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If you’ve considered purchasing a cockatoo as a pet, the Major Mitchell’s cockatoo might be an excellent choice. This cockatoo is an intelligent, social bird that bonds with their owners and has been said to be a one-person bird. Not only are they social birds, but they are also beautiful, with their salmon-pink color. The Major Mitchell’s cockatoo is a medium-sized bird that needs plenty of daily attention from their owner. They’re more suitable for experienced birdkeepers who know how to properly handle and care for them.
Species Overview
| Common Names: | Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Pink Cockatoo, Leadbeater’s Cockatoo, Wee Juggler, Desert Cockatoo, Cocklerina, Chockalott |
| Scientific Name: | Lophochroa leadbeateri |
| Adult Size: | 13 to 15 inches long |
| Life Expectancy: | Lives up to 80 years in captivity, lives between 40 and 60 years in the wild |
Origin and History
The Major Mitchell’s cockatoo comes from inland Australia, where they nest in pairs. They gather in treeless areas and woodlands but can always be found near the water. The pairs tend to keep to themselves, except for a few exceptions.
Sadly, the population of this species is dying out due to humans encroaching and building developments in their habitat. Named for Major Sir Thomas Mitchell, this species can live up to 60 years in the wild but can live up to 80 years if raised in captivity.
Temperament
It’s important to note that the Major Mitchell’s cockatoo requires a lot of care and attention. Since they bond to their owners for life, you need to make sure you’re capable of taking care of this temperamental bird before getting one.
While they can be temperamental, cockatoos are also known to be loving, funny, energetic, and cuddly. However, since they bond for life, they get upset if their bonded human leaves them. So, for example, if you go away on a short trip and come back, your cockatoo may be mad and not want to interact with you for a few days.
- A unique-looking bird that is stunningly gorgeous
- Is intelligent and can be taught games and tricks
- Has a loving personality and is known to be playful
- Known to be loud on occasion
- Often gets jealous of other people and animals are around their bonded person
- Isn’t good to keep around small kids
Speech & Vocalizations
The Major Mitchell’s cockatoo is an incessant talker, and they have been known to get quite loud. They can be taught to imitate alarms and whistles and can learn a few basic words, but they’re more inclined toward natural calls and are still quieter than other cockatoos.
With their chirps and high-pitched calls, they aren’t the best birds to keep as pets if you live in an apartment building or anywhere where the neighbors are close to you and might be bothered and complain.
Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo Colors and Markings
As previously stated, Major Mitchell’s cockatoo is a gorgeous salmon-pink bird. They have a multi-colored crest, and when their wings are spread, they have vivid pink and orange feathers that are white at the tips.
Females usually have pinkish-red eyes, while males’ eyes are brown. Males are usually brighter than their female counterparts.
Caring for the Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo
If you’re tempted to head out to a breeder to purchase your own Major Mitchell’s cockatoo, you can certainly do so and might be extremely happy with your choice. However, it’s important to note that this bird needs special care and an environment that many bird owners just can’t provide.
For example, the cage needs to be at least 5 feet high and 4 feet long so that the Cockatoo has plenty of room to move around the way he needs to. Unfortunately, many bird owners just don’t have the room for that large of a cage.
The cage you choose needs to be durable, as Major Mitchell’s cockatoos are pretty strong chewers and might chew through bars that aren’t sturdy. They can also open locks on doors, so make sure the lock you have is sturdy and cockatoo-proof if you don’t want to come home and find your cockatoo sitting in the middle of your kitchen table.
It’s also important to bathe your cockatoo regularly to keep their plumage clean and their skin healthy. You can mist the bird and then let them dry in a warm room or sunny window. It’s also important not to clip their wing feathers too much.
Common Health Problems
The Major Mitchell’s cockatoo is relatively healthy and has a long lifespan. However, they are emotionally sensitive birds. They can become depressed if they think they’re being neglected by their owners. This depression can quickly turn into self-mutilation by the bird and lead to skin infections.
There are a few avian diseases that you need to watch for with your cockatoo, including psittacine beak, bacterial infections, metal toxicity, feather disease, and fungal infections. If your cockatoo shows signs of these diseases, make an appointment with your vet for treatment.
Diet and Nutrition
The wild Major Mitchell’s cockatoo mainly survives off of the seeds from pine trees, melons, and weeds. They also eat insect larvae and cereal grains. However, in captivity, they have been known to be picky eaters, especially when they’re young.
Cockatoos are prone to obesity, and the Major Mitchell’s cockatoo is no different. So, it’s essential to keep an eye on your bird’s fat intake from the beginning. It’s best to feed them high-quality pellets, bird-safe fruits and veggies, and some nuts such as walnuts and pecans.
For the best results, feed your cockatoo ¼ cup of food and ¼ cup of fresh fruits or veggies once a day. Save the nuts for treats for being a good bird.
Exercise
Like other parrots, the cockatoo must be kept active to be healthy. Therefore, it’s best to let your bird out of the cage for 3–4 hours every day. Letting your bird out of the cage gives them ample time to stretch their wings.
Chew toys are essential to keep your cockatoo entertained and wear down their beak. Also, make sure to keep a water bowl and a mister handy.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo
Now that you know all there is to know about owning a Major Mitchell’s cockatoo, you may still want to own one of these gorgeous birds and wonder where to get one. It’s best to purchase your cockatoo from a highly regarded breeder, and it’ll run you anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000. The price depends on the bird’s age and whether they were raised by hand. However, you may be able to adopt one if there’s a parrot rescue organization in your area.
Final Thoughts
This concludes the guide on Major Mitchell’s cockatoo and everything you should know before you decide to bring one into your home. They make excellent pets for experienced owners with plenty of room for a large cage. Remember, they form strong bonds with one human, so if you purchase one, you need to be prepared to bond with them and take care of them for life.
Featured Image Credit: slowmotiongli, Shutterstock
