BIRDSFeathered Friends

Cockatoo, Macaw, African Grey – Which Are More Demanding and Difficult to Keep?

I’m probably going to answer my own question here and say the cockatoo is…

But I’m particulary interested in how much work goes into looking after an African Grey compared to the other two.

I’ve heard the Greys are highly sensitive… introducing a new toy, a change in the air quality, a loud visitor running around, a slight lack in mental stimulation.. can be enough to start plucking.
Are Greys really this sensitive in general?

Many sources have told me that Blue and Gold Macaws are good at adapting to new situations… in this sense, does this mean that they are less demanding than an African Grey?

Where do these three birds fit when it comes to who demands the most and is more difficult to keep?

Why is it that people will often quickly reccomend an African Grey parrot but always give you heaps of warning and discouragement when it comes to macaws?

Hopefully what I’m asking makes sense… it’s a bit hard to explain.

First of all, to the person who said that birds are like dogs… I STRONGLY disagree. Caring for birds is much more complex than caring for dogs and no one could possibly compare the two. Dogs do take a lot of work but birds, being much more intelligent mentally and emotionally, require way more and of a different kind all together. For example… birds all have no concept of discipline and to discipline a parrot is a waste of time, not to mention borderline abusive. They may actually learn negative behavior issues due to being yelled at as they like drama.

All kinds of generalizations can be made on all three species… but really, it all boils down to an idividual bird.

Generally speaking, Cockatoos are likely the most demanding of the three. Generally they are loud, hormonal, and need tons of stimulating interaction, however not too much. Reading body language on all birds is vital, but with cockatoos, their body language can be easily misinterpreted and that’s where problems arise. Cockatoos can display the same posture (body language) and mean TWO TOTALLY different things (agreession or positive excitement). This is where it really matters knowing the individual bird. Cockatoos, especially the larger Moluccans, Umbrellas, Sulfer/Citron crested can do major damage with their beaks. Having said all that… I know an Umbrella Cockatoo who is is extremely sweet and very quiet. Hence, inidividualism playing a huge factor.

Certain species of macaws are more easy going than other species. Scarlet Macaws are extremely hyper and GENERALLY known to be much more high maintenance. Every Scarlet I’ve ever known has fit into this category. Greenwings are known to be the more tranquil of larger Macaws (except Hyacinths) and Blue & Golds are in between Greenwings and Scarlets. All Macaws can be loud and do damage, but I have also known some Macaws that wouldn’t hurt a fly. There are also mini Macaws that are great for someone who wants a macaw, but a littler version. Severes are probably the closest in personality to the larger Macaws. I have a Yellow Collar Mini Macaw and she is awesome. Hahns/Noble Macaws are about the size of Conures but look, act and sound very much like their bigger “relatives”. Larger Macaws (especially Hyacinths) need more nuts in their diet than other birds.

African Greys are indeed fascinating. But yes, GENERALLY speaking they do require more special care than other birds. They have dietary requirements (calcium) that other birds do not, they need lots of interaction, stimulating environment and someone who does not travel or stay gone for long periods of time. Greys also tend to be one person birds but can get along with many other people if properly socialized. They tend to be a bit more high strung (prone to plucking if they don’t get enough attention) and anxious. They are much quieter than both Cockatoos and Macaws but due to their intellectual capabilities, require a slighty different type of attention.

Again, most of what I said about all three are generalizations. It’s great that you are doing research and I recommend you continue to do so for many months before getting a bird. I definitely do not recommend getting a cockatoo if you’ve never had a bird before. I’m an experienced bird owner and fully aware that I am still not ready for a cockatoo. If you’re adament about getting a too, a smaller species of too is a great place to start. Goffins and Rose Breasted (Galah) are awesome birds with clownlike personalities and generally very sweet natured.

I would recommend trying to find a bird that is in a rescue and needs a home. These birds have all been evaluated by the rescuers and they can usually recommend a specific bird for you according to what you’re looking for. This is a great thing to do also because you can go and visit with a few different birds and let the bird choose you. Although my Grey is only 5 months old, this is how we came to be. She is at the place I work on the weekends and over time she’s seeked me out and now me and my daughter are very bonded with her. We bring her home this weekend!

Good luck!

