Umbrella Cockatoo

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: April 28th, 2018

About Umbrella Cockatoo

Size

18 inches

Lifespan

40-60 years

Bird Species

Cockatoo

Colors

White

Sounds

Vocal, Noisy, Chatterer

Interaction

Highly Social, Affectionate, Cuddly, Playful

Comparable Breeds

Yellow Crowned Amazon, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

Umbrella Cockatoo General Info

The Umbrella Cockatoo, also known as the White Cockatoo, has been a loved and popular pet for a long time. Their popularity goes back as far as seventh century AD, where they were cherished pets on the courts of China’s Tang dynasty. For Europeans, they became known in the 1700’s, being brought over from the maritime voyages. They quickly became widespread and popular pet birds, which remains unchanged: these days, they’re often the stars of viral cute parrot videos!

The Umbrella Cockatoos have been cherished for centuries. They are loving and affectionate birds, with many unique features.

Native Region/Natural Habitat

The home of these parrots is reserved for only a few islands in the northern cluster of Maluku islands, in Indonesia. Umbrella Cockatoos enjoy living in lowland tropical forests and mangroves in small flocks. Even though this bird is common as a pet, in the wild its numbers are declining, causing it to become an endangered species.

Overall Description

White Cockatoos are large and graceful birds. The adults can reach a length of around 18 inches (46 centimeters) and weigh up to 1.8 lbs (800 grams), making them one of the largest in the cockatoo family. Like some other parrots, Umbrella Cockatoo has a unique feature – the zygodactyls feet. This means that they have two toes forward and two toes backward, allowing them to grasp objects and hold onto branches with relative ease. They also like to hold their food in one foot and nibble on it. The most interesting detail, though, is their radiant crest, which inspired their name. When excited, your pet will spread the crest on top of its head, which resembles a large fan or an umbrella.

Speech and Sounds

When buying an Umbrella Cockatoo, you should know that your pet might be very noisy at times. Their loud caws and screeching usually come from disturbance, fear or lack of attention. They also have a great ability to mimic human speech, although not by forming words. It often comes out as a hilarious, sped up mumbling with an occasional word thrown in. But most of the time, when not silent, they will love chatting, “talking” to you on and on, responding to your words in countless funny ways. While this behavior is utterly charming, it also means that this pet bird won’t be the best choice for apartment dwellers.

Colors

The dominant color of Umbrella Cockatoo is white. It covers the entirety of their bodies, with only slight yellow spots beneath their wings which are visible in flight. A large, entirely white bird is a graceful and beautiful sight, and in combination with their prominent black beak and the large crest, it creates a one of a kind pet parrot.

These cockatoos are purely white. Together with their unique details, they have the appearance of graceful and remarkable birds.

Care and Feeding

A part of the care you provide to your pet is ensuring plenty of space for them. Their cage should be roomy and big, as they are large birds with a lot of energy. Umbrella Cockatoo will also love to roam about outside of the cage (in a safe environment) or spend their time on a perch or artificial branch. Their diet should consist of commercial seed or pellet mixes and a regular and varied supplementation of fresh fruits, vegetables, and common nutritional foods for birds.

Health and Common Conditions

Hardy and resilient, Umbrella Cockatoo can live to be from 40 to 60 years old, sometimes even more. Throughout their remarkable lifespan, they can be relatively free from health issues, given proper and regular care. This includes good hygiene, optimal living conditions, and a healthy diet. Some signs to watch out for should be apathy, runny or crusty eyes and difficulty breathing. To prevent feather plucking, provide your pet with regular baths.

Your pet can live a long and happy life. Ensure it by providing proper care and commitment.

Personality & Behavior

There is a lot you can learn about your pet cockatoo. It might take a while. Umbrella Cockatoo is generally affectionate and cuddly, preferring to play and be handled. Also, once trust is established, they will bond deeply with their owner, often creating a lifelong relationship. For a patient and caring owner, a cockatoo can become a companion and a buddy, but only if you can understand and get used to their often quirky and goofy personality, as well as their chatty, noisy behavior. Before deciding to get an Umbrella Cockatoo, though, make sure you’ll be able to give them lifelong care: after all, these pet birds can even outlive their owner.

Photo credit: Flik47/Shutterstock; T.S. Aditya Narasimhan/Shutterstock; RLHambley/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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Can Counterconditioning Help My Reactive Dog?

