06/13/2026
Why are Umbrella and Moluccan Cockatoos some of the most frequently surrendered parrots in rescue?
Yesterday I saw a post asking why people āgatekeepā cockatoos by saying things like:
āCockatoos arenāt for everyone.ā
āIf I knew then what I know now, I probably wouldnāt get a cockatoo.ā
It got me thinking about a conversation that I believe is worth having openly and honestly.
If youāve spent any amount of time in parrot rescue, youāve probably noticed that Umbrella Cockatoos and Moluccan Cockatoos seem to show up over and over again. They are often rehomed multiple times, surrendered to rescues, sold, traded, or passed from home to home.
Why?
These birds are absolutely incredible. They are intelligent, affectionate, hilarious, emotional, and capable of forming incredibly deep bonds with their people.
But they can also be extremely demanding.
You have to change your life completely around for them. Your world must revolve around your cockatoo.
Many people first encounter cockatoos through cute TikTok videos, YouTube clips, or social media posts showing cuddly birds dancing, talking, snuggling, and acting like feathered toddlers. What those videos often donāt show are the realities that come with living with one every single day for decades.
The screaming.
The dust.
The destruction.
The constant need for interaction.
The hormonal behaviors.
The separation anxiety.
The feather destructive behaviors that can develop.
The emotional intensity.
The need for structure, enrichment, and training.
The fact that many will outlive dogs, cats, and sometimes even their owners.
Some cockatoos want to be involved in everything you do. Some struggle when left alone. Some become one-person birds. Some develop behavioral challenges despite owners doing their absolute best.
None of this makes them bad birds.
In fact, many people who deeply love their cockatoos will still tell you they would think twice before getting another one. Not because they regret loving their bird, but because they understand just how much work, sacrifice, patience, and commitment is required.
So Iād like to open this discussion to the community:
If you own or have owned an Umbrella or Moluccan Cockatoo, what has your experience been like?
What has been the hardest part?
What has surprised you the most?
Why do you think these species are so frequently found in rescues and rehoming situations?
Do you think social media accurately portrays what life with a cockatoo is actually like?
Letās keep this respectful and educational. The goal isnāt to discourage people from owning cockatoos. The goal is to help potential owners make informed decisions before bringing home a bird that could be with them for the next 50+ years.
Iād especially love to hear from current and former Umbrella and Moluccan guardians. What do you wish someone had told you before you brought your cockatoo home?
