Blue-eyed Cockatoo

Blue-eyed Cockatoo key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

Captive record 31.9 years

Size

About 50 cm

Diet

Large-parrot pellets or seed, nuts, fruit and vegetables

Temperament

Very affectionate but demanding; long periods without attention easily lead to problems such as feather plucking.

Cage

It needs a strong large-parrot cage and a safe room for daily time out, with a constant supply of wooden toys to chew.

Vocalization

Loud like other large cockatoos, so noise towards neighbours must be considered.

Feeding

Base the diet on pellets or seed with nuts, fruit and vegetables, without relying on fatty seeds.

Health & notes

It is easily mistaken for sulphur-crested or yellow-crested cockatoos, so check the bright blue eye-ring and rounded crest, and plan for decades of care.

About Blue-eyed Cockatoo

Blue-eyed Cockatoo guide: appearance, temperament and care basics for this parrot of about 50 cm with bright blue skin around the eyes. Best for experienced keepers, with FAQs and pre-adoption tips.

7 things to know before welcoming a Blue-eyed Cockatoo

1. 1For Experienced Keepers

   Cockatoos are intelligent, highly social birds, and this species is rated for experienced keepers. They need consistent daily interaction, and prolonged boredom or loneliness can lead to behaviors such as feather plucking. If you are new to keeping birds, start by talking with someone who has experience.

2. 2A Rare Endemic Species

   This species lives only on New Britain, is assessed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, and is listed in CITES Appendix II. When choosing a bird, look for a seller who can clearly explain its origin and how it has been raised.

3. 3Roomy Cage and Exercise

   At about 50 cm long, this large cockatoo needs a cage or aviary with enough room to spread its wings comfortably. Because its bill is so strong, choose a sturdy cage with latches that are hard to break. A safe space outside the cage where it can move around is also ideal.

4. 4Preparing for Loud Calls

   Cockatoos often call loudly, and they tend to be especially vocal in the morning and evening. Depending on your home, such as an apartment, you may need to think about where the cage is placed and how to reduce noise. Keep in mind that the calling cannot be eliminated completely.

5. 5Strong Bill and Chewing

   These birds love to chew with their powerful bills, which can damage furniture, wiring, and wooden items. Provide safe wooden toys or branches they are allowed to chew, and keep anything dangerous out of reach.

6. 6Find an Avian Vet Early

   Birds tend to hide signs of illness, so it is important to check droppings, appetite, and feather condition every day. Before bringing one home, it helps to locate a nearby veterinary clinic that can examine birds.

7. 7Plan for a Long Lifespan

   This is a long-lived bird, so you should adopt one expecting decades of care. Think about whether you could keep caring for it through a move or changes in your household, and whether someone could take over its care in the future.

Frequently asked questions about Blue-eyed Cockatoo

Q.Can a beginner keep a Blue-eyed Cockatoo?

A.This species is rated for experienced keepers and is not well suited to first-time bird owners. Talk with an experienced keeper first, and consider whether you can provide the time and space a large cockatoo needs.

Q.How long do Blue-eyed Cockatoos live?

A.It's a long-lived bird, and owners should expect to care for it for decades. Lifespan varies between individuals, so think carefully about whether you can commit over the long term.

Q.Is it noisy, and should I think about neighbors?

A.Cockatoos often call loudly, and it is safest not to expect this species to be quiet. Consider the cage location and soundproofing, and think carefully about whether it suits your living situation before bringing one home.

Q.What is the blue area around its eyes?

A.The bright blue area around each eye is bare skin without feathers, and it is the most distinctive feature of this species. The name Blue-eyed Cockatoo, like its Japanese name Rurime, refers to this blue eye ring.

Q.What should I ask the seller before adopting?

A.Ask about the bird's age, health, diet, past living conditions, and origin. Do not hesitate to ask about anything that concerns you, and only bring the bird home once you feel comfortable.

Useful tools for Blue-eyed Cockatoo care

Learn more about Blue-eyed Cockatoo in the encyclopedia

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