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Amazing Wiener Dog Gives Birth to a Record Breaking Puppy Litter

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What to Know About Osteoarthritis in Cats

Osteoarthritis, also referred to as OA, is a condition that’s common in cats – experts have found that 90% of kitties over the age of 12 have it. And because cats may hide the signs, it can be overlooked, so it’s a good idea to learn about the symptoms and keep an eye out for them, especially as your pet gets older. The good news is, if your feline friend is diagnosed with this condition, there are things you can do to help her experience less pain.

Sleeping With Pets: Here's What Experts Have to Say

Pet parents adore their four-legged companions so much that they choose to sleep with them at night. Research shows that more than half of pet owners sleep with their pets. Most pet owners consider their pets part of the family, so it is no surprise that they will go out of their way to ensure their furry companions’ comfort. However, with an increasing focus on our sleep health, pet parents are starting to wonder about the potential disadvantages of sleeping with pets. In fact, sharing a bed with a pet is the subject of controversy among pet parents.Various studies suggest that there are many benefits to sleeping with pets. And experts tend to agree. According to Audrey Wells, MD, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, a pet can provide an emotional connection and reduce anxiety and stress levels, therefore promoting sleep. “Some people may consider their pets an added layer of security, dependable to alert them to unexpected noises or lights.”Another benefit of sleeping with your pet is that they can keep you nice and warm during the night. People who get chilled easily might enjoy cuddling with a furry companion during frigid winter nights.“Pets are sensitive to routine, and they can help enforce a regular bedtime and better sleep quality for their owner,” explained Dr. Wells. “Similarly, pets can signal wake-up time in the morning and even prompt some time outside for a walk and daylight exposure.”If you enjoy sleeping with your pet and find it beneficial for your sleep, the science agrees with you. According to Amanda Farah, National Training and Behavioral Coordinator at Best Friends Animal Society, studies have found that some people sleep more soundly when their dog is sleeping next to them. “If you and your dog both sleep well together, you’ll enjoy the health benefits that come with a good night’s sleep, such as improved mental clarity, lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and a stronger immune system,” explained Farah.According to Teddy Cralle, Ms, RN, certified clinical sleep educator, some people sleep better when their pet is in the bed, but some don’t. If there’s a chance that you won't get a good night’s rest while sleeping with your pet you shouldn't sleep with them in the first place. For example, if you’re a light sleeper and your dog likes to change positions during the night, sleeping with your pooch may wake you more often, resulting in low-quality sleep. Also, some pups like to claim the entire bed for themselves, leading to a sleepless night and a backache. “Sacrificing your sleep means sacrificing your health, well-being, and quality of life - and that is not a sacrifice to make,” Cralle added.Sharing a bed with a pet may not be the best idea if you’re an asthma or allergy sufferer. Although some dog breeds shed less than others, no dog is truly hypoallergenic because it’s their dander and not hair that triggers an allergic reaction. Zoonotic diseases are another downside of sleeping with pets. Research has confirmed that sharing a bed with a pet can increase the exposure rate to pathogens that might be present. Although no one wants to think about it, pets can bring unwanted guests to your bed. Fleas and ticks are the most active during the warmer months, but the truth is they can infest your pet all year long. If the downsides of sleeping with your pet have made you reconsider your sleeping arrangement don’t fret - you can still have your pooch close by while you sleep. A crate or a cozy dog bed next to your bed will help everyone get a good night’s rest. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Finds Pet Parents Care More About Their Dogs Than Their Cats

