Malaysia Veterinary Forum (Archive)

DenDen · Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Posts: 2

Hi,i m new here..i wanted to noe whether this species are protected ?n do many ppl in M`sia rear this kind?or perhaps parrots?they can be trained to talk??as in easily or kinda hard? :) ..i noe Sulphur crested cockatoo is the largest group..but is it the same in M`sia?also the largest group?

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

I think most cockatoos are a protected species. You need to check with CITES or PERHILITAN on the specific species if they're protected or not, or if they allow you to keep this bird with licences.

The sulphur crested cockatoo is definitely the most famous of the cockatoos. The cockatiel is the other popular one. Both can be trained to talk. Wether its hard or not will depend on yourself and your patience in teaching them.

Or perhaps are you referring to parrots in general, rather than this specific group?

DenDen · Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Posts: 2

ya..i m referring to parrots..but at the same time i also wanted to noe about cockatoos.... do u encounter any cockatoo taken to u b4?i m curious whether in M`sia is it a lot of ppl have parrots or macaw or cockatoo...n usually those cockatoo will talk?will they learn to talk by themselves???

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

The internet is a good source of information for you to start learning more about parrots and cockatoos. You can learn about the different types of parrots and cockatoos and also on how to train them to talk. For me to tell you everything on this page, is just too much. You should start at www.google.com ;)

In Malaysia there are people keeping cockatoos, but not many. The most common bird in the parrot family is the budgie (budgerigar). You see them everywhere.

Psittcine · Joined: 11 Mar 2008 Posts: 9

As an avid Parrot-Lover and owner, perhaps I could share my own 2 cents.

Apart from the Black Palm Cockatoo, most are not protected species. I've never seen one in M'sia though but then again, most ppl here are not that into parrots/birds here.

Sulfur Cresteds can get quite big. If u've never owned parrots before, getting a Cockatoo would be a rather big jump becuase they require a lot of care and attention.

Getting a Cockatoo is a HUGE decision since they can live up to be 70-80 years old! Also they LOVE to scream (twice a day) So if u live in an Apartment . . . noise would be an issue. I knew ppl whose Cockatoos (also sulfur crested) could be heard on nieghboring houses and down the street!

They also require a lot of attention, and handling. But make great pets once given the due attention and care. If u reeeeally want one, I suggest u read up on them A LOT! :p 'cz they can be a lifetime commitment.

If not given due attention/care they can develop screaming, plucking and biting issues. And an unhappy cockatoo will make u unhappy!

Apart from that . . . what else? They require a very LARGE cage, playstands, parrot toys.

Parrots also are very messy, because they like to fling food around and shed feathers during moulting. Apart from that, when they preen, they shed fluff and dandruff, so u need to clean after them a lot.

If you're willling to put in the extra mile for them. They make WONDERFUL pets and once u own a parrot, (the right way) you'll get addicted like I did :p

PS: Didnt mean to discourage u, just think u need to know the pros & cons.

Psittcine · Joined: 11 Mar 2008 Posts: 9

PS: I would suggest you join parrotalk.net it is a forum dedicated specifically to Parrot Lovers and ppl there are gr8 with loads of helpful and informative advise. They'll also give u more info on the personality of Cockatoos and thier specifc needs. And which kind to get.

And Cockatiels are a lot different from Cockatoos . . .a totally different specie of Parrot.

Psittcine · Joined: 11 Mar 2008 Posts: 9

Also, ALL kinds of Parrots can learn how to talk . . . given the time and attention. They are quick learners and extremley intelligent. Interestingly the world record for the parrot who has the biggest vocabulary is actually a Budgie called Puck. Its just thier voice is much smaller and a bit unclear.

Cockatoos too, can learn how to talk. But they're not exactly famous for talking. They are more known for thier funny antics and beauty. Also, talking is not exactly the correct reason to get ANY parrot. Because like humans, some are slow learners and may take years to learn, during which time thier owners get tired of them.