Speech and Vocalizations

In general, cockatoos can be loud and incessant talkers. The Major Mitchell’s species is noticeably quieter and more prone to natural calls. They can be taught to say a few basic words and can mimic whistles or alarms. Their natural calls are not too loud; they make exotic chirps and high pitched alarm calls. Thus, they probably aren’t suited to live in apartments or other close quarters with nearby neighbors.

Major Mitchell Cockatoo Colors and Markings

The Major Mitchell’s species is the only cockatoo to have a multi-colored crest. When extended, you’ll see bright pink and yellow-orange feathers with white at the tips.

The colorful Major Mitchell’s cockatoo is primarily pinkish-white and very easy to recognize. These flashy birds have broad pink patches around the neck and on the underbelly. They often have bold pink under their white-tipped wings.

The males tend to be brighter than the females, though the females have more orange in their crest. While males have brown eyes, females usually have reddish-pink eyes. Both sexes have gray feet and horn-colored beaks.

Caring for Major Mitchell Cockatoo

While it can be tempting to rush out and buy one of these beautiful birds, Major Mitchell’s cockatoos need specialized care and environments that not all bird owners can accommodate. It is best if they live in a walk-in cage (5 feet high) that is at least 4 feet long. This allows the large bird plenty of room to move.

These birds are moderately strong chewers and can break welds on poorly constructed cages. Many can open cage latches, so locks or escape-proof latches may be necessary.

Routine bathing or showering is vital to maintaining good plumage and skin. Birds can be misted and allowed to dry in a warm room or in the sun. Do not clip the wing feathers excessively. Clip only the primary flight feathers and only enough so the bird will glide to the floor.

Common Health Problems

In general, this species is a long-lived, hardy cockatoo. It is a sensitive bird. If the cockatoo perceives its bonded human is neglecting it, it is prone to depression. This may cause it to self-mutilate and feather-pluck, which can cause a skin infection.

If this bird acquires sarcocystis, a parasitic muscle tumor, it is fatal. Major Mitchell’s are susceptible to several avian diseases like psittacine beak and feather disease, bacterial infections, fungal infections, and metal toxicity.

Diet and Nutrition of the major mitchell cockatoo for sale 

Like all cockatoos, Major Mitchell’s are prone to obesity. When young, cockatoos are notoriously picky eaters and don’t seem to need much food to maintain themselves. As they age, however, they tend to put on weight. Monitor its fat intake.In the wild, this cockatoo eats mainly seeds from melons, weeds, and pine trees; cereal grains; and insect larvae.

High-quality pellets, a moderate amount of seed mix, and daily helpings of fresh, thoroughly washed bird-safe fruits and vegetables are the ideal diet for these birds. They tend to enjoy green leafy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and Swiss chard as well as carrots, celery, corn, green beans, and zucchini. Many also enjoy nuts, including hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, and walnuts.

Feed approximately 1/4 cup of formulated diet and 1/4 cup of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. If the bird consumes all of its food, add small amounts as desired. Treats such as seeds, nuts, and table foods may be given in small quantities, especially as rewards for good behavior.

Exercise your major mitchell cockatoo for sale

Just like its fellow members of the parrot family, Major Mitchell’s cockatoos are active birds that need plenty of exercise to maintain their physical condition. They need a minimum of three to four hours outside of the cage every day to stretch their wings.

Provide your Major Mitchell’s cockatoo with safe chew toys to exercise their beaks. These birds chew wood to make nests in the wild and will display that same behavior in captivity if they get bored or restless.

Regularly give your bird untreated elder, fir, pine, or willow wood pieces or toys. Leather toys and even heat-sterilized pine cones are other good options. Since these cockatoos appreciate water play, a watering bowl or spray-misting will be appreciated by your pet and fulfills some of its activity requirements.