Pet parents tend to place themselves into one of two categories. You can either be a dog person or a cat person - there’s nothing in between. This may come as a shock to all cat lovers, but scientists have found that dog owners care more for their dogs than cat owners care for their cats. At least that’s the case with pet owners across Denmark, Austria, and the United Kingdom.Although these findings have been observed in older studies, veterinary scientists from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, wanted to find out whether cultural factors had any effect on the results. Their results were first published in the Journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “We and others have found that people are willing to spend much less on their cats than on their dogs,” said Peter Sandøe, professor at the University of Copenhagen and the study’s lead author. “We wanted to find out whether cats could eventually end up having the same high status as dogs do today.”The scientists surveyed 2,117 pet owners, including 844 dog owners, 872 cat owners, and 401 owners who owned both cats and dogs. Participants were asked questions about their pets’ health insurance, their willingness to pay for life-saving medical treatment, and other questions designed to determine how much owners care for their pets. Pet owners from all three countries had a higher attachment score for dogs than for cats. Dog owners were more likely to buy insurance for their dogs, and said they were willing to spend more for life-saving treatment for their dogs. However, the results of the study varied greatly across the countries. The differences were most noticeable in Denmark, where 41% of dog owners said they were willing to pay a high cost of life-saving medical treatment for their dogs compared to 26% of cat owners. On the other hand, the United Kingdom’s results were in favor of dogs, but only slightly. Around 34% of dog owners in the UK said they would pay more for their dogs’ medical treatment compared to 28% of cat owners. According to scientists, such a slight difference isn’t statistically significant. ‘While people care more about their dogs than their cats in all countries, the degree of difference varied dramatically between countries,” said Sandøe. The researchers originally hypothesized that people in Denmark might be more unaccustomed with cats living indoors than people living in Austria and the United Kingdom since Denmark became urbanized much later than these two countries. Thanks to a much more recent rural history, cats in Denmark might be seen as just another farm animal.According to researchers, several studies hypothesize that when cats are more likely to spend time indoors, they tend to become much closer to their owners, who consequently care more about them. This was confirmed by studies in the U.S. and Mexico, where many cats are indoors-only felines.So it comes as no surprise that in Denmark, where just one out of five cats is kept strictly indoors and many have outdoor access, most pet owners care less about cats. Researchers think that pet owners’ level of care for their pets may depend on the level of interaction and dependence, as well as other factors. "There seems to be no natural limit to how much people will end up caring about their cats compared to their dogs,” said Sandøe. “The British are often portrayed as a nation of cat lovers, which is certainly confirmed by our study. The Danes have a long way to go, but they may eventually get there.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is Dog Food Bad for Cats?

In households where cats and dogs coexist together, you can bet that furballs will “share” everything. Sofas, lounging chairs, cozy spots, beds, toys – you name it. Well, sure, not all of it is sharing in the real sense of the word, as it is more of your cat just claiming all of it for itself. That’s just how cats are. But hey, no harm in your cat and dog sharing a bed or a lounging spot. However, what would happen if your cat happened to “share” your dog’s food? Can dog food be bad for cats? Here’s what you should know if your feline is keen on nibbling your dog’s kibble.Is Dog Food Bad for Cats?Cats and dogs are different – it doesn’t take much thinking to figure that out. Not only in their behavioral traits but in their nutritional needs as well. And since their nutritional requirements differ, dog food will generally not be adequate for cats. While dog food is not toxic to cats, it does not have all the nutrients necessary for cats, and it is not formulated in the same way. Cats need specific nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and certain vitamins that are not present in sufficient amounts in dog food. For example, dogs can survive with lower levels of Vitamin A and proteins, while cats cannot. And even if your cat somehow enjoys dog food and prefers to munch on it at feeding time, it is ultimately not good for her. In fact, feeding cats dog food over a long period can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. It's essential to feed cats a balanced diet formulated specifically for their needs to ensure they stay healthy. This includes plenty of protein (more than doggos), and amino acids like taurine and arginine. In fact, these amino acids are essential for cat health. Taurine is especially important for cats. Unlike dogs, cats cannot synthesize enough taurine in their bodies, so they must get it from their diet. Taurine deficiency can lead to serious health issues in cats, including heart problems and vision issues.Cats also require arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in animal tissues. Arachidonic acid is necessary for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and reproductive function. While dogs can synthesize arachidonic acid from other fats, cats cannot produce enough on their own and must obtain it from their diet. The same goes for Vitamins A and D. They are essential components of a cat diet, and cannot be found in dog food in adequate measures. 