Bird Fest – Cockatoos, Macaws & Pink Flamingo

Lafebers Avi-Cakes for Macaws and Cockatoos 16oz $6.97

Lafebers Daily Diet Macaw and Cockatoo 5lb $18.82

Large Foraging Funnel Tube Parrot Toy Bird Macaws Cockatoo Chew Shred Bird Toys $16.99

Bird Cage Large Play Top Bird Parrot Finch Cage Macaw Cockatoo Pet Supplies Blk $159.95

GENUINE 1845 PRINT PARROT CAGE BIRD LOVEBIRD COCKATOO COCKATIEL MACAW $4.73

LAFEBER’S AVI-CAKES MACAWS & COCKATOOS CLASSIC FOOD 1LB $9.50

PARROT BIRD CONE HEAD TOY COCKATOOS MACAWS GREYS ETC $13.99

KAYTEE AWESOME BLENDS PARROT MACAW COCKATOO TREAT 10 OZ $8.99

ANTIQUE MACAW COCKATOO PARROT BIRD CAPODIMONTE PORCELAIN LAMP ORMOLU BASE WOWOW $124.99

BIRD TOY LG.SIZE (TOOTY FRUITY) MACAW,COCKATOO.PARROT $24.99

Parrot Toy Medium Multi Cluster Cockatoos Macaws Birds Bamboo Oyster Shell Chew $17.99

PARROT AFRICAN GRAY MACAWS COCKATOO FABRIC THROW PILLOW $15.99

BIRDS PARROTS MACAW AFRICAN GRAY COCKATOO FABRIC ALBUM $24.99

Large Bird Parrot Cage Dometop 36Lx26Wx65H Macaw Cockatoo African Grey Amazon $289.99

PARROT MACAW COCKATOO AFRICAN GREY SCRAPBOOKING 12X12 $31.99

SANDWICH SHREDDER BIRD TOY parrot cage toys cages african grey cockatoo macaw $7.99

Cabinet Knobs W/ Parrot Macaw Cockatoo Exotic Birds #2 $23.50

Lafeber’s Classic Avi-Cakes Macaw/Cockatoo 1lb $11.99

32x30x65″ Macaws Cockatoos Play Top Bird Parrot Cage Ladder Aviary Flight Finch $169.95

SATURN SHREDDER BIRD TOY parrot cage toys cages african grey cockatoo macaw $14.99

Large Parrot Toy – Ring Pull – Macaw Toy – Cockatoo Toy $21.95

ROUDYBUSH LARGE Pellets 1 lb bulk Bird Food for Macaws & Cockatoos 100% edible $9.55

ROUDYBUSH LARGE Pellets 10 lbs bulk Bird Food for Macaws & Cockatoos 100% edible $37.60

ROUDYBUSH LARGE Pellets 9 lbs bulk Bird Food for Macaws & Cockatoos 100% edible $35.50

Large Bird Parrot Cage Dometop 36Lx26Wx65H Macaw Cockatoo African Grey Amazon $289.99

Large Parrot (Macaw, Cockatoo, Monkey) Rope Ladder! Indestructible!! $50.00

LRG BAMBOO bird toy parts parrots cockatoo macaw amazon $12.95

SCARCE! Parrots Macaws Cockatoos Art of E. Butterworth $100.00

Bird Cage Large Play Top Bird Parrot Finch Cage Macaw Cockatoo Pet Supplies Blk $159.95

ROUDYBUSH LARGE Pellets 3 lbs bulk Bird Food for Macaws & Cockatoos 100% edible $15.10

Large Bird Parrot Cage Dometop 36Lx26Wx65H Macaw Cockatoo African Grey Amazon $289.99

PINK PARROT “KLADDERS” LADDER BIRD TOY FOR LARGE BIRDS (Cockatoos, Macaws, etc.) $3.99

BIRD Parrot Macaw & Mj. Mitchell Cockatoo, 1880s Print $34.95

Sarge’s Little Chews – Macaw Toy / Cockatoo Toy $12.99

2 lbs Goldenfeast Diced Tropic Fruit Bird Food Conure Grey Amazon Macaw Cockatoo $19.00

Macaw And Cockatoo Photo Mugs GUYANA SCARLET MACAW (Ara aracanga) and CRESTED COCKATOO (Cacatores galoritus) Date early 19th century….

Tervis Tumblers 16oz Exotic Birds Toucan Parrot Macaw Cockatoo Set of 4 Tumbler Cups Mugs NEW! $46.99 Set of 4 Brand New 16 oz Tervis Tumblers. These are GENUINE Tervis Tumblers. As the original and oldest insulated tumbler brand in the USA, Tervis is well known nationwide. Features: Bullet proof strength made from high grade polycarbonate makes the tumbler virtually indestructible Crystal clear as glass Double-wall insulation keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold No sweating – reduces n…

38.5×24.5O Wall Vinyl Sticker Scarlet Macaw – Bird $32.97 Product Number: 030-538957924 Wall peels are printed on a reusable vinyl with a special adhesive that sticks to walls without harming them. No tape. No tacks. No marks. * Measures 38.5″ x 24.5″ * Won’t hurt walls * Can be moved and reused…

