What to Know About Hand-Raising Cockatoos: A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide

Cockatoos are known for their expressive crests, deep emotional intelligence, and strong bonds with their caregivers. Raising one from a chick through hand-feeding is a delicate and time-consuming process—but also one of the most rewarding experiences for bird lovers.

If you’re considering hand-raising a cockatoo, here’s everything you need to know to ensure a healthy, happy, and deeply bonded companion.

1. Understand the Commitment ⏳

Cockatoos are long-lived birds (some live 40–70 years!) and require intensive daily care during their early months.

Hand-raising involves:

• Feeding every 4–5 hours, even at night

• Monitoring temperature, weight, and droppings

• Socializing and taming through gentle interaction

Warning: Hand-raising should only be attempted by experienced bird lovers or under avian vet guidance.

2. Safe Brooder Setup: Warmth & Comfort 🌡️

A proper brooder is essential in the first weeks of life.

You will need:

• A plastic or glass container with a ventilated lid

• Heating pad or lamp to maintain 35–37°C (95–98.6°F)

• Soft bedding like paper towels or cloth

• Hygienic conditions—clean daily to avoid infections

Monitor the chick’s behavior: cold chicks huddle and chirp weakly, overheated ones pant and spread their wings.

3. Feeding Baby Cockatoos 🍼

Feeding is the most crucial part of hand-raising.

• Use hand-feeding formula for parrots (high in fat and protein)

• Feed via syringe or spoon with a crop needle if trained

• Temperature of the formula: 38–41°C (100–106°F)

• Feed every 4 hours at first, tapering down as the chick grows

• Check the crop to ensure food is digesting properly

Important: Never overfeed or let food sit in the crop too long—it can cause sour crop or infections.

4. Health Monitoring & Cleanliness 🧼

Cockatoo chicks are fragile. Watch for:

• Swollen or slow-emptying crop

• Watery or green droppings

• Weight loss or weak chirping

• Feather plucking (later stage)

Clean all feeding tools thoroughly with hot water and bird-safe disinfectants.

5. Socialization & Bonding 💞

Cockatoos are incredibly emotional birds.

• Talk gently to your chick daily

• Allow it to perch on your hand or cuddle into your shirt

• Do not isolate—it may cause stress and future behavioral issues

• Introduce soft toys as enrichment

• When feathered, offer short flight time indoors to develop muscle and confidence

6. Weaning: Transition to Solid Foods 🥭

Around 10–12 weeks, cockatoos begin to wean.

Start introducing:

• Chopped fruits and vegetables (carrot, apple, leafy greens)

• Soaked pellets or cooked grains

• Soft seeds and nuts (in moderation)

• Gradually reduce hand-feeding as the chick eats on its own

Never rush the process—cockatoos may take longer than other parrots to wean.

7. Cage Setup and Enrichment 🏠

Cockatoos are smart, playful, and strong-beaked birds.

Cage essentials:

• Large cage with horizontal bars for climbing

• Safe wooden toys and foraging activities

• Multiple perches of different thicknesses

• Water bowls deep enough for bathing

• Quiet, dark area for sleeping (10–12 hours per night)

Let your cockatoo spend daily out-of-cage time—they need social interaction and mental stimulation.

8. Long-Term Considerations 🕊️

Cockatoos thrive on attention and companionship. If neglected, they may scream, bite, or self-pluck.

To raise a well-adjusted adult:

• Spend several hours daily with your bird

• Provide challenges (e.g., puzzle toys, new foods)

• Avoid caging for long hours

• Consider a second bird companion if your schedule is limited

Conclusion

Hand-raising a cockatoo is an emotional journey that requires time, patience, and love. These birds are not just pets—they become family members who depend on you emotionally and physically.

With proper care, your cockatoo will grow into a loyal, intelligent, and incredibly affectionate companion who brightens every day with its personality and charm.