Description

The Citron-Crested Cockatoo is a sub-species of the Lesser Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo, distinguishable by its bright orange (citron) crest instead of yellow. This is a medium-sized cockatoo, making it one of the more manageable of the white cockatoos. They are known for being highly intelligent, gentle, and playful, often displaying a very sweet and curious disposition. They are highly active and enjoy climbing, exploring, and engaging in light-hearted mischief. While they possess the typical cockatoo scream, their vocalizations are generally less intense and less frequent than the larger Umbrella or Moluccan, though they are still a loud bird.

Tamability and Maintenance: Citron-Crested Cockatoos are highly tamable and make affectionate, engaging companions. They are a high maintenance pet, requiring several hours of daily interaction and a consistent routine. Their high intelligence necessitates a rotation of stimulating toys, climbing structures, and foraging opportunities to prevent boredom and anxiety. Their smaller size allows for a slightly smaller cage than the larger cockatoos, but it still needs to be spacious and sturdy. Their expected lifespan is 40-60 years, requiring a long-term commitment.

Diet: Their diet must be low in fat to prevent common cockatoo health issues. The primary intake should be a high-quality, medium parrot pellet formula. This must be supplemented daily with a wide variety of fresh, chopped vegetables and greens. Nuts and seeds should be very limited and used only as occasional treats or for enrichment, given their susceptibility to weight gain and related health problems.