Solomons Cockatoo (Cacatua ducorpsii)

Solomons Cockatoo Cacatua ducorpsii
Name	Solomons Cockatoo
Name Lat.	Cacatua ducorpsii
Family	Cockatoos
Family lat.	Cacatuidae
Order	Parrots
Order lat.	Psittaciformes
Origin	Sunda Islands
Climate	Tropical
Diet	Parrot seed, sprouts, veggies, fruits
Keeping	Pair, group
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Cavity nest
Life Span	40-60 years
Protection	CITES Appendix II; EC Annex B
Metric Units
Size	32 cm
Temperature	Room temperature
Housing	200 x 100 x 100 cm
US Units
Size	13"
Temperature	Room temperature
Housing	80" x 40" x 40"

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area of the Solomon Cockatoos is Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, where they live in the coastal marshes to the hot and humid mountainous regions. Today they are only offered as a breeding form.

Cage size

The minimum cage size is 200 x 100 x 100 cm (L x W x H) for a pair. The cage size must not be undercut even in case of justified single keeping. For an additional 2 birds, assuming species compatibility, the floor space must be increased by 50%. The cage must be placed at a height of at least 80 cm (except aviaries) in a bright, draught-free and quiet place and should have cross-wiring or netting. Keeping in an aviary with a floor area of at least 2 m² is preferable to keeping in a cage.

Maintenance

The floor must be covered with sand, shavings of untreated wood or similar material and cleaned once a week if possible. At least 2 perches made of wood or branches of different thickness and height shall be installed in such a way as to provide the longest possible flight path. A bathing facility should be available at all times, alternatively they can be sprayed with water at least once a week (e.g. sprinkler system). In addition to hiding places (burrows or half burrows), they need climbing and occupation material, such as rings, ropes and natural branches that are harmless to health. They should be kept at room temperature.

Diet

The species-specific food offer consists of mixed seeds, available in specialized trade as "Parrot food for cockatoos" in premium quality, which should also be offered in germinated form, supplemented with foxtail millet, green food (dandelion, chickweed etc..), fruits (apples, pears, etc.), vegetables (peppers, carrots, etc.), plus mealybug larvae, fresh twigs with buds and, especially for rearing young, germinated feed (semi-mature corn), egg feed and cookie. As a digestive aid they need grit, cuttlefish and vitamin lime. Drinking water must always be available in birdbaths or in stable, open containers and, like food, must be offered fresh daily in clean containers.

A varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

Males and females are difficult to distinguish. In the male the iris is colored black, in the female more reddish. A reliable sex determination is only possible by genetic analysis (DNA).

They breed in handmade nest cavities made of hardwood or in hollowed tree trunks. The clutch consists of 2-4 eggs, the incubation period is about 28 days. Young birds must be raised so that they are species-specific. During the breeding season they may only be kept in pairs.

Species protection

They must be identified in accordance with Appendix 6 of the Federal Species Protection Ordinance. The animal population must be reported to the competent authority in writing immediately after the start of keeping

Species protection: WA Appendix II; EU Appendix B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe! Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.

Important

Parrots may only be kept in pairs or in a group and not chained or on a hanger

In the case of outdoor aviaries, they also need a heated shelter of at least 1 m², which can be visited by the birds at any time. The temperature in the shelter must not fall below 10 °C and the furnishings must be the same as those used for caging

Sufficient daylight or flicker-free artificial light (stroboscopic effect) corresponding to daylight must be provided in rooms, including the shelters. The lighting duration shall be 8-14 hours per day and the natural day-night rhythm shall be respected. Adequate indoor climate should be provided. If caged, they should be allowed free flight. The health condition of the birds should be checked daily.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: BMELV (1995): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Papageien; ARNDT (1997): Lexikon der Papageien, Arndt Verlag; GRUMMT & STREHLOW (2009): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Vögel, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF