Major Mitchell Vs Galah

[HumanWings]

Can anyone tell me the difference between a Major Mitchell too and a Galah in personality? I'm seriously considering getting one or the other and am having a hard time making up my mind.

If anyone wants to add any other differences between the two, it is welcomed.

 

[MonicaMc]

Is there any way to visit with each species before purchasing?


Both are considered to be more independent species [as compared to white 'toos] but still enjoy interaction with humans.

 

[LoveMyParrots]

I would go with the galah, major Mitchell are beautiful, but I've heard that some became aggressive towards their owner.

 

[Thingamagigs]

They are vastly different in temperament, the only thing they have in common is they are both pink cockatoos

Galahs will happily join large flocks with other galahs, corellas and sulfur cresteds in the wild. They are highly social and happy to hang out with just about anyone. They are less likely to develop partner aggression and are generally easier to deal with on every single level.

Majors are more reserved, they mostly hang out with their partner and are considered one person birds. Socialising these birds well straight away is important, the more species they see while being handfed the better all-round they seem to be at accepting other company. They can become very aggressive towards their bonded person or anyone they show attention to. They are more emotional and leaving them home alone for extended periods is not an option. For a small cockatoo, they are probably one of the most reserved and emotional. They certainly aren't a beginners bird, there is a reason you don't see them around very often as a pet. They will require a lot of socialising to ensure they remain a balanced bird.

I haven't owned a major, but the information I have from owners is what has prevented me from getting one. They are a much more difficult bird than a galah

 

[wenz2712]

I would go for the Galah I have a Friend with a Major and he is very aggressive and unpredictable

I used to have a Galah, but could not keep it in the end as my Daughter had a very bad allergy with the dust She was a real little character though and loved everyone

 

[Featheredsamurai]

I agree with a Galah, they are super social if raised well and very intelligent(like all toos). Major Mitchel's are very striking birds and I have heard of them making fabulous companion birds.

 

[MikeyTN]

I would personally go with a Galah! All the smaller Cockatoos are easier to handle and less issues over time. Unlike the bigger toos with emotional issues and harder to handle at times, even dangerous to handle....

 

[HumanWings]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I guess I am still undecided. ;-( I've looked into Galah's and like their personality but I've not found much about the pro's and con's of having a Mitchell as a pet. I think that's what I need.

 

[HumanWings]

I agree with a Galah, they are super social if raised well and very intelligent(like all toos). Major Mitchel's are very striking birds and I have heard of them making fabulous companion birds.

The Galah in your signature is gorgeous!

 

[Thingamagigs]

Pros for major mitchell...

- Beautiful, probably the most attractive cockatoo species
- Bonds very deeply to one person (potentially a great pet for a long term single person who works from home or can take their bird to work)
- Very sweet, makes cute little cooing noises
- Highly intelligent and emotional... large 'too personality in a little package

Cons...

- Can be very loud, very regularly especially when alarmed
- Requires a lot of work to keep them well socialised and well adjusted
- Can become aggressive and most are generally nippy birds (they are nippy with each other in the wild as well, its just their natural state of being another way for them to communicate their feelings and they often like their space)
- Do not like being left alone
- Do not like sharing their person with anyone and can develop issues with biting their owners or others. You must have an understanding partner/family lol
- Need constant stimulation to keep them busy because they are so intelligent
- Can be flighty/phobic

They aren't as cuddley as other cockatoos as well, Im not sure if you would put that in pros or cons... some in fact dont like being touched what so ever. Some also never learn to talk or mimic what so ever and those that do are not as good at talking as a lot of other 'too species (they have a cute little squeeky budgie voice lol) I have included some video of majors so you can get a contrast in temperament. Comparing galahs and majors is like comparing apples and oranges My galah is like a dog, follows us everywhere and loves being on the ground.

These videos arent fantastic indications of their temperament as a pet, but they arent really the kind of bird that does cute or exciting things to post on youtube. But their interactions with each other will give you an idea of what I mean by nippy... its something you would have to accept about them, they don't give as much body language as other small 'toos... they are like a large 'too in that way, a nip might be the first thing you notice. Basically they arent a bird anyone would recommend for someone looking for a great temperament... but if you can accept you may end up with a noisy, nippy, bossy bird that is beautiful... and are willing to put the work in to keep them entertained and well socialised... then you should be fine.

