Citron cockatoo
The citron-crested cockatoo or citron cockatoo is a medium-sized cockatoo with an orange crest, dark grey beak, pale orange ear patches, and strong feet and claws. The underside of the larger wing and tail feathers have a pale yellow color. The eyelid color is a very light blue. Both sexes are similar. Once established, citron cockatoo for sale is inquisitive and affectionate, and it will want to be by your side as often as possible. citron cockatoos recommended for bird owners who have plenty of free time to spend with their pet. Cockatoos, in general, need more human attention than other types of parrots, and the citron is a classic example.
citron cockatoos are generally quiet by parrot standards, but they can make loud growling sounds that can suddenly escalate to very high-pitched shrieks that can be startling. Birds who become talkers are most likely to perform early in the morning. Citron cockatoos are less skilled at vocal imitation than other members of the parrot family, with learned vocabularies of no more than about 15 words and phrases.
Colors and Markings
Citron cockatoo for sale are mostly white, with pale orange patches on their cheeks, pale yellow on the undersides of their wings and tail feathers, and a bright orange crest that clearly distinguishes them from the other sulfur-crested cockatoo subspecies, whose crests are yellow. The citron cockatoo has dark gray feet and grayish-black beaks. Males and females are largely identical, but males have black eyes while the female’s eyes are brown.
Care
With their beautiful colors and endearing personalities, citron cockatoos are already a popular pet and are becoming more so. This is not a species commonly found in pet stores, so you will need to seek out a breeder. Before rushing out to buy one, though, potential owners should know that these are sensitive birds that require a commitment of time.
If considering a citron cockatoo, first make sure you have enough spare time to spend with it. Like all cockatoos, these are very social birds, and they require a lot of human interaction in order to remain emotionally healthy. Citrons that are neglected may resort to screaming and destructive behavior very quickly.
Feeding citron cockatoo
Like all cockatoos, citrons are prone to weight gain, so owners should monitor their fat intake. A healthy diet for a pet citron cockatoo should consist of high-quality pellets, a moderate amount of seed mix, and daily helpings of fresh bird-safe fruits and vegetables. In captivity, these birds will eat some protein in the form of cooked chicken or other meats.
Exercise
All parrots need exercise, and the citron cockatoo is no exception. Owners need to provide these birds with a minimum of 3 to 4 hours outside of the cage per day so that the bird can play and stretch its muscles.
This time out-of-cage also provides the essential human contact the birds need. Cockatoos have strong beaks and jaws, so it’s important to provide plenty of safe chew toys for them.
Common Health Issues with citron cockatoo
Like other cockatoos, the citron is susceptible to psittacosis, a disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydia psitttici. A bird that shows lethargy, a discharge from the eyes, and respiratory problems may have this disease and will likely require treatment with antibiotics.
Nutritional deficiencies are also common with citron cockatoos and can be prevented with a balanced diet and/or vitamin supplements.
