2+1 Cockatoos in the same cage?

[bobby12]

[FONT=&quot]We have been having two Cockatoos in the same cage for 3 months now, one male and one female. Their age is around 7-10 months. They are not that close yet, no couple for sure. Still having small “arguments” and keeping to themselves most of the time. The female is a bit bigger than the male.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]My question is now: Is it possible to add another female in the same cage?[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]One of my friends like to sell/give away his 1 years old female because he will move overseas. This new parrot has been living alone earlier with no other birds before. His female Cockatoo is little bit smaller than ours.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]It will be possible for me to borrow his bird for a few days or a week to see if all of them get along before make a final decision.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]The cage is large, 70x30x90 inches. We got 10-15 toys and plenty of space to sit, sleep and climbing.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Any suggestion or help in this matter is much appreciated.
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[FONT=&quot]Thanks
Thomas, Sweden[/FONT]

 

[bkparrot]

It is risky to put more then one bird in the same cage. There have been cases where a mated pair of cockatoos lived together for years until one day one killed its mate. I would recommend they be kept in separate cages.

 

[Grinder]

I agree with bkparrot - it is risky for two birds and to introduce a third into their HOME could be disasterous. They might seem 'OK' at first, but the risk is far too great.

 

[bobby12]

Thanks for the reply.



So we definitely put a three-bird-cage on hold for now and might even have to reconsider split the two we already got. They are still “teenagers” now so it seems OK for the moment.


The cage is a custom made and could easily be fitted with an extra wall to split the cage in two. Keep them at safe distance but still are able so socialize, maybe a good choice for adult birds?

 

[Grinder]

Just out of curiousity, how do your two current Cockatoos socialize with each other when out of their cage?

 

[bobby12]

Hi!

They do just fine. Sharing toys on the floor and hand-feeding together is never a problem.


We having indoor flying sessions with both of them together and they always follow each other and calling the other one to come.


A funny thing is that the smaller male has a habit of pulling on the female’s beak (not often). It is like he is trying to feed from his “mother”. Guess this is a habit that will grow away with age. Sometimes he show the same behavior when I gently pull his beak with my thumb and forefinger. Its kind of cute and the sound is hilarious . That only goes for me, never when my wife tries to do the same.

 

[aether-drifter]

Somebody on another forum had two toos houses together in an indoor aviary, and at first they were fine together but had to be separated once they started hitting their teen phase (the male was bullying the female). It's nice that yours get along, but definitely keep a close eye on them!