A Wonderful Pet for the Right Person:

The vast majority of handfed Umbrella Cockatoos make extremely sweet, charming, intelligent, and well behaved pets. Just as with any bird, however, prospective owners should do their research and decide carefully whether an cockatoo is the right pet for them.
 

Umbrella Cockatoos are large birds, and they need a large cage and area to play in. Like all large parrots, Umbrella Cockatoos are big eaters. The best diet for one of these birds should consist of a high quality extruded pellet, and should be supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables, and the occasional nuts or seeds every day.

Umbrella Cockatoos are active birds, and like all parrots, need ample time out of their cage each day for play and exercise. The strong beak of the Umbrella Cockatoo must be exercised as well, so it's a good idea to provide these birds several chewable bird toys.

They can also be quite loud when they decide to be. Young birds may start out being fairly quiet, but as they age, they will become louder.  And an Umbrella can produce a call that can be heard for up to 3 miles away!  This may mean that an Umbrella may not be the best choice for those who live in apartments or condos, or those with close neighbors. 

This is not a bird for someone who is seeking a pet that requires little interaction. Umbrellas are very social and very intelligent creatures. Their brains need stimulation on a daily basis.  You should have a collection of various safe bird toys. You should be able to devote a minimum of one to two hours a day to socializing with your pet. Most Cockatoos thrive on being handled, loved and petted, so affectionate owners are a good match for these parrots!

For a person that can meet the needs of these magnificent birds, Umbrella Cockatoos can be the best feathered friend in the world. Most are gentle enough to be handled by older children, and many Umbrella Cockatoos are beloved family pets. They can be taught to do tricks and mimic speech, making them delightfully entertaining companions for bird lovers both young and old. No wonder these big white parrots are so popular -- their comical charms with steal your heart!