Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea)

Yellow-crested Cockatoo Cacatua sulphurea
Name	Yellow-crested Cockatoo
Name Lat.	Cacatua sulphurea
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	33 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 range of the Yellow-cheeked Cockatoos extends from Sulawesi to the Lesser Sunda Islands, where they live mainly in open forests, but also in cultivated land.

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 regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

The iris is black in the male and reddish brown in the female. 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 2-3 eggs, the incubation period is about 26 days. During the breeding season they may be kept only in pairs (not in a group). Young birds should be raised so that they are species-specific.

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 responsible authority in writing immediately after the start of keeping. Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.

Species protection: WA Appendix I; EU Appendix A. You will receive a CITES document with the purchase, which confirms that this animal is an offspring. Please keep the CITES document in a safe place!

Important

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 correspond to those of cage housing

They may only be kept in pairs or in a group and not chained or on a hanger. Sufficient daylight or flicker-free artificial light (stroboscopic effect) corresponding to daylight shall be provided in rooms, including shelters. The lighting duration shall be 8-12 hours per day and the natural day-night rhythm shall be observed. 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: Othmar Sieberer; Image: petdata

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