42 x 14 Wall Vinyl Sticker Scarlet Macaw – Bird $29.97 Product Number: 030-538957922 Wall peels are printed on a reusable vinyl with a special adhesive that sticks to walls without harming them. No tape. No tacks. No marks. * Measures 42″ x 14″ * Won’t hurt walls * Can be moved and reused…

21 x 7 Wall Vinyl Sticker Scarlet Macaw – Bird $23.97 Product Number: 030-538957927 Wall peels are printed on a reusable vinyl with a special adhesive that sticks to walls without harming them. No tape. No tacks. No marks. * Measures 21″ x 7″ * Won’t hurt walls * Can be moved and reused…

Lafeber’s Avi-Cakes Gourmet Bird Food for Macaws and Cockatoos $11.99 Lafebers Classic Avi-Cakes Gourmet Bird Food for Macaws and Cockatoos is a nutritious bird food developed to stop birds from just eating seeds. Avi-Cakes are half seed and half pellets, a healthy alternative to loose seed and bound by a sweet molasses glaze that birds find irresistible. Designed to offer a fun, stimulating eating experience that makes it easier to get your bird eating right. Each bag of Avi-Cakes contains 15 individual squares to make feeding convenient. You may feed as a complete diet, used as a conversion diet or simply feed as a nutritious treat. Select Ingredients: Ground corn, canary grass seed, cracked corn, white proso millet, safflower, sunflower seeds, wheat flour, sugar, peanuts, red millet, soybean meal, ground limestone, dicalcium phosphate, canola oil, whole egg, hulled oats, corn gluten meal, propylene glycol ,cane molasses, gelatin, glycerine, iodized salt, L-lysine (an essential amino acid), dl-methionine (an essential amino acid), choline chloride, citric acid, mixed tocopherols (a preservative), manganous oxide, zinc oxide, vitamin A supplement (improved stability), vitamin D3 supplement, vitamin E supplement, menadione sodium bisulfite complex, (source of vitamin K activity), niacin supplement, calcium dipantothenate, riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, biotin, ascorbic acid, selenium. Size: 1 lb

Cockatoos $8.59 No Synopsis Available

Sunseed Company 85111 Grainola Cajun Cashew Lrg Hkbll 2.5 Ounce $18.27 Red hot peppers and the great taste of cashews are sure to spice up treat time. For parrots macaws and cockatoos.

Pretty Bird International BPB79118 Daily Select Large $54.59 Our original multicolored multishaped extruded bird food containing 14 protein and 5 fat. Sized for large cockatoos and macaws.

Zoo Max Toys 84500658 Zoo Max DUS658 Petardo ShredX 24 x 15in Bird Toy $21.19 Toy made of cardboard strips and slices of pine wood and safe FDA non toxic approved paper board.. Fun to shred with sisal rope. This toy is very original Design for medium parrot such as medium cockatoos amazon african grey eclectus to large parrot such as macaws cockatoos etc. Size approx: 24 x 15in.

Zoo Max Toys 84500660 Zoo Max DUS660 La Tenda ShredX 34 x 12in Bird Toy $28.73 Toy made of cardboard strips and slices of pine wood and safe FDA non toxic approved paper board.. Fun to shred with sisal rope. This toy is very original Design for medium parrot such as medium cockatoos amazon african grey eclectus to large parrot such as macaws cockatoos etc. Size approx: 34 x 12in.

Shopzeus USA zeusd1EPST1254939 Daily Select 20lb Large bag $86.07 Our original multicolored multihaped extruded bird food containing 14 protein and 5 fat Sized for large cockatoos and macaws. Packaged in 20 lb bags. Available as eaches

Shopzeus USA zeusd1EPST1254899 Daily Select 3lb Large bag $30.34 Our original multicolored multihaped extruded bird food containing 14 protein and 5 fat Sized for large cockatoos and macaws. Packaged in 3 lb bags. Manufactured 6 per case

Shopzeus USA zeusd1EPST1254890 Daily Select 8lb Large bag $47.99 Our original multicolored multihaped extruded bird food containing 14 protein and 5 fat Sized for large cockatoos and macaws. Packaged in 8 lb bags. Manufactured 4 per case

Polly s Pet Products 51950165 Pollys Pet Products Happy Feet Perch Extra Large Assorted Colors $24.48 Never trim your bird s nails again. A new foot position with every stance. Constructed with thermal insulated material that maintains a comfortable temperature. Recommended for macaws and large cockatoos. Dimensions: 11 x 2.5 .

[backlinksmage]