Cockatoos

There are 17 species of cockatoos, most of which are in the genus Cacatua. Most are coloured mainly in white, but others come in greys and pinks, blacks, and in the Palm's case, deep blue. They originate from Australia and the surrounding islands. They range in size from the Goffin's, at about 12"-13", to the huge Goliath Palm cockatoo, at 27" long. They have a life Span of 40 - 60 years and up. There have been some reported cases of cockatoos living to be over 100, but most of these are unsubstantiated.

Cockatoos have varying clutch sizes and typically 1 - 4 chicks, although some will occasionally lay 5 - 6 eggs. They are not usually picky eaters. A varied diet based on pellets is best and fruits, veggies, nuts, berries, flowers and insects make up most of their daily diet.

Cockatoos are well-known for their personalities. They love to be held and loved and touched all over. They'll sit for hours cuddling next to you while you just scratch away. They are affectionate and playful but also have a tendency to be destructive. 

Cockatoos are not the best talkers in fact most only say a few words, but many do not. Their voices don't have the tone and quality of an African grey's or Amazon's, but they're usually understandable enough.

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