Cockatoo are beautiful and large parrots that have a sharp mind. That is why more and more people are trying to have this wonderful, talented and intelligent bird in their home. But, like any other creature, cockatoo needs special care and proper nutrition.
Description of cockatoo
The homeland of the cockatoo is sunny Australia, but in the post-Soviet expanse, these parrots feel no worse. These birds have a memorable appearance, thanks to the unusual mobile tuft on the head, which unfolds in the form of a fan. The color of cockatoo feathers is black or white with pink, yellow, red or brown specks. Parrots themselves are quite funny, as they have aristocratic data. They bow and crouch to the beat of the music, easily learn words and phrases, dissolve a spectacular crest, reproduce various sounds and even whistle verses from songs. Cockatoo have the technique of opening the most cunning locks, they can unscrew the nuts and like to repeat the movements of the owner.
These parrots are very affectionate, but they require a lot of attention, they emit loud, piercing cries that not everyone likes. Cockatoo very quickly become attached to their owners, so it is difficult to endure separation from them. These majestic birds live up to seventy years, so during this time you can fully enjoy communicating with your pet.
Keeping cockatoo at home
For keeping cockatoo, all-metal cages of four faces with a domed or flat opening top are usually used. It should be quite spacious so that the parrot can spread its wings freely. Inside the cage, there should be two cone-shaped perches made of sturdy wood (beech, oak, maple or apple tree). Perches made of linden, aspen, birch and mountain ash are unsuitable. The cage should be at human height, in the bright part of the room, but not close to the window. The cage should not be located near the ceiling and next to heating devices.
One of the main conditions for keeping cockatoo is cleanliness in the cage. Damp and dirt can contribute to various diseases in birds. Remove the cage from food debris, feces and feathers every day (as a last resort, every other day). Wash the drinking bowl and feeder every day with hot water, wipe it with a dry, clean towel. Avoid mucus build-up on the sides of the drinker.
Sunlight is an indispensable factor in the external environment and plays a large role in the life of parrots. Light helps to enhance metabolic processes in the blood, boosts the immune system, and helps to increase the amount of phosphorus, calcium and hemoglobin levels. The optimum temperature for keeping cockatoo is 18-20 ° C, the relative humidity level is 60-70%.
Cockatoo food
Proper nutrition is essential for the development and growth of parrots. The basis of the cockatoo's nutrition is cereal mixtures, which contain a lot of carbohydrates, vegetable esters, protein, vitamins and fiber. It is recommended to feed the birds with corn-oat mixture. Rinse the grains of oats and corn, put them in a thermos and pour boiling water over them, keep them for several hours. Then drain the remaining water, the mixture is ready.
Pamper your pet with sprouted wheat grains, which are high in vitamins B and E. They are essential for growth and timely shedding. Soak the wheat in a bowl of water and leave in a warm place. In a day, the grains will swell. Germinate in a warm place until white sprouts appear. Be sure to rinse the sprouts under running water before using. Do not forget to give the parrot nuts (peanuts and hazelnuts), they should be no more than 15% in the grain mixture.
The diet of parrots should contain berries, fruits and vegetables. After all, it is a great source of minerals and vitamins. Include cockatoos on the menu: sweet apples, apricots, bananas, grapes, cherries, peaches and pears. From vegetables you can give: fresh carrots, cabbage leaves and boiled potatoes. It is better to choose from berries: black currant, dried rose hips, hawthorn, gooseberries, rowan fruits.
