionate and Musically inclined. Famous Snowball and Famous Frosty, are both Cockatoos , They are WorldWide Famous! Pebbles Is also famous and unique! Kelly loves his Cockatoo! all these.Cockatoo They dance better than any human I have ever seen. Music is a passion of mine. In my Opinion, keep it Positive, -so everyone can learn and appreciate their loving companions. and enjoy learning about them from folks like you. Encouragement is so important to people not personal negative opinions. So keep it up, Thank you, Sunny and Debbie

VERY TRUE!!!

Cockatoos also live a long time and may out outlive you so make plans for whoever is going to take care of it if you are an older person when you acquired it.

Thank you for this video. With any animal it's like having a child, and I've seen I'm not ready for a feathered one yet. Still love them tho 😭❤️

If I get a bird I will stay away from Macaws (except the mini), Amazons, Greys, cockatoos, and toucans

could not help but notice the crow at the beginning of the video.. those are also alot of work (ravens too) but,like parrots they can be very rewarding companions.

Thank you. People are too apt to take on a pet without learning about their needs.

They are special, I had a friend that s dad breed them and others. I've always had a respect for all birds local and exotic.

I am 12 years old and have a 15-16 year old white cockatoo she loves me and I love her too. I make sure to give her all her essentials and let her get sunlight and everything. They really aren’t that hard to take care of! 😄

I adopted an 8 year old goffins, she’s the third bird I’ve owned. She was barely ever held in all that time and barely bathed. She plucks badly, but has improved dramatically. I couldn’t get her into her travel cage without a fight and toweling her. Now she’ll willingly, every time, step up into it. Caring for her and being patient enough to wait for her has been painfully slow but so worth it when she cuddles under my neck for kisses and head scratches. I can feel the real love, thanks for being the one to save her. It breaks my heart every day, just how sweet she is

This post, as well as the comments below are super helpful and informative. I changed my mind on getting a cockatoo, but this was an informed and thought out decision and this post helped a lot -- Thanks (to Salvador Budgie and the commentors as well!)

I'll stick to a cockatiel 😅

My cousin has a cockatoo and it’s very friendly but if someone touches while it’s trying to sleep it bites them

Thank you for being honest!

I have 11 birds including an Umbrella and a Ducorp's. The Umbrella is the largest of them all but he is scared of all the other birds and especially the Ducorp's bullies him when she gets the chance. He is now 13, have him for 11 years now. He is simply a sweetie pie at times and a nightmare to manage other times, but I've learned to read his body language and works around that. The Ducorp's on the other hand is simply one ball of love with me but she does not tolerate anybody else. Cockatoos are definitely not for everybody.

I fell in love with one of these guys at a bird adoption spot near us, I needed this video, I want this boy so bad but I know I’m not ready for him

They have a nasty bite

I have to say nonsense. I have six moluccan cockatoos. They're extremely intelligent birds that you must train to understand who the boss is. My newest one I've had for about 2 years is a large male that has been rehomed multiple times. After a couple years he's a sweetheart. The other five I've had for 25 years. A couple of my females wouldn't even think of biting me, even when they're angry. At bedtime I walk into the bird room and they're all wandering on other birds cages. All I say is "get on your cages everyone" and they all get on the top of their own cage so I can turn the lights out. Cockatoos are the best.

That you so much for this info!

I'd love to have one for a week. 10 Days. Obviously that isn't going to happen. But they really are charming creatures!

And this is coming from a channel which focuses mainly on budgies

Had my old girl 23 years . She was an old rescue bird. Her owner passed away Old age . She's really old but a sweet girl to me. Anybody else She's flying bolt-cutters.

My cockatoo screams in the night, and tries to get off his feathers.

Grateful for that well educated and informative *honesty and caution.* Much to consider before getting a cockatoo...For the well being of the cockatoo and its owner/owners and others involved...Both.people and animals! TYSM! This to be understood before taking on a cockatoo...which can be *very rewarding and enriching* for both the bird and their family...whether it consists of one human family member without other pets or multiple of both! MUCH to consider! TYSM!!

Whenever i hear people saying they want a cockatoo my go 2 response is always start with a pigeon!!!

I own a Cockatoo who is twenty -three. She is great but then I know of parrots.

That CROW! I LOVE CROWS.

Cockatoos are bipolar.

Thanks for the information. I won't be getting this bird after all. 😣

This man speaks words of wisdom. I love my Too ! I have 2 Greys, 2 Conures, 1 Female Quaker, 1- Cockatiel, And 16 Parrokeets. They ALL cohabitate with eachother in a 14'×35' room . No cages, full flight feathers,. They have bamboo, suspended a foot from the ceiling all across the dedicated Aviary. I sacrificed my lifestyle for these Little fire breathing peckerheads ! But they are my peckerheads. I love them all. Getting back to my Cocky. It has been almost 7 years since my male cocky bit me. However, when he did bite me ...... It was bad, but could of been much worse. He got my ear and he meant it ! Blood everywhere, pain . I felt emotionally hurt. Earlier that day he sat on my lap for over 2 hours, me caressing him,loving him,he loving me back. But he changed later that day.

I am about to embark on the adventure of adopting a re homed bird . I have had a yellow headed amazon years ago and a a cockatiel so not a rookie bird owner but this will be a new experience ! I am at the moment waiting for birds arrival.

OMG Thank you so much for the advice! I was actually planning on getting a Cockatoo but now I realise I need a lot more experiece.

Peebles Makes Crazy look like Fun!

everyone was very scared of my Cockatoo, she was funny, she could talk and answer, she would entertain us, but she also could bite real hard, she ate wall trim , she screamed really loud. I don't advise anyone unless you have owned one to buy a Cockatoo, never rescue one unless you have owned one, i am talking about older one not babies. They need held and talked to never put one in a room alone they don't deserve that . Should be flying not their fault they are in a cage. Mine was never caged while i was home.

I noticed someone petting his belly. I’ve read that you are not supposed to pet them anywhere except their head and feet because it can cause hormonal temperament issues.

Birds are a lot of work! Great video. I've cared for budgies, then went to a conure. Much smaller than cockatoo but very spunky & temperamental when upset. Jealously yep. Very messy. We love him & he's beautiful, smart. Bottom line, research your bird first. Start with easier smaller species.

Truth about cockatoos: they’re actually cockathrees

Yep. Very hard to look after

I heard its recommended that you pet a cockatoo less than 1 year old because a cockatoo can get really attached to the owner and transferring it can become very difficult. Though it is a very human like behaviour, I think thats majority of the times they get angry sometimes. But in no way can they get angry for no reason.

most lovely birds in the world ,, stay positive give love and attention, gonna be all right xxx

Everyone beware these animals are beautiful, bizarre and fascinating. I wouldnt recommend owning one unless you have a seperate room for it too live. Between the piercing screams, agressive gestures and desecration of your property uhh.. these are not a great investment. They belong in their native land and not a cage..