If you are still wondering at all it means you have your heart set on the major, because anyone who wants a bird based on good temperament would go for the galah no questions asked
So... ask yourself... will you love your bird regardless of biting, screaming and possible jealousy issues? If you are concerned about any of those things, do not even consider a major any longer because the fact is, there is a good chance the bird will have one or all of those issues. You would be lucky to get one without any issues at maturity. Keep in mind, they are sweet as pie as babies, but come breeding age and especially at breeding season you need to accept your bird wont be a sweet innocent little baby anymore.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uAaTe_W5to]Major Mitchell Cockatoos - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I-4nU_6_l0]Major Mitchell Cockatoos (13) - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWPqsFncz4k]Sal the Major Mitchell Cockatoo - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Mt6WpS6e0s]まったりクルマサカ - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5XV5CUZJsQ]Major Mitchell parrot cockatoo Kuki - YouTube[/ame]

(some of these poor birds are in such tiny cages D: heart breaking)

 

[Thingamagigs]

And just for contrast, galahs. They love being on the floor and playing with toys, especially rolling over on their back lol Mine is in love with my partner and follows him everywhere like a puppy

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prM239u4S50]galah having fun - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKULax0BZX4]Galahs playing.....funny!! - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9GWIWqsL9U]Galahs or Rose-breasted Cockatoos feeding in the wild - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5tyryy5DRQ]Galah Dancing to Lady Ga Ga - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIL-95DAOU8]Talking Galah rolling over.....Rose Breasted Cockatoo - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJfMm2eb3-8]The Brave loud Galah. - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Thingamagigs]

If you want a laid back, funny, usually talkative and comedian of a bird... who isnt the most beautiful of cockatoos ... the galah is for you.

If you want a more dignified/serious bird who is beautiful to look at and is possibly just happy to be with you... but can (and usually does) have some behavioural issues... then the major is for you.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

I agree with a Galah, they are super social if raised well and very intelligent(like all toos). Major Mitchel's are very striking birds and I have heard of them making fabulous companion birds.

The Galah in your signature is gorgeous!

Thanks, she's a very dark variation of the galah, I once ran across a web site here in America where a woman was taking deposits on dark galah chicks, and there's this website that talks a little about them a little. after that very few people know they exist which is very sad and they aren't included as a morph on any website. I've been told by several people(inducing Thingamagigs) That she resembles a western in form.

 

[Thingamagigs]

Some pet related major resources

Leadbeater's or Major Mitchell's Cockatoos aka Pink Cockatoos

http://www.susanclubb.com/pdfs/mmcock.pdf

MAJOR MITCHELL COCKATOOS - Cockatoos Of Australia - Pet Birds, Exotic Birds

Major Mitchell's Cockatoos - Major Mitchell's Cockatoos as Pets - Major Mitchell's Cockatoo Species Profile

 

[HumanWings]

I agree with a Galah, they are super social if raised well and very intelligent(like all toos). Major Mitchel's are very striking birds and I have heard of them making fabulous companion birds.

The Galah in your signature is gorgeous!

Thanks, she's a very dark variation of the galah, I once ran across a web site here in America where a woman was taking deposits on dark galah chicks, and there's this website that talks a little about them a little. after that very few people know they exist which is very sad and they aren't included as a morph on any website. I've been told by several people(inducing Thingamagigs) That she resembles a western in form.

I've heard of the darker galah's before and I think they are prettier. I would prefer the darker one to the lighter but they are harder to find.

What do you mean by this

I've been told by several people(inducing Thingamagigs) That she resembles a western in form.

 

[HumanWings]

If you want a laid back, funny, usually talkative and comedian of a bird... who isnt the most beautiful of cockatoos ... the galah is for you.

If you want a more dignified/serious bird who is beautiful to look at and is possibly just happy to be with you... but can (and usually does) have some behavioural issues... then the major is for you.

Thingamagigs I have not yet read all of the articles you've posted. I'll get to those later today after work but I have read everything else you posted and watched all of the videos start to finish.

I think your right about me wanting a Mitchell. I'm not intimidated by the behaviorial issues that'll come with them and so far it looks like that's the route I'm going. So I'll either get a Major Mitchell or both the Major Mitchell and the Galah. Thanks SO MUCH for all your help.

 

[Thingamagigs]

Thats awesome... one condition is you have to post HEAPS of photos for those of us who are totally jealous And a major and a galah would be a lovely combination, of the species majors may socialise with in the wild, galahs are most common.

 

[HumanWings]

Thats awesome... one condition is you have to post HEAPS of photos for those of us who are totally jealous And a major and a galah would be a lovely combination, of the species majors may socialise with in the wild, galahs are most common.

You know I think I might get them both. I'll probably get a galah first and maybe the major next year. I'll definitely share pics with everyone.

 

[aliray]

YOU PROMISE:21:. After watching all the videos I now want to see the pics

 

[HumanWings]

YOU PROMISE:21:. After watching all the videos I now want to see the pics

Yea i promise. After I get my Galah and Major Mitchell I will share pics with everyone.