Kookaburra

[Mattroma]

The local bird shop I visit recently brought in a kookaburra. While I have no interest in buying the bird (diet is a turn off), I was wondering if anyone has any experience with one.

 

[Mekaisto]

Yeah, kookaburras are one of those birds that are great for flying and keeping in an aviary, but don't make great pets. They're pretty snuggly birds, but act a lot wilder than most parrots, I find.
I've only ever seen them kept as pets in America, in Australia you're allowed to own them but no one really does.
Like you mentioned diet is a big factor, but then there's also the fact that - like toucans - they can't climb with their beak like parrots, so they need to be in an aviary big enough for them to fly around in.

 

[mismi_struck]

My local pet shop gets them in somewhat frequently as well. I haven't interacted with them personally, but they're fun to watch hop and fly around, and I've seen staff handle him and he doesn't seem to have any problems being handled. Makes me wanna sing that silly girl scout song every time I see him, though...