Description

The Moluccan Cockatoo, or Salmon-Crested Cockatoo, is one of the largest white cockatoos, instantly recognized by its soft, salmon-pink plumage and massive, beautiful crest. This species is perhaps the most affectionate and emotionally demanding of all parrots. They possess an incredibly gentle, sensitive, and loving temperament, often craving constant physical contact and behaving like a feathered child. However, this high emotionality makes them the most prone to severe psychological issues (plucking, screaming) if their needs are unmet. They have an exceptionally loud, powerful scream, which can be physically damaging and is a paramount factor in their suitability as a pet.

Tamability and Maintenance: Moluccan Cockatoos are highly tamable and form a uniquely deep, needy bond. They are an extremely high maintenance pet, requiring 4-6 hours of focused, daily human interaction and intellectual engagement. A bored or lonely Moluccan is almost guaranteed to develop severe behavioural issues. They require a fortress-like cage and a constant supply of hardwood toys for chewing. This bird is a profound, life-altering commitment, with an expected lifespan of 60-80 years, often outliving their original owners.

Diet: The diet must be meticulously low-fat to prevent obesity and fatty liver disease. The foundation should be a high-quality, low-fat cockatoo pellet formula. This must be supplemented generously with fresh, chopped vegetables (especially Vitamin A-rich types) and minimal amounts of fruit. Nuts and seeds must be restricted almost entirely, used only as a rare, measured treat for training.