
They enable it to grasp objects with one foot while standing on the other, for feeding and manipulation. In common with other cockatoos and parrots, the white cockatoo has zygodactyl feet with two toes facing forward and two facings backwards. The feathers of this species and others create a powder similar to talcum powder that easily transfers to clothing. Short white feathers grow from and closely cover the upper legs. Also, the innermost covered areas of the larger crest feathers are yellow. Umbrella Cockatoo for sale similarly, areas of larger tail feathers are covered by other tail feathers. It is covered by the white of the feather immediately medial (nearer to the body) and above. This is because the yellow portion of the upper surface of the feather is covered. The yellow colour on the underside of the wings is most notable.

However, both the upper and lower surfaces of the inner half of the trailing edge of the large wing feathers are a yellow colour. The feathers of the white cockatoo are mostly white. When mature some female white cockatoos can have reddish/brown irises, while the irises of the adult male are dark brown or black. They have brown or black eyes and a dark grey beak. The male white cockatoo usually has a broader head and a bigger beak than the female. Regular bathing with clear, warm water will also help.The Umbrella Cockatoo (Cacatua alba) is one of the large species of cockatoo and is around 46 cm (18 in) long and weighs about 400 g (14 oz) for small females and up to 800 g (28 oz) for big males. Use air purifiers if you have room for them, as these items help to cut down on the dust.

Cockatoo food shouldn’t be boring to eat, either, and will love foods like Avi-Cakes, Pellet-Berries, Nutri-Berries, and Lafeber’s Premium Daily Diet Pellets.Īnother 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. Like all companion parrots, cockatoos do not thrive on birdseed alone. Wild cockatoos forage all day for seeds and nuts, as well as coconuts and grain crops. Cockatoos are fun-loving, intelligent and energetic parrots, and their food should reflect those traits. 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.įood for cockatoos should be nutritious, but should also include a foraging element as well. This is not a good first bird, nor is a good child’s pet. The umbrella cockatoo owner should have experience with parrots before taking on this feathered handful. An umbrella can’t live happily in a small space, and will become weary and apathetic or agitated and aggressive if confined. They are prone to self-mutilation and the infections that result from that abnormal behavior.īecause 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.

Unfortunately, many of these sensitive birds don’t live that long. The umbrella cockatoo is a long-term commitment for an owner - this species can live up to 70 years with proper care and attention.
