Moluccan (Salmon-Crested) Cockatoo: Info, Personality, Pictures, Food & Care Guide

The Moluccan (salmon-crested) cockatoo is a small to medium-sized parrot native to the Indonesian island of New Guinea. They have a long lifespan, with some living up to 60 years old in captivity!

These birds are affectionate and love being around people and other animals. The Moluccan cockatoo can make an excellent companion for someone who’s looking for a pet that will be both loyal and interactive with them throughout the day.

If you’re considering this type of bird, read on for more information about their personality, diet, and care needs!

Species Overview

Origin and History

The Moluccan cockatoo is originally from the Indonesian island of New Guinea. These birds are native to rainforests and tropical lowlands, making them perfect for homes in warmer climates with plenty of sunshine!

Their appearance made them popular with locals and tourists alike until their acceptance as a pet bird grew worldwide. They are now found in abundance at pet stores all over America.

Temperament

Moluccan cockatoos are intelligent birds that love to interact with people and other animals. They enjoy playing games and puzzles for mental stimulation and need plenty of physical exercise daily. While these pets can be highly energetic at times, they can also have periods where they seem withdrawn or depressed, indicating an issue that needs more attention.

They’re social animals that can be affectionate toward their owners as long as they aren’t neglected or harshly treated. The Moluccan cockatoo is not recommended for homes with small children because they require gentle treatment from their human family members, especially if you want your bird to live up to 80 years old like some cockatoos on record!

If you plan on introducing this pet into your home, be prepared to have a lot of time (and patience) on your hands, but the reward is worth it!

Speech & Vocalizations

Cockatoos are known for singing and can mimic various sounds. They have a wide range of vocalizations, which some compare to those of a parrot or mynah bird. Most also enjoy high-pitched noises like whistling and squeaky toys, as these stimulate them mentally. Conversely, Moluccan cockatoos produce low-pitched cooing and screeching calls, typically during the early hours of the day. You may need to invest in earplugs if your new pet is bothersome in the mornings!

Cockatoos can be taught to speak short phrases and words, though not as easily as parrots. They may be quieter in nature than many other birds but are still talkative with those they know well.

Moluccan Cockatoo Colors and Markings

Moluccan cockatoos are easily recognizable by their bright salmon-orange feathers that are revealed when they raise their crest. They also have black beaks. The rest of the body is mainly a pinkish white, with yellowish highlights on the wings and tail feathers

Caring for the Moluccan Cockatoo

Moluccan cockatoos need intermediate care, which includes an hour-long session with fresh fruit and vegetables every day and plenty of toys for entertainment! They love music, mirrors, laser beamers, swings—anything that will keep them entertained! They do best when kept at 60 degrees Fahrenheit without drafts but can handle warmer temperatures.

Caring for a bird is something that you need to prepare for. In the case of the Moluccan cockatoo, they need a lot of attention and time from their owner. They will want to be out with their human companion as much as possible, and they are a brilliant creature, so we recommend keeping them busy mentally with puzzles or games when not spending quality time together.

You might also need to take your pet to the vet for a check-up at least once every year, but it’s worth the time and money.

Common Health Problems

Cockatoos are susceptible to many of the same health problems that other parrots are, but they can also have unique issues. The most common illness among cockatoos is psittacosis or as it’s more commonly known, “parrot fever.” This condition can be fatal if not treated appropriately, so make sure to take your bird in for a check-up if you notice that they are sneezing or having trouble breathing or have a runny nose.

Other common issues among cockatoos are ringworm and bacterial infections of the respiratory system. They might also suffer from obesity, which can be treated by reducing their intake of high-fat foods, such as nuts and dried fruit, and adding more low-calorie vegetables to their diet.

Diet and Nutrition

In the wild, cockatoos eat nuts and seeds, but this kind of diet isn’t practical in captivity. Try to feed your cockatoo a combination of fresh vegetables, healthy grains like rice or oats, natural unsalted popcorn for treats, and fruits like apples, which have antioxidants to balance out their high-fat diets.

In addition, cockatoos need more calcium than most other parrots because they are constantly growing and molting feathers. One of the best ways to help them get a healthy dose is by putting eggshells in their water or making your own supplement out of ground-up oyster shells.

Your pet will eventually become curious about your human food. Avoid letting them eat any salty foods, and keep an eye on their sugar intake, as they could become hyperactive.

Finally, water is essential for your cockatoo. They need to drink a minimum of 1 cup (8 ounces) per day.

Exercise

Cockatoos are considered big birds, so they need to be let out of their cages every day. Exercise is important for keeping your pet happy and healthy because it strengthens the muscles and bones, which reduces the risk of obesity.

If you don’t have much time outside of work hours, a play stand for indoor use would be an excellent idea. Cockatoos are intelligent and enjoy solving puzzles, and such stands can provide both exercise and mental stimulation. When you are home, you can play with your pet by stimulating the use of their beak and feet or by allowing them to stretch their wings.

Cockatoos also enjoy walking outdoors, and you can take them for a walk on a leash. If this is not possible in your area or if the weather is too hot, try to find someplace shady where there are trees to provide shelter from direct sunlight (such as an old oak tree).

If it’s cold out, make sure that your pet stays warm with additional layers of clothing. They love wearing coats made especially for birds!

Training Your Cockatoo

You will need patience and consistency when training your cockatoo because they’re intelligent but stubborn. To teach them tricks like stepping up onto their perch or giving kisses, reward them with treats after doing what you ask. Whether they comply immediately will depend on their mood.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Moluccan Cockatoo

The Moluccan cockatoo is one of the most common pet cockatoos in the United States, and it’s not hard to find one for adoption or purchase. There are many reputable breeders you can research on Google, but be wary of backyard breeders who may have fewer regulations. You may also find these birds in pet shops or on websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

When buying a cockatoo, you’ll want to ensure that they’re healthy and have been handled by humans before so they’re not scared of them. Be wary if the bird is too young because their immune system is still developing, which makes them susceptible to illness from exposure to other birds in pet stores.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a unique bird that will brighten up any home, look no further than the Moluccan cockatoo. This beautiful and imposing bird is recognizable by their pink crest and can be quite personable if they are often handled as a chick. They make a great pet because of how social they are with humans and other animals alike.

• Related Read: Where Do Cockatoos Come From?

Featured Image Credit: Imran Ashraf, Shutterstock