Blue Eyed Cockatoo

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: June 22nd, 2018

About Blue Eyed Cockatoo

Size

20 inches

Lifespan

up to 50 years

Bird Species

Cockatoo

Colors

White

Sounds

Loud, Talkative, Mimics, Chatterer

Interaction

Social, Affectionate, Cuddly, Calm

Comparable Breeds

Moluccan Cockatoo, Double Yellow Headed Amazon Parrot

Blue Eyed Cockatoo General Info

The Blue Eyed cockatoo is one of the friendlier members of the diverse and unique cockatoo family. Although they can sometimes require quite a bit of attention, your patience will be rewarded with a social, affectionate and, above all, a funny pet that is certain to be the reason for your good mood. They are one of the least common captive cockatoos, but even so, they make excellent pets and quickly become a loved member of the family.

These cockatoos require a lot of care and attention, but in return, you get a goofy and affectionate pet.

Native Region/Natural Habitat

They are found exclusively in the islands of New Ireland and New Britain. These islands are the part of the Bismarck Archipelago which lies close to Papua New Guinea. Considered a vulnerable species, the Blue Eyed cockatoo nests in the untouched forests that cover these faraway islands. Rapidly increased logging and destruction of pristine low land forests, as well as illegal trapping, pose a great threat to these beautiful birds. They can be seen flying over the canopy as high as a thousand meters.

Overall Description

These large cockatoos retain most of the distinguishing features of other members of their family. They are large birds with an average length of 20 inches (50 centimeters). Like most other cockatoos, Blue Eyed cockatoo has the unique feather crest on top of their head, which signifies their mood. Depending on how much the crest is fanned out, you can guess if your pet is angry, frightened or ready to play. With their large size, a spacious cage is a priority for their well being. These parrots are zygodactyls, a unique trait meaning they have two opposite toes. This is handy for holding food as they eat.

Speech and Sounds

When considering a pet cockatoo, you need to keep in mind that they can be noisy. They simply love to mimic human speech in their own, goofy way. This can sometimes go on for a long time and very loudly, too, so a good dose of patience is needed. Offering more attention and social interaction to your pet is bound to minimize their need for vocal outbursts. The loudness can often be a result of boredom and neglect, so make sure to give a portion of your time to your pet.

Colors

Blue Eyed cockatoo is often confused with Sulphur crested cockatoo. They are also entirely white, with yellow feathers hidden in the crest, and a black beak. They get their name from a ring of bright blue skin around the eyes, which is also their distinct feature. The males and females are almost identical, which makes it difficult to know their gender. Even though the lack of colors might seem not too exotic to some, this parrot is still a graceful and stunningly pretty bird.

The blue rings around their eyes make these graceful birds stand out.

Care and Feeding

In the wild, these cockatoos enjoy eating a variety of natural seeds, nuts, fruits and tree blossoms. There are special cockatoo seed and pellet-based mixes that will help your pet have a varied and healthy diet. Of course, you’ll want to add a dose of fresh fruits and green vegetables like oranges, apples, celery, cabbage, and carrots. They will serve as a treat and a healthy supplement full of essential vitamins and proteins. Fresh drinking water should be regularly changed, and baths provided on occasion. Baths help your pet bird keep good hygiene, which will help prevent feather-related diseases.

Health and Common Conditions

Blue Eyed Cockatoo adapts easily to most conditions and is known as a hardy and robust bird. The main factors you need to pay attention to are providing enough sunlight, moving space, good hygiene and social interaction. If neglected, this parrot may develop apathy, loss of appetite, and complete loss of feathers due to stress.

Although these cockatoos are strong and healthy birds, you need to take care of their needs to prevent serious diseases.

Personality & Behavior

All cockatoos are a little mischievous and energetic. The Blue Eyed cockatoo, on the other hand, is much calmer and affectionate than its relatives. These birds love doing their tricks, playing with their toys and they’re always looking for attention and cuddling. Blue Eyed cockatoos love to be handled and will perch on your shoulder. In no time, this graceful bird will bond with you. And with their long lifespan, you know you’ll be getting a feathery friend for life!

Photo credit: HappyShot/Shutterstock; Kim Wutimet/Shutterstock; Cat-Bee/Shutterstock

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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There is no denying the fact that pet ownership can be expensive. From the expected costs of vaccinations and high-quality dog food to the increased fees associated with traveling with your dog by your side, it adds up fast! But exactly how much does it cost to feed your dog? How do these costs stack up compared to dog parents in other areas? If this question has been on your mind, you’re in luck. A recent study by CashNetUSA compares the cost of feeding a dog in 97 countries, and the findings are surprising.Let’s start with the most exciting news for American pet parents. While the cost of feeding a dog in the US didn’t make the list of the least expensive countries, it did rank as one of the most affordable countries when assessing the annual cost versus the national net income per capita. Other countries that made this list include Ireland, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Slovenia, and Denmark. Of course, this value can vary depending on the quality of dog food you are feeding and the size of your dog (therefore, the amount of food they consume daily). The study collected data based on the cost of feeding a medium-sized dog 540 grams of kibble daily using the cheapest dry food available in local supermarkets. If a country didn’t have available comparable food, the price was calculated using an international supermarket that would ship to the country. The least expensive country to feed a dog was Botswana, at a cost of $163.59 USD annually. This was closely followed by Lesotho ($201.29) and Hungary ($246.38). On the other end of the spectrum, the most expensive country was Japan, with dog food costs reaching a staggering $2,056.88 USD annually. The top 3 most costly countries also included Andorra ($1854.71) and Estonia ($1518.98). What causes such a variation in cost? In addition to the living costs and average income for each country, food quality should also be considered. Countries with exceptionally low annual prices often fed dogs a diet that failed to meet their nutritional needs. “Most retail brands in Botswana and around Africa use basic formulae often resulting in dogs suffering from inflamed skin and increased scratching caused by (an) imbalance in levels of Omera 3 and 6 along with insufficient levels of essential fatty acids like DHA and FPA,” a local entrepreneur told the National Post. If you are struggling with pet food's growing cost, you’re not alone. Many pet parents are seeking ways to keep the costs down without sacrificing the quality of their dog’s diet. Here are a few tips to help keep the costs down: Bake Your Own Dog Treats Dog treats are one of the bigger costs that many dog parents spend on. After all, there are so many incredible treat options available on the shelves of our local pet stores. How do you not want to spoil your furry best friend? Making your treats is not only budget-friendly but also a great way to control the quality of what your dog is eating. Buy in Bulk If your budget allows, purchase a larger bag of dog food or buy your dog’s food in bulk. These products are designed to last surprisingly well on the shelf over time. By buying larger quantities at once, you may spend more in the moment, but the cost per meal drops considerably. If your local pet store doesn’t have a bulk discount, consider asking about purchasing a bulk order and how it could impact the price. Join Loyalty Programs or Subscriptions Many pet stores and online pet retailers offer loyalty programs or subscriptions that help reduce your costs if you continue purchasing from one location. This could mean a lower price per bag with a pre-scheduled subscription order or a loyalty points program where you are rewarded with a free bag after buying a certain number of dog food bags. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Dog Rescued After Surviving a 60-foot Fall from Michigan Cliff

A family’s trip to one of Michigan’s most beautiful landmarks almost ended tragically, when their dog took a tumble from a cliff. The adventurous dog, named Dancer, was rescued after surviving a 60-foot fall from a cliff and spending a freezing night alone in the wilderness. The three-year-old pooch had escaped her leash and plunged off a steep cliff near Miners Castle, in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore area in Munising, Michigan. The lakeshore runs alongside Lake Superior and is located in Michigan’s Upper Penninsula. The National Park Service (NPS) shared in a news release that Dancer fell 60 feet off a cliff to a ledge below. The dog’s owners spent hours searching the area but were unable to find the dog and were convinced that she didn’t survive the fall. Rangers at the nearby Pictured Rocks Park received a message about the lost pooch and decided to enlist the help of Superior High Angle Rescue Professionals (SHARP), a local rope rescue team, to search for the dog. The following morning SHARP members Erik Olsen, Westley Shaffer, and Tyler Davis went to the area and were able to find Dancer, who was cold, but alive. “Though she has spent the night trying to keep warm, she was excited to see the rescuers,” the service wrote. Dancer, who was described as a “professional troublemaker” didn’t have any reported injuries. The lucky pooch has since been reunited with her family and is recovering well after spending the night alone in the wilderness. The park service noted that Dancer was extremely lucky and although her story has a happy ending, her fall should serve as a reminder to everyone that areas of Pictured Rocks can get very cold and extremely slippery.“With this year’s mild start to winter, many areas of Pictured Rocks are more accessible than they are most years,” Chief Ranger Joe Hughes explained. “It is still important to remember to be prepared for slippery, cold conditions that can change quickly.”Whether you’re planning to hit a local trail with your pooch or are planning a trip to a state park, keep your pooch on a leash. Make sure that your pup’s harness is fitted properly so that your pooch can’t wiggle out of it, even if it tries. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Does Your Dog Have What it Takes to Be a B.A.R.K. Ranger?

Is your dog your favorite adventure buddy? Do you dream of exploring America’s National Parks system with your furry best friend by your side? While many parks have limitations on where dogs are allowed, the popularity of pet-friendly travel is on the rise. In response, the U.S. National Park Service introduced a program to teach dog parents how to travel with their pups responsibly – the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program. But does your dog have what it takes to be a B.A.R.K. Ranger? What is involved in earning that title anyway? In this article, we will break down the B.A.R.K. principles and why they are so important for responsible outdoor travel. We will also share tips for helping your dog become a certified B.A.R.K. ranger. What Does the Acronym “B.A.R.K.” Stand For? Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is the B.A.R.K. Ranger program, and what does the acronym “B.A.R.K.” stand for? Recognizing that a growing number of dog parents wanted to bring their pups with them when visiting the parks, the U.S. National Park Service recognized a need for education on how to travel with dogs responsibly. This means focusing on the importance of respecting the environment, local wildlife, and other visitors to the park. This program is a partnership between the National Park Service (NPS) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). It is part of the Healthy Parks Healthy People Initiative, which is focused on the idea that “parks can be gateways to good health – for people and the planet.” The B.A.R.K. acronym stands for: B – Bag your pet’s wasteA – Always leash your petR – Respect wildlife K – Know where you can goThe concept is similar to the traditional Leave No Trace principles but focuses on how a dog may impact the environment and the overall park experience. What Are the Qualifications to Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger? The good news is that the requirements to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger are very broad. The program is open to dogs of all ages, breeds, sizes, and activity levels. From the senior chihuahua who prefers to be carried along the trail while still enjoying the fresh air to the high-energy Border Collie who could hike for days without stopping, all are welcome! So, does your dog meet the qualifications? As long as they are dog – YES!What is the Process of Getting Your Dog’s B.A.R.K. Ranger Certification? This is where the conversation becomes a little more complicated. While the B.A.R.K. Ranger program is a National Park Service program, the exact requirements to be named a B.A.R.K. Ranger vary from park to park. This allows each park to customize the program to best suit its area and the needs of those who visit each park specifically. At some parks, you will be asked to take a booklet and fill it out. Once you have completed the booklet, you will receive your commemorative leash tag. At other parks, a program is offered that you will attend to learn more about the B.A.R.K. principles and how they can be applied in your travels. Finally, some parks make it incredibly easy. They ask those interested to learn about the B.A.R.K. principles at home before coming to the park. Upon arrival, the dog's parents are asked if they understand and agree with them. They then take a pledge to follow these principles before their dog is given the coveted title.

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