Psitticus Erithacus
Commonly called: African Grey Parrot
Length: about 33 cm (13 inches)
Origin: Central belt of Africa; southeast Ivory Coast east to western Kenya and south to northern Angola, southern Congo and northwest Tanzania; islands of Fernando Poo and Principe.
Status: not an endangered species; this bird is no longer imported although it is trapped locally for it's feathers and illegal trade.
Lifespan: Over 40 years

Did you know......

.......that Cockatoos have unfairly earned their reputation for screaming incessantly? In reality it is usually the human's fault that these birds are this way, possibly starting right from the inexperienced hand feeder and passed on up to the owner. Cockatoos must be raised from day one with the understanding that they are incredibly social birds and by the time they wean if one is not careful they won't even realize they are a bird anymore; they will think they are a human being with all the rights that go along with being one! This is fine if you want to be a slave to your bird for the rest of his or her life, but I doubt that tactic is good for anyone.

It is initially the hand feeders responsibility to raise these intelligent little social animals properly, just as one would raise their own child. Think of a two year old when rearing and training these birds. You wouldn't think of giving in to a two year child old every time he screams to get his way, would you?

We give our baby Cockatoos just the right amount of stimulation and handling to make them wonderful loving companions, but yet independent enough that they don't expect constant attention and entertainment. They spend a lot of time in our midst, secure in knowing that they are loved and recognized, but yet knowing that if they have needs that they themselves are able meet then they are the ones that have to do it. One important rule of thumb to remember when first buying a handfed baby Cockatoo is to try to give it the same amount of attention right from the start that you will be giving it for the rest of it's life.

Too many people come home with these cuddly little bundles and just can't let them go. After a month or two the humans get on with their lives and the bird is left wondering what has happened to it's constant attention. Thus they look for the attention they are used to constantly receiving the only way they know how, and that's how we get our screaming Cockatoo.

Virtually all bonded Parrots are very happy just being in the midst of their families, on their playstand with toys and treats. The right amount of cuddling is a must of course. After all, for the most part that is what us humans love too, isn't it?

This beautiful gentle bird is well known for their outstandingly affectionate qualities  They are among the most loving and charming of all the bird species.  Good with the whole family, although unless they are raised with them from the start, they may get jealous of small children.  Umbrellas love to please; they readily  learn to dance to music, wave, and many other tricks.  They potty train very easily, and love to travel.  They love nothing more than to cuddle up for a nice nap with their loved ones.  This is a true companion bird, to experience one is to love them  forever, these birds are about as close as you can get to having a human baby!  One important thing to remember when taking your Umbrella home is to always give it the same amount of 'hands on' attention right from the start that you plan on giving it for the rest of its life. 

Caging requirements:  A good strong large sized Cockatoo or Macaw sized cage is necessary.  Minimum size would be about 3x2x3 feet.  Some of these birds are very active so supply perches to jump back and forth on in their cage. Males can be stronger and more destructive of their cages, so be sure to buy a cage with macaw strength bars.  Give them plenty of wood to shred (pine works well) and your 'match stick maker' will spend hours splintering it.  Macaw strength toys will hold up longer with most Cockatoos.

Feeding requirements:  Your Cockatoo will gladly eat anything you eat, in fact he would be more than happy to sit at the kitchen table and share your meals with you.  Feed them a good pelleted diet, plenty of fresh food and don't forget to leave the corn on the cob because they love shredding the cob after the corn is gone.  They are capable of learning to crack hard nuts, they have a lot of fun doing so too.  Feed them a maximum of 10 percent seed for variety and treats, the rest being pellets and fresh food.


 Our Umbrella Photo Album click HERE