Moluccan Cockatoo
(Cacatua Moluccensis)

DISCLAIMER: EACH BIRD IS UNIQUE AND THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS ONLY A GENERALIZATION

Length 20-22 inches average
Weight 850 grams average

An exuberant cockatoo, known as the one of the largest, most beautiful and entertaining of the cockatoos. Also called the salmon-crestedcockatoo due to their definitive cockatoo crest, which is a tangerine color. They are highly intelligent, extremely affectionate and curious about what their human is doing. Some Moluccans are good talkers, although not usually good enunciators. Their call is very, very loud and all family members must be willing to accept this loudness in order for this parrot to be successful in your home as a companion. Their personalities are usually very interactive oriented, outgoing, demanding and demonstrative. Some Moluccans are mechanical by nature and like toys with screws and nuts and bolts and the C clamps that hold on their toys so stainless steel in these items are recommended to avoid metal poisoning.

A high energy level is exhibited during their first years and a large
play area with challenging toys and a rugged, large play stand is
recommended for this cockatoo. Cages no smaller than a macaw size are recommended for the Moluccan. They are considered destructive as the powerful beak has 300 lbs. of pressure and their adventurous nature cause the beak to be constantly in action. Out of cage time each day is mandatory for all cockatoos and especially indicated for this very athletic and large pet bird. Their play style is described as
enthusiastic and physical and they love to laugh and sing and dance, all
of this with loud calls. This is a cockatoo that enjoys going outside in a
harness and leash and considers field trips as exploration and discovery delights.

Tends to enjoy extensive cuddling and petting and owner attention. They can be demanding and must be taught independence to achieve a
well-adjusted companion. Due to their extreme intelligence, they bore
easily and should be challenged and intellectually stimulated by their
owner and their environments daily. Some meat and chicken is apparently needed in their diet as they relish a steak or chicken wing. Numerous owners advise to never turn your back on a Moluccan Cockatoo who might seek adventure and chew anything it can reach.

This cockatoo is one that requires a truly special owner in order to be
successful in the home as a companion parrot. The Moluccan requires much attention and many interactions with its human. A patient, loving person with hours to lavish each day on a cockatoo would be the choice of this parrot if it could tell you what kind of owner it would prefer. One who loves to teach and challenge is sought out to be the owner of a Moluccan. It is said only one in one hundred persons have the patience and dedication to raise a successful Moluccan to maturity at approximately 8 years of age.

Owners describe male Moluccans as full of themselves, full of attitude, a cockatoo that enjoys life and celebrates everyday of life with its owner.  A destroyer of toys probably due to the instinct in the wild to be the nest builder of the pair, which destruction is thought to be very desirable as the Moluccan can vent his energy on a toy and feel very satisfied when the toy is destroyed. Will sit quietly on a perch or in your lap for a period, but needs exercise and activity to be well adjusted. Owners of males say they are constantly seeking new challenges and educational opportunities for their Moluccans. Soft, white wood blocks and toys, which can be chewed up easily, are a favorite of this cockatoo. Males can be as snuggly as females depending on the bird.

Owners describe female Moluccans as loving in nature. They love to
snuggle and then move on to something else equally as delightful like
digging in your sock drawer looking for buried treasure. Owners do report seeing some nesting behavior in the female, and direct it at playtime by giving them soft toys to “seek and destroy.” Females like to tease and playfully interact with their owners and other family members. Many owners describe females as more sedate than males and this also depends on the bird. Many like other people and like to entertain friends. Females are reported to not be as destructive of toys as the males as a general rule.