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Adoption Pending:) Please check back. Big Bird is a gorgeous Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo. He is stunning to look at and very active and entertaining. He is not however a bird for a beginner. This breed of bird can be a hand full and Big Bird is no exception. He is quite vocal and is a one-person bird. He is not cuddly and will not work as a children's pet. He needs to be with a person who loves birds and knows a lot about them. Please read the information collected below which is common to the breed and also describes Big Bird well. We are being careful with his placement as large parrots have strong beaks and are capable of doing significant damage to humans who don't understand birds and bird behavior. This is not a bird for someone still in the early learning phases of large bird ownership. Again, Big Bird is stunning and a lot of fun but he does not enjoy being handled and is not going to be a good bird for a novice who just wants to have a bird as a pet. For more information please call 410.880.2488 ext #3 or always4tucker@yahoo.com
Traits: Sulpher-crested cockatoos are playful and demanding birds that need plenty of interaction with their person. They are smart and known for solving puzzles and other games. Sulphur-crested cockatoos can be more independent than other cockatoo species, so get to know your bird’s likes and dislikes. To keep these pet birds happy, they need at least one hour of playtime a day as well as exercise time with their owner and several more hours of supervised out-of-the-cage time.
Behavior/Health Concerns: A stressful household or a lack of the appropriate amount of human interaction can cause bad behavior in these somewhat high-strung pet birds. Sulpher-crested cockatoos also need a range of activities to keep them busy when they are not interacting with humans. If they are not given adequate chewing toys, they will find household items to chew. This pet bird does best in a home where it is the only bird. Sulpher-crested cockatoos can become territorial once they have matured and they are often destructive chewers. Without enough mental and physical stimulation, they can resort to destructive behaviors such as feather picking. They are susceptible to psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), fatty liver disease, obesity and bumblefoot. Sulpher-crested cockatoos are known to be dusty birds, and which is a concern for those with allergies.
The Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo will thrive in a patient, somewhat organized household where warm cooked foods are served daily and punctually and where she/he knows they are loved and appreciated. It is very important to many Sulphur-Cresteds that their food bowl is filled on time. Their temperament can change suddenly and with little warning. It is also observed that many have extremely demanding natures. Owners must observe their body language and let the bird alone when it becomes over-excited.
Sulphur-Cresteds can form deep bonds with their owners and need will do best in ahome that can accommodate their need for spacious quarters, need to scream and need to tear up and chew up toys.
Video of Big Bird:
Other Pictures of Big Bird (click to see larger version):
Animal Advocates of Howard County / PO Box 1403 / Ellicott City MD 21041 / (410) 880-2488 / aadvocates@hotmail.com
