~ CITRON CRESTED COCKATOO ~

(Cacatua sulphurea citrinocristata)

The Citron-crested Cockatoo is classified as critically endangered. Its numbers in the wild have declined due to habitat loss and illegal trapping for the cage-bird trade. A 1993 survey of Sumba estimated the species' numbers at less than 2,000 individuals. It is listed in appendix II of the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) list of protected species. CITES protects endangered species, like the cockatoo, by making the trade of wild-caught birds illegal. However, trade of the cockatoos bred in captivity is permitted in Canada and the United States. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citron-crested_Cockatoo) Citron Cockatoos are also extraordinary little clowns. They are a small cockatoo measuring approx. 12" - 13" and weighing about 360 - 425 grams. The males and females appear almost identical.

Click on Coco to see her photo Album

Citron Cockatoos are intelligent parrots and require a tremendous amount of attention and stimulation. They benefit greatly from a wide variety of toys and time out of the cage playing on a play gym or safe 'tree' and should always be supervised while doing so. They can be mischievous and destructive if left unattended. They should be trained at an early age to play with toys on their own and not to depend too much on their human companions. A well-trained bird that has learned to spend some time on his/her own will be less likely to pluck/chew feathers, which can be a common problem for cockatoos.

Feather chewing/Plucking should always be first addressed by a trip to the Avian Veterinarian. Once your Vet determines the bird is healthy then you can approach the problem in steps. There are many causes of plucking/chewing and it's your job to try and find the answer.  Diet is one of the major causes. Boredom is another - provide new and exciting toys and be sure to allow daily exercise. Bathing is important, get in the habit of spraying your Citron every 2 - 3 days until he/she is good and wet. It is healthy for the feathers and skin and also provides them with plenty of preening time afterward. Just be sure to spray early in the day and only when your bird can remain warm until completely dry.

CUTE.....              CUDDLY....                                         And LOUD. Citron Cockatoos are the perfect size for a family-pet cockatoo. They are entertaining and delightful to have around but they can also be very loud and their call can be most annoying to some people. If a Citron Crested cockatoo decides that screaming is a good way to get attention or amuse itself the noise can be extremely irritating to some people. They need attention and will often demand it.  It's very important to never reward noise with attention or you can be sure your Citron Crested Cockatoo will call out to you every chance s/he gets.

Cute and Cuddly and also 'DUSTY' ... All cockatoos have a special DUST that is normal and can irritate persons with allergies or asthma. If you, or anyone in your home suffers from any breathing disorders it's best not to bring a cockatoo into your home. HEPA air filters can help remove dust particles to keep the air cleaner for you and your pet but they do not remove 100% of the dust.  Please research all aspects of cockatoo ownership thoroughly before bringing a pet cockatoo home with you. A little research can help prevent heartache as well as stress on the bird if/when re-homing becomes necessary.

CITRON CRESTED COCKATOO QUICK FACTS DIET: Fresh fruits and vegetables, cooked rice, grains, sprouted seeds, seeds, nuts. LIFESPAN: 30 - 45  years. (or more) HOUSING: 30" x 30" x 30" MINIMUM cage with daily exercise or larger cage/aviary. PET QUALITY: Very good to excellent. SIZE: Medium size parrot approx 12" - 13"    360 - 425 grams NOISE LEVEL: LOUD. Can be very irritating to some people.  EXTRA COMMENT: Citron cockatoos are wonderful little clowns! They are often very LOUD and this must be considered before adding one to your family. They can be cuddly and make wonderful companions. They require lots of attention, proper diet, lots of toys, frequent baths ... and lots of love & patience.

Always happy to answer your questions.... EMAIL ME

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