Best Cockatoo for Beginners

A Comprehensive Guide to 10 Suitable Species

Choosing the best cockatoo for beginners can be a challenging yet exciting decision. Cockatoos are known for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and striking appearance, but some species are more suitable for novice bird owners than others. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore ten cockatoo species that are often considered the best cockatoo for beginners, discussing their characteristics, care requirements, and why they might be a good fit for first-time cockatoo owners.

1. The Gentle Goffin’s Cockatoo

The Goffin’s Cockatoo is often recommended as the best cockatoo for beginners due to its smaller size and relatively gentle temperament.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: 31-35 cm (12-14 inches) in length
• Weight: 250-350 g (0.55-0.77 lbs)
• Distinctive Features: White plumage with salmon-pink tinge, small rounded crest

Personality and Behavior:
Goffin’s Cockatoos are known for their playful and curious nature. They’re intelligent birds that enjoy problem-solving activities, making them engaging pets for beginners who are ready to provide mental stimulation.

Care Requirements:

• Housing: Cage size minimum 1m x 1m x 1m (3ft x 3ft x 3ft)
• Diet: Balanced diet of pellets, seeds, fresh fruits, and vegetables
• Enrichment: Variety of toys, especially those that challenge their problem-solving skills

Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Goffin’s Cockatoo is considered one of the best cockatoo for beginners due to its manageable size, generally good-natured temperament, and lower noise levels compared to larger cockatoo species.

2. The Charming Cockatiel

While technically not a true cockatoo, the Cockatiel is often grouped with cockatoos and is an excellent choice for beginners.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: 30-33 cm (12-13 inches) in length
• Weight: 70-120 g (2.5-4.2 oz)
• Distinctive Features: Grey body, white wing patches, yellow face with orange cheek patches (in males)

Personality and Behavior:
Cockatiels are known for their gentle and docile nature. They’re relatively quiet birds that can learn to whistle tunes and are generally easy to handle.

Care Requirements:

• Housing: Cage size minimum 60 cm x 60 cm x 80 cm (24in x 24in x 32in)
• Diet: Commercial cockatiel seed mix, pellets, fresh vegetables
• Enrichment: Various perches, swings, and small toys

Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Cockatiel is often considered the best cockatoo for beginners due to its small size, calm temperament, and relatively low-maintenance care requirements.

3. The Playful Rose-breasted Cockatoo (Galah)

Rose-breasted Cockatoos, also known as Galahs, are often recommended as one of the best cockatoo for beginners due to their manageable size and playful nature.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: 35-38 cm (14-15 inches) in length
• Weight: 270-350 g (0.6-0.77 lbs)
• Distinctive Features: Pink breast and face, grey back and wings

Personality and Behavior:
Galahs are known for their playful and clownish behavior. They’re generally gentler and less demanding than some larger cockatoo species, making them suitable for beginners who can appreciate their energetic nature.

Care Requirements:

• Housing: Cage size minimum 1m x 1m x 1m (3ft x 3ft x 3ft)
• Diet: Balanced diet of seeds, pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables
• Enrichment: Variety of toys, especially those that encourage foraging behavior

Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Rose-breasted Cockatoo is considered one of the best cockatoo for beginners due to its medium size, generally friendly disposition, and entertaining personality.

4. The Striking Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo

Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos, while not the easiest, can be a good choice for dedicated beginners due to their relatively calm nature.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: 33-37 cm (13-14.5 inches) in length
• Weight: 370-425 g (0.8-0.94 lbs)
• Distinctive Features: Pale pink body, multi-colored crest with red and yellow bands

Personality and Behavior:
These cockatoos are generally gentler and less demanding than some other cockatoo species. They’re known for their sweet nature and ability to form strong bonds with their caregivers.

Care Requirements:

• Housing: Large cage or aviary, minimum 1.2m x 1.2m x 1.5m (4ft x 4ft x 5ft)
• Diet: High-quality pellets, variety of seeds, fresh fruits, and vegetables
• Enrichment: Plenty of toys for chewing and foraging, regular interaction

Why It’s Great for Beginners:
While more challenging than some other options, the Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo can be a good choice for beginners who are fully committed to providing extensive care and attention.

5. The Affectionate Long-billed Corella

The Long-billed Corella is often considered one of the best cockatoo for beginners due to its manageable size and friendly nature.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: 35-40 cm (14-16 inches) in length
• Weight: 500-600 g (1.1-1.3 lbs)
• Distinctive Features: White plumage, long upper beak, pink face and chest

Personality and Behavior:
Long-billed Corellas are known for their playful and affectionate nature. They’re generally less demanding than larger cockatoos and can be quite comical in their behavior.

Care Requirements:

• Housing: Cage size minimum 1m x 1m x 1.2m (3ft x 3ft x 4ft)
• Diet: High-quality pellets, variety of seeds, fresh fruits, and vegetables
• Enrichment: Various toys for chewing and foraging, regular interaction

Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Long-billed Corella is considered one of the best cockatoo for beginners due to its friendly disposition, manageable size, and relatively lower noise levels compared to larger cockatoos.

6. The Gentle Bare-eyed Cockatoo

The Bare-eyed Cockatoo, also known as the Little Corella, is often recommended as one of the best cockatoo for beginners due to its smaller size and generally calm demeanor.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: 35-40 cm (14-16 inches) in length
• Weight: 400-500 g (0.9-1.1 lbs)
• Distinctive Features: White plumage, blue eye-ring, pale blue skin around eyes

Personality and Behavior:
Bare-eyed Cockatoos are known for their gentle nature and ability to form strong bonds with their owners. They’re generally less noisy than larger cockatoo species.

Care Requirements:

• Housing: Cage size minimum 1m x 1m x 1.2m (3ft x 3ft x 4ft)
• Diet: High-quality pellets, variety of seeds, fresh fruits, and vegetables
• Enrichment: Various toys for mental stimulation, regular interaction

Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Bare-eyed Cockatoo is considered one of the best cockatoo for beginners due to its manageable size, generally calm temperament, and lower noise levels compared to larger cockatoos.

7. The Charming Ducorps’ Cockatoo

The Ducorps’ Cockatoo is often cited as one of the best cockatoo for beginners due to its smaller size and relatively gentle nature.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: 30-35 cm (12-14 inches) in length
• Weight: 300-400 g (0.7-0.9 lbs)
• Distinctive Features: All-white plumage, blue eye-ring, small crest

Personality and Behavior:
Ducorps’ Cockatoos are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They’re generally quieter than larger cockatoo species and can be quite playful.

Care Requirements:

• Housing: Cage size minimum 1m x 1m x 1.2m (3ft x 3ft x 4ft)
• Diet: High-quality pellets, variety of seeds, fresh fruits, and vegetables
• Enrichment: Various toys for mental stimulation, regular interaction

Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Ducorps’ Cockatoo is considered one of the best cockatoo for beginners due to its smaller size, generally gentle temperament, and lower noise levels compared to larger cockatoos.

8. The Friendly Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

While more challenging than some other options, the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo can be a good choice for dedicated beginners.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: 44-55 cm (17-22 inches) in length
• Weight: 815-975 g (1.8-2.1 lbs)
• Distinctive Features: White plumage, bright yellow crest, black beak

Personality and Behavior:
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They’re highly intelligent and can form strong bonds with their owners.

Care Requirements:

• Housing: Large cage or aviary, minimum 1.5m x 1.5m x 2m (5ft x 5ft x 6.5ft)
• Diet: High-quality pellets, variety of seeds, fresh fruits, and vegetables
• Enrichment: Plenty of toys for mental stimulation, regular interaction

Why It’s Great for Beginners:
While more demanding than some other options, the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo can be a rewarding choice for beginners who are fully committed to providing extensive care and attention.

9. The Energetic Citron-crested Cockatoo

The Citron-crested Cockatoo can be a good choice for active beginners who are prepared for a energetic pet.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: 33-35 cm (13-14 inches) in length
• Weight: 300-400 g (0.7-0.9 lbs)
• Distinctive Features: White plumage, orange-yellow crest, dark grey beak

Personality and Behavior:
Citron-crested Cockatoos are known for their playful and energetic nature. They’re intelligent birds that require plenty of mental stimulation and interaction.

Care Requirements:

• Housing: Cage size minimum 1m x 1m x 1.2m (3ft x 3ft x 4ft)
• Diet: High-quality pellets, variety of seeds, fresh fruits, and vegetables
• Enrichment: Various toys for mental stimulation, regular interaction

Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Citron-crested Cockatoo can be a good choice for beginners who are prepared for an active and engaging pet. Their smaller size makes them more manageable than larger cockatoo species.

10. The Charismatic Umbrella Cockatoo

While more challenging, the Umbrella Cockatoo can be a rewarding choice for dedicated beginners.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: 45-50 cm (18-20 inches) in length
• Weight: 750-900 g (1.65-2 lbs)
• Distinctive Features: All-white plumage, large rounded crest

Personality and Behavior:
Umbrella Cockatoos are known for their affectionate nature and strong desire for attention. They’re highly intelligent and can form deep bonds with their owners.

Care Requirements:

• Housing: Large cage or aviary, minimum 1.5m x 1.5m x 2m (5ft x 5ft x 6.5ft)
• Diet: High-quality pellets, variety of fresh fruits and vegetables
• Enrichment: Plenty of toys for mental stimulation, constant interaction

Why It’s Great for Beginners:
While more demanding than some other options, the Umbrella Cockatoo can be a deeply rewarding pet for beginners who are fully committed to providing extensive care, attention, and mental stimulation.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Cockatoo for Beginners

Selecting the best cockatoo for beginners involves considering factors such as size, temperament, noise level, and care requirements. While some species like the Goffin’s Cockatoo and Cockatiel are generally considered easier for novice owners, even the more challenging species can be rewarding pets for dedicated beginners who are