Can cockatoo parrots have behavior concerns?
As very intelligent birds, cockatoo parrots seek mental stimulation frequently. Cockatoo owners must interact with their birds daily, through at least an hour of interactive play, and teach their pet birds independent play for times when the owner is not present. “Cuddly” cockatoo parrots can become confused when reaching sexual maturity. Cockatoos can mistake physical affection, especially petting along the lower back, for breeding behavior and bite or misbehave out of frustration. This leads previously friendly pet cockatoos to become nippy, causing owners to interact with them less and consequently they neglect these now emotionally-needy birds. Such birds can exhibit their stress through feather picking. (Feather picking can also result from some physical illnesses.) Experts recommend replacing cuddle time with play sessions to discourage this neediness.