This App Helps Lost Pets Find a Way Back Home – Already Saving 8,000

PetRadar is a company like no other, helping desperate owners find their missing cherished pets. And now, after successfully reuniting 8,000 missing cats with their owners, the company has expanded to include missing dogs as well.According to the research done by  ASPCA, around 15% of all cats in the USA go missing over a five period. But that is not the worst of it. In just one year, around 10,000,000 dogs go missing in the United States alone. It is a truly alarming statistic, and PetRadar aims to change it for good. David Olthaar is the man behind PetRadar and created his brand almost spontaneously. The idea came to him when he saw a blurry “missing cat” poster on a rainy night. It was almost impossible for that poster to yield results. So he thought that a better way existed, especially in our day and age. And the result is PetRadar and its great success.  "We wanted to use social media ads for good. And what's better than reuniting lost pets with their owners?" David Olthaar said. Thanks to the benefits of the modern digital age, they used sponsored posts on social media to advertise the search for the missing cat in a 1km radius around its last address. The success was near instant. After the first missing cat was found, it became clear just how effective the idea was. "I remember when the first sighting of a lost cat came in. I couldn't believe it. Reuniting them was a beautiful moment. I was even invited for dinner as a thank you!"The idea soon became a major project and a successful worldwide system for finding missing pets. "After finding our 8000th missing cat, I knew we needed to start saving dogs, too!"So, after initially being named CatRadar, the company became PetRadar - expanding on missing dogs as well. And within a week, the first missing doggo had been reunited with his owners. We can only imagine the bright future that lies ahead of this project, and the happy end for many missing pets (and their owners) around the globe.

How Do I Teach My Cat to Play Fetch?

Unlike dogs, cats aren’t exactly known for their love of fetch. If you dream of tossing a toy with your furry best friend for hours, fear note – with a bit of time, patience, and positive reinforcement, you may just inspire a new love for the game in your kitty. This post will discuss why some cats take to fetch so naturally and how play can benefit your cat’s overall health and well-being. Plus, we’ll share how to teach your cat to play fetch step-by-step with tips for success! So, grab your cat’s favorite toy and get ready for a fun game of fetch…Why Do Cats Love Playing Fetch? There are many theories about why cats enjoy this game. The most accepted theory is that the action triggers natural hunting instincts. When an object is thrown, it mimics their prey moving across the room. The cat then chases the toy, stalking and hunting it. Retrieving the toy and bringing it back to you is similar to cats bringing their freshly killed prey to their owners as a gift. Other experts see the game of fetch as an attempt to spend quality time playing together, bonding like we do with our dogs. However, no research confirms either theory. What Toy Do Cats Love Most? Finding the best toy for your fetch-loving cat can be a fun process. Why? There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Instead, you’ll have to set aside time to play and test which toys your cat connects with most. Think of it as a fun game of trial and error. We have two cats at home, one of whom is absolutely in love with playing fetch. Pippen, our Maine Coon mix, will bring toys to us randomly throughout the day. She drops them at our feet and meows loudly while pawing at our pant legs, begging us to throw whatever she has brought us. Here are a few of her favorite toys to play fetch with: SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toys: These little mice are not only the perfect size and weight for cats to carry around, but the fact they include catnip makes them even more enticing. If the theory about hunting is correct, they are a great example of mock prey. Catit Eco Cat Toy: Another prey-like toy, this is arguably the top choice in our house. Pippen loves anything with feathers. If you have a tiny kitten, this is a little harder to carry, but Pippen is relatively small, and she has never had a problem. Andiker Cat Crinkle Balls: This is another one I have heard other cat parents raving about. The balls make a fun crinkling sound while the foil-like mylar material reflects the light, making them a fun visual spectacle to hunt down. SPOT Colorful Springs: These toys may not seem special, but the spring design causes them to bounce around the room unpredictably. This keeps your cat on their toes as they hunt them down with each throw. Cat Tube Spring Toys: These toys are made of lightweight mesh material, making them easy to carry around. If you fold them or push down the ends, then let go, they fly through the air. The goal is to find something your cat loves, wants to retrieve, and can comfortably carry back to you to continue the game. Is It Normal for a Cat to Never Play? While you can expect a range of playfulness from cats, with some cats being very playful and others only playing occasionally when they “feel like it,” it’s not normal for a cat to never play at all. A healthy adult cat should get at least 30 to 60 minutes of playtime daily. This can be in one large play session or, ideally, split into shorter play sessions of 10 to 15 minutes. If you have a cat who appears lazy or unmotivated, you should prioritize turning this around and encouraging them to play more. Otherwise, they will be at a higher risk of potential health complications, including obesity, diabetes, urinary tract diseases, arthritis and other joint-related issues, and fatty liver disease.

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