Citron-Crested Cockatoo: Bird Characteristics and Care

The citron cockatoo is a smaller, quieter, and extra subdued number of the sulphur-crested cockatoo. As a subspecies of the lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo, its distinctive orange crest units it aside from the yellow plumes of different subspecies. Its amiable character makes it a well-liked selection for house owners who desire a pet hen needing companionship and a spotlight.

Origin and Historical past

The citron cockatoo is native to Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands and Sumba, also called the Sumba cockatoo. It prefers tropical forests, significantly the forest edges.

Formally categorized as an endangered species, citron cockatoos are critically endangered all through their native vary resulting from habitat loss and unlawful trapping for the pet commerce.

Temperament

Citron cockatoos are quieter than most cockatoo species, but they’ve massive personalities and revel in enjoying and interacting with their house owners. They’re extra introverted than different varieties and will require a while to acclimate to new environment.

As soon as comfy, the citron cockatoo is curious, affectionate, and prefers to be by your aspect often. This species is beneficial for house owners with ample free time to spend with their pet. On the whole, cockatoos want extra human consideration than different parrot sorts, and the citron cockatoo exemplifies this trait.

On the whole, cockatoos are clever birds able to studying to talk and carry out methods like dancing, waving, and fetching.

Speech and Vocalizations

Birds that change into talkers are most vocal within the morning. Citron cockatoos are much less adept at vocal imitation than different members of the parrot household sometimes studying not more than 15 phrases or phrases. Though usually quiet by parrot requirements, they will produce loud growls which will rapidly escalate to high-pitched shrieks. Citron cockatoos are unsuitable for condominium or condominium residents, as their potential screams can disturb neighbors.

Citron-Crested Cockatoo Colours and Markings

Citron cockatoos are predominantly white, with pale orange cheek patches, pale yellow undersides on their wings and tail feathers, and a brilliant orange crest distinguishing them from different sulfur-crested subspecies with yellow crests. They’ve darkish grey ft and grayish-black beaks.

Men and women look alike, however males have black eyes, whereas females have brown eyes. This distinction turns into noticeable solely in adults, who mature between 3 to five years of age.

Caring for a Citron-Crested Cockatoo

Like all cockatoos, citron cockatoos are social birds requiring important human interplay to remain emotionally wholesome. Citrons feeling uncared for could resort to screaming and damaging behaviors. If interplay is proscribed, some house owners report that their birds take pleasure in having a tv or radio enjoying; they’re particularly keen on music.

Though citrons are among the many smaller cockatoo species, they nonetheless require ample dwelling area. The minimal cage dimensions for a citron cockatoo are 4 ft in size, 4 ft in width, and at the very least 4 ft in top. Bigger areas are most popular, with an aviary setting being ideally suited.

Frequent Well being Issues

The citron-crested cockatoo is inclined to psittacosis, a illness attributable to the micro organism Chlamydia psittici. Signs embrace lethargy, eye discharge, and respiratory points, and it’s treatable with antibiotics.

Dietary deficiencies are frequent in citron cockatoos however are preventable with a balanced weight loss plan or vitamin dietary supplements.

Emotional points can result in damaging behaviors like feather-pulling. Birds feeling uncared for or missing human interplay usually tend to self-mutilate.

Weight-reduction plan and Vitamin

Like all cockatoos, citrons are liable to weight acquire, so house owners ought to monitor their fats consumption. Within the wild, this hen eats seeds, nuts, berries, and fruits. A nutritious diet for a pet citron cockatoo ought to include high-quality pellets, a each day serving to of contemporary bird-safe vegetables and fruit, and infrequently seeds or nuts as treats for good habits. These birds also can eat some proteins within the type of cooked hen or different meats. 

Start by providing roughly 1/4 cup of formulated weight loss plan and 1/4 cup of contemporary vegetables and fruit each day. If the hen finishes all its meals, slowly add small quantities as wanted. Keep away from feeding birds avocados or chocolate, as these meals are poisonous to them.

Train

All parrots want train, and the citron cockatoo is not any exception. Present a minimal of three to 4 hours of out-of-cage time each day for the hen to play and stretch its muscle tissue.

This exercise time additionally offers important human contact for the birds. Think about educating them to speak and work together with them throughout this time to satisfy their social wants.

Cockatoos have among the strongest beaks and jaws amongst parrots. Present loads of sturdy, secure chew toys. Anticipate some toys to be shredded, as birds get bored rapidly; rotate toys out and in often.

The place to Undertake or Purchase a Citron-Crested Cockatoo

With their stunning colours and endearing personalities, citron cockatoos are a well-liked pet hen. This species shouldn’t be generally present in pet shops, so you will have to discover a respected breeder. Commerce of wild-born birds is unlawful, and you should purchase a hen that has a CITES (Conference on Worldwide Commerce in Endangered Species) certificates that proves it was captive-bred.

Ask how lengthy they’ve been breeding and tour their facility. And be sure that the hen you’re taking house is alert, energetic, and displays all of the indicators of a wholesome hen, corresponding to brilliant eyes, clear feathers, and full crops.

Costs vary from $3,000 to $4,000 for hand-tame infants or adults in want of a brand new house. Some on-line sources to search out citron-crested cockatoos embrace:

• Birds Now
• Rescue the Birds
• Undertake a Pet

Extra Pet Fowl Species and Additional Analysis

For those who’re within the citron cockatoo, think about these different hen species:

• Naked-Eyed Cockatoo Species Profile
• Sulphur-crested cockatoo Species Profile
• Umbrella cockatoo Species Profile

Alternatively, try different cockatoo species